Toy Rundown 2010

I thought I'd take a moment (or two, or three) to share the girls' gifts this year. I value gifts very much. I want there to be thought behind a gift, I want it to be meaningful to the giver and receiver, and I believe it should stand the test of time (unless it's an edible gift, in which case it really should just stand the test of taste!). I also feel that, when possible, homemade almost always encompasses all of the above. We did add some new "things" to our household this holiday season and if you need any gift ideas for a toddler, we're VERY happy with these finds:

• P'Kolino Owl Puzzle - wooden puzzle with multiple solutions, which allows a bit of creativity and longer play 

• Plan Toys fruit and vegetable tray - wooden fruits/veggies, cute little cutting board, and wooden knift to slice the velcro

• Educo Healthy Gourmet Food - wooden, tops stay on so you don't have to worry about losing them, and very solid

• Green Toys Tool Set - made in the USA out of recycled milk jugs

• Woodstock Chimes Chimalong - we were pleasantly surprised by the nice sound of this chime and an addition to our music-making collection is always welcome 

•  Lands End Jammies - flannel, cozy, and CUTE

• Books - Seriously, what 2-year old doesn't love their very own bird book? Abby and Elise proudly flip through and name "owl", "goose", "robin", "red-belly woodpecker", "mallard", "loon", "momma cardinal", and "daddy cardinal". For someone who has never been fond of birds, my gals sure are well educated in the bird-world!

You might see a pattern forming - "green toys", "recycled", "wooden".  I am a googler - I am constantly perusing websites to see what is out there in the world of children that is of interest. I also am beginning to truly understand the why behind my feeling that simplicity holds power. If we give our children all the toys, all the pre-created objects that make the sounds and have the lights, then what is left for them to create on their own? I watched Abby use a paper towel roll as a stethoscope on her bear, making the "thump-thump, thump-thump" sound and all. For the past several months, prior to owning their first tool set, I've watched Elise use drumsticks or blocks or spoons as her "tools", pretending to fix Grandpa's truck. It is amazing - the imagination. I am excited to see where their creative geniuses take them with these new pieces of inspiration!