From the category archives:

ages 5 & up

a better doll: prudence dolls

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Without knowing any other details, Prudence dolls ($75 – $95) reached out to squeeze me from my very first glimpse of their sweet little faces. I mean, come on. How can you refuse. These Waldorf-style dolls feature the signature sculpted, wool-stuffed head and soft bodies of a standard Waldorf Doll. But the updated detailing, the [...]

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oh go outside & ogobild something

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Ok, maybe you don’t need to go outside if you’re in the far North like we are. But the phrase “Oh Go Outside” IS the story behind the name: Ogobild.  We’re looking for cabin fever busters around our neck of the woods, and Ogobild’s creative construction concepts are just right. Not only do you get [...]

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are we there yeti?

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We’ve had an unseasonably warm winter around here, and yet I can’t stop thinking about Yetis. Big, furry, warm-hearted beasts to go with my new fur-lined boots. Let me share some of my favorites with you, these may be appearing in my snow-filled dreams this very evening: (image above) Little Moog, from Hollow Shells, $50. [...]

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leggo my trigo!

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Did you see our advent calendar this year? Aside from the activities and some handmade things from me, my favorite advent gift for Birdie was one of these recycled pouches ($9 – $15) from a local fave: Trigo. Awesome, right? Recycled bicycle tires, cute little stamped images, and that perfect red tongue! (and by the [...]

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january loves every eskimo

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We had almost no snow in December, but suddenly New Year’s Eve brought us snow, blustery winds, and cold. I would rather we’d had that on Christmas Day, not now! But Every Eskimo’s sweet felt friends will feel right at home around here. Perhaps the pocket bears of all colors, with the perfect wintery scarves. [...]

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best apps to get the kids through the holidays

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These are some of our favorite apps right now – it’s an ever-changing smorgasbord in our house, but these finds are the ones that have recently pulled us through or will keep us going during Christmas travel and family visits! What are your go-to apps with your kids? Share in the comments, let’s get a [...]

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music to my ears!

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When planning this year’s Annual Gift Guides, there were times when I thought I should just send everyone to Land of Nod. Their carefully curated selection of toys, crafts, and musical instruments is bar none during the holidays. Plus, they’re offering free shipping on lots of items (I think almost EVERY item,  in fact) with [...]

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splurge-worthy gifts for kids

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I work hard year-round to be a thrifty design-lover. And I think I do a damn good job of sticking to a realistic budget. But when it comes to the holidays, sometimes the Designer side takes over. Because it’s either now or the annual birthday dash that provides all of us the option of spending [...]

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the best toys and gifts for kids!

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We’re moving through the ages at a rapid pace – almost as fast the kids themselves grow up. Today’s gift guide is for all those kids 5 and older, with all their smarts and skills and energy and verve. What’s on your list for the 5 and up’s in your life? Make sure to share [...]

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the 24 day countdown is coming

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I spent my weekend madly – slightly manically, to be honest – trying to create a brand new Advent Calendar for Birdie. Which means not only was I a crafting genius (roll with me on that one, you’ll see the results this week if all goes as planned!), but I was also working hard to [...]

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dinosaurs, full body armor, & a healthy dose of tech

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Well this post is a no-brainer. I’ve always thought that wooden kits were an incredibly cool way to build dinosaurs, but I think the hot new do-it-yourself option is now aluminum. I declare it to be so! With 86 pieces in the T-Rex Aluminum Dinosaur kit($16.49) alone, each set will keep your mechanical dinosaur lover [...]

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robots can be wood too

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I think Wall-E may have proved the point, but there’s something so endearing about a slightly forlorn little robot friend. Tangle and Fold Robots have captured that – and they’ve done it in wood, which is even cooler. With a range of colors – and even a couple with ties and pocket protectors – the [...]

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diy pop-up & fold-flat cardboard playhouse

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This little cardboard playhouse kept us occupied many many mornings last winter. It sat in the midst of our living room, providing the backdrop for taco service, faux naps, blanket rooftops, book-reading, tea parties, blocks, and general mayhem. It’s lasted through all of that with amazing aplomb. I think that’s thanks to it’s former life [...]

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doll obsession: goodbye blue monday girls, boys, & clouds

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That’s right, you heard me, Goodbye Blue Monday. I’m done with you. I actually thought yesterday was Monday too, so technically I had two in a row. Not fair! Goodbye Blue Monday’s handmade retro dolls have the best bubble skirts I’ve ever seen. And bows, and hair, and fashionably vintagey fabrics, and adorable pink cheeks. [...]

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friends with you toys and goodies

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Friends with You is a little indie brand I’ve loved for years. Birdie spent several months helping Malfi (that’s him above!) wear lots of necklaces. She liked to call him Ga-ga, because she thinks he’s a member-at-large of Yo Gabba Gabba. My friends think Malfi’s a chicken. I think he’s a big pile of adorable [...]

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