Today I'm excited to give you a sneak peek of a big project I've been dilligently working on for quite a while. "Which toys should I spend my money on?," is probably the question I get asked most often by you guys, especially right around now. So this year, MPMK is doing the gift guide thing bigger, bolder and just plain better! I considered laying out our picks by age, or gender, or even benefit - but then I got to thinking about how I shop for my own kids. Ultimately, it's what my littles … [Read more...]
Giveaway: $100 to mama may i
I'm so very excited about today's giveaway AND promotion. That's right, there's a discount code and a giveaway today from Mama May i, purveyor of handmade learning toys - yipee! In fact, if you just can't wait for the end of the post, you can use the code MPMK for 15% off - but do it quick, the code expires October 5, 2012. … [Read more...]
Creative Play Finds for the Easter Basket
Last year I talked a lot about going DIY instead of commercial with the kids' Easter baskets but I never really went into detail on why. Part of it is self-preservation (lots of sugar + my 1 1/2 year old and 3 1/2 year old = bad things). But nixing the candy still leaves plenty of options outside the homemade sphere. There are, after all, lots of commercial products that do a great job of inspiring creative play. The larger reason is that I know both sets of grandparents will get the kids … [Read more...]
My Favorite Toy Brands
It's Cyber Monday, which means if you weren't standing in line in the middle of the night on Friday then you may be preparing for some serious online shopping today (will the madness never end?). These are a select group of toy makers who (I think) have really figured out how to make fun, stimulating (and often green) developmental toys. Under each brand are a few of my favorite items but they're there solely as a jumping off point. Almost any toys made by these companies will be a sure … [Read more...]
Buying “90% Child” Toys – Blocks Edition
I'm a staunch subscriber to the belief that the best toys are "90% child, 10% toy", meaning that it's lots of potential (not lots of bells and whistles) that makes the toy fun. Instead of only being good for one specific type of use, these toys invite open-ended play which, consequently, encourages creativity. That's good for learning and development as well as keeping the kids stimulated longer and giving you a chance to get stuff done. With the holiday gift-buying season on the … [Read more...]
Our Favorite Stuff to Play Outside with ALL Weekend!
We had an absolutely gorgeous weekend here in Seattle and I got some great pics of us taking full advantage of it in the backyard. So today I thought I'd pretend I'm Dana over at MADE (who takes the most vivid pictures and always seems to have lots of great light) and give you guys a little peek into how we live. And I couldn't resist adding a little info. on some of our favorite stuff to play with too! Both kids love our water table. If you read this post, then you know that C … [Read more...]
Do You Mighty Machine?
Have you guys heard of the Mighty Machines series yet? Shot in Canada, they're awesome documentary-style videos perfectly suited for vehicle loving kiddos (got a little man in your life? - I'm talking especially to you). I'm really excited to share a little about the series with you today. Before we get to that, though, let me back up a little and briefly address the TV issue in general. I'm sure I've mentioned here before that I'm not big on TV for the kids. We tried really hard to … [Read more...]
Build Dramatic Play and Fine Motor Skills with a Wooden Workbench
We've recently undergone yet another toy cleanse at home. As a result there's currently enough space for a larger scale toy in the play room. Having a girl and a boy, I've been waffling between purchasing a play kitchen or a play workbench. The solution may be to put the hubby and grandpas to work creating some type of double-sided hybrid. Regardless of whether I end up buying or convincing the menfolk to build - I need to know what I want. To that end, I've been doing lots of research … [Read more...]
Candy-Free Easter Basket Goodies
Dunck from Skip Hop. Sunny Bunny Wooden Teething Toy at Buddy and JoJo. Animal Ear Headbands at Hart + Sew. I'm putting the finishing touches on the kids' "all play, all the time" Easter baskets this weekend. (For a sneak peek, see here and here). In the meantime, I thought I'd give you a few basket ideas of the non-DIY variety. Check out the candy-free finds above (OK, so one of them is a DIY - I couldn't resist). Then click through for lots more items. Set of Six Rainbow … [Read more...]