New Steiff Bears Range launched for 2011

Steiff is adding to it's organic cotton range of baby toys with two
new characters - Sniffy Mouse and Hoppel Rabbit. Each character is
available in a range of products; cuddly toys, musical mobiles,
comforters which are available in blue and pink. Sniffy Mouse and
Hoppel Rabbit are specifically aimed at babies with their designs
able o take plenty of wear and tear whilst a baby explores them. Both
toys are available in various sizes from 12cm to 28 cm. Steiff place
an emphasise of using safe, high quality material. The organic cotton
is woven at Steiff's own textile factory this allows them to control
all stages of production. The organic cotton has been certified with
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and are tested by
Landesgewerbeanstalt located at Nurnberg (LGA). The new Steiff toys
will be launched for sale in early 2011.

List of Climbing Frames Considerations

Children love playing outdoors, it is fun and essential for them to get their regular exercise. Climbing frames, wooden or metal can provide kids with a focus point for their activity. When planning to buy a climbing frame there are a number of things to consider.

Choosing the Climbing Frame
There are a number of factors to consider when selecting your frame. With proper care and maintenance a climbing frame will last children for many years. It is therefore important to choose a climbing frames that will grow with kids. Some playcentres are specifically made for toddlers and younger children. These playcentres which are fun for toddlers and younger children are all well and good but they will be outgrown and eventually become pretty much redundant in the garden. Although they will retain some sell on value if they are treated well of course. If you want to the climbing fame to retain it's usefulness as children grow then it is worth looking at more modular design. Many of these types of climbing frames start in quite a basic form but further attachments can be added to them; slides swings, playhouses, and monkey bars to name but a few. It is always good to ask the children that the set is being bought for what they would enjoy playing with. After all it is for their benefit and they might be more inclined to use it if their input is considered.

Metal or Wooden Framed
Depending on the placement, aesthetics can be an important issue. While traditional metal frames cost less, the more modern wooden sets are designed for aesthetic reasons as well as for sustainability and fun. Some of the frames offer ample room to include bridges, tunnels, forts, and other components that can make the unit welcoming to more children, perfect for large groups of kids.

Typically, wooden climbing frames are more costly that their metal cousins, but they are designed to last  a generation, so if you hope to use the centre for a lengthy time, it may be worth the additional cost. If you plan to keep it long enough to entertain older kids, be sure that you choose one that will handle the weight of larger kids. In general, wooden climbing frames can much greater weights and rougher play sessions than metal climbing frames.

Safety Comes First
The most important factor in choosing a climbing frame is safety. Be sure that you assemble it according to the manufacturer's instructions and consider the laws with regards to placing of such products. Also allow plenty of space around the climbing frame to avoid injuries if they fall backwards off the frame. Once you have the frame in place, establish a few rules that will help your children to play safely. Young children should be supervised by an adult at all times, and even older children need to know that if they don't follow the safety rules, they will not be allowed to use the playhouse or climbing frame. They should not be used in stormy or wet weather, and each component should be used only for its intended purpose. The chances of injury increase dramatically when children are allowed to run up and down slides or engage in other behaviours other than what the manufacturer intended.

Maintenance of the Frame
Metal and wooden climbing frames, although built to withstand rough play may require occasional maintenance to keep them safe. Both types of playcentres will need to be checked periodically for any loosened nut and bolts, screws or worn parts that might need fixing or replacing.

Assembly Required
All parents have encountered the dreaded words, "some assembly required," and know that the phrase realistically translates into, "lots of assembly required." Before beginning the project, be sure that you have all of the required tools and supplies. keep in mind that some large activity gyms should be stabilised by inserting the legs into poured concrete. Familiarise yourself with the assembly instructions before you begin. Also, know that in some areas, a building permit may be required.

Be warned if you plan to erect the set particularly wooden climbing frames it might take longer than you think and you may require some help. Many retailers offer delivery and assembly service for these reasons for an additional fee. It is imperative that the centre is constructed in a safe and considered way otherwise a child's safety might be at risk.

