Celebrity Baby Blog Reviews

Okiedog's Cheeky Chick: The right on, ride on

Our 18-month-old has bike envy.  You see, his 4-year-old big brother just got his first official bicycle and the baby wants in on the action, big time.  He has a tricycle, but is still too young to grasp the pedal concept and even if he did, his legs aren't long enough to reach the ground.  That said, the last few weeks have been spent helping Owen learn how to ride his bike while Sam toddles after him, screaming 'WANT RIDE!...WANT RIDE!'  Things were getting downright ugly ... That is, until our Cheeky Chick arrived.  This award-winning ride-on toy designed by Okiedog and distributed by International Playthings is the perfect size and speed for a young toddler, but cool enough to make him feel like one of the 'big boys.'

LIKEaBIKE: It's like a 'real bike,' only better!

If you’ve never seen a LIKEaBIKE, then you’re probably one of those people who keep coming up to ask about it when my 3 ½-year-old son is whizzing about the neighborhood on his. Truly, it’s tough to go somewhere without someone stopping us and inquiring about this incredible bike. I don’t blame them. It really is amazing. And unlike anything I’ve ever seen before.

The LIKEaBIKE is a little wooden bike for children who are approximately 2 to 6-years-old. It was developed in Germany to help children become familiar with the concept of a two-wheeled vehicle long before we would normally expect them to. A cross between a scooter and a bicycle, the LIKEaBIKE is propelled when a child pushes off with their feet.  They can walk, run, and eventually even coast, learning all the logistics of riding a two-wheeled bicycle without even realizing it.

David's Cookies Edible Cookie Play Dough at 1-800 BAKERY

Everyone's knows what Play-Doh tastes like (salty!) but the new Edible Cookie Play Dough from mall cookie mainstay, David's Cookies, may change that memory for future generations. Packaged in eight 12 ounce tubs -- similar to the OTHER Play-Doh -- this is sugar cookie dough that comes in vibrant colors: Red All Over, Mellow Mood Yellow, Jelly Bean Green and Too Blue 4 You. Your child can play with the dough as they would any playdough and then bake them into cookies to eat.

Honestly, I'm not quite sure what to think about this new concept of intentionally edible play dough. I haven't tried David's Cookies Edible Play Dough yet, and I am curious to see if it has the same consistency as Play-Doh or if it's sticky like sugar cookie dough. For adults or big kids who get the difference, it seems like a fun idea.  But for a kid, especially a toddler, I think it might send a mixed message and cause more trouble than it's worth. There's something clever and cute about edible toy items but do I really want to confuse Anya by telling her not to eat Play-Doh but that it's ok to eat THIS playdough? Don't eat Legos but eat these Lego Fruit Snacks? Don't eat crayons but eat these foil-wrapped chocolate crayons?

The Edible Cookie Playdough is available at davidscookies.com for $44.95 with free shipping or at 1-800bakery.com for $32.95 plus $27.45 for overnight delivery.

DiY parents may be interested in this recipe for homemade edible cookie playdough.

What do you think about food that looks like toys? At what age is it okay to give them to a child?

Word World Toys at Target: Making learning to spell fun

Recently I have found myself navigating my days like a nonstop spelling bee. Ever since watching the PBS Kids show Word World and becoming entirely addicted to it, my 3-year-old son has a voracious appetite for words.  He wants to know how to spell just about everything that crosses our path, or that pops into his imagination, including "rhinoceros eating a peanut butter sandwich".

He keeps me on my toes which is why I was so thrilled to find out about the line of Word World toys that are now available at Target stores.  These toys keep the learning going long after the television is turned off, and turn your world into Word World. My favorite items are the megablocks kits (see photo below-right) that have characters whose bodies are molded from their letters (much like the characters on the show). Bear has pieces that spell 'bear,' Dog spells 'dog,' etc. These are all words that my son is now easily recognizing and spelling on his own, which we are both very proud of.

I've never been a parent to push the flashcards. I believe learning should be fun and kids start to read (and spell) when they are ready. But I am amazed at how very much my son has learned, with no real pushing on my part. The way that letters and words are presented on the show and in the toys just feels natural to my son, and so he learns -- effortlessly it seems. My 7-year-old enjoys watching the show with him and playing with the toys as well. It tests and reinforces her skills as an emerging reader and speller. It is truly a delight to watch them interact with these toys!

Purchase Word World toys in-person at your local Target store, or online.

Natural Pod: Don't just stand there...play!

If I tell you that I have a 3 ½-year-old and a 5-month-old and I just got rid of my television you will probably think I’m crazy, wouldn't you? And there are certainly times that you would be right. But there are other times -- like when my son is happily making ‘soup’ with little felted wool vegetables and taking my order at his wooden ‘restaurant’ -- that I know it was the best decision I ever could have made. Truly, I have Natural Pod to thank for our TV-free success -- were it not for their inspiring playstand and creative-play toys we might be sitting around twiddling our thumbs. And somehow I can’t see that going over very well with my son.

Several weeks ago, we were lucky enough to receive a jaw-droppingly gorgeous wooden playstand from Natural Pod. Handmade on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada, this playstand was designed and manufactured exclusively for Natural Pod. And to say that it’s stunning would be an understatement.

