Schylling Creating the Future Reviving the Past

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I like to think that every adult is a child at heart. I love seeing toys that I played with being used by my daughter. I like toys that embrace the imaginative nature every child has. Schylling is that toy company to bring back true toy play. Jack R. Schylling started by selling a mechanical bird in Harvard Square, and that simple act led to three brothers starting the world-famous Schylling toy company. If you look at some of the toys your children have I can guarantee you will see that famous name.

Everything from planes, mechanical trains to the Flexi-Sphere, Schylling has it all.
I had the extreme good fortune to live near the toy factory and got a personal tour. Schylling is really about family and fun. The employees are gracious and loving. The brothers are children trapped in adult bodies, and their minds are always ten steps ahead to creating more toys and more fun. The factory is a wonderland of toys, old and new. The Schylling brothers even find antique toys online that they then take apart and recreate for a new generation of imaginative kids. Schylling often partners with characters like the lovable Curious George. Most characters comes from books which also connect the child with their favorite stars of their favorite books.


My daughter spent all of Easter morning dancing with her Ribbon Stick, something so simple yet beautiful in its design. And the Flexi-Sphere was a huge hit. It brought back memories for me. My cousins had a Flexi-Sphere when we were little, and we fought over who would get to wear the "crown" when we played royalty. The first thing my daughter did with her Flexi-Sphere was to make it into a crown for her head!

With Schylling's huge array of tea sets children learn the value of sharing, playing pretend and serving up their imaginative concoctions. Schylling makes an array of tin toys that echo the past while bringing inquisitive minds of all ages, hours of fun. The tin toys are officially collector's items, but my daughter and husband fought over the chance to wind and watch her elephant with the ball spinning on his nose as he rode his bike. It was truly magical.
Bring back the simple and fun toys and watch the light in the eyes of children of all ages. Like the Schylling family, we all have a child in us waiting for that special toy that brings it all back.

Scootin' Away`

The minute we get a warm or even remotely warmer day here in New England, my daughter and I are outside soaking up the vitamin D and fresh air. Our favorite way to play is with the Kickboard USA
Maxi Kick Scooter. My daughter loves playing with this award-winning scooter.
The lime maxi kick scooter is the newest, high-performance, 3-wheel scooter, award-winning, Swiss-designed scooter for kids ages 6+, by micro, Switzerland.

The lime maxi kick scooter won the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold and Platinum Seal Award for 2009 and was featured on NBC’s “Today Show” as part of a feature on The Best Toys for Summer. The lime maxi kick scooter also was named 'Best Scooter for Kids' by ToyReport.org.The lime maxi kick scooter'a 3-wheel scooter design features the unique lean-and-steer mechanism, offering the feeling of ‘surfing the sidewalks’.
The maxi takes street surfing to the next level with its adjustable pilot stick handle, allowing advanced riders to curve and carve like never before.
Mastering the unique pilot stick steering option takes little practice but provides optimal performance and handling unmatched by other products.
The maxi is also available with an adjustable T-bar steering option that handles just like the mini kick.
The maxi kick’s reinforced fiberglass construction provides exceptional durability for everyday use while remaining amazingly lightweight.
The rear ‘spoon’ brake and double-rear wheels add stability and performance.
Micro Mobility Ltd. asked kids ages 5-11 what they wanted in a scooter when designing the new maxi. Smooth-gliding, with extreme-like handling and performance is what they asked for. The maxi delivers - it is smoother, cooler, tougher!

The turn radius is remarkable on this, and my daughter begs to use it indoors when the weather is not cooperating. Kickboard USA makes a scooter for kids of all ages (yes, parents even you!). We live on a busy street, so I love the control the Maxi gives my daughter. She loves the smooth ride and the feeling of being in control. I may never get her on a bike again. She loves scootin' away all day long.

A Toy Garden Gift Certificate Giveaway!

We all know how much I love online shop A Toy Garden. They have the best toys and the fabulous customer service I really depend on. I wrote about this online shop often because of all of the fabulous toys, goodies and arts and crafts they offer. I do not think there has been one time where I have visited this site and not wanted something.

Our new favorite is the Colorful Dollhouse Stacker.