Asobi Ready to Celebrate Their Second Birthday

In January 2011, Asobi will be celebrating their second birthday. Asobi, who are known for their eco-friendly lines of products have aquired new lines to distribute. Baghera who distribute retro metal pedal cars were taken on in September 2010. Baghera will use Asobi as the exclusive UK and Ireland  distributor. This will enable Baghera to distribute their products around their customer base far more easily. From December Asobi will also distribute Boikido toys in the UK, the Boikido range feature wooden toys which have key educational and fun qualities. And finally Asobi will also distribute Marc Vidal products, which are a range of pocket money toys that have retro styled packaging. The range is already widely appreciated in the US, Australia and Japan.

Fiesta Crafts Release New Cuddles Range of Puppets Squeakers and Pyjama cases

The new Cuddles range by Fiesta Crafts is a range of puppets, squeakers and pyjama cases that are aunching this month. The Fiesta Crafts Cuddle range featuresfarmyard animals including sheep, cow, and duck, toddlers will love to snuggle up to the warmth of the cddle material. Cuddle puppets are ideal for babies and toddlers to interact with and be entertained. The cuddles toys are made from super soft fabric.

Also in the range are squeekaboos which come in the form of a duck, sheep, rabbit and mouse, ideal for playing peek-a-boo with. These too are made from super soft fabric.

The cuddly pyjama cases are a standard pyjama case combined with a soft and cuddly plush toy. Also planned for 2011 is a new range of Doowell magnetic colour-in games and educational charts. Also building on the success of the Tellatale Theatre range will be the Fiesta Crafts Doorway Theatre adding to the hand and finger puppets already produced.

Considering a Wooden Sand Pit for the Garden

Childrens wooden sand pits can be a great toy that will keep kids entertained for hours outside. There are many childrens wooden sand pits available on the market these range greatly in their size and price. However there are a number of thing that should be taken into consideration before buying a sand pit.
Do you want to move the sand pit? Is thee sand pit to be set in a permanent place or does it need to be packed away after usage or move it out of the sun? If you do then you will probably do well to avoid a large wooden sandpit.
What size should the sandpit be? Are you restricted for space, or are there 1,2,3 or more children that need to use the pit. What kind of activities will be taking place in the wooden sand pit. The larger the sand pit the more fun and activities can be enjoyed whilst using it. Try to make sure the sand pit is of an adequate size to accommodate these requirements, this will ensure that the maximum amount of fun will be had.
What age are the children that are going to use the sand pit? Bigger children obviously means they are going to require a bigger one for example, plum large octagonal sandpit which also has seats. Whilst if you are buying for a toddler then you might consider investing in a small plastic sand pit at first. If you plan to use the toy for a number of years then you might want to consider a wooden sand pit to invest in, which tend to be far more durable compared to their plastic counterparts and some have lids and cover to protect them against the worst of the winter weather.
Your Budget? This is probably going to be one of the biggest concerns. Sand pits vary greatly in price, from cheap plastic to bespoke wooden and concrete varieties. Remember buying too cheap might mean an inferior product which might be fragile, have sharp edges or be made from cheap materials, for instance.
Correct Sand? You can buy play pit sand that has been cleaned thorougly and is suitable for children to use. Do not be tempted to use sand from a builders merchants. This type of sand may have been treated chemically and it can have a strong pigment to it that can stain.