Quercetti: Vitamins for the brain

I have been 'blessed' with an early riser, in our 4-year-old Owen.  He frequently is up before even the sun and my husband and I are forever looking for quiet ways to entertain him so that the rest of the house can continue to sleep.  He has a closet full of toys, but they're often loud -- obnoxiously loud, when it's 5 a.m.  We recently received Quercetti's marble run with motorized elevator (MSRP $46.99), from International Playthings, and have finally found the answer to our pre-dawn Owen woes.  Not only is it practically silent, it holds Owen's interest like no other toy we've ever owned ... which, for us, means an extra hour of much-needed, much-deserved sleep. 

Little Tikes Football Training Bouncer: Get your bounce on

When I first saw the Little Tikes Football Training Bouncer one word came to mind ... "WOW!" After I set it up in my backyard I was still saying, "WOW." When I watched my child run through it like she had hit the jackpot, I was still saying, "WOW." And when I took it down (and my child cried watching through the window), yes you guessed it, I was still saying "WOW!" Everything about this outdoor toy screams amazing.

Click continue reading for the entire Little Tikes Football Training Bouncer review.

Think-Ets: For Moms Who Have Got Game

Remember how before you ever had kids you swore you'd be a really cool, really fun mom? The kind of mom who always had a game up her sleeve? And would let her kids have ice cream sundaes for dinner? Well perhaps you might have to forgo the ice cream for dinner but with Think-Ets ($9.99), you can be that cool mom with a game.

This infinitely-entertaining little game literally fits up your sleeve, or in a pocket of any purse. It's open-ended and perfect for travel, waiting rooms, or restaurants. Basically, the game consists of a small pouch filled with tiny, interesting trinkets. There are numerous ways to play - 10 different game instructions are included and when you have exhausted these, you can make up your own games. You can also buy additional trinket "sets". Some of the games suggested include memory/what's missing games, story telling games, sequencing games. All engaging pastimes that have your kids flexing some mental muscle thinking critically and creatively. While having fun!

These are appropriate for ages four and up but you should be aware that as the trinkets are tiny, they are not really for kids under 3. However, school aged kids on up to adults, will find Think-Ets an incredibly amusing diversion that turns waiting time into fun time and turns you, into that cool mom you always knew you'd be. Kudos!

Purchase Think-Ets from the Think-a-Lot website.

Why I bought my… Learning Tower

By CBB Reviewer Stephanie

My son has always been a curious fellow.  When I’m cutting food at the kitchen counter, he wants to help.  When I’m washing my hands at the sink, he wants to know what’s going on.  Like most kids, he likes to be kept informed of his mama’s latest activities.

But that isn’t always easy when you’re about three feet tall.  Which is why we’re constantly thankful for our Learning Tower.  It has been a faithful companion in our kitchen for almost two years and I really don’t know how I would survive without it.

Click Continue Reading for the full review.

Inca Kids: Fair and fashionable stuff for kids

Looking for a gift that stands out? Sick of the mass market and want to give a gift that feels a little more personal, hands on and earth friendly to boot? Inca Kids offers fair trade, hand made and fashionable apparel, accessories, and artisan toys. Their products are made of natural fibers and materials that are their trademark in apparel and accessories.

Their line of toys include more than 25 hand knitted finger puppets characters (from a butterfly to a fireman, a llama to a clown fish), traditional musical instruments. Their charming line of "Arpillera" items include a storybook, a mobile, a backpack, a small bag and tapestries. The "Arpilleras" are exquisitely detailed hand-sewn three dimensional textile pictures that illustrate the stories of the lives of the people in Peru: Stories of planting and harvesting, stories of spinning and weaving wool; stories of country life, of tending llamas, sheep and goats; stories of weddings and fiestas. Their artists painstakingly hand stitch every single detail.

Click continue reading for the entire Inca Kids review.

Bholu: Giving new meaning to giving back

Australian designer Jodie Fried had been living in India for several years on a costume design scholarship when a major earthquake flattened the country's desert region of Gujarat in 2001, killing tens of thousands. Moved by the plight of a people she'd fallen in love with, Jodie soon found herself sifting through the rubble on an aid mission in an impoverished area near the border with Pakistan, where she was charged with the task of rebuilding and decorating the huts which had been destroyed by the quake. Somewhere in the midst of all that destruction, Bholu was born. Says Jodie,   

I experienced amazing hospitality by these incredibly rural and poor traditional people. I became particularly close with the women, whose beautiful traditional embroidery is only really used for their own clothing.

They are amazing women, they have bangles up to their armpits and do their embroidery with a child strapped to their back in low light. Their skill and art amazed me, and I thought immediately: I have to do something with this.

Do something, she did. Bholu produces high-end cushions and throws for adults, but where we think Jodie's company truly shines is with her Bubalah children's range. You don't even have to take my word for it:  Bholu's stuffed toys, swaddling blankets and kids bedsheet/pillow sets are also loved by celebrity moms like Cate Blanchett, Naomi Watts and Toni Colette. What's not to love? The designs are both inspired and inspiring, making Bholu a purchase you can feel good about for years and years to come. 

Click continue reading for the entire Bholu review.

