Tag Archives: toddler

No Training Wheels Required – Wooden Balance Bike for Kids

Age 3-5, Guest post: TheFind.com, Toys, Wooden Toys, , ,

wooden-training-bikes

Walk along balance bikes seem to be popping up on playgrounds and parks across the country. I was first drawn to the Skuut bike because of its to the clean, modern design. My husband, an avid cyclist, has had his eye set on one of these for our daughter even before she could walk. The benefit of these bikes is that they help to boost a child’s self confidence as they learn to balance and ride a real bike on their own.

There are several models on the market and including the original design made in Germany, the “Like a Bike” (shown above, top) that has inspired similar wooden bikes. The Like a Bike features pneumatic wheels that are not supposed to scuff floors for indoor riding and are priced at around $300. It also features birch frame construction and a boatload of really cool accessories including saddlebags and a wooden wagon trailer.

The Wooden Balance Bike by Smart Gear (second from the top) priced at about $100 is the most eco-friendly of bunch. The company uses rubberwood harvested from a replenishible source, formaldehyde free glue, non-toxic paints and lacquer and the carton is made from recycled paper with water-based ink. The tires are inflatable and are PAC-free. This model also features a clean, modern design and sports a cut out handle for easy lifting.

The Skuut Wooden Balance Bike also features pneumatic tires and assembly is estimated at 10 minutes to simply attach the handlebars. Another beautifully designed bike this one comes in one style/color only. It is priced at approx $90.

I am leaning towards the Smart Gear model as it comes in a red model styled for girls and I try to buy eco-friendly toys made from renewable or recycled resources as a general rule. This one is also priced moderately. The holidays are coming up soon, so it’s best to stock up on your gifts now before they are sold out. Last year I was disappointed when the Green Toys recycled plastic tea set was sold out. This year, I vow to do my holiday toy shopping early.

Save with coupon codes for eToys from TheFind.com’s Coupon site.

Sept. 23 Must-Have: Cupcake Birthday Hat

Age 0-1 year, Age 1-3, Age 3-5, Age 5-7, Announcements & Stationary, Must Haves, New posts, , , ,
Cupcake Birthday Hat

A child of any age will love this adorable handmade Cupcake Birthday Hat! What a great way to remember your child’s birthday for many years to come.
It measures approx 7 inches to top of candle. Elastic goes under chin and behind ears. Shipped a little large so it can be tied to fit tighter if needed.
Gift packaged and shipped in a recycled box.
Personalized Cupcake Birthday Hats available too!
How much is it? $17-$19
Where can I buy it? Sew Cute Sweets

Sept. 11th Friday Must-Have: Felt Flower Bobby Pins

Age 1-3, Age 3-5, Age 5-7, Beauty & Skin Care, Must Haves, New posts, , , , ,

Great for mom’s and their little girls, these felt flower bobby pins are colorful and fun and with four colors to choose from every day you’ll be sure to have a match for any outfit.

These colorful felt flower bobby pins are the perfect accessory for a girl or young ladies’ hair. So fun and cute!

felt toddler hair pins

Comes with 1 of each:
Purple flower with green bead center bobby pin, pink flower with red bead center bobby pin, red flower with blue bead center bobby pin, and a yellow flower with orange bead center bobby pin.

How much? $3.49
Where to buy: HappyHomestead’s Etsy Shop

Young Minds Numbers & Counting DVD for Toddlers + Giveaways!

Age 1-3, Age 3-5, Educational Toys, New posts, , ,

There are times when I feel like I need to let Madelyn watch TV.  I try to occupy her through out the day with toys, creative stuff, etc.. but with most of my work needing to be done between 1 and 6pm, I rely on the TV to keep her occupied for an hour or so. However, I hate Sponge Bob and after 3:00 or so, shows are mostly geared for older kids.  I try to find the best quality, most educational show on during that time but there is such as a thing as re-runs and just plain yucky educational TV.

Young Minds - Numbers and Counting DVD

I was recently introduced to Young Mind Number and Counting DVD and Madelyn, 3 years old, watched it for the first time today.  Her response was adorable and I really enjoyed seeing her reaction and hearing her talk along with and back to the DVD.  Here is a short video of Madelyn watching the DVD.  I apologize for the sound quality and the camera seems to have zoomed in and out the entire time.  Yikes!

MathTutorDVD.com has created the Young Minds series of DVDs to introduce young children to the joys of learning Math at a young age. This DVD in Numbers and Counting teaches young children to count from 1 to 10 by way of engaging classical music, photographs, and video.

Each number is presented with colorful, non-cluttered, large photographs, video, and animation that kept Madelyn’s attention very well.  Numbers are animated to fly-in from off screen and show the child how to count by counting objects that they are naturally interested in. Animals such as frogs, horses, jellyfish, sharks, whales, and more are shown to the viewer along with the animal sounds. Colors are also taught by pointing out the color of objects on screen.

DVDs in this area are designed to stimulate young children to take an interest in Math at an early age.  The DVD is set to classical music selections from the great composers such as J.S. Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Vivaldi, and others!

The central idea of this video is to teach children numbers and counting while at the same time teaching them the names of animals, machines, and other objects along with their associated sounds and colors. This integrated learning approach keeps children interested and promotes continued learning.

Learn more about Young Minds and their DVD’s at the Young Minds / Math Tutor DVD website here.

GIVEAWAY!
Thanks to Young Minds we are giving 10 lucky readers a Young Minds Numbers and Counting DVD!

To enter leave a comment below telling us why you want to win a copy of Young Minds Numbers and Counting DVD.
For 2 entries, click the green ‘retweet’ button to Twitter this post to your friends and then leave your Twitter ID in the comments below.
Entries accepted until August 31st.[tweetmeme]