I am ALWAYS on the lookout for wooden toys for my son. We’ve got a small collection from Plan Toys, but find them really expensive, and we have some from Melissa and Doug, and even though their website feels misleading and you get the idea that each item is handcrafted in their basement, they’re actually made in China and Taiwan (and other places far, far away). They’re readily available at Winners, Chapters and Calendar Club around xmas, which I think is great, even if they are made in China, because they’re still not plastic and they give wooden toys a chance in the mainstream (which is dominated by plastics, of course).
We occasionally find wooden toys at Value Village and other thrift stores, and I usually buy them even though I don’t know what the paint is made up of etc. My son is past the putting things in his mouth stage, so it’s not a huge of a concern as it once would have been.
We have a very limited collection of plastic toys, I can probably count them on one hand, so it’s a very conscious decision to choose wooden and cloth. I’ve been a member of Etsy for a couple of years, but have just recently came across a few wonderful wooden toy companies. I haven’t ordered anything from anyone yet, but it’s SO tempting!
Here are a few of my favorite finds! (If they’re sold by the time you click on the link, just go to their main shop and find another listing for the same thing.)
After 18 glorious months home with my son, most mornings spent in pajamas and afternoons spent walking around the North End of Halifax, I’ve decided to take on a full time job, and coincidentally, my favorite online parenting store was planning to open up a retail location just around the corner from my house. The owner, April, has announced me being hired on her blog, so I can now exclaim to the world just how excited I am to be a part of the Nurtured team!
I am what they call an Attachment Parent; I breastfeed, wear my son as much as possible, cosleep, cloth diaper and practice elimination communication. We are raising Ash as an organic vegetarian and are delaying or avoiding vaccinations. I care about the environment and do what I can to reduce my carbon footprint and set a good example for others, especially my child.
I made my parenting choices because they are right for me and my family, but know that not everyone will share my point of view- so I’ll be there with an open mind and open arms and lots and lots of knowledge about all kinds of choices out there. And I’m always craving to learn more, so I’m sure you’ll teach me things too!
I’ve been working at home during the past year and a half, most recently sewing handbags, and now it’s time to put on pants without an elastic waistband! See you at the beginning of April!
My mom has an old coworker that loves to quilt and sew, and she sent me a bag of her remnants the other day and in that bag was a small piece of cotton with a cherry print, and I immediately knew it was destined to be a bag! Luckily I had some complimentary red poly/cotton in my stash and they were a perfect match. It took me one of my son’s nap times (two hours) and a couple more hours in the evening to finish it, and voila! Complete!
My sister offered to take it to her art school and try to sell it to anyone who would compliment her on it, but I think she just wanted to use something so glamorous and not have to spend any money!
I found these coasters yesterday out shopping and immediately fell in love. If I had any furniture that was at all worth protecting I would be keeping them for my greedy little self. Instead, I’m passing them on to someone else who can use (read: cherish) them. I think they’re awfully pretty.