Monster Proof Pajamas: PJ's sure to scare the monsters away

Monsters under the bed, in the closet or, in my daughter's case, in the light fixture ... these are normal childhood fears that cause lots of sleepless nights for both parent and child. An easy way to calm your child's fears is by introducing them to Zam, Zimbo, Zeek, Zelly and Zack, the five members of the monster family who make up The Sleeping Zzzzz©.

Created by Kathy Carabasi, Monster Proof® pajamas and The Sleeping Zzzzz© children's book help ease children's fears of monsters. The book tells the story of the five members of the Sleeping Zzzzz family, each with their unique personality that represents one of the five senses. Each member of the Sleeping Zzzzz family can use their special monster proof power to see, lick, hug, listen for and sniff out monsters.

Click continue reading below for the entire Monster Proof Pajamas review.

blabla: Neat knits for your kid to love

By New CBB Reviewer: Jen W.

I stocked up on way too many knitting materials when I was pregnant. Yes, I was under the very mistaken impression that I’d have the time to create booties, hats, mittens and stuffed animals for my baby girl while she would stare in wild wonder at her Symphony in Motion mobile for hours on end. Well, nothing against that truly fabulous mobile, but it only buys me about 7.5 minutes of freedom. I barely have time to bathe, never mind knit.

Thankfully, there’s a company called blabla that has already made everything I could have hoped to create myself. My daughter has fallen in love with Lulu the Garden Doll, a very silly 24-inch tall colorful creation that looks like it could have been knit by a very cool grandma -- or at least very close to that. Like all of blabla’s beautiful products, Lulu was hand-made by a group of artisan women in a Peruvian village that owner Florence Wetterwald and Susan Pritchett visited on a trip to the country in 2001. At $42, blabla’s dolls aren’t the cheapest toys you can buy for your little one, but it’s guaranteed that she or he will drool over it. And on it, of course, but no worries, the dolls are all machine washable.

You could and would expect such a fabulous line to have a celeb following and they do! Gwyneth Paltrow, Heidi Klum, Tori Spelling, and Adam Sandler are all blabla fans.

Get blabla dolls at local baby boutiques or from the blabla website.

Bronwyn's Note: I, too, am a HUGE blabla fan. We have Leopold (the lion) and he's just so cute and cuddly. The products are VERY well made and I was not disappointed by the money I spent to get one.

Tuthillo: It's a Tooth, it's a pillow...It's Tooth-illow!

What's everyone buying these days for the 5 to 7 year old set? If you can't face another run to the toy superstores to select from a wall of princesses or superheroes, or you're freezing up here in the Northeast and can't imagine shopping beyond your keyboard, here's a fresh gift idea that's unisex and universal:  a plush tooth pillow called Tuthillo ($20 - $30) -- pronounced 'tooth-illow'. The large head or full body versions of these friendly and fuzzy toys have a pocket for both lost teeth as well as the requisite gift from the Tooth Fairy when the tooth is taken to her castle in the sky (is that the story we tell?). Tuthillo is termed a 'Lost Tooth Companion' by this Oregon-based company, who has also coined some sassy t-shirt slogans on their companion clothing line, like "Teeth Come. Teeth Go."  or "Don't Tease a Teether".

While there's often a lot of teething going on at our house, the last tooth lost under our roof was almost two years ago by my 13-year old, so I shared Tuthillo with a friend.  Her 6-year old cooed over it and was digging the tooth-for-money exchange in her neon green pillow.  The tooth fairy/mom said that it was also comforting to her daughter to entrust the precious lost tooth to a friendly alien face, rather than to an envelope or just loosely wrapped under a pillow. While I've stumbled over the name, Tuthillo is a delightful and original creation that is a guaranteed hit with the 'tooth losers' in your life.  Click here to shop the Spring Sale going on now for great deals on Tuthillo!

Bella Tunno: Fashion, function and philanthropy collide

Sometimes a company comes along with a fresh, unique take on a wide range of products, and I recently found one in Bella Tunno. Using patterns that are hip without being brash, and offering items that are needed but surprisingly hard-to-come-by (a stylish play smock where even the pockets are laminated!), Bella Tunno is a great place to visit if you're looking for a knock-your-socks-off gift without a knock-your-socks-off price tag. The company's accessory line has been included in the Golden Globe Awards baby gift bags, the Oscar Gift Basket and the MTV Style Lounge. We recently reviewed several Bella Tunno items -- the Diaper Ditty Wristlet, the Designer Diner Chalk Mat and the Laminated Smock -- and loved all three.

The Play Smock ($30) is the total package -- style and substance! Owen is very much into painting and helping me cook, so his smock (in the Wonder Boy print; See picture above-left) has gotten a lot of use already.  I'm pleased to say that it's held up beautifully. The smock is completely laminated, pockets included, and it's also machine washable. It ties at the back and at the neck, so you get a really snug fit, which I find to be a refreshing change from the traditional loose, bulky smocks that always strike me as awkward on a small child. If you know a budding artist or chef who has no interest in being a wallflower, this would make a great gift. Coco Arquette certainly thinks so!  The 3 1/2-year-old daughter of actors Courteney Cox and David Arquette was recently gifted with one, and in a handwritten note to Bella Tunno, Coco (though we suspect it was written by Courteney!) called Bella Tunno's play smocks a "great idea" that "saves my pretty dresses." 