Choosing Between Sandpits for Children

There are many sandpits for children available which you can choose from. Children's wooden sand pits can be a great toy that will keep kids entertained for hours outside. However there are a number of thing that should be taken into consideration before buying sandpits for children and accessories. Do you want to move the sand pit? Is thee sand pit to be set in a permanent place or does it need to be packed away after usage or move it out of the sun? If you do then you will probably do well to avoid a large wooden sandpit. What size should the sandpit be? Are you restricted for space, or are there 1,2,3 or more children that need to use the pit. What kind of activities will be taking place in the wooden sand pit. The larger the sand pit the more fun and activities can be enjoyed whilst using it. Try to make sure the sand pit is of an adequate size to accommodate these requirements, this will ensure that the maximum amount of fun will be had. What age are the children that are going to use the sand pit? Bigger children obviously means they are going to require a bigger one for example, plum large octagonal sandpit which also has seats. Whilst if you are buying for a toddler then you might consider investing in a small plastic sand pit at first. If you plan to use the toy for a number of years then you might want to consider a wooden sandpit to invest in, which tend to be far more durable compared to their plastic counterparts and some have lids and cover to protect them against the worst of the winter weather. Your Budget? This is probably going to be one of the biggest concerns. Sand pits vary greatly in price, from cheap plastic to bespoke wooden and concrete varieties. Remember buying too cheap might mean an inferior product which might be fragile, have sharp edges or be made from cheap materials, for instance. hildrens wooden sand pits can be a great investment that can give years of creative play value.

Safe Wooden Rocking Horses for Toddlers

ne traditional toy that is still loved today are rocking horses. Wooden rocking horses were first made approximately two hundred years ago becoming more and more popular amongst the middle classes through the 19th century. During the industrial revolution rocking horses manufactured in London, England became the most desirable with the dapple grey variety even being given royal approval by Queen Victoria herself. As the 19th century progressed so rocking horses became increasingly popular across the world as a 'must have' toy for any affluent household with children. This trend has continued through the 20th and into the 21st century. Traditional wooden rocking horses are highly desirable but would probably prove to be far too expensive for the average household and are very much the reserve of the wealth. The traditional rocking horse style makes them very heavy and somewhat like a piece of furniture that needs space around it so that it can admired for it's craftsmanship as much as it's use as a toy. The whole idea of a rocking horse has of course manifested itself into many forms and formats over the years. In newer designs there has been a move away from the bulky wooden horse to more lightweight designs that can be picked up and moved around far more easily. There are also designs of rocking horses for toddlers that are situated far closer to the ground making them safer and with a flat seat and back support much easier for a toddler to sit on. There are various manufacturers that produce rocking horses for toddlers many of the horses produced are more caricatured than actually aiming to sculpt a horse's head and body in a more realistic form. They can take on the look of other animals as well as like cows or elephants, these ride-on-toys are more fun to play with and can sometimes accommodate 2 or more children. All in all wooden rocking horses have always been loved by children the main difference now is that the principle mechanism of how they work has been evolved allowing them to be used by many other children.

Traditional Wooden Rocking Horses More Akin To Furniture

Always iconic, wooden rocking horses in some ways resemble a piece of furniture to be admired more than a toy that a child would use on a day to day basis. Having said that rocking horses have developed over the years to become much more fun and safe. Some of the designs available represent modern styled furniture - layered ply that has been curved to form undulating shapes that are smooth to the touch. Rather than the traditional style of rocking horse that more closely resembles it's living subject. Fine crafted detail that follows the lines and form of a real horse with a flowing mane and tail. Although traditional style wooden rocking horses are still made their high cost often puts them out of the range of most people. The modern variety that have utilised different materials that are cheaper can be manufactured far cheaper and are much more available to households with more modest incomes.

Why Buy a Pull Along Toy for a Toddler

It is important to choose good toys for children to use as they develop from a baby to a toddler to child. One such toy is a pull along toy this is one of the most basic toys that can be provided to a child but also one of the most rewarding. By the age of 18 months most toddlers can walk quite well. At this age a children's pull toy can start to be used as it was intended to be and can be a lot of fun for a child. The pull along toy will help them to develop balance and coordination as they take their new friend on various trips. There are also wooden push along toys available which normally consists of the wheeled toy but instead of a string there is a wooden handle attached that allows for it to be pushed rather than pulled. Sometimes a baby that is turning into a young toddler may find a push toy easier to cope with depending on their abilities.

