New Uglydolls!

Sunday, January 31st, 2010

The first of this year’s new Uglydolls have arrived! Picksey is pale and angelic, and funny green Pointy Max looks like something with which you might dig in your garden. These and several other varieties are available in our Uglydoll section. Yes, that’s right, we have a whole section devoted to these weird things. Clearly, "ugly" is the new "charming". Also, keep your eyes peeled for 6 more dolls to be released from February through October. 

Picksey and Pointy Max Uglydolls, $20 each

Also available as Little Uglies, $10 each

Prices and availability may vary – call store for current info.

Fold Me a Poem by Kristine O’Connell George (2005)

Sunday, January 31st, 2010

 

Fold Me a Poem is a lovely book of poetry that highlights the author’s realization that a few folds can bring paper to life just as a few words can bring an idea to life.  Each page contains a poem: some haiku, some free verse.  The words and illustrations bring the paper animals to life and provide interesting ideas to get creative with paper creations.

This is not an instruction guide, but the inspiring illustrations will make kids want to learn to make every animal in the book.  (Check out our origami section for paper and instructions).

Prices and availability may vary – call store for current info.

Make an Origami Valentine at Terra Toys

Thursday, January 28th, 2010

Origami Demonstration: Sunday, February 7, 2010, 1-3pm, Free at Terra Toys

Tin Wind-Up Robots Galore

Thursday, January 28th, 2010



Our collection of tin toys and robots has long been a favorite of robot connoisseurs.  Winding, whirring, sparkling, shooting, ambling, speeding – each robot has a unique personality.  Some are bumbling; some are charismatic; some strike fear into the hearts of men.  And each one is totally awesome. (I mean, all robots are awesome, right?)

Our tin robot stock is constantly changing.  New robots as well as "new" reproductions are released throughout each year.  So please don’t cry when you find out that some of the pictured robots are sold out – we almost always have 20 to 40 styles to choose from, so drop in and see if there’s a fabulous mechanized friend for you.

Prices and availability may vary – call store for current info.

Piggy Paint Non-Toxic Nail Polish

Thursday, January 21st, 2010

 

The problem: Most nail polish brands contain toxic chemicals, even more chemicals must be used in the removal process, and many kids have a habit of biting their nails or just putting their fingers in their mouths.

The solution: Piggy Paint!  

Piggy Paint is non-toxic, odorless, and kid-friendly. It’s also hypoallergenic and water-based. Check out this scary comparison – solvent-based polishes eat right through the styrofoam!

Piggy Paint comes in lots of fun, vibrant colors with adorable names like "Angel Kisses", "Mac-N-Cheese", and "Dragon Tears". And to top it all off, it’s made in the U.S.A. Considering all of these advantages, it’s very reasonably priced at $9.50 a bottle. For removal, grab a bottle of their low odor, acetone-free nail polish remover, $10.

Prices and availability may vary – call store for current info.

 

Spin Me a Rainbow Puzzle Game

Thursday, January 14th, 2010

Finding good games for kids under 5 can be difficult.  Many concepts are a little too difficult, and many children are frustrated by strategy and competition.  But try this one:

Spin Me a Rainbow is an adorable game from Eeboo, a company that has very consistently cute and lovely artwork.  They make several different versions of the classic memory matching game, but this one is has a bingo twist to it. 

Flick the spinner to play; first to gather all the shapes wins.  Combining colors, shapes, matching, and cute animals, this is an adorable and very simple game that children three to four years old will enjoy.  (Older children may find it not challenging, but we have several other Eeboo games to suit a variety of ages.)

Spin Me a Rainbow, $16, 1-4 players, ages 3+

Prices and availability may vary – call store for current info.

What Colour is Your World? by Bob Gill (2008 Edition)

Tuesday, January 12th, 2010

 

What Colour is Your World?  In 1962, illustrator and graphic designer Bob Gill wrote and illustrated this simple and bold consideration of color.  Nearly fifty years later, its message is still valuable: your world is what you make of it.  Every person sees things differently, and you are free to create the world as you want it, both literally and figuratively.

Though the book is apparently marketed for children, it is just as valuable for parents.  It gently provokes the imaginations of children who are learning their colors and anyone who is exploring his/her creativity.

$14.95

Prices and availability may vary – call store for current info.