The Diaper Ditty Wristlet ($36) is a diaper clutch -- part of an emerging trend to minimize the traditional diaper bag for moms who need only the barest of diapering essentials while on-the-go. Ditties unfold to hold a travel case of wipes, a few diapers and some "mom essentials" in a back pocket with Velcro closure.  We tested the 'Animal Chic' print and found the ditty to be both fashionable and sturdy.  And the gold wristlet/loop was a nice, quirky, touch -- Our ditty is hanging on the knob of our coat closet door, just as Bella Tunno intended it to be!  Everywhere I go with the ditty, I get asked about it, and who doesn't love that feeling?

I love the idea behind the Designer Diner Chalk Mat ($22). The Designer Diner is a wipeable playmat ideal for use in restaurants or other public settings, only with a twist -- It reverses to a reusable chalkboard, and comes complete with chalk and detachable chalk holder.  We tested the 'Ocean Breeze' design and it is absolutely adorable. The Designer Diner folds up neatly and could easily be stashed in a large pocketbook, a diaper bag, or even your glove compartment.  It's just the perfect distraction for a fidgety toddler, whether you're waiting for a meal or waiting for a traffic light to turn green.

Founder Michelle Tunno Buelow started Bella Tunno as a means of raising funds to finish her late brother's doctorial project, and although she met that goal in late 2005, her commitment to charitable giving continues. With a stated purpose of proving that "fashion, function and philanthropy can co-exist," Michelle still donates a portion of all proceeds to drug-rehabilitation related organizations in memory of her brother. Bella Tunno's products can be found in more than 1,500 domestic and international upscale boutiques, or ordered online at Bella Tunno. 

Exclusive for CBB Readers: Use code CELEBRITY20 for a 20% discount off your entire purchase.

Yo Gabba Gabba: The popular show and Kidrobot team up

By CBB Guest Reviewer: Julie

Is your child obsessed with Yo Gabba Gabba like mine? If so, KidRobot released Yo Gabba Gabba toys back in November. So if your little one wants to drag Toodee, Foofa, Muno,  Brobee or Plex around with him at all times .. he can!

For those of  you who have no idea what Yo Gabba Gabba is, it's a kids TV show on  Nickelodeon that is sort of Electric Company meets Sesame Street  with a hip-hop edge. Catchy songs, cute characters, great lessons and a little bit of funk go a long way. I love it. They even have celebrities like Biz Markie, Tony Hawk, Elijah Woods and many others doing guest appearances.

Check out www.yogabbagabba.com for more info  about the show, as well as a whole online store where you can buy t-shirts for yours kids...or yourself! Don't kid yourself, this mommy  might be rocking one soon!

Sok-O toys: Where individuality is cherished

I remember as a child watching with awe the first time I saw my mom turn a sock into a puppet. It became a rainy day ritual for my older sister and I, when we could think of nothing else to do, to present our mom with a sock, some buttons and yarn -- and then sit back to watch her work her magic. Having a toy that was handmade just for me felt like a total luxury, even if it consisted almost entirely of a sock. My own two little boys haven't enjoyed that feeling very much or very often for I'm not nearly as handy with a needle and thread as my own mother was. But thanks to Sok-O I don't need to be! 

Sok-O, a group of three Los Angeles-based designers and one designer located in Taiwan, makes fun and funky dolls that are sure to shake up your child's collection of stuffed animals in a big, bold way.  Each toy is created with a pair of socks or, in some cases, one individual sock; Because they are handmade, no two are identical, and each comes complete with its own birth certificate.

Click continue reading below to read the entire Sok-O review and to see a shot from their participation at the Boom Boom Room Event.

Gemmielou: Adorable handmade items

By CBB Guest Reviewer: Julie

Christmas was fast approaching and the one thing that my daughter  kept asking for over and over was a dollhouse. I searched high and  low to find a cute and affordable dollhouse. I found the perfect one,  but the dolls that came with it were hideous. I searched all over online and in stores and found nothing but typical plastic ones that just weren't going to cut it with the super cute wooden dollhouse I found. Then a light bulb went off in my head and I thought to myself "Why haven't I checked Etsy??" So off I went to one of my favorite sites -- www.Etsy.com.

If you haven't been to Etsy yet, beware. It's a site full of super  cute handmade items of all sorts. I did a search and to my surprise I found THE most adorable custom dolls ever at Gemmielou. I fell in love immediately, but wanted something a little different, so I sent a  message to the owner, Gemmie, and asked if she could make me customized dolls to look like my family. Gemmie said she would love to, so I sent her a few photos of us and just a few days later they  were done.

The perfect result is what you see pictured here but the really perfect thing was the look on my daughter's face on Christmas morning -- just priceless! Check out Gemmielou for a full selection of the custom dolls.

Trans Am Sofa from SoFine Kids: The best seat in the house

I have a favorite sofa in my house. Sadly it is too small for me to sit on. But it is just the perfect size for my 3 year old. It is a Trans Am sofa from SoFine Kids. That's right, my boy has a Trans Am!