Browny A Pull Along Dog with Style

There are many pull along dogs available for children. Many of them are made of wood and have little clever features that make them different from each other. Pull Along Pals are large semi-realistic dogs that flex in the middle making them easy to go walking with. Browny by Djeco has to be the cutest pull along dog with a solid body, crazy flapping ears and fast wagging tail. all packaged up with a bright pink details and wheels.

Inspiring Wooden Pull Along Toys by Djeco

Djeco make some wonderful pull along toys that are quirky and fun. Each pull toy has a unique style and look that places them above many of the other pull along toys on the market. For example, Maggy, this beautifully decorated cow is made from solid wood. When she is pulled the bell rings on the tail, her head jiggles and her eyes roll, which makes for a unique pull along.

There is also Browny, who is a delightful puppy sized pull along dog made from wood. When he is pulled the tail wags, tongue swings from side to side and eyes roll. The combination of bright colours make s him a stand out dog toy.

Djeco make many more pull and push along toys for children and toddlers.

Environmentally Friendly Wooden Pull Along Toys Manufacturers

As children learn to play so the toys that they are introduced to can become fundamental in their wider understanding of the world and their development both physically and mentally. There is a myriad of toys available for children. Some are good and some are bad (literally). This means that it can prove to be a minefield for parents when choosing toys for their little ones and trying to make the right choice for them so they can benefit in an educational way. One way to choose is to look at manufacturers to see how they stand up in the market place and to see what awards and accolades they have won. Plan Toys is one such company that has high credentials in a world of toys that are often resource intensive and are produced purely for profit. Plan Toys make wooden toys that are fun, educational and environmentally friendly like wooden pull along toys for toddlers. The education wooden toys for children that they produce are incredibly well made with the timber used being sourced from sustainable rubber tree plantation that have reached the end of their usable life. Plan have won many awards through the years and in many way lead by example as to what responsible toy manufacturing is all about. There are other manufacturers such as I'm Toy who run a very similar model.

Wooden Swings, Play Centres and Climbing Frames for Smaller Gardens

Having a small garden does not mean that your outdoor space has to be small on ideas for your children. There is no need to limit your space to a small lawn or bare concrete with no wooden swings or climbing frames or no visual interest or activity for the kids. With a little thought and effort you can transform your space into something that is usable and enjoyable for your children. Wooden swings and climbing frames come in a wide range of shapes and size and some of those forms are on the smaller side. For example Plum Product have a couple of climbing frames thaat fit into smaller gardens. Firstly there is the Plum Steenbuck Play Centre which is a great wooden activity play centre and slide with play den, canopy and play decks. The frame encourages outdoor play and exercise and is great fun when friends come to play. Made from premium FSC certified timber with a manufacturers warranty against wood rot and insect damage. And there is the Plum My First Play Centre which is a great play climbing frame for younger children. As it is a low structure ground anchors are not required. The set has a generous play den, rock climbing wall and 4ft slide. This play centre will certainly encourage outdoor play and exercise. Made with FSC certified timber and a manufacturers warranty against wood rot and insect damage.

Wooden Bookends for Children by Orange Tree Toys

We have now taken delivery of our full range of  Wooden Bookends for Children. Many have matching themes and can make an excellent addition to any child's playroom or bedroom.

I'm Toy Cook Shop and Play Wooden Toy Kitchen

I'm Toy Cook Shop and Play is a clever multi-functional wooden toy kitchen set for children that trebles up as a shop front and a puppet theatre. With the splashback attached, there are shelves and hooks to place kitchen essentials on, whist underneath there is a hob, sink and oven to keep any pretend cook busy. Remove the splashback and the top part of the frame becomes a window to sell pretend food from which can be decorated with the printed board and material provided to form a shop canopy and signage. Take the material down, slip it onto one of the horizontal rods, turn round the signage and you have a curtained puppet theatre. The I'm Toy Cook Shop and Play is made from sustainable Rubberwood and built to withstand years of play and represents great value for money.