This adorable "stacker" turns into a doll house when your child brings out all of the pieces. Then, to store, it can be stacked together again! So many uses for the same toy. The house measures 7" x 8". The chair is 2 1/2" tall with a 1" deep seat. Just right for posable doll house dolls! Non-toxic stain. Also comes in a natural version (see link below). Made in Europe.

This toy provides hours of fun for my little one. She uses the pieces for all of her different toys. We even brought this on a recent overnight trip. I love that it is made of wood, and she loves how many uses there are for each piece. The possibilities are endless.



If you are like me and cannot resist the goodies that A Toy Garden offers, make sure you enter to win a $25 A Toy Garden Gift Certificate!

Giveaway Rules:
This contest is only open to US readers. You must be 18 years or older to enter. You must be a Product Mommy follower. All entries must be received by 11:59pm on April 2, 2012. Please include your email address in each entry. Winners will be chosen at random. I will notify the winners on April 3, 2012 via email (please respond within 48 hours) and your $25 Gift Certificate will be mailed directly to you.

How to Enter: You must be a Product Mommy follower. Leave comment after the post with your email telling what item you would love to buy from A Toy Garden.


Extra Entries:
You must do the "How to Enter" first and be sure you leave a "comment" for each extra entry and tell me which one you did. Don't forget your email address too.
1.Become a fan of A Toy Garden on Facebook
2.Become a fan of Product Mommy on Facebook
3.Become a fan of Product Mommy on Twitter
4.Subscribe to Product Mommy by email (top left of blog page)
5, Twitter about this contest (and leave a link to the Tweet)
6. Post this giveaway on Facebook (and leave a link)

Eeboo Makes Colors Shine

Kids loves creativity and they love fun. One of my favorite companies for eco-friendly toys and fun is eeBoo. eeBoo is a family-run company that is taking the world of play by storm. The company began with a concerned parent that wanted to be responsible about the safety of toys kids play with.
Almost all of their products are made simply of paper, cardboard, (often recycled) and non-toxic inks. Product Mommy has been an eeBoo fan for a very long time. I find the toys they offer grow with my daughter and she never gets tired of playing with eeBoo toys.

Her new faves are the Metallic Pencils which come with their own sharpener and are chunky enough for little hands to get a great grip on. She is partial to the cool silvery streak these fabulous pencils make.
The Activity Books give children puzzles, coloring and word games that spark their creativity and challenge their little minds.

We bring along the activity book the smaller set of 12 Tool Color Pencils when we are on the go. They are small enough to take along in her art portfolio and when she is forced to accompany me to the gym.
eeBoo keeps my child, and this mommy happy with safe, delightful toys for all ages!

For Small Hands

Anyone with children knows that they love to help and do the same things we do. Children learn by watching their parents and adults and emulating their actions. That is why I cook and clean with my daughter. I learned from Montessori teachings that those seemingly simple actions are actually teaching a child about measurement, actions, and even practice for writing by simply holding a sponge. Amazing! Montessori Services was founded in 1976 to provide Montessori teachers with the tools they need to bring child-sized items to the classroom. For Small Hands was created in 2004 as their family resource catalog at the request of Montessori teachers.

For Small Hands gives parents access to many of the same child-size items children use at school, enabling children to participate in the home environment with the same ease and success they enjoy in the classroom.

We are a huge fan of the For Small Hands catalog and online shop. I find the most amazing items that my daughter can use in everyday life. The new favorites are the Glass Pitcher with Lid and the Durable Juice Glasses. They are scaled to a child's size, so your little one can get their own water, juice or milk. The feeling of independence is so special for children. For weeks before we got the set, my daughter kept arguing that she was old enough to use the family glasses. I was wary, but this set made it possible for her to feel grown-up and learn the skills you need to hold and be careful with a glass. With the holidays coming up, I cannot wait to stock up on more items that allow her to participate in family activities with ease.

A Toy Garden Stockmar Giveaway!