My son may not be old enough to appreciate the retro chic, automotive-inspired styling and easy wipe-clean vinyl upholstery on his iconic, little sofa. But he's just thrilled to have a perfectly scaled piece of furniture to lounge on. And I imagine, when he sits on his little sofa, he is envisioning himself in the driver's seat.

If you have never laid eyes on SoFine Kids sofas, you had better brace yourself. Three of the site's four sofas are named for classic cars - the Mustang, the Trans Am and the Chevy (pictured on the right). Just looking at them made my heart race. Matching your decor is not an issue as the sofas come in dozens of color choices to suit any gender child and any room color scheme. Choosing just one is the tough part. These sofas are extremely well made and durable, and will make for many fond memories and cherished hand me downs. They are extremely well priced for fine kids' furniture as well - running from $225 to $245. And you'll be happy to hear -- shipping is free!

Baby Jamz toys and music offer an update on the classics

Music World Entertainment and its founder Matthew Knowles -- father of singers Beyonce and Solange Knowles -- created 'Baby Jamz' to provide parents with hip-hop inspired toys and music for preschoolers and babies.  The products are all musical in nature and feature singing by Solange herself, while Solange's 3-year-old son Daniel Julez appears on all product packaging.  The full product line was tested by our soon-to-be 4-year-old son Owen, and our 13-month-old Sam; Each item is available exclusively at Wal-Mart.

The Boppin' Tunes Boom Box ($14.76) is a shape sorter with the added bonus of letting kids 'mix' three nursery rhymes -- 'Hip, Hop Buckle My Shoe,' 'Twinkle, Twinkle' and 'Wheels on the Bus.'  When a child fits the shape in its correct spot, the shape lights up and a short portion of the nursery rhyme is sung; When all shapes are in place, the nursery rhyme is sung in full, in order to motivate sustained play.  A microphone on the side of the boom box allows for three 'add-in' sounds.  Sam liked this toy quite a bit and plays with it pretty happily, especially the microphone buttons.  Designed to look like a DJ, it's a cute toy and we also liked it.  My only complaint would be that because the shapes don't stay securely in their respective spots (as they would with a traditional shape sorter), they're fairly easy to lose, and once they're gone the toy would be essentially useless.

The Move 'N Groove Dance Mat ($19.84) was a little slow to catch on in our house.  Owen loves to dance -- he'll dance in the aisles of the grocery store if the mood strikes -- but he's not really aware of the dance mat concept.  We tried to show him how to use it properly, but he's just not that keyed in yet to the idea of following the beat and using sound effects as an accompaniment.  At the end of the day, he just wants to jump up and down and make noise.  And he made plenty of noise with this toy!  It features three nursery rhymes -- 'Bingo,' 'Mary Had A Little Lamp' and 'This Old Man' -- and seven dance-activated 'spots' on the mat for added hip-hop sounds.  As a general rule, there's not much order in Owen's dancing, and there wasn't much order to the songs he made with the dance mat.  He enjoyed himself, just not really in the way I think the toy is intended. 

The Mix Master Music Chair ($24.77) is designed for children ages 12-36 months.  Sam and Owen both were intrigued by the chair, but what I liked most about it is the height.  At 13-months, Sam isn't really strong enough to sit in a chair on his own -- but the Mix Master Music Chair is low enough that his feet still touch the ground, which in turn kept him relatively steady in the chair.  A large musical note on the chair seat activates the music, and kids can change the song and sound effects by pressing light-up buttons on each arm of the chair.  As with the dance mat, when being used by a baby or toddler, what you’re most often left with is a disjointed jumble of sounds and songs. But both kids like sitting in the chair and that’s good enough for me!

The Jingle and Jam Keychain ($8.88) and Funky Tones Cell Phone ($8.88) are two smaller toys that are perfect for when you’re on-the-go. The keychain, at first glance, isn’t unlike any of the other keychains on the market for babies, except that it offers three buttons which play hip-hop nursery melodies. Not many keychains can say that! The cell phone also plays three nursery rhymes — ‘Old McDonald,’ ‘Buckle My Shoe’ and ‘Mary Had A Little Lamb.’ Although the cell phone appears to have many smaller number buttons, in actuality the songs are activated by pushing one of two larger buttons. Both boys enjoy these toys, especially in the car, and they’re small enough to stash in a diaper bag or purse.

If you find yourself thinking that you can’t possibly sing ‘Wheels On The Bus’ one more time, and you’ve had a tired, boring rendition of ‘Old McDonald’ stuck in your head for days on end, the Baby Jamz Nursery Rhymes CD Volume 1 ($10.47) might be just what you need to break out of the rut. The songs are beautifully sung by Solange Knowles, and they’re so catchy that you really will find yourself bouncing around to nursery rhymes that never inspired you to dance before. All the standards are covered, from ‘Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star’ to ‘Hush Little Baby’ to ‘Skip To My Lou.’ We take this CD with us in the car, Owen listens to it in his room, and wherever its playing I am never unhappy to hear it — which is rare for me when it comes to children’s music. If you have a budding dancer on your hands, or you’re just looking for something different, this CD is a must-have.

