Baby can squish, squash, crumple, shake and twist this fascinating toy to their heart's content, and it will always retain
its original shape. The
Manhattan Skwish
is designed to appeal
to a baby's insatiable curiosity about interacting with the physical
environment - grasping and playing with objects allows them to explore
their world and form an idea of their place within it and the ways in
which they can affect it.
We have one of these in the toy box and I
must say its one of the first toys my baby goes for. The elastic
structure makes for a fluid and changeable form, without the
worry that it will be easily broken. It is adorned with brightly
coloured wooden beads and simply bounces back into shape when
manipulated. No wonder the Skwish is an award winner! It's been
delighting babies around the world for over a decade.
Local postage is free and it comes in a useful calico bag from
My Wooden Toys. The Skwish costs $26.50 and is the perfect xmas present.
What better way to coerce your child into a fulfilling career as a
medical professional than to give these astonishing plushies from
I Heart Guts.
Yep, they're actually anatomical
organs - liver, heart, kidney and lung - fashioned into plush toys.
Starting out with just one t-shirt, the founder is an illustrator
captivated by all things to do with the body. Indeed I Heart Guts
succeeds in offering "the best in stoopid slogans paired with happy
gloppy guts." Well that's one way of putting it!
A quick navigate around the beautifully built website uncovers a wealth of information about organs and their functions,
making it super fun for kids and adults alike to get in touch with their innards.
There's even a photo album of the guts travelling the world! Each design is accompanied by a cheesy slogan - "I'm a liver, not
a fighter." - sure to elicit groans or chuckles, depending on the person. Also check out the fab tees, baby apparel, tote bags,
stickers, buttons and original artwork - you'll find something for everyone!
These slightly gross, immensley funny plushies are available from
I Heart Guts at US$18 each or US$68 for
the set of 4.
The Sounding Marble Tree
is a beautiful version of the car ramps we've all seen at the toy
shops. Drop a marble in and down it goes,
weaving down to the bottom of the tree. The notes created
by marbles dropping on wooden leaves is pleasing to all ears,
and a much welcome change
from the grating electronic noises of today's toys.
Developing hand-eye co-ordination, this magnificent multicoloured
tree is also eco-friendly. Swiss-designed, it's made from paper
mill remnants and treated with flax seed oil - no nasty chemicals.
This is a gift that's sure to have longevity with both its aesthetic
and aural beauty.
From
Greenfeet for US $47.95.
They will ship internationally.
Haba are one of the biggies when it comes to toy and game manufactures and they have a great range suitable for all ages. As part of their collection, they have the grocery range which offers a wide variety of toy grocery items for those whom love to play shop, set up play dinners, feed their dolls etc. - check out the Biofino Hamburger and French Fries.
Made of felt and velour, the buns are magnetic, so they can dissect the burger, take out all the pieces and put back together again all the time having great fun with different combinations. Same with the fries, take them out and divide them between play friends and enjoy the feast! Included in the Grocery Store range are other interactive items such as fried eggs, vegetables, fruit, ice-cream set, milk cartons, lollies – pretty much anything you can buy in a real supermarket.
Burger & Fries available through Toys Anywhere for $22.50.
There’s
nothing quite like nestling down with your child and sharing a
great book. We all want to encourage our children to really value this
quiet time and when they’re just starting out, interactive graphic
picture books are a great way to engage their interest.
Netherlands textile designer Esther Schuivens ofEsthexbases her book and toy designs on her own childhood drawings. As a result, the characters are made up of
simple bright geometric shapes that are easily recognisable. Take a
look at the gorgeous felt and fleecefabric book-
fish, bird, mouse, lamb and monkey jump out from the page with their
fun colours and clean design. A book not only to read but it also
offers great tactile stimulation for younger readers who can cuddle
their favourite animals.
Esthex also offer a great range of gorgeous colourfuldollscutely
accessorised with cool bags and shoes and with names such as Molly and
Marie (my favourites) - you’ll think they’re pretty cute too! Also
available are animal dolls, wall stickers, hand puppets, linens,
mobiles and baby accessories, again all based on Esther’s childhood
drawings.
Available online atTwig, book is US$70 and dolls US$42.