One of my favorite sites to shop on is A Toy Garden. The products are all so diverse yet with the same theme of simple, creative play. I did my first review of A Toy Garden when I began this blog.
In the winter there is nothing we love more than creating in our home. When the weather keeps us in, we still have fun. The Multicolored Beeswax Candle Making Kit is a great way to keep little hands busy while creating beautiful candles for home and hearth. I adore the scent of beeswax, and these candles are easy for little hands to make. My daughter was very into the fact that she could do this all on her own (I helped cut the wick). She was so into the beeswax, that I also pulled out the Stockmar Modelling Beeswax. It is easy to warm in hands and very pliable. It never dries out! The smell is so comforting and it is very therapeutic to play with. My daughter and I discussed Fall and what it means. To her, Fall means apples. She decided to make her own little wax apple with tiny green leaf. She then used more green to make an owl.
Want to win your own Stockmar Modelling Beeswax 12 piece set? Here's How:

Giveaway Rules:
This contest is only open to US readers. You must be 18 years or older to enter. You must be a Product Mommy follower. All entries must be received by 11:59pm on December 7, 2011. Please include your email address in each entry. Winners will be chosen at random. I will notify the winners on December 8, 2011 via email (please respond within 48 hours) and your Stockmar Modelling Beeswax set of 12 will be mailed directly to you.

How to Enter: You must be a Product Mommy follower. Leave comment after the post with your email.


Extra Entries:
You must do the "How to Enter" first and be sure you leave a "comment" for each extra entry and tell me which one you did. Don't forget your email address too.
1.Become a fan of A Toy Garden on Facebook
2.Become a fan of Product Mommy on Facebook
3.Become a fan of Product Mommy on Twitter
4.Subscribe to Product Mommy by email (top left of blog page)
5, Twitter about this contest (and leave a link to the Tweet)
6. Post this giveaway on Facebook (and leave a link)

Steiff...Years of Quality and Smiles

I have a love/hate relationship with most stuffed animals and toys. I find that what I see on the shelves at the local toy stores are not the best quality and I cringe when my daughter begs for one. I still remember going to my aunt's home as a child. She had the most gorgeous stuffed bear imaginable. I always begged to play with it, and she kindly let me pretend to have a tea party with "Paddy" the bear. Paddy was a Steiff. At the time, I had no idea what that meant, but now I know it means quality and the best of the best of the plush toy world.

Steiff is the world’s oldest plush manufacturer. Steiff was in 1880 by Margarete Steiff, a seamstress who was limited to sewing with one hand due to polio. Steiff is best known as the company that invented the Teddy bear.

In 1902, Richard Steiff, a nephew of Margarete and a gifted artist/inventor, presented the idea to Margarete. At first, she was not enthusiastic. But with Richard’s persistence, she finally relented. And the rest is history.The famous “Button in Ear” trademark, introduced by Franz Steiff, another of Margarete’s nephews, in 1904, distinguishes every Steiff Teddy bear or animal.

Steiff plush are made with woven plush, while nearly 100% of the world’s output of stuffed animals is made with inexpensive knitted plush. Woven plush can be as much as 12 times more expensive than knitted plush. That’s one of the reasons Steiff products cost more, but they last so much longer! And Steiff are still made in the century-old manufacturing facility in Giengen an der Brenz, Germany using traditional hand labor.

If you have even been to an auction or antique store, you are bound to see at least one Steiff. They really last forever. We have a few and could not be happier. My daughter is partial to her Trampili Elephant (EAN 064395) (as pictured with her maniacally smiling because I agreed to let her take him to school for show-and-tell). Trampili (renamed Holly is also her bedtime pal). Her Unicorn Starly with Handbag (EAN 105052) has become the perfect accessory for play dates. My personal favorite is the Jona Teddy Bear (EAN 001055) because he brings back fond memories of Paddy and playtime as a child. He is small enough to carry around, but for now, he holds a place of pride in my daughter's dollhouse.

I truly believe that quality always outweighs quantity. I am willing to spend more money to get something I know my daughter will have forever (and maybe someday she will be making another little girl or boy very happy by letting them play with Trampili, Starly and Jona).

To get the latest Steiff news be sure to check out the Steiff Facebook page, and
join the Steiff e-mail list.

Paddywhack Lane

I am constantly telling my little girl that she can be whatever she wants. Her dreams change daily from ballerina to firegirl, to astronaut. We encourage her to play with costumes and let her imagination run wild. In the new book The Costume Trunk by Bob Fuller, we meet the children of Paddywhack Lane. During Courtney's birthday party, the gang find a key and a magic trunk where all of their dreams can come true. They can wish to be whatever they want, and through a little bit of magic and imagination, their wishes are granted.