Groovy Girls: A great doll for groovy girls

Manhattan Toy has long been known for its soft toys made with non-traditional fabrics and since introducing Groovy Girls in 1998, the line has become one of the most popular toys for girls in the United States and Europe. Since we gave our daughter Catie her very first Groovy Girl she has never left home without her!

Groovy Girls is an integrated lifestyle brand providing products that reflect and appeal to a girl’s sense of fashion and style as well as her many interests.  Each Groovy Girls character has a unique, one of a kind look – just like girls in real life!  The brand encourages developing a girl’s sense of self-identity and individualism, celebrates friendship and diversity and validates the fact that girls are important in the world.

This spirit of individuality is what I like best about these dolls.  Catie’s doll, Shanna (pictured here) loves her baths (just like Catie!) but the dolls come in all colors and, what I like to call “attitudes.”

Though I am not necessarily anti-Barbie, these dolls are a great alternative for parents who are looking for a toy that represents very little other than how fun it is to be a kid.  For a younger child or a child with sensory issues these are great toys that promote tactile sensory because they are made with fabric.

All Manhattan Toy products are innovatively designed to inspire imaginative play and delight and many of their original designs have remained consistently popular for decades.

Shop for Groovy Girls at the Manhattan Toy store.

Toddler toys that delight and stimulate the senses

Bring in the new year with some toys that will stimulate toddlers and get their creative and intellectual skills flowing.

Little ones love computers, especially keyboards. But letting them have free reign of your machine is a scary notion. That’s why LeapFrog invented the ClickStart: My First Computer. You simply plug it into your TV and your child gets to learn valuable computer skills by using the keyboard with fun and interactive features.

If your kid is always trying to get his mitts on your expensive digital camera, consider giving them a Crayola EZ Grip Digital Camera. It features rubber grips for small hands, a 1.3" preview screen, and comes with cool "Color Genie" software that lets them turn their images into stories, printable frames, finger puppets, puzzles and games. Available at Amazon.com.

Simplify typing and mousing for kids with the Crayola Type n Learn Keyboard and EZ Click Mouse. The oversized keyboard comes color-coded to make it easier for children to distinguish among letters, numbers and symbols. You'll be glad to see that it's both PC and Mac compatible. The Mouse is kid-sized and resembles a snow globe with its crayola characters floating within a safe, non-toxic liquid.  Both will be available at Circuit City and www.circuitcity.com.

25 years ago the Care Bears premiered on TV and they became a phenomenon. To celebrate this milestone, PlayAlong has released a limited edition Care Bears: 25th Anniversary Tenderheart Bear. He’s super cuddly with white and fur with a silver nose, belly and eyes. In the packaging is also a never-before-released on DVD Care Bears episode, known as the Lost Episode or the Land Without Feelings.

As your toddler begins to use art tools, they will likely get frustrated while trying to hold the crayons and markers. Little hands aren’t quite developed to hold a thin stick to make marks on paper. Now with Crayola's new Beginnings product line, little hands have a marker, crayon and paint brush they can actually handle. They don’t fall over, they’re completely washable and they come with cute little animal characters on each one.

No more boring stuffed animals - Deglingos rule!

Sufferring from plushy-induced narcolepsy? You know that yawn you stifle at the sight of another generic bear, bunny, etc? Is it too much to ask that your kids toys have a little personality? I'm here to tell you that it's not. Because there is a line of stuffed animals that have personality to spare. One look at the creations called the Deglingos (French for "wild and wacky bunch") and I was smitten. These are the hippest of stuffies. The ones that sit at the back of the bus and throw spitballs at all the goofy characterless bears. And not that I want to raise a ruffian, but I wouldn't mind if my son spent a little more time with these well dressed, witty and creative group of characters.

My son has and adores Big Bos, the wolf, who is the fearless leader of the gang. He's got one leg shorter than the other, a custom tailored pinstriped suit, and the unmistakeable look of lovable trouble. In short, he's irresistable. He just knows he's the coolest stuffie on the shelf.

Other characters in the series that crack me up include a rat, a hedgehog with multifabric fringed frills, and a lobster that looks completely crazed and huggable. All of the toys are made in Europe and comply with the highest safety standards and are tested by an independent lab. The collection uses over fifty fabrics on these animals and their uniqueness gives them a true heirloom feeling. They are also, believe it or not, completely washable. The Deglingos are available at Oompa Toys online - or check the Deglingos site for a retailer near you.

Reviews Roundup: School Zone Products

Ever since I discovered the Let's Get Ready series I have become really big on educationally-themed books and toys.  Over the past year I have been fortunate enough to test out some School Zone Publishing Company products with my daughter, Catie, who is now 2-years-old.

School Zone Publishing Company has been a market leader in children's educational products for over 25 years.  A favorite among both teachers and kids, the product line currently includes almost two hundred educational products.

Here is a roundup of some of Catie's favorites:

Clever Baby Cards (6 mo+)

Even though she was older than the recommended age when we first received them, to this day Catie loves playing with these cards that promote cognitive development.  We keep these at my grandmother's house and it is always the first "toy" she reaches for when we arrive.  If you have a child that loves animals and making their corresponding sounds, this is a great choice.  Catie also went through a stage where she loved pointing to and naming colors and this was a helpful toy for that.

