A Special Set of ABC Blocks

Last month our son’s Godmother was visiting from Australia.  She has a one year old and we wanted to send a special toy home for him. After asking his mother what she would want for him, she said “a really good set of alphabet blocks.” Seeing that we are on a budget and trying not to buy too many products made in China, I went on one of my “researching sprees” to look for alphabet blocks made in the USA. I am pleased to say that she took home for her son a set of Uncle Goose ABC Blocks in a Canvas Bag. These blocks are produced in the good old USA out of non-toxic materials and sustainable basswood by Lindewood in Michigan. They are quite reasonable for the quality of item, and they are like a good old-fashioned toy, but they are even better because of the way (and place) they are produced.

These Really Are the Sweetest Gifts for Baby

At Mom’s Favorite, we are always on the look-out for good, wholesome, organic, sustainable companies. We recently stumbled upon My Sweetest Muffin, which boasts “The Sweetest Gifts For Baby” and after lots of research and perusing, we agree. This company has tons of items made in Europe & the USA, and what is amazing, is although they are more of “boutique” company, they really have reasonable prices. So when you are looking for that special “perfect” gift or item - check out My Sweetest Muffin.

The Cutest Bunny Family Baby Gift

People are always asking me what baby gifts I recommend. I understand their problem, because when you have to buy a baby gift you might not know what the family wants, desires, or needs. I have numerous suggestions for baby gifts (I have a lot of friends having babies!). One that sticks out, is one that we received two years ago and is still going. It is a Bunny Family enamel dish set from the Golden Rabbit. This has withstood washing, throwing, dropping, banging, and having food left on it for long periods of time. The Golden Rabbit carries various children’s dish-sets in their Babyware line and all of them are proven to be lead-free, come gift wrapped, and are unique. Any gift that keeps giving has got to be one of mom’s favorites!

A Drool Friendly Family Photo Album

For our toddler’s birthday last year my parents sent a lovely “gift box” full of treats that all seemed to be just that “perfect” thing for us. By far my favorite - was the Gund Photo Albumthey sent. It is a thickly laminated album especialy produced for children and it is washable which means that it nicely stands up to sticky fingers, drool, and quite a lot of abuse. Ours is still going, so yes, it is still one of mom’s favorites. 

More Great American Made Toys

After writing about my Wild Goose Chase for Toys not made in China, I have been very happy to find three companies that seem to produce many of their products in America:

Step 2 is a great toy company that manufactures many large outdoor toys in their plant in Ohio. Their website boasts “We are proud of our U.S. manufacturing heritage” and at Step 2 they make it clear what products are, and are not, made in the USA.

Little Tikes is another classic American toy company that is still making most of their toys in the USA. Their website explains that “We are proud to say that over 70% of Little Tikes products are made in the U.S.A. at our Ohio facility, and all Little Tikes products are subject to rigorous testing standards at each stage of production, which meet and often exceed Federal guidelines.”

And finally, our favorite - Mega Bloks are mostly made in Canada and the Mega Brand profile states that “MEGA Brands provides stimulating creative experiences for children and families through innovative, well-designed, affordable and high-quality products that are marketed worldwide.”

For these reasons and more these are three winners in this mom’s eyes!

A Cool Store for Very ‘Kool Kids’

After reading about my “Wild Goose Chase for Toys Not Made in China” a friend referred me to a great online toy company called Oompa Toys. Most of their toys are made in the USA or Europe and have been strictly tested and the company tag-line reads “NO BATTERIES. NO BLINKING LIGHTS. NO CARTOON-THEMED TOYS. PERIOD.” They produce quality toys that are meant to stand the test of time and are especially concerned that toys should be of the highest quality, natural and safe. We applaud this sort of “counter-cultural” toy company for their efforts and we will be sure to add this company as one of mom’s favorites.

Favorite New Children’s Books

Our son recently turned two, and he received some great items for his birthday. One of our favorites are several “hide & slide” books from Priddy. At night our son now rushes to bed because he wants to get back to his new set of books. His favorite? Probably all of them - but for now the Slide and Find - Colors wins!

A Darling Toy With a Not So “PC” Name

We recently received a lovely, plush, unique toy from Blue Tulip. It was an immediate hit in our house, as it is multi-functional. It seems to act as a ball, cuddly toy, and punching bag all at the same time. I never really knew what the toy was called, so when I saw it in a store, I went up to the clerk and asked “Excuse me, does this toy have a name?” She laughed “Yes, it is called “Chubby Wubby.” Our toddler was with me during this exchange and since then screams “CHUBBY, CHUBBY, CHUBBY” every time he sees his new found friend. We can’t help cringing in horror that he might say this about anything (or anyone) this shape. We have tried re-branding the toy, “Fuzzy Wuzzy” or “Bubba Bear” - but to no avail. I am sorry to say Chubby Wubby it is and ever shall be. Great toy, maybe not so great a name.