I love the theme that if you just believe, you can become whatever you want. It is such an amazingly positive message to send to children. I also love that this message is delivered in a fun, imaginative way. Better yet, your child will not only fall in love with the book, but the fun characters too! You can visit Paddywhack Lane and let your child choose their favorite friend and become part of the fun. The Paddywhack Lane playsets and accessories are a great way to really bring the book to life. My daughter is a fan of Ella's Ballerina studio. We had a hard time choosing just one character to play with.

PlasmaCar = Active Fun!

It drives me nuts when I see children riding along in their battery-operated cars and trucks. Whatever happened to good old active play? In my determined plan to not allow my child to play that way, I went searching for a toy that would really get her attention, and offer something a little different than a typical bicycle or big wheel. I found PlasmaCar. This award-winning toy has become a favorite of parents everywhere, and for good reason. It is fun!

It's design requires no batteries, pedals, gears, or electrical parts to propel the car; you simply turn the steering wheel, and away you go! The PlasmaCar harnesses the natural forces of inertia, centrifugal force and friction.
Quiet, inexpensive, and providing limitless playability, the PlasmaCar is truly a unique toy that can reach exhilarating, but kid-friendly, speeds of up to 10 km/hour (6 mph).

The PlasmaCar can support up to 220 pounds! My daughter loves propelling herself around in it. During a recent vacation week I watched my nephews also join in on the fun. From ages 10 to 3, they all had a ball using the PlasmaCar. I loved watching them be active and get their hearts pumping, without even knowing it because they were having so much fun. What more could a mom or dad ask for? I have to admit, it looked so fun, I also gave it a whirl and it was just as good as it looked. If your are sick of batter-operated "lazy" toys for kids, run to get a PlasmaCar and watch the fun ensue.

Hazel Village...the Land of Animal Friends

I love Easter and springtime. My favorite thing to do is getting all of the fun goodies for my daughter's basket. I try and find fun items you can enjoy for years to come. That means I eschew most of the usual Easter items they peddle in stores. I especially love finding a special cuddly friend that she will have for years. The cuddly toy is always the main centerpiece of the baskets I create. This year, I went searching on my favorite site, Etsy. (I am telling you people, Etsy has everything!). I found the usual bunnies etc., and then BAM! I found Hazel Village. Adorable, handmade animals ranging from bunnies, to frogs, foxes, mice, and even a racoon! I instantly fell in love. They are not only super duper cute, they were so unique and special (like your child and yourself). I love the handmade details, and that for each animal there is a male or female so everyone can have one.





We chose Flora Fox. She arrived in a scented muslin bag (delicious lavender scent) and was the perfect cuddle size. Any plans on saving her for the Easter basket was blown out of the water. My daughter jumped in arms first and grabbed Flora. Since that day, Flora the Fox is a bedtime pal and reading buddy. She is so soft and cuddly. As for me, well I will be visiting Hazel Village to find another friend to join Flora. The real issue will be trying to choose just one. Hazel Village is offering free shipping for Product Mommy readers. Just use the code "productmommy11".

Green Toys Pizza Parlor Giveaway!

I love Green Toys. All of their toys are constructed from recycled plastic and other environmentally friendly materials. This helps reduce fossil fuel use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improving the overall health and happiness of the planet. They are constantly coming out with new toys for you and your child to enjoy. Their newest Pizza Parlor is one of the best yet. It is made in the USA from food-safe 100% recycled plastic milk containers that save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Each pizza ingredient is interchangeable with other Green Toys stacking play food products and fits on Green Toys kitchen sets. The set includes 4 pizza crusts, 20 pizza toppings (4 sauce, 4 cheese, 4 sets pepperoni, 2 sets mushrooms, 2 sets onions, 1 green pepper, 1 red pepper, 1 red tomato, and 1 green tomato), pizza cutter, Pizza Parlor order forms, and pizza "delivery" box. There are no BPA, PVC, phthalates, or external coatings and it meets FDA food contact standards. Best of all, it is dishwasher safe!

My daughter has made every Pizza combination imaginable. She is a huge fan of taking our orders...then making whatever she wants. It has been a wonderful addition to her kitchen set from Green Toys. Does your little chef want to get in on the Pizza action? Well Green Toys is giving away one Pizza Parlor set to a lucky Product Mommy reader.