The double-sided cards feature bright colors, fun-to-touch textures, shiny foils, engaging sounds and sturdy, tuggable fabric.  They are designed to enhance story building, pre-reading, fine motor skills, thinking skills and visual perception. This toy, as were all the baby School Zone products, was designed in conjunction with Drs. Jerome and Dorothy Singer of Yale University.

We have the Fuzzy Animal Friends cards pictured here but they also sell Fuzzy Farmyard Friends for kids who are big on saying moooo.... These cards will cost you $15.99.

Clever Baby Cards (9 mo+)
Another one that Catie absolutely loves but that she received when she was way above the recommended age (she was closer to 18-months-old when she received them), these cards are so dear to her that she keeps them in her back-pack -- the one reserved for the kind of toys she needs to have on-hand no matter where she goes.  I will also freely admit that what I love best about this toy is that it keeps her engaged in independent play for a good fifteen to twenty minutes.

These cards are designed to teach object permanence as well as enhance story building, pre-reading, fine motor skills, thinking skills and visual perception. Though she has memorized which "friend" will be hiding under the lift-the-flap card, Catie continues to feign surprise each and every time she plays this game.  I am guessing we'll get another good six months of use out of these cards.

We have the Peek-a-Boo Bear, but they also have bunny and puppy cards.  These will run you $11.99 but are totally worth it.

Peg Puzzle Learning Cards (2 yrs +)
Most kids love peg puzzles and this is the same type of thing just that it's much more compact and since the cards are double-sided, it's like having 12 peg puzzles in one. This is another one that we often take with us out of the house because it's small and easy to keep together. The box closes shut with a magnetic clasp which is another plus because I don't have to help her open it up when she wants to play with it.

This a fun puzzle and I think you can actually get it for a child between about 18 months and 30 months because I remember Catie was already doing well with peg puzzles around that age. These puzzles help teach color and shape recognition, spatial orientation, visual perception and enhance fine motor skills.  Since the Busy Puzzle people all have occupations (you have to match the baker, for example, with the cake), they also teach social studies!

We have the Busy People Puzzle which I actually think you'd get longer use out of but if your kid has a hard time learning Shapes and Colors, you have that option too.  These puzzles cost $10.99.

Get Ready! and I know It! Workbooks (School age children)
School Zone Publishing is actually known best for its workbooks so I thought it would be great to test out one of these products.  I ended up working on one with my 4-year-old godson but liked them so much that I kept a bunch more for Catie since I'm planning on home-schooling her for pre-school.

We tested the Get Ready! Uppercase Alphabet workbook though there are many to choose from. This was a great book where my godson was able to practice his letters by tracing them, with a few activities that he could do on his own as well.  Like I said, we will definitely be going back to these in the future.

Workbooks run about $2.49 each and there are many, many to choose from.  You're best off going to the School Zone site and clicking on products for the age group you are interested in buying for.

Other great products
We also tested out the Infant Mirror Cards, the Flash Cards and the DVD Workbooks. These were all great products and I highly recommend them but because we don't get as much use out of them I didn't give them an individual review. However, I think I can easily say that you will be happy with any School Zone Product you choose. This is definitely a company I plan on buying from in the future.

For more information or to check out all the products visit schoolzone.com.

Exclusive for CBB Readers: Enter cb1207 and checkout for 10% off through December 30, 2007!!!

Playful Chef Kids Cooking Kit from The Chocolate Cake Club

I'm a big fan of kids working alongside parents in the kitchen. It's a great way to bond with your child, great for teaching them science and math (using measuring), will help your child learn how to follow directions, and can just be pure fun!  Cooking with children encourages better nutrition (if your child makes the food, then they will definitely want to eat it!).  You're going to want to check out the Playful Chef Kids Cooking Kit ($42.95) by The Chocolate Cake Club, which comes in a cute vinyl backpack for easy toting or storing.  It's appropriate for children ages 3 to 10. Though, with supervision, I used it with my 2 year old.

Features include:

5 delicious, easy-to-follow laminated recipe cards with illustrations and color-coding

An overview of how to teach your child in the kitchen

Child-sized cooking tools: whisk, spoon, spatula, pastry brush, mixing bowl, timer, baking pan, and safety scissors. Tools are all dishwasher safe.

A cool, brushed denim tool belt apron for easy tool storage and handy access that is adjustable for all sizes

A set of color-coded measuring spoons

A set of color-coded measuring cups

A kid-sized baking pan

A kid-sized mixing bowl

A vinyl kid-sized Playful Chef backpack. There's space on the back of the backpack for your child to write in his or her name.

I tested it out with my two year old son.  He loved using it for pretend play and really, really loved the kid-sized mixing bowl - but if you asked him, he was "mixing trucks and buses" -  not food. I liked that I could clean it easily in my dishwasher. I expect in a few months, he will "help" me in the kitchen with it. I think this is a really practical and fun present. I know that it will get a lot of use in my house - especially since we just renovated our kitchen and now finally have enough counter space to work!

