What child doesn't love to pretend play? Honestly, the best thing I ever did was move my girls' wooden toy oven in the room right next to our kitchen. It's loaded with wooden fruits and veggie, utensils, pots & pans and mini oven mitts (of course). It has saved many of my dinners from becoming disasters by being the best distraction for Clara. Plan Toys has got to have the best array of wooden toys and that little grocery cart might be coming home with me.
How fantastic is the Skullcave by Our Childrens Gorilla?! It's a lightweight, portable play-hut that rolls up into a compact cylinder when it's time to stash away in the closet. This would be a hit in our house, I'm sure.
The French company, Carton Chic, is certainly living up to its name. Do you recall turning cardboard boxes into an imaginary escape as a child? The possibilities were limitless. I remember making a spaceship, a house, a refrigerator...you name it. That's why I was immediately crazy about Armelle's fresh take on cardboard creativity. These cardboard pieces are reminiscent of the classic puppet theatre but instead it's a TV on one side and a kitchen on the other...fun!
Imee began making her Indian Parade Elephants following a lecture she attended about the benefit of toys that encourage imagination and pretend play. This also coinciding with the toy production scares in China. Imee makes her elephants and dolls with the finest materials and adornments so that the final results are these beautiful little creatures. And the best part: a portion of proceeds from the elephant sales will be donated to the Elephant Sanctuary where elderly zoo and circus elephants retire in open pastures and comfort. I love hearing this -- especially since these majestic animals are dear to my heart.
In our home, my girls love to pretend cook while I attempt to throw together a real dinner. So much so, that I moved the play oven right next to the kitchen. Doodlebug Finery has some of the most adorable felt food for pretend play...cafe salad, chips and breakfast are currently on the menu. Handcrafted from a mother who makes these wonderful things while her daughter sleeps. 
I took a teeny break from posting last week because I was a bit exhausted from a teething child and was also directing my focus into illustrating some things that have been on my mind. I will be happy to share what I've come up with in a few weeks.
Anyhow, a toy rickshaw for kids wouldn't exactly be something I would expect; however, much to my surprise, one actually exists and it's rather brilliant. Haba's Rickshaw Sulky has already won two design awards -- so there must be something to it.
A tent isn't just a tent anymore. Sure, it gives you shelter but now you can take cover in a baroque floral pattern, a modern geometric or stripes. Two creative moms from Texas, Andria & Brooke, created their company Lucy & Michael (their kids' names) so a tent can blend beautifully with the mohair armchairs in your living room.
