droolicious : play

Etsy Alert: Sweet Assorted Cupcakes of the Felt Variety

SunnyChanel — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 05:17:00 GMT

My daughter is going through a stage. The cupcake stage. Everyday, without fail, she requests a cupcake of some sort. I’ve tried to pass off bran muffins, low-sugar carrot cake as the coveted cupcakes, but she’s too smart to fall for my replacements. Now I think it could be time to try a cupcake of the inedible but yet still deliciously cute variety.

Etsy crafter Mommy24cs has created this set of You Pick Four- Felt Assorted Cupcakes. When you order this set you can pick between the following frostings white, brown, pastel orange, pink, baby blue, yellow, light purple, or mint green. Perfect for tea parties, play kitchens or just as a substitute for the real, sugary, thing. You can pick up a set here for $20.

Take Tea Time Up a Notch

SunnyChanel — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 04:38:00 GMT

About four or five times a day I go thru the same ritual. The toddler tea party. As much patience as I attempt to possess during the pretend pouring and sipping, it would be great to push tea time up a notch. And I think I figured out how, with the Kid Kraft Prairie Tea Set.

This isn’t just the cups and saucers like we use now, this set includes sugar cubes, tea bags and mixing spoons. It takes the tea party to a whole new seeping and stirring level. Plus it’s pink, brandished with hearts and cute. That will make it an instant hit. Enjoy your own tea time from Amazon on sale for $18.08 (regularly $30.90) here.

Play Cops and Robbers for a Steal – 50% Off

SunnyChanel — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 18:30:00 GMT

Who wants to go to jail? With this set, pert near everyone will. You can get a steal on this old school Police Station from Pottery Barn Kids is a solid wood structure that has it’s own jail cell, windows, a working front door, and some quaint painted details.

But will your kid be a cop or a robber (which are sold separately)? This 22 x 11 x 18 play set was originally $99 but it now on sale for half off at $49.99. Check out the police station here, don't worry there won't be mug shots or fingerprinting.

Play with a Piece of Pisa

SunnyChanel — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 01:58:00 GMT

Forget those regular old building blocks. B-O-R-I-N-G. What you need for your little one is a set of wood blocks that will create not just some regular fort or castle. No, this set lets you create your own Leaning Tower of Pisa by HABA. This set comes with 27 pieces in 10 different shapes. It has some chocking hazards so it’s for the over three building crew. You can create your own landmark here for $42.74.

Let Them Be Their Own (Caped) Heroes

Whit Honea — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 13:02:00 GMT

Few things embody the joys of childhood like a cape trailing in the wind behind every great jump or wrapped snugly around every warm hug. A cape opens the mind to possibility and turns a child's thoughts to conquests for justice and freedom. The "I Am My Own Hero" cape (and mask) from Bodemi is made for inspiring playtime and encouraging flights of fancy.

The friendly people of Bodemi, including designer Boren Lon, were on hand at the Boom Boom Room Charity Event (supporting Los Angeles area Foster Children and the Jayneoni Moore Children’s Fund) to showcase their fun line of apparel and accessories. Everything they create is designed to "embrace the lifestyle of children" and we tend to agree with them.

The capes were a big hit. Even now they are a blur of flying color as my boys rush onward into the promises of their imagination while leaving echoes of laughter and the seeds of memories in their wake. Their capes look fantastic.

Have a Ball and Try for Your Own World Record

SunnyChanel — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 18:36:00 GMT

In San Francisco's MIssion District, there is a little liquor store called Pride Superette where a gigantic rubber band ball resides. It’s probably about four feet in diameter. You have to carefully navigate around this quest for Guinness Book of World Records fame to get to the cash register.

Now you can strive for your own quest for super star balldom, or to make a ball to just to play with, using the Band Buddies – Make Your Own Rubber Band Ball Kit which you can pick for $6.95 here. The starter kit comes with a small rubber band and enough rubber bands to get you rolling. World Record not included.

The Cuteness of Kiki

SunnyChanel — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 17:30:00 GMT

I love the odd doll. Plastic, generic playthings don’t do much for me. That’s why this Kiki doll by the European based Madame Mo caught my eye. She’s cute, mysterious and yes, a little odd. Kiki comes in three designs all made in remnant reminiscent fabrics. You can pick up your own Mo… I mean Madame Mo here for £20.00 (or $30 American).

Would You Spend $2000 on A Tepee?

SunnyChanel — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 23:45:00 GMT

Would you spend $2000, actually $2200, on a tepee for your kids? Yeah, me neither. But if you do a thing for tepees of an heirloom quality and you just happen to have that kind of money burning a hole in your pocket, you can pick up this tepee from Design Within Reach.

What makes this structure have such a high price tag? This top of the line tepee was designed Dave Ellis who started creating his own line of tents and tepees way back in 1982. He uses exceptional materials and the construction provides proper ventilation, is flame resistance and has reinforced stress points. It has a sewn-in floor that provides proper air flow and protects the interior from the elements. Yeah, I love a good old-fashioned tepee as much as the next person but for $2200? I wish they’d get rid of one of those zeros and they’d have a deal. You can check it out here.

