Design | Wish I were 4 again!

I want to PLAY!  Modern Playhouse, started by two San Francisco moms to create sophisticated havens for your little one.  These dwellings invite creativity by virtue of it's simplicity and are constructed from sustainably sourced and non-toxic materials -- making them perfect for eco-conscious, modern families.

Craft bag anyone?

Today I came across this great site and great product which I just have to share -- the online store is called romp and the product is the above treasure trove of craft items for your child to explore their inner artist.  The story behind the concept of the store is great too -- a designer and mom who want to engage kids' natural and sense of joy with the world with products made of natural materials, great design, handmade goods, and unique surprises.  Love the concept.  Now, if only they would start carrying baby products ... maybe they would consider ZoLi.

Design | Not just any old blocks ... these are modern, eco-friendly version.

I stumbled upon this great toy as I was searching for gift ideas for a birthday present.

Traditional block set + precision cut = endless opened ended possibilities = FUN!!!

These blocks can be stacked just like traditional blocks, but there's more ... with the hollowed out middle, it adds a whole new dimension to "just" blocks.  These areblocks and tinker toys combined!!

What kids wouldn't want to receive these?  And since these blocks are made using sustainably-harvested woods, non-toxic coloring and come in recycled packaging ... what parents wouldn't want to gift these?

Design | Hoot! Hoot!

I love owls -- anything with owls, really.  I am always on the lookout for cool owl items.  With Valentine's Day right around the corner I'd thought I'd share with fellow owl lovers two of my favorite items.
Butter cup bloom:  beautiful, whimsical plush owls with a pocket in the back for special messages.  I think I'm going to get one for my daughter to use as a tooth fairy pillow.
sweet tooth designs: very cool eco-friendly jewelry - my favorite is the owl collection.  I got one and my daughter who shares my quirky obsession with owls got one of the smaller ones as a graduation gift last June.

Anyone else have any cool owl items/sites to share?

Design | Move over play dough, here comes BUBBER

When the sales person at our local toy store mentioned the name to me, I just had to take a closer look.  Upon closer inspection, my conclusion is that this product is not only incredible, but the name is ingenius.  Bubber is this amazing non-toxic, gluten free modeling compound with a light, dry texture you can shape, roll, imprint, and cut just as you would with play dough.  With Bubber, kids still get all the benefits of playing with play dough -- open ended play, creativity, and fine motor skills development, but without any of the mess, smell, or residue.  Plus, Bubber never dries out so you can play with it over and over again.  This is my new go-to eco-gift for the 10 and under crowd.