Tellatale Puppet Theatre and Shop

On trade bestseller lists and listed in The Times Online’s top 10 Christmas Gifts for Children, the highly imaginative Tellatale Puppet Theatre & Shop from Fiesta Crafts is the ultimate in role-play fun. This multi-award winning toy needs only to be turned around to combine two all time favourite children’s traditional role-play activities.
Children will love the two delightful play possibilities of the easy-to-construct wood and fabric theatre: On one side it’s a glamorous, colourful theatre stage, complete with high quality tie-back curtains, star-print front cloth and ruffled valance with detailed theatre-masks motif. On the other side is a bold red and white themed traditional shop front. Both the theatre and shop can be constructed as a table top theatre too. Suitable for ages 3 to 8 and equally suitable for boys and girls, it complements the popular Tellatale Puppets range.

Bunny Family Holiday Pull Along by Fiesta Crafts

Highly Commended, Best Gift for Kids 2009, Giftware Association; Recommended - Good Toy Guide 2009. featured in Prima Baby November 2009

The Bunny Family Holiday Pull along car and caravan from Fiesta Crafts has wowed the judges who named it ‘Highly Commended’ in the Best Gift for Kids category at the 2009 Giftware Association’s (GA) awards.

The soft toy open top car and caravan with rolling wooden wheels and an adorable family of soft toy rabbits beat off strong competition from hundreds of entrants to make it to the final three of this prestigious honour. To achieve this status, products must not only be ‘original, innovative gifts’ but must also ‘demonstrate their commercial viability’.

The zip-open caravan has everything needed for a road trip adventure: a fold down bed, kitchen and lounge area. Holding the soft toy carrot on the cord, children can take their Bunny family on a special holiday or play with car and caravan separately. After play, both the car and the bunnies can be stored easily inside the caravan. The Bunny Family Holiday not only provides loads of imaginative play at home and on long trips it also cleverly captures the trend that has seen a massive growth of UK families choosing a caravanning holiday.

I'm Toy Animal Construction Train Pull Toy

A multi-learning pull along train that features 4 coaches carrying a colourful character in each. The coaches of the train come apart and their different textures and functions can be explored. The I'm Toy Animal Construction Train is a well made wooden toy that that has many uses and has great play value.

Pull Along Dog

Sit n Walk puppy is a pull along dog that has a white body with brown patch detail. With fabric ears and rubber trimmed wheels, Sit 'n' Walk Puppy follows obediently where ever he might be lead. When moving along the dog wobble around on his wheel, when stationary he naturally sits up to look up at his owner.

I'm Toy Wooden Birthday Cake

This children's wooden birthday cake has six slices with a pretend candle on each. Great for a pretend party, use the knife to cut through the velcro joined slices and serve some birthday cake to the guests.

I'm Toy Wooden Pizza

Made from Rubberwood, the wooden pizza by I'm Toy is a detailed pretend food. Add the toppings you desire, pretend to cook, then use the pizza cutting wheel to cut through the velcro joined slices ready for serving. The toy pizza play food set also has a board for the pizza to sit on.

Plan Toys Green Dollhouse

The Plan Toys Green Dollhouse features a wind turbine and a solar cell panel with electrical inverter for generating electricity, a rain barrel for collecting rain, a green facade which helps control the appropriate temperature of the house, and a shade canopy that can be pulled down preventing or allowing the wind and sunlight coming through. All furniture including recycle bins are included in the set. The Green Dollhouse is designed to help children learn how to lead a more eco-friendly lifestyle.

Plan Toys Garage

The Plan Toys Garage is equipped with three floors of parking space, an elevator tower, and helipad. The set includes a figure, car, petrol station and car wash

Suitable for children aged 3 years and over.

Childrens Wooden Toys for Babies and Toddlers

Here you will find numerous wooden toy resources and products for children. Including wooden toys and outdoor toys. Included in this blog are items about play and pretend food, children's kitchen toys, bookends and hanging mobiles, train sets and train track, rocking horses balance bikes, pedal trikes and scooters. Not to mention; alphabet blocks, books, building blocks, baby toys, toddler push along toy, dolls and doll houses, prams and buggies, wheeleybugs and baby gifts.