Toy Maker Tidbits

Sure, building blocks have been around for ages, and they are available in every size, shape, form and design. So, why do we love the blocks from Uncle Goose Toys that are distributed from Lindenwood, Inc.? You can almost count the ways by stacking their cute and classic blocks!

Building blocks are the quintessential childhood toy, and for good reason. Not only do blocks serve as a way to introduce early building that helps kids develop both gross and fine motor skills, but they also encourage imaginative play that challenges kids to build and dream. In addition to the creativity that building blocks promote, these classic wooden toys, specifically the ABC’s and 123’s styles, feature educational qualities. These building blocks help introduce children to letters and numbers, as well as grouping and sequencing. And, don’t forget the spatial and reasoning skills that building with blocks helps develop!

And while all wooden building blocks help build these skills, which make them a staple in homes and preschools everywhere, the Alphabet blocks from Uncle Goose Toys seemed special to us as we searched for a great set of blocks. Why? First, Lindenwood, Inc. is based in the United States – Grand Rapids, Michigan to be exact. They are still building blocks based upon the direction established by the founder of Uncle Goose, William Bultman, back in 1983. Since his death in 1992, Lindenwood has made it their mission to “carry on the tradition of the Uncle Goose brand of Toys, to make only products that have enduring value, especially products that are unavailable elsewhere.”

Second, Lindenwood makes all of their blocks using basswood that is farmed, planted, and harvested around the Great Lakes area. And, due to their commitment to the environment, their manufacturing process minimizes waste in both production and packaging. In addition to using this renewable wood, they also utilize child-safe, non-toxic inks in the creation of their blocks, making this “Made in the USA” line of products a brand you can trust for quality and safety.

And while this commitment to quality and to the production of eco-friendly toys helped win us over, it’s the blocks that really sealed the deal, so to speak. Based on the turn-of-the-century design of the first patented ABC block, the Classic Alphabet Blocks from Uncle Goose Toys were born. A 28-block set, the Classic Alphabet Blocks feature beautiful classic styling and colors, as well as 4 complete alphabets and 3 sets of numerals. But what else make these blocks stand out amongst others?

In addition to the standard ABC blocks design, these blocks feature 2 embossed letters on each block, making for a unique, attractive appearance. These blocks also feature beveled edges on the top of the block to make the blocks more comfortable to hold by removing those sharp corners. But, in addition to the unique construction, these blocks also feature 27 cute animal pictures with the animal’s name written below, as well as the written name of each numeral – all of which build vocabulary and spelling skills.

And while the Classic Alphabet Blocks Set is the cornerstone of the line, we are sure that you will also like the other unique offerings of Uncle Goose Toys, including the starter set with a more modern design, the Uppercase and Lowercase Alphabet Blocks Set. Or, if you are looking for the perfect Alphabet blocks gift set for young ones, the ABC Flyer Wooden Blocks Wagon is the classic toy with such a lovely design that it is sure to please both children and parents!

So, while we are strong advocates of children playing with wooden blocks, whatever the brand, we want to make sure that we offer some of the best quality building blocks for children available. Which is why we offer Uncle Goose Toys – their Alphabet blocks are not only beautifully hand-crafted in the United States, but their commitment to quality and to offering an eco-friendly product is a mission we can stand behind and support. For us, the decision was as easy as ABC and 123! And, that’s why we love Uncle Goose, and we hope you do too!

At first mention, Kidsonroof might appear like a slightly dangerous name for a brand of children’s educational toys. But, when you actually sit and think about it, the name becomes oddly appropriate. Teaching kids to think outside the box, dream big, aim high, be super creative – that’s what Kidsonroof promotes through their small but mighty line of constructive and imaginative playthings.

Distributed in the United States by Hip from Holland, we had the pleasure of encountering this brand for the first time at the 2009 Toy Fair in New York. As a buyer, I am constantly searching for new companies and toys, and the development of creative cardboard products had been an emerging trend we had noticed in the marketplace throughout 2008. But Kidsonroof proved to be so much more than the standard cardboard product, and it caught our eyes and enraptured us for more than a few reasons.

You’ve got to give to the Dutch, one thing they do know is how to create inspiring designs. And Kidsonroof is definitely not lacking in the amazing design department. You can’t help but look at the intriguing, engaging design of the Totem line of products – these building sets not only incorporate an exciting, functional building component, but they do so with colorful, unique pieces that add a whole new dimension to any of the finished products. We are quite partial to the Totem Tree Building Set – we love our tree logo, but the fantastic appearance of the finished tree in this kit is something that catches a lot of looks in our store’s front window, and rightfully so!

And while the building sets of the Kidsonroof line are amazingly colorful, we also love the White Casa Cabana House Kit because it actually lacks color! Perfect for promoting pretend play while inspiring the creative genius inside every child, this cardboard play house gives kids a big space for playing and pretending that also doubles as an amazing 3D art surface for bringing this toy to life as only kids can. This multi-purpose toy is not only a great investment because of the added play value, but when parents consider the amazing piece of art that kids can create with this house, they will be happy to know that they will have the cornerstone piece of their art collection!

Another reason that I love the line of Kidsonroof toys is that all of the items are made from recycled paper and are biodegradable, demonstrating to kids that you can have really cool toys that are also friendly to the environment. In fact, the only resource that these toys might be close to expending is the creative imagination of children – and we all know that is a pretty limitless supply!

I am sure that it takes a lot for a piece of cardboard to win over the general person, but believe me, we wouldn’t be selling Kidsonroof if it wasn’t all that and a bag of chips. The inspiration, the imagination, that wonderful Dutch design – their toys will bring some amazing play into any child’s life, in both a creative and socially responsible way! And, that’s why we love Kidsonroof, and we hope you do too!

