Wooden Blocks = Rave Reviews

Feb 9, 2011 by desiringvirtue

Elliot’s Christmas present from us this year was a box of wooden blocks by Mellissa and Doug. Let me just tell you, they are awesome.

Do you see this little guy to the left? He created this… creation all by himself and obviously is very pleased with his own brilliance.

What I love about these blocks:

They are wood. I know you hear me say it a lot, but I just LOVE wood. I can’t  say enough how much I love the durability and wholesomeness of it.

They are a great “Open Play” item. What does that mean? Well, it means that they can be whatever Elliot wants them to be. This kind of toy is great for the imagination. One day it is a building pictured above, and another day it is a highway for his Match Box cars to traverse.

The wood is very soft. Edges are rounded and the surfaces are sanded very well.

They are great learning tools. These will not only be used for play, but for learning fractions and division (the blocks are standard units which means they subdivide into smaller and smaller units, but always stack up to equal the larger ones)

It is a parent/child toy. This could be a good or bad thing depending on how you look at it. Elliot likes to play with these on his own, but most of the time he wants Richard or I to play with him. I think this is a good thing and love building with my little engineer.

They come in a heavy duty wooden box.

It is a great price for a great product!

The thing I hate about this toy:

I need more blocks.

Seriously, you get going and then you just really need more big blocks. So, eventually we are going to need to get another set so that Elliot can build to his heart’s content. This isn’t so much of a problem now because he doesn’t know what he is missing, but I am guessing that the older he gets he is going to want more to work with.

But I will be happy to comply!

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Looking For a Great Shape Sorter?

Jan 22, 2011 by desiringvirtue

I will admit it, I am picky when it comes to toys. But this one passes all of my standards with flying colors!

The Educo Shake ‘n Match Shape Sorter is perfect in so many ways. It is made of high quality  materials and is the perfect size for small hands.

The problem I have with most sorters is that they have removable lids that my genius child likes to… remove and then easily put the different shapes in a big gaping hole rather than using the actual cut outs. This sorter is different and might I just add genius. The opening for you to remove the different shapes is blocked by an elastic band that easily moves to the side when you want to get the shapes through it, but stays sturdily in place with you want them to stay in.

Another thing I love about this sorter is that the shapes are color coordinated so that the circle shape matches the circle cutout. This aids my little guy in matching them up and gives you the opportunity to teach colors as well as shapes.

Each shape is filled with little beads that jingle when you shake them and make the “toy” that much greater.

Did I mention it is made of wood? That is always a big plus in my book!

All in all, I am give this shape sorter 5 STARS because my little boys love it! Elliot enjoys the challenge of fitting all the shapes in the sorter and Hudson loves the rattle it gives when he rolls it!

This product is made by a company called Hape which I am quickly falling in love with. All their toys are educational and beautiful! They might just take the place of Melissa and Doug in my heart… might… I will let you know.

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Sophie, She’s Perfect in Every Way

Mar 8, 2010 by desiringvirtue

Teething Blues?

Meet Sophie. If you are a mom of a teething baby or a soon to be mom you need to. My first encounter with Sophie was in a desperate search for a teether that my son would actually use. I don’t know if he is simply a picky little guy or what, but every Target, Walmart, and Babies R Us teether was a flop. He simply showed no interest in them whatsoever. This was rather frustrating considering that he was in so much pain and I had been given all of these wonderful toys specifically for such an occasion that now seemed absolutely useless. Enter my search for the perfect teether on Amazon.

It wasn’t long before I came across Sophie. She isn’t listed as a teether, but as a sensory toy. You see, her cute little body is malleable and easily squeaks when squeezed (so easily that a six month old would have no problem eliciting a pleasant sound). All of the reviews swore up and down that Sophie was their child’s favorite chew toy. The only bad reviews I could find were people complaining that it looked and felt like a chew toy… for dogs. Well, this did not deter me because honestly my son seemed to prefer my dog’s Kong to anything he had received at his baby showers. The only problem with this toy was the price tag, which boasts an incredible $17 for a  7’’ tall rubber squeaky toy! On to Elliot’s Wishpot it went and we patiently waited for a loving family member to bless him with this little joy.

Thanks to my wonderful Aunt Darla, our son received his Sophie on his first birthday. Can I tell you that I think she is worth $17? I know it sounds crazy but everything about Sophie is perfect. She is adorable, from her sweet eyes to her caramel colored spots; she is the perfect size and shape for little hands to grasp; and she has many different places on her body that are great for rubbing sore gums against. From the harder surfaces like her little horns and hoofs, to the softer ones like her legs and head, Elliot always finds what he is looking for in a moment of need. Her legs are even long and slender enough to reach the back gums! The texture of her body is a soft rubber that makes that “squeaky clean” sound when baby rubs it between his gums. That sound makes me so happy because I just know that if feels good against his tender mouth.

Another asset that is unique to Sophie is her multi functionality. I am impressed by how much Elliot likes to simply play with Sophie. He loves the ease of her squeaker and finds it so hilarious when he really gets it going. I love that she is something he actually enjoys looking at, playing with, and using to sooth himself. I have even found him looking into Sophie’s eyes for extended amounts of time and then giggling at her!

Elliot recently gave Sophie to his little brother Hudson who loves her with equal delight, but he sneeks in some play time whenever he can!

Because of my love for Sophie I had to share her with you. Many of you probably already heard about her in magazines and such, but just in case you hadn’t I felt compelled to introduce you!

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