Giveaway Rules:
This contest is only open to US readers. You must be a Product Mommy follower. All entries must be received by 11:59pm on April 12, 2011. Please include your email address in each entry. A winner will be chosen at random. I will notify the winner on April 13, 2011 via email (please respond within 48 hours) and your Pizza Parlor set will be mailed directly from Green Toys!

How to Enter: You must be a Product Mommy follower. Leave a comment with your email address under this post.

Extra Entries:
You must do the "How to Enter" first and be sure you leave a "comment" for each extra entry and tell me which one you did. Don't forget your email address too.
1. Become a fan of Green Toys on Facebook
2. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Facebook
3. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Twitter
4. Subscribe to Product Mommy by email (top left of blog page)
5. Twitter about this contest (and leave a link to the Tweet)
6. Post this giveaway on Facebook (and leave a link)

Head in the Clouds

If your home is anything like mine, getting your child to sleep can be literally exhausting for everyone. My daughter likes to request that glass of water, or more books. From a very young age, we have tried to maintain a routine that is relaxing. From the first few months when she slept next to us in a bassinet to now, three and half years later. In the beginning we became fans of Cloud B when a good friend sent us the Sleep Sheep. The Sleep Sheep has four soothing sounds and a timer. Ocean waves helped us relax our little bundle of joy more than once (the sound was a good mimic of the fluids in the womb). In fact, my husband once requested it to help get him to sleep. That prompted us to buy the Sleep Sheep on the Go. It was perfect for attaching to her stroller and for taking along when we traveled to make her (and us) feel relaxed. It will come as no surprise that many of Cloud B products have won awards and are touted by Pediatricians and childhood specialist as a wonderful way to help your child sleep better.

Our newest Cloud B addition is the Polar Cuddle Cub. The Polar Cuddle Cub is made from eco-friendly anti-bacterial Soy-based fabric. Inside, her has a heart shaped vibration device with 2 rhythmic options including a heartbeat sound that can be activated with a hug, or on constant stream with a timer. The hands and feet are made from foam. Each Polar Cuddle Cub comes with an adoption certificate. The Polar Cuddle Cub is part of the Cloud B Endangered Species Series, so a portion of the purchase goes to an international wildlife organization.

I am not usually a huge fan of battery-operated toys, but this Cub feels so natural. My daughter likes to cuddle him while we read to her, and she often asks us to set the timer so she can hold his hand while she falls asleep. I love that he is also made with natural fibers. He is the perfect bedtime companion. No blinking lights, no loud noises, just natural heartbeat and vibration to soothe her to sleep. We are a Cloud B home, and will continue to have our head in the clouds.

Ze Super Zeros Save the Day!

I do not think there is a person in this world without their faults (excluding me of course, wink, wink). I try to let my daughter know how special she is each day. I embrace her faults and exalt in her gifts. I want to raise a child who knows that no one is perfect. I also want her to know that overcoming her mistakes and faults is an important part of growing up. I was so fortunate to learn about Ze Super Zeros.

Ze Super Zeros are hero friends whose super powers and problems blend. They have their pluses and minuses too - they're super special, just like you!

Each stuffed friend has one "plus" (like they can fly, or climb fast), and they have their "minuses" (afraid of the dark, afraid of swimming). We got Zaza the Mouse, who is great at fitting in small space, but "minus"-she is afraid of the dark. Each Ze Super Zeros comes with a detachable cape which also doubles as a comforter for kids, and a little pouch to store their treasures in.

When Zaza arrived, I was shocked at how quickly my daughter took to her. She was especially enamored with the pouch (I swear my child is half racoon, and she loves storing things).

We also got the Super Zeros Gift Set which included a book (which helpfully explains how each Super Zero has a "plus" and "minus" in a fun lift-the-flap story), a CD with the Super Zeros theme, audio of the book, and fun kid songs, and a Super Zeros cape! We read the book that night, and my daughter insisted on wearing the cape. It prompted her to ask me if i had "pluses" and "minuses" and we talked about what she thinks hers are. What an empowering toy! I personally think schools she be required to have these on hand. Ze Super Zeros open up important dialog with children. Maybe if more kids learned to accept themselves, the world would be a little nicer. Just saying.

