Toy Shopping for the Holidays? Read THIS First...

The robotic fish, of which I have half a dozen, are listed. The detachable tail poses a choking hazard.

It is the season to be shopping and the focus is definitely on the children's Christmas List. Every year, a new wave of toys is pressed upon us as we try to sort the best for our brood. We can become overwhelmed. Of course the appeal to the child is going to determine which toy they gleefully open Christmas morning, however as parents, we need a baseline. Safety. That is why we regularly check Recalls.gov where the governance of toy safety is maintained and presented to the public. You can even receive updates. Clinical Pediatrics released a study showing an increase in toy related accidents in children by 40%. Most injuries are in the under six range and are related to choking hazards. Another big concern are scooters which are popular all over the world but accidents are heavily abated with the use of a helmet, knee and elbow pads. Protection is power.
Check out the article via CNN.com

LUG Lego Brick Show 2014

Here are just a few of our favorite shots from this year's Lego Brick Show. If you are lucky enough to have an event of this magnitude come to your town, we highly encourage you to attend with your friends and family. We chatted with Lego aficionados while we took in all of the Lego intensity. Everywhere we turned there were exciting and creative builds that filled nearly two early Saturday morning hours. We left inspired to create and build like never before.

Our Top Toy Classics

Monkeys In a Barrel is definitely a classic!

It was this photo that prompted us to share what our favorite classic toys are for children. Monkeys in a barrel has been around for years and still bring kids joy (see this child's face?). We come from large families and have seen many a toy come and go as children grow. What was cool one year is so out the next forcing parents to play keeping up with the toy joneses in order to satiate their children's desire to be entertained. Don't climb an uphill battle. Look at our collection of toys below that you can shop for to keep the children happy and learning every step of the way. Now don't get us wrong, we love iPhones, tablets and PC's as a way for children to learn. There are controversies over the affect that staring at screens for hours on end will have on our children but we must also realize that modern technology and all it's gadgets are quite essential to life for this generation. It is just that our childhoods were not filled with downloading apps and some of the simple, non-electronic games and toys should continue to be fostered.

1. Etch A Sketch: Great for eye hand coordination and artistic endeavors.
2. Brass toys: they last for forever and are literally worth their weight. 
3. Globe: No child's life  is complete without one of these or at least a map. Geography is underrated.
4. Wooden toys: These are fundamental to the growth process and builds manipulative skills. Also, you can never have too many blocks.
5. Barbie: The whole collection is great. I know they argue the proportion size and all but the Barbie world appeals to both boys and girls' imaginative nature.
6. Legos: Enough said.
7. Rubber duck: These come in all colors and sizes so choose a few and let them quack around during bath time.
8. Stackable or matrioshka style toys: Building and putting things together in order is not only fun but teaches shape relations.
9. Play tents: These are awesome for anytime. There is just something about little kids and play tents. They are easy to fold and put away which is a bonus for parents, too!
10. Tea set: Tea time is not only a time honored tradition but it is a life event so better get those manners ready now.
11. Stuffed toys: collect heaps of these and you will be surprised at how many uses children find for these.
12. Trucks: great for both indoor and outdoor play. The rolling wheels and mechanics of some of these will keep children stimulated all day.
13. Toy box: Buying a large and very good quality toy box that will hold all your children's stuff is priceless.

It's About the (Toy) Quality

It is the rare celebration in our home where Melissa & Doug toys do not get involved when the children are partaking in the fun. This Christmas was no different as we were gifted these amazing new pieces to add to the ever growing collection. We never sacrifice quality when it comes to toys because we need these to last. With three children, every toy purchase is an investment. We consider quality first, price, and then usability. Melissa & Doug hardly gets it wrong.

Reusable & EcoFriendly Stickers

Our favorite this year? This Eco-Friendly reusable sticker pad is perfect for on the go and you use way less paper. Love that! This is the Habitats but they also offer a Dress-Up version for girls-so cute!

Great for the little ones!

I have also ranted and raved about this toy seen here and I loved giving it this season. The recipient has yet to stop playing with it and with many cousins surrounding her, it has shown it durability. These are some of the best toys money can buy and your children will cherish them forever. You will greatly appreciate their attractive and classic design and longevity as siblings, friends and guests play away.


Shop smart so you will save money & not be disappointed. Remember, it's all about quality not quantity especially with toys.

Don't forget to donate old toys to make room for all the new ones that you were blessed with this Christmas!