The Chocolate Cake Club, Inc. was created by mom Sue Kirchner. According to the website, Sue's goal was "to create a company that will be a trusted source for products to help busy families ease stress by organizing their busy lifestyle, encouraging kids to be more self-sufficient, maintaining strong family bonds even across distances, and finding must-have gifts and parenting products.We have searched high and low to find the best and highest quality parenting tools and unique gifts so you don't have to. Many of our products are made by Moms and craftsmen."  They have lots of great products for you to check out this holiday season.

Shop http://www.chocolatecakeclub.com/.

Exclusive for CBB Readers: Take 15% off any purchase before 12/24/07.  The code is CELEB15.

Parents Magazine: New toy line just in time for the holidays

With a philosophy of 'when the toy does less, the child does more,' Parents Magazine recently released a variety of new toys for kids aged 12-months to 4-years.  Just in time for the holidays, there really is a little something for everyone!  Our sons Owen (3 1/2) and Sam (1-year) tested five of the toys -- the Under Lock and Key Garage, the Kitty Keyboard, the Letter Tiles Puzzle, the Fruit & Vegetables A-Z Wooden Puzzle and the MyPod MP3: Children's Songs Music Player -- over a period of one week, and overall we would have to give the entire product line a big thumb's up.

Sammy wasted no time getting to work on the Under Lock and Key Garage:  He's never met a car he didn't like.  But he really enjoyed these cars, as they are lightweight (easier for him to push along the floor), colorful and totally bite-able, which is his main prerequisite at this point in time.  The cute three-car garage stores the cars behind a color-coded door; The child finds the color and shape-matching key that will open the correct door, and push a button to propel the cars out of their respective garage. 

The whole 'put-key-in-lock, turn-key, lock-up-the-cars, unlock-the-cars' concept is definitely over his head, but then again, this toy is suggested for an 18-month-old and he's barely one.  That said, Owen was very much into the locking aspect of the toy so it was a great toy for them to play with together.  As anyone with two (or more!) kids knows, finding toys that appeal to different age-ranges is always a big, big bonus -- We'd recommend it for this reason alone.  Also, the fold-away tote-along handle makes transporting the garage super easy.  The Under Lock and Key Garage has a suggested retail price of $19.99, and is available for that price at Target.

The Kitty Keyboard was a big hit with Owen.  It looks great -- definitely a visually appealing toy and it caught the attention of both boys immediately.  The keyboard (which appears in the kitty's grin) features two full octaves of keys that can be played in one of four different instrument sounds, or by pressing the 'meow' button, which plays every note in a different 'meow' sound.  To accompany their own musical creations, tots have the option of several automatic beat buttons, including rock, blues, samba, techno and disco.  The keyboard also has a record and play-back feature and a microphone for sing-a-longs, although the play-back button only records music that is played on the keyboard and not what is being sung.  Finally, the toy offers two prerecorded melody buttons; The first features seven cat-friendly renditions of popular children's songs, while the other offers 20 prerecorded melodies of classics like 'Twinkle, Twinkle' and 'All Around the Mulberry Bush.'

If you have a budding entertainer, this toy is great.  Because there are so many different musical possibilities depending on the selections made, however, it can be a little annoying (imagine techno music blasting while a cat 'meows' 'Mary Had A Little Lamb').  But if the goal is to have an entertained toddler -- as is the case for most of us --   the Kitty Keyboard won't disappoint.  (Suggested retail price:  $30; Available for $28.99 at Target)

Owen immediately took a liking to the Letter Tiles Puzzle.  He loves to do anything that involves letters and he's really excited by the early, early stages of spelling.  If you've got a child who constantly wonders what words begin with what letter, this toy is for you.  It's fairly straightforward:  26 magnetic letter tiles and 4 magnetic design tiles all have a designated spot on the puzzle board...you just match up the tile with its correct location.  Each letter tile has a corresponding image (A for Apple, W, for Wagon, etc. etc.).  On the back is a chalkboard.  Honestly, it seems so basic that I thought for sure he'd tire of it quickly, but one week later, he's still playing with it pretty regularly.  As an added bonus, because the puzzle is magnetized, when it's time for clean-up the pieces stick to the board so you don't have to worry about losing them or spilling them, and they're also use-able on other metal surfaces like the refrigerator.  It's a nice, no-fuss toy that is sure to please a preschooler.  (Suggested Retail Price:  $15; Available for $12.99 at Amazon.com).

The Fruit & Vegetables A-Z Wooden Puzzle got off to a slow start with Owen, probably because he's generally adverse to wooden puzzles where the pieces don't have clearly defined spots.  That said, after three days of showing absolutely no interest in the puzzle, he finally gave it a shot, and he loves it.  It also has an alphabet hook, which we love, and I very much appreciate the interest it generates with regard to the whole concept of fruits and veggies (of which Owen is also traditionally adverse!)  He loved learning about new foods like quince and durian, and how often can you say that about a picky toddler?  (Suggested Retail Price:  $15; Available for $12.99 at Amazon.com).

Danielle adds: Anya has this puzzle too and loves it.  I thought she'd be too young for a puzzle without clearly designed spots (like Missy mentioned) but she's quickly gotten the hang of it.  Also, she's learned vegetable and fruit names that she's never tasted before and is saying the names of those she's never said before. 

Last, but certainly not least, is the MyPod MP3: Children's Songs Music Player.  Sam is very much into nursery songs and butto