Enjoy these, our Editor's top picks of 2011 for toys for babies, tots, and big kids too--all of which we think will keep kids happy for more than a few minutes. That's pretty rare these days. And not a battery compartment in sight! Littl…
Before the 24-hour carols, the jammed parking lots, and those news stories about people fighting over the latest Elmo toy, there is Neighborhood Toy Store Day today, November 12. This is one that hits near and dear to our indie-loving he…
Here at CMP, we're total blockheads. We've brought you classic blocks, magnetic blocks, and amusingly subversive blocks. But this is the first time we're taking it old school, all the way back to the periodic table. Yes, friends, you're …
You know how much little babies love things that are black and white? Well, I'm kind of getting a kick out of imagining a baby freaking out on this awesome play mat. Seriously, they wouldn't know where to look first. Leave it to the MoMA…
We've long been fans of the beautiful handmade wooden baby toys from family-run Little Sapling Toys, and now there's one more item that can make you the most awesome gift-giver ever . These personalized wooden alphabet blocks are lovingl…
With all the round stacking toys out there, I was starting to think that there was some unwritten rule that toddler toys can only resemble inner tubes or wooden doughnuts. But I'm relieved to tell you that is not the case, thanks to this…
We always have our eyes on artisans we've featured here before so we can share with you their newest, coolest goodies. So lucky me and you for this new discovery at one of our favorite mom and dad bizzes, Little Alouette. Word lover or n…
Right now, our bathtub is like another toy chest and ohmygod do I wish I was exaggerating about this. Random pots and Tupperware purloined from the kitchen, squeezie orcas and penguins, and bottles of bubble bath (which ceased actually c…
Now that my near 7-month-old can make her way around the floor, she can reach all the little teeny toys my older kids have grown accustomed to scattering everywhere. Aside from sending them to another room to play, I've found three toys …
Writing about big, fuzzy balls makes me think of that Schweddy Balls sketch on Saturday Night Live. Except these balls aren't salty and nutty and made by Alec Baldwin. No, they're gorgeous and made of recycled sweaters or fleece and soft…
There are no shortage of deals sites out there these days, and I'm all for it. Who wouldn't want a few extra bucks in their wallet? But after getting hordes of emails for 55% off dental services and a bunch of other stuff I wouldn't cons…
If you're lucky enough to live in Montreal, then April 30 is going to be one really amazing day of shopping. The mama-run Collectif nënë is launching their first annual baby show and you will want to be there. Of course, most of us aren'…
When you think of a baby rattle as a keepsake gift, silver is probably the first material that pops to mind. But I've just found a wooden one that's so gorgeous, it's giving silver a run for its money. The Timbur Baby Rattle combines tra…
The beloved car keys--Babies just can't get enough of them. And no matter how realistic those toy keys look, babies know the difference. And even though desperate times can call for desperate measures, it's certainly not ideal. That's wh…
Of the many talents I wished I possessed, crocheting is at the top of the list, right along with singing in key and being able to sketch something other than stick figures. Since I don't expect to inherit any of those talents any time so…
We just love it when one of our favorite little mom-run brands makes it big. Not only because that means that quality construction and design reap the rewards they deserve, but because even more people will get to discover a great new st…
I'm one step closer to becoming a treehugger. My new toy crush is made with organic maple, cherry and walnut wood and tackles balance, problem solving, pattern recognition and fine motor skills . Oh, and it's for babies. The Brainbow Sta…
Whatever we cover here for bigger kids, our hearts still belong to those beautiful new babies, and their new moms who are just discovering the world of cool possibilities for them. While we have an awesome annual baby shower gift guide w…
We have the best time every year seeking out amazing toys and games for babies and kids that we can recommend completely. Our favorites are generally made with love and care by small companies or independent designers. Although we do lov…
When buying a gift for those sweet toddlers in my life, I tend to steer clear of "white" anything. Let's face it, they aren't the cleanest creatures on the planet. But HABA is one step ahead of me with their new line of snow-white lambs …
Ok so maybe teething doesn't really rock. In fact, it can be pretty painful for all parties involved. I recall more than my share of sleepless nights when my son's teeth were coming in. Not fun. But maybe the teethers can be? I only wish…
Whenever I go shopping for baby toys, I am dismayed at how many toy developers design their blocks in sherbet-y pastels even though babies prefer the colors high contrast and vivid for the first few months. (I am also wondering who decid…
While plastic toys tend to fall a bit lower on my own personal shopping list, I wouldn't complain one bit if the brand spankin' never seen before holiday themed toys from B. Toys just happened to fall out of Santa's sack (or Grandma's pu…
I can't even walk into a sprawling, mega-selection toy store without breaking into a sweat. Oh sure, they may carry some of the brands I love, or even have an organic stuffed toy tucked into a corner, but I have to weed through so many t…