Allen Ave

Here is the other toy company that is making stuffed animals with a more homemade vibe. Allen Ave uses traditional construction with very colorful patterns on cotton fabrics. Here are just some of the animals and textiles available, you’ll be mesmerized with all the options and possibilities. These are available at Here.

Fawn and Forest

Here are some really rad tools for the kids in your life. They are all BPA free and have great design details that will make the meal time a joyful one. I think this is not only great for kids but also for busy parents. These are all available at Fawn and Forest.

The food catcher bowl is a smart way to reduce cleaning time and keep the spills on the bowl, the no -spill toddler cup is not only useful but a fun way to drink for kids. There is also a fun looking drying rack and the Dumbo cup which is the perfect cup for older kids. The last two items are really inventive, the benders utensils are designed to teach kids how to use utensils and as they learn the spoon or fork can be bended until it’s straight. If you want to know what the last one is click here and find out more about Fawn and Forest.

Bholu

Happy Monday!. I found Bholu and immediately felt in love with their stuff animals and wall paper designs. Aren’t these monkeys, frogs and elephants the most adorable thing ever? I love the simplicity and the idea behind it.  They create beautiful products for your home while benefiting communities in need. Each piece is individually hand embroidered by a traditional artisan in rural communities of India, and part of the proceeds goes to Bholu Anganwadi Project which has now built a total of 8 pre schools in underprivileged communities. I love the work they do and the playful look to they stuffed animals. Check out their whole collection here.

Takashimaya. New York, NY.

Takashimaya is one of a kind department store chain, the company started back in 1831 when they opened the first kimono shop in Kyoto. Today, Takashimaya is one of the wold’s largest chain of department stores.

Their attention to detail is what sets them apart from other stores; The New York store’s enviroment is meant to feel familiar, confortable and as if you were right at home. If you are in NYC make sure to go to their store in fifth avenue, each of of their six floors is filled with carefully selected items from all over the world.

Lucky for those out of town they offer a small selection of the store online. These are some of my favorite picks. Every single one is unique, delicate and chic!.

Playhouse Ready To Be Customized

This one is a 100% biodegradable cardboard playhouse that can be bought with a print or plain white for endless possibilities. This playhouse is collapsible and can be customized by kids. It can be a really fun and rewarding project for children 3 and up.  Visit Plastica for more information.

Under the Nile

Since we are talking about kid’s toys and accessories I want to tell you about Under The Nile. An online store dedicated to making clothing, accessories and toys from 100% Egyptian organic cotton and vegetable dyes. Organic cotton is not only safer for your child but also for the environment. Click here for more details about Under The Nile.

Sophie The Giraffe

Sophie the Giraffe might be more the 40 years old but she is still the perfect companion for children teething. These toys are from France and are made of 100% natural rubber, derived from the sap of Hevea trees, and food paint. This means Sophie is not only a cute little toy but also a safe chewing toy for your little one. There is a variety of characters to choose from and you can rest assure that they will sooth your baby when he or she starts to teeth. Look for them in your local toy stores or click here to learn more.

Hape International

For those still looking for the perfect gift for the kids in your family, is not too late Hape International can be the way to go. These toys are made of wood and rope, they have a variety of animals to choose from, I thought these ones were the cutest!!!.

It would be hard for me to pick just one from this line up, I guess they can make a great toy farm so why not get them all!.

Hape International designs and manufactures a line of wood toys that ranges from learning toys to cars, animals and anything else in between. Visit Hape here and find out what store nears you sells them.

Blik Wall Graphics

Wall graphics keep showing up everywhere but Blik was one of the first company to offer removable wall graphics. I like the variety of artists, styles and categories. Some of them are great for kids and some of them are more appropriate for bedrooms or living rooms. Blik also will take any type of custom order for your special make over project.

Blik’s goal was to give your room a change without making it permanent, this way you can rotate the graphics or relocate to a new home without having to worry about the clean up or leaving your wall decor behind. Visit Blik here

Spacecraft. Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

This is a great shop for the kids and adults who like to get crafty. Spacecraft is a space designed to get creative with your family or friends. They got a wide range of activities from beading and sculpture to printmaking and decorating. They got everything you need to make your custom project and more.

This can be the place to start, for those looking for a very personal gift. I like the fact that is not only a welcoming place for kids but it’s also a great place for adults. Every so often Spacecraft will organize events to gather everyone for a craft session.

This is also a really good party idea, Spacecraft can host your party at their store or they can bring the party to your own place. Check out their website and feel free to call them with any questions. The options are endless at this place, so check them out and get crafty!

The store is located on 355 Bedford Avenue, between South 4th and South 5th Street.