Tegu...the Building Blocks of the Future

From a very young age, my daughter has been playing with blocks. Blocks seem so simple, but their educational value is really immeasurable. Blocks are tactile and also teach children hand-eye coordination as they stack and place them. As children get older, their imaginative structures built from blocks teach them balance and precision. My daughter loves to build with blocks, but the minute the structure falls over, it becomes melt-down city. I think I found the solution.

Tegu blocks are made from eco-friendly hard woods. Each block has a magnet safely embedded inside. The name Tegu comes Tegucigalpa,* the capital city of Honduras, where the blocks are manufactured. The Tegu factory provides fair wages and career growth for its employees. Tegu uses mature trees and helps to fund reforestation, by donating to replanting efforts when the blocks are sold. The blocks all have a water-based, non-toxic coating, so you can feel safe when your child uses them.

We have created some amazing structures with Tegu blocks in this house. My child is amazed by how she can just attach pieces to the sides of her creations and "Mama, they stay!" She told me the other day that she was building "a house with nice baseboards." And this from a three year old! I admit, I am addicted to these blocks. I like trying to build cool animals. What a fun way to be creative. I also love that Tegu is a company that gives back. We have the discovery set which is 26 pieces of pure fun. I even am gaga for the packaging which has facts about trees, magnets and the blocks, for little inquiring minds. These really are the blocks of the future.

miYim Dr. Seuss Giveaway!

We looked!
Then we saw him step on the mat!
We looked!
And we saw him!
The Cat in the Hat! (Seuss 1957)

I love miYim for making kid-friendly and environmentally-friendly toys. This is not the first time I have praised miYim, and it will definitely not be the last. miYim understands how hard it is for eco-conscious parents to find toys that their children can enjoy without harmful chemicals and toxins. It is astounding what some toy makers put into their toys, especially the plush ones that get cuddled. No worries when you have a miYim toy! The newest part of the miYim family is the Dr. Seuss line. Who doesn't love the Cat in the Hat? Now your little one can have his/her favorite character to cuddle at bedtime.

Made from cotton that's untreated, unprocessed, and unbleached, this Cat is at the top of the class when it comes to being planet friendly. He's colored with miYim's all-natural PureWaterWashTM process using only plants and minerals, and is tested and certified non-toxic.

This is one very cool cat, and he is soft and cuddly! miYim is offering one lucky Product Mommy reader a chance to win a Cat in the Hat 15" cuddly toy!

Giveaway Rules:
This contest is only open to US readers. You must be a Product Mommy follower. All entries must be received by 11:59pm on February 24, 2011. Please include your email address in each entry. A winner will be chosen at random. I will notify the winner on February 25, 2011 via email (please respond within 48 hours) and your Cat in the Hat will be shipped directly from miYim.

How to Enter: You must be a Product Mommy follower. Leave a comment with your email address under this post.

Extra Entries:
You must do the "How to Enter" first and be sure you leave a "comment" for each extra entry and tell me which one you did. Don't forget your email address too.
1. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Facebook
2. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Twitter
3. Subscribe to Product Mommy by email (top left of blog page)
4. Twitter about this contest (and leave a link to the Tweet)
5. Post this giveaway on Facebook (and leave a link)

The Fairytale of a Good Earth Fairy

I know I seem to constantly harp on this, but I simply adore rag dolls in all of their guises. I personally was comforted by my rag doll made by my Nana on more than one night, and I still have her. Plastic baby dolls and even stuffed animals never seemed to do the trick to help me relax. You would be surprised how hard it is to find a good rag doll these days. I stumbled upon a modern fairytale twist rag doll while perusing the miYim website.

miYim is known for its organic cotton toys that are dyed with only natural dyes. miYim thinks about the safety of our children, as well as the environment. We have a few of their plush toys, and we love them. miYim toys comes in their own recycled boxes, which make them an easy and wonderful go-to gift for children.

The newest doll is the Good Earth Fairy. This natural cotton rag doll has linen accents. Her soft coloring gives her a vintage feel. Good Earth Fairy has an extremely soft body that just beckons you to give her a cuddle. She has become the saving grace when it comes to getting Product Toddler to sleep. Good Earth Fairy is so easy to cuddle. Her embroidered features make her safe for even the littlest babe out there. Pleasant dreams...