For as long as I can remember, Mattel Inc. has been a leading toy manufacturer of high quality products and a classic company from which to buy toys. So, it was exciting to learn that they are joining with the Make-A-Wish Foundation International and the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America as a Global Signature partner. This partnership aims to enhance the experiences of 30,000 children with life-threatening medical conditions worldwide within the next year! Sound impossible? It’s not!

“In fiscal year 2008, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America Granted 13,425 wishes, the most ever in its history.” This year promises to boast even more success thanks to this up-and-coming powerhouse partnership!

In an effort to launch this joint venture, as only Mattel could, they have created custom-designed Make-A-Wish products based on childhood classics including Barbie Dolls and Hot Wheels cars. Not only are these toys that every child will recognize and appreciate, but they will also help kids who are about to embark on one the most exciting journeys of their young lives. These custom classic toys will be given as gifts to each child participating in the wish program as a way to start their wish experience off with a bang!

“We`re pleased to join with a company such as Mattel whose goal is also to bring happiness to children,” said David Williams, Make-A-Wish Foundation of America president and chief executive officer. “These popular dolls and cars will help our wish-granting volunteers break the ice with courageous children as we begin to create their incredible wish experiences.”

I remember the power that even the simplest toy had with its ability to bring kids together when I was young and very shy. It was amazing that plastic cars or plush dolls created a common ground that helped me to make new friends at school or at the park. Mattel Inc. has recognized the comfort that children feel with their toys, and through the distribution of classic Barbie Dolls and Hot Wheels, they are able to help the Make-A-Wish Foundation make every wish child feel safe and secure in their program.

For more information on this enterprising partnership visit: http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS112680+10-Sep-2009+BW20090910

Source Citation:
“Make-A-Wish Foundation®and Mattel Work Together To Impact the Lives of 30,000 Children Globally.” Press Release. Reuters. September 10, 2009.

While toy manufacturers dream that their products will win one of the prestigious toy awards; most industry professionals strive to hold one of the coveted Toy of the Year Awards! What’s so special about this award, you ask? The recipients of these awards are chosen strictly by industry professionals, or the people most intimately involved with toys on a daily basis (other than parents and children) and who doesn’t want to be recognized by their peers?

The 2009 Toy of the Year Awards were held in New York City at the American International Toy Fair this past February, where 12 products were awarded the Toy of the Year honor in 12 different categories. Growing Tree Toys is proud to acknowledge that 3 of our favorite products were among the honorees this year.

Drum roll please – the winners are:

Girl Toy of the Year: Playmobil Horse Farm This functional farm set is overflowing with equestrian accessories that will have young girls grooming, riding, and working the day away with their favorite animals – horses! I wish I had such a cool play set when I was little, but I’m still not too old to pass up a toy with as much personality as the Playmobil Horse Farm!

Game of the Year: Bananagrams Go bananas for the Bananagrams word game – peel back the layers to reveal a side-splitting game for all ages. A scrabble word game designed especially for kids, but which adults love too, Banangrams requires no writing utens ils, no paper and no game board because players can play on any flat surface. Bananagrams is the only on-the-go game that can inspire such fruity fun!

Specialty Toy of the Year: Create Your Own Pop-up Books Kit Combine two important aspects of children’s favorite books – exciting pictures and imaginative stories – to create a whole new 3D reading experience. The best part of the Create Your Own Pop-up Books Kit is that kids are designing their very own stories and flexing those imaginative muscles! After making their very own pop-up books, regular reading just won’t be the same.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to see which of our toys will win next year!

Source Citation:

Mirpuri, Dipika. “Toy of the year awards 2009.” About.com. September 16, 2009. http://toys.about.com/od/toyfair2008/tp/TotyAwardWinningToys.htm#

A few days ago, I asked my sister, a proud third grader, how she enjoyed her first week of school. She replied, “Math is fun, and lunch is too!” Ok, so she enjoys approximately 2 hours of her school day – then again she’s 9, so it takes the latest and greatest toys or the Disney Channel to get her excitement flowing. With each passing year, my sister’s attention span shortens, which makes the topics she focuses on that much more important (I know her frustrated teacher agrees!). The problem is that though the pizazz and panache of creative learning in elementary school curriculum today is cutting edge, it’s just not sinking in. What can we do? To help bring those scatterbrained kids we know and love around to focusing once again on schoolwork, Playmobil plans to use toys – yes, toys! – to enhance creativity and excitement in the classroom.

Playmobil has recently launched a contest for teachers of grades K through 3, currently working at an accredited elementary school in the U.S., to develop an imaginative lesson plan around a specific Playmobil product theme – and there are approximately 30 different themes from which to choose! Two of the more popular themes include the Egyptian and the Knights Collections:

The lesson plan must show, in detail, how toys from the chosen Playmobil theme can be actively incorporated into the classroom to nurture children’s imaginations in the classroom in such as way that will continue to impact children’s creativity at home as well.

I’m glad that a company with such reputable toys and a dedication to learning is sponsoring a contest that will be beneficial to so many children and will spark a new interest in creating an imaginative learning environment. I can’t wait to pass this news along to my sister’s school – after all, you can’t win if you don’t enter!

The contest deadline is November 15, 2009 by 11:59 p.m. Winners will be announced at www.playmobilusa.com in January 2010. Twenty-two prizes will be awarded as cash grants and Playmobil products for the winning teachers.

For more information and detailed contest guidelines, please visit: http://download.playmobil.com/public/eCS/Store/us/infos/PLAYMOBIL_Grant_Program_2009.pdf