wooden Archives - Rave & Review

Meet Piper, the DIY STEM computer kit for kids

As a parent, I’m always looking for toys that aren’t *just* toys for my kids. I want toys that inspire learning, ones that will resonate with the kids, and mostly I want toys that won’t get abandoned as soon as the shiny luster wears off. Well parents, I found the holy grail of presents for … Read more

Make your Oribel PortaPlay even more amazing with two awesome new accessories

I’ve said before how much I love our PortaPlay Convertible Activity Center from Oribel. We’ve had it for a year now and it’s still one of my favorite items we got for our little one. This is because the PortaPlay bouncer/activity table isn’t just for babies. The PortaPlay converts as baby’s needs change, so what started out as a bouncer/exersaucer for baby becomes a toy-covered or flat-topped activity table that can be used for years. After almost a year of use as a bouncer, we recently converted the PortaPlay to an activity table and my new little walker was super excited to walk around the table and play with the toys from a new angle. And then when the newest Oribel accessories arrived and we converted the PortaPlay to a flat-top art table, she was super excited to use the PortaPlay with her favorite dolls and toys.

Magicforest’s favorite European toys inspire play for all ages this holiday {Moulin Roty wooden toy box set review}

They say that the best gift you can give your child is the gift of your time, and I wholeheartedly believe that is true. I give my children that gift in staying home with them so I can be with them all day long, in cooking for them, cleaning for them, packing their lunches, and trying to include them in many of the things that I do each day. But, the truth is that I could do better about stopping what I’m doing and taking a nature walk or two, swinging at the park, or starting projects with them that they are excited about, and my goal is to simply get better about playing with them at least a few times each day. It’s for this reason that I love Moulin Roty, a French company that makes toys that will inspire kids and adults to play together. How could anyone not want to play with these shadow puppets and stage or these adorable Les Mask’ottes masks?

Brought to the States by European toy importer, Magicforest, the Moulin Roty catalog is the kind of thing childhood dreams are made of. From pretend play and dress up to cuddly friends to snuggle with, as well as imagination inspiring toys that can teach everything from science to making your own toys, the Moulin Roty collection never disappoints.

Motorworks Customizable Cars and Tri-Level Super Garage

One night my daughter came to me, head down and forlorn, and she asked, “Why don’t I love cars like Brother does?” I started by explaining that people like different things and it’s what makes us all special and unique. Then I suggested that she not focus on the one thing the two of them … Read more

What We’re Playing With: Motorworks Customizable Wooden Cars

This little car-loving guy spied something fun on the counter and asked me to get it down "so he could hug it". Clearly, he's got me all figured out. And then he noticed a second Motorworks customizable wooden toy car on the counter and of course he wanted that one, too. Because, you know, "they … Read more

Fun and Learning with the PlanToys Balancing Scale

I love toys with no instructions. There’s nothing more exciting than opening a box and finding a gorgeous open-ended toy that allows the kiddos and I to get creative. For this reason, I love PlanToys. While technically most of their toys do come with some sort of instruction {especially the ones requiring assembly}, you really … Read more

HABAusa.com Makes Shopping Easier Than Ever {HABA Doll and Horse}

Because of how much my kiddos thirst for knowledge, I strive to make each new toy that comes into our house a learning opportunity. Whether it be empathy and understanding or science and problem solving, I find myself turning to HABA toys again and again. With heirloom quality toys that capture the true essence of … Read more

Tegu Launches New Explorer and Endeavor Sets

If you’ve been reading around here a bit, you probably already know that we love Tegu blocks. But, while some loves fade after the initial honeymoon stage, our love for Tegu only grows deeper every day and with each new release to their line. After watching Tegu grow and evolve over the past year, I … Read more

Gorgeous wooden Moover Toys have won our hearts

It would be hard to forget the first time you lay eyes upon Moover Toys. I remember vividly the first time I spotted them in the middle of the HABA booth at the ABC Kids Show in Kentucky, surrounded by buyers and gawkers that just wanted to get up close to all this cuteness. And, … Read more

Build Your Own Robot with PlanToys

Every kid needs a robot, right? PlanToys thinks they do, which is why they have released the new PlanToys Build-A-Robot. This isn’t your typical one size fits all robot, this is a special friend that kids can build to their specifications, and with their own distinct personality. Like everything PlanToys, the wooden Build-A-Robot is quality … Read more