Picnic 101

SunnyChanel — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 03:00:00 GMT

Since it’s far too cold to have a real picnic in the great outdoors, now would be a perfect time to indoctrinate your child in the fine out of outdoor dinning…indoors, courtesy of the My Picnic from Djeco. The kiddy sized picnic basket includes two place setting (plates, bowls, utensils, napkins and cups) along with a placemat. Great practice for when the snow melts and it’s warm enough to have a genuine culinary adventure in nature, but in the meantime, pretend picnics are just as fun. You can pick this set up here for $49.99 (regularly $65).

Chew On This Art

SunnyChanel — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 00:15:00 GMT

Fingerpaints? Boring. Crayons? So yesterday. Chalk? Been there, done that. What art kit will keep your little artist busy, amused and utilizing a material that not only uses their artistic instincts but their chewing power? The Chew-By–Numbers GumArt Tulips. The kit includes GumArt numbered canvas, gum, gum reference guide and gum chewing and spreading instructions. It’s a chewy good time. There is also a sugar-free design if you want something a bit more tooth friendly. You can pick one up here for $14.99.

Yup, This is a Fairy Door

SunnyChanel — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 19:00:00 GMT

The whole fairy thing has completely blindsided me. My daughter suddenly believes that fairies live among us: here, there and everywhere. The last thing I want to do is plaster her walls and room with fairy memorabilia. But this simple Heart Elfin Door takes a more imaginative and interesting approach to the gateway to fairyland.

This 8” resin door can stick to any neighborhood tree, where fairies tend to hang out of course. The “legend” is that only fairy can open the door, and only at night when little ones are fast asleep. To add a wee bit of ye olde magic to your tree, pick one up here for $12.98.

Star Baby: Kingston is on a Roll

SunnyChanel — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 01:46:00 GMT

Looks like someone got something shiny and new for Christmas. Two ½-year old Kingston, the son of Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale, showed off his new ride this week in Beverly Hills. Here he’s pedaling away confidently on his Trek Jet 12 2008. This study in steel bike for kids is a great step up from a tricycle. It comes with training wheels and a chain guard so they can learn safely how to ride a two-wheeler. You can pick one up from Goodale’s Bike Shop here for $179.99.

Professor Plum Gets Fancy

SunnyChanel — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 15:30:00 GMT

I come from a game playing family. So I cannot wait until my young daughter can delve into something with just a little bit more depth than Candyland. And I mean that literally.

Clue was one of the first “big kid” game I played, and I'll always have a soft spot for it. The Clue Premier Collector’s Edition is a three-dimension rendering of the famous (and dangerous) manor. The nine rooms are sunken into the ‘game box’ and are detailed to represent each environment. This is an exclusive to Restoration Hardware and is now on sale for $125.99 (regularly $159). Just watch out for Colonel Mustard and that candlestick of his.

Recommended for 8+

The Crayon Apron Keeps Them in Line

SunnyChanel — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:00:00 GMT

In my house, there is always a stray crayon here, there, and everywhere. I dream of a day where they all stay in one place (and in one piece). The Crayon Apron has the potential to do just that. This adorable artist apron will neatly hold 24 crayons in the each of the 24 little pockets. Plus the apron is cute too with it’s retro old school style. You can pick one up here for $25.

A Toy Piano? Nah, Go With a Cathedral Organ

SunnyChanel — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 15:00:00 GMT

Yeah, this ain’t your everyday toy piano, this one is akin to a religious experience…being that you usually encounter one in a church. This is a mini child size cathedral organ that “features a sturdy keyboard combined with world-famous, precision-tuned Woodstock Chimes.” It comes with a songbook to teach your child a collection of simple songs. Next stop St. Patrick Cathedral. For age 4 and older. You can get one here from the Met Museum store for $60.00.

Star Baby: How Does Jessica Alba Keep Her Baby Busy?

SunnyChanel — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 17:19:00 GMT

Jessica Alba was out and about with her husband Cash and daughter Honor in LA the other day. How does this Hollywood couple keep their baby busy? With the ever popular Whoozit by Manhattan Toy. My daughter had one when she was a baby and loved the action packed plush Whoozit. It rattles, it squeaks, it crinkles, and it also has oodles of bright colors and patterns to keep them visually busy as well. It attaches to your baby’s stroller, which makes for some busy time for those family outings. You can get one for you babe here for $24.

A House for All Your Fairies

SunnyChanel — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 23:49:00 GMT

Do you believe in fairies? My little girl does. They live in our cupboards, under the bed and in the bottom of our vacuum cleaner. I think I may just have to get this Tree Trunk Dollhouse just to educate my daughter on where fairies REALLY live…tree trunks. This Waldorfian wooden house is “lovingly built to resemble the hollowed trunk of a tree (a known fairy hangout).”

This dollhouse has three levels, a staircase, and the base is a green puzzle, comes with a 8-piece River Bridge Puzzle and has extras like a 3-piece Mushroom Dinette Set, and a hammock. You can get yours here for $214.95 for the whole shebang or you can just get the “Tree Trunk Lodge” for $99.

Win This! A Fabric Tea Set from Pottery Barn Kids!

