Mommy's little helper.
It's hard to imagine that our kids will never know the joy of being the banker in Monopoly or invent their own games to play with Barbie. But even the most traditional of children's toys are making the leap into the digital age. According to a study conducted by Common Sense Media, half of all children ages 0 to 8 have access to a new mobile device (like a smartphone, video iPod, or iPad/tablet) Read more
Give your children the toys you used to tinker around with — the classics. If the items you loved as a child can't be found in your basement, many are still available online. Take this quiz to see how much you know about these time-tested favorites. Question 1 of 8Which pull toy, originally introduced by James Industries in 1952, was redesigned in 1995 for inclusion in Toy Story? Mr. Read more
Toys may keep getting high-tech, but the classic jack-in-the-box is an age-old favorite. From the soothing music to the surprise at the end, this simple mechanical toy has been entertaining tots for centuries. Check out some of our favorite modern-day versions below. Read more
Sometimes, older is better. Toys do not have to be powered by batteries, controllers, and electricity to be a lot of fun. In fact, many knickknacks that current moms and dads grew up with required nothing more than a hearty imagination. Take a nostalgic look at some classic playthings that have stood the test of time and would make memorable additions to any modern day toy box. Read more
One of my earliest memories is stacking up buildings with wooden blocks. A cinch to construct and even easier to tear down, they were and still are some of the best entertainment for tots. The only thing that could improve them is a carry–all to store them in. Simple: For a bargain $8, you can have your blocks and wheel cart, too! IKEA offers the Mula wagon with 24 colorful blocks in Read more
We're all about exposing kids to fine arts, but is opera asking a bit too much? Not according to Growing Through Arts, a company founded by former pro dancer and Harvard grad Aleksandra Efimova, which creates educational children's books and toys. The company just launched its second series of books (the first focused on ballet), breaking down some seriously highbrow stuff for kids ages 2 to 6. Read more
All seesaws are not created equal. The up and down motion of a traditional teeter-totter has provided generations of tots with hours of fun (and sore bums when their seats come crashing down), but the classic toy is getting a much needed upgrade. Consider the Spiro Bouncer ($72), the pimped-out version of your favorite playground toy. With cushioned seats and a bouncy ball attached to the bottom Read more
The beauty of the reusable water bottle is that it's just that — reusable. You can repeatedly head to the water cooler or faucet to fill 'er up, but when your bottle continually stays wet, you know what that means? Yep, bacteria loves a moist, dark environment. Along with your dinner dishes, it's good to get in the habit of cleaning your bottle every night, or at least every few days. Here are Read more
Check out all of the celebs who said "I do" while pregnant Gender reveal parties are all the rage —would you have one? The prettiest Spring dresses to wear to your baby shower If you have to eat and run, we've got 10 great ideas for breakfast on the go What's old is new again — classic toys from the '70s are making a comeback Celebrity style for less! Get the looks of moms-to-be like Read more
Everything old is new again, right? That certainly seems to be the case today! A press release announcing the reintroduction of the Original Big Wheels had us sharing our favorite stories about the low-riding trikes. It got us thinking about some of our favorite childhood toys that have received modern makeovers. Take a look at these nine '70s classics and tell us, which have appeared in the toy Read more