Ecoleeko

It is always lovely when the leaves turn and the weather gets a little chill to it. On the other hand, we are able to spend less and less time outdoors, which leaves me scrambling for fun ideas and toys to play with in our home. I found Ecoleeko while I was on my search. Ecoleeko was created by one woman looking to work with sustainable materials. She also loved making dolls, and she combined these two interests to make Ecoleeko. All Ecoleeko products are made with ecofriendly construction materials. Ecoleeko uses only plant based fabrics and stuffing is used.

We got to try the Bean Bag Friends. They are super duper soft toys made from organic cotton fabrics and Bamboo fleece fabric. Each Bean Bag Friend is filled with buckwheat hulls which make the most wonderful sound when your child shakes, snuggles, or throws them. Each face is hand-embroidered with bamboo blend yarn. They come in fun shapes like star, heart, mushroom, leaf and cloud. My daughter loves how soft they are and she adores the sound they make. She is a big fan of shaking them, and playing "hot potato" with them. They are also the perfect take along toy, and with the set, more than one child can easily play along. Sometimes my child uses them as props for imaginative play scenes. These are a super cute way to send your child to school with a little something special to comfort them too! I am looking forward to getting more from Ecoleeko for the holidays for friends and loved ones. No batteries need, no plastic, no harmful materials...only good wholesome fun, fun, fun!

Folkmanis!

I love anything that helps me communicate better with my child. I find the sometimes a little spoonful of fun makes her do the things she is not so fond of, like letting me brush her teeth or helping to clean. That is probably why I am in love with Folkmanis. As far as puppets go, there is not a better selection out there. From simple stage puppets to real-life looking hand puppets, and finger puppets they have it all. We are animal lovers here in Product Mommy land, and our first Folkmanis was a Polar Bear, and the collection has expanded from there. Folkmanis is always bringing out new designs and they are all hard to resist.
Our newest puppet friends are the Hermit Crab, which is probably hands-down the coolest puppet I have ever seen. It looks like the real thing, and it makes my daughter giggle like crazy. So far Hermit Crab has joined us for dinner and bed time, where he “read her a book.” This Hermit Crab brings summer home, and makes everything more fun. Our other new friend is an adorable Standing White Rabbit. This rabbit looks like the real thing and is a great pal to read Goodnight, Moon with! During a particular tooth brushing struggle, Rabbit jumped in and brushed her teeth.
Puppets are a great way to help children learn, read to them and make an argument dissipate with a little bit of fun. There is no greater resource for puppets than Folkmanis!

I Love My Planet Organics Giveaway!

ImagiPlay has recently acquired the cutest line of organic soft toys. ImagiPlay is one of the best brands for wooden toys and puzzles for children. Their toys inspire learning and creativity with the use of natural plantation-grown rubberwood and environmentally-friendly hardwood. They always use the best natural materials on the market so your child can have fun, while being safe. I have blogged about ImagiPLAY before, and I cannot say enough good things. The new line is called I Love My Planet Organics and currently has four adorable plush with wood toys. Each toy is made in Sri Lanka with organic cotton and sustainable Rubberwood. We got the adorable monkey!
The Monkey has posable arms and legs and can hang from wherever your child’s heart desires with his four rubberwood arms and legs.
ImagiPlay is giving one lucky Product Mommy reader a chance to win an I Love My Planet Organics Monkey.

Giveaway Rules:
You must be a follower of Product Mommy.
This contest is only open to US readers. All entries must be received by 11:59pm on July 20, 2010. Please include your email address in each entry. A winner will be chosen at random. I will notify the winner on July 21, 2010 via email (please respond within 48 hours) and the I Love My Planet Organics Monkey will be mailed to you from Product Mommy.

How to Enter: You must be a follower of Product Mommy. Leave a comment and be sure to include your email address.

Extra Entries:
You must do the "How to Enter" first and be sure you leave a "comment" for each extra entry and tell me which one you did. Don't forget your email address too.
1. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Facebook
2. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Twitter
3. Subscribe to Product Mommy by email (top left of blog page)
4. Twitter about this contest (and leave a link to the Tweet)
5. Post this giveaway on Facebook (and leave a link)