SunnyChanel — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 21:30:00 GMT

Put away that fine China. Don’t even think of using it for your child’s play tea party. What you need is something durable, attractive and most importantly unbreakable. Pottery Barn Kids and Babble are giving away 10 of these Fabric Tea Sets so you can have a worry free and totally stylish tea party. This cotton and corduroy set includes a pink tea kettle, four cups and saucers, a carrying tray and a mesh cover.

Enter to win one of the 10 sets by emailing us at babbledesign@gmail.com with the subject line TEA SET. Your entry must be in by noon (PST) on December 16th. One entry per household.

PLUS you can just go buy a set for yourself for a song since they have just been put on sale! The Fabric Tea Set is on sale for $24.99 (regularly $39) and the Fabric Tea Pot is $7.99 (regularly $16). And both include FREE SHIPPING. Now that’s a prize in itself. Check it out here!

Win This! A Pottery Barn Kids Polka Dot Pram!

SunnyChanel — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 19:30:00 GMT

Does your child like to take their dolls on an afternoon stroll? If so, let them do it in style!

Pottery Barn Kids has created this adorable Polka Dot Pram ($79.00) based on the always classic English baby pram. It is a sturdy stroller that is “made with an adjustable rubberized handle and metal tubing with a weatherproof polyester top. It has a shopping basket below and large rubber wheels that can accommodate bumpy sidewalk strolls; folds flat for easy storage.”

Babble and Pottery Barn Kids is giving away FIVE of these prams. To enter, send an email to us at babbledesign@gmail.com with the subject line of PRAM. The content end December 15th so please send in your entries by December 15th at noon (PST).

Check out the Polka Dot Pram here!

Take Your Kid For A Ride - In Vintage Style

SunnyChanel — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:30:00 GMT

Do you have a little speed demon in training on your hands? A car crazed kid with an undeniable urge to cruise? A aesthically pleasing answer for you and them is this super stylish Metal Speedcar Racer from Design Within Reach. This ride-on foot powered car is based on the roadsters of the 1930’s and this vintage-styled metal racer will surely give them one sweet sweet ride. Best of all, it’ll look like a piece of eclectic art in your home, flat or apartment. You can get your kid their own rider here, or one for you to have as a whimsical conversation piece ($120).

Tea Party Treats! Well, Pretend Ones At Least

SunnyChanel — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 18:30:00 GMT

If your home is host to an endless stream of pretend tea parties, then to go along with your child’s tea set, teddy bear guests and imagination is this adorable Plush Petit Fours set. The gift box includes nine different petit fours and they are made of a hand washable polyester. This whimsical toy set was produced by the mighty Haba toys, so you know it rules. One warning, you’ll just have to continuously remind you and your kid that these tempting treats aren’t edible, but they sure do look delicious. $16 here.

Etsy Alert: Baby's First Sewing Machine

SunnyChanel — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 15:58:00 GMT

Yeah, so what if I force my toddler daughter to watch Project Runway, how else is she going to learn the magic that is Tim Gunn? I think it beats Barney any day of the week. And now she has become totally intrigued with that mysterious contraption, the sewing machine. She is far too young for the pulsating needles of a real one, but this Pretend Sewing Machine will be a perfect start to her career as a world-renowned fashion designer. This handmade wool felt toy comes with a spool of lacing and three swatches of fabric to pretend to sew with ($45). Nina Garcia, Heidi and Tim, watch out, my daughter will be ready to compete on Project Runway season twenty-two. Get yours here.

Most Stylish Rag Dolls Ever!

SunnyChanel — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 14:40:00 GMT

I’m totally in love with these dolls. They take the classic cloth/rag doll format and modernize it in a totally chic way. Good bye Raggedy Ann and Andy, say hello to Mimi, Samantha and Olivia the Palace Park Dolls. These dolls are made from a soft cotton and they have felt hair, screen printed faces and really cute and stylish outfits. I think I might have to not just get one for my daughter but one for myself too. You’re never too old to play with dolls. Available from Pottery Barn kids here ($39).

Hey Baby, Mommy Needs a Second Cup

SunnyChanel — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 19:23:00 GMT

My little girl loves a tea party. We pour imaginary brews morning, noon and night. I haven’t had the heart to tell her that mommy really prefers a nice strong cup of Joe to a delicate albeit delightful serving of Darjeeling. But I can now educate her in the ways of our caffeine culture with this Wooden Coffee Maker (15.95 Pounds Sterling – you’ll have to do your own conversion math, I haven’t had my second cup yet). Next step, having her get up just a little before we do so she can make us some REAL coffee in the morning and serve it to us in bed…oh to dream.

Meet Felicia the Hippo

Erin Behan — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 14:55:00 GMT

The featureless Felicia the Hippo has been around since 2005, but I find it a refreshing change from all the big-eyed creatures that so often dominate the stuffed toy landscape. Made from a vintage pattern, Felicia is sizeable (20'x8') and squeezable (nylon fabric and filling). Felicia also lets kids use their imagination in play. Is Felicia happy, sad, or just coming along for the ride? Let your kid decide. Felicia is $36 at Cooper-Hewitt's online shop.