Featured toy: Snuggle Pods Hunny Bunny Beige
Babies have so many ‘firsts’. From first smile and word to first time rolling over to sitting up, babies experience so many mini and milestone achievements in the first few years of life. Apart from developmental and physical milestones, there are always first holidays! So many pictures to take and traditions to begin as newborns take part in their first family holidays.
As we head into spring, many first time and seasoned parents are gearing up for their newborn’s first Easter. Whether you’re filling a basket or hiding gifts around your house for older siblings to find, choosing the perfect fillers and hidden gems is easy at Manhattan Toy! We’ve got so many toys in stock; it’s easy to find the perfect gift for your newborn or toddler. Take a look at our Easter gift suggestions by category for your newborn celebrating their first Easter holiday.
Photo credit: @ourminnylife
Featured toy: Bunny rattle from the Bunny Rattle + Burp Cloth set
GIFT SETS
These toy pairings are excellent for topping-off any baby's gift basket. Our Easter Gift Bundles on sale now for 30% off. Discover combos for baby and toddlers. Or, find yourself a rattle and burp cloth set to nestle alongside the teethers and soft books in their basket. Each set includes a burp cloth plus a plush rattle pal - both featuring nostalgic patterned burp-cloth made from breathable and absorbent cotton-gauze fabric.
SENSORY TOYS
Skwish® is a timeless classic great for teething, grasping and skwishing! The Click Clack Ball will have them playfully mesmerized. Between the clicking sounds and soft internal rattle cause-and-effect play is sure to be in abundance. Another top pick for newborns is the Wimmer-Ferguson 3-in-1 Triangle. This unique toy doubles as a playmat or fridge activity toy with internal magnets that easily cling to metal surfaces.
Featured Toy: Basil Bunny
SNUGGLE BUDDIES
Snuggle Baby Bunny - a delightful first doll with an adorable bunny themed sleep sack. Adorables Theo Bunny is sure to melt their heart with it's super-soft texture and squishy design. How could we not include a Snuggle Pod? Baby is sure to love cuddling with the Hunny Bunny Beige or Hunny Bunny Peach. It's the perfect combination of a cuddly soft doll and a sensory sleep sack.
An Easter surprise is just the thing to capture on film. Snap shots of little Mae finding her first Bunny Pull Musical hidden under the coffee table is something to cherish as the start of a new family tradition. Or, watching as Blake discovers Willow Bunny in his basket Easter morning. Memories are sure to be made this Easter, so make your child’s basket something to remember!
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This October, we're debuting new header tabs on our site, connecting you to the family, our family, of Crown Crafts, Inc. brands.
Why? Who is Crown Crafts, Inc.?
Crown Crafts - one of the world's largest infant product manufacturers - acquired Manhattan Toy in March of 2023. In entering the Crown Crafts family, we have forged new relationships with our sister brands, Sassy® baby and NOJO® infant and toddler bedding. These new tabs on manhattantoy.com allow you to easily learn more and shop these excellent infant and toy brands.
Sassy
Sassy is a trusted infant toy brand that's been delivering innovative, safe, and colorful plastic toy designs for 25 years. Sassy has worked with developmental experts, as well as industry-leading designers, to create developmentally inspired toys that captivate infants while providing foundational structure for lifelong learning. Now, through the holiday season, get your hands on a limited Sassy toy offering available through mahattantoy.com.
NoJo
For over 40 years, NoJo, a premier infant and toddler bedding brand, has delivered quality, style, comfort, and safety. Designing products that take your baby from birth to toddlerhood in comfort and style. Explore the entire NoJo infant and toddler product collection at NoJo.com.
]]>We're excited to share our latest book & author collaborations. Our talented designers have transformed timeless classic and new heroic characters, from the pages of several NY Times best-selling children's books, into lovable 3D plush characters. Prepare yourself for a behind-the-scenes look at these collaborative creations.
LYLE, LYLE, CROCODILE
When tasked with bringing the timeless character of Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile to life as a 3D plush character, Senior designer Cathy Delebroux excitedly hit the ground running with research. That's right, research on a storybook character! Carefully studying illustrations to ensure she captured the quintessential characteristics of the friendly neighborhood crocodile.
"It was an honor to develop a vintage, classic story character into a plush design that could stand on his own, or as a companion to the books." - Senior Designer, Cathy Delebroux
As a skilled plush designer, it didn't take long before Ms. Delebroux could envision the body style, fabric, fill, and weight of his design. The only question she faced after exhaustive research was - should "Lyle" have 3, 4, or 5 fingers? She landed on 4 fingers to match his feet.
As creators of inspired toys for children, we hope this soft and cuddly crocodile will help a new generation discover and fall in love with "Lyle" and his many stories. Visit our Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile page to order your Large or Small crocodile companion today. Plus, hear more from Ms. Delebroux and the creative process in our exclusive Q&A section.
KNIGHT OWL
Hooked at first, hoot! Our design team immediately fell in love with the Knight Owl character - a bitty owl who dreams of being a knight. The smallest among an army of giant humans, what Knight Owl lacks in size, he makes up for in nocturnal intuition, good ideas, and a whole lot of heart.
"[T]he entire process was enjoyable. I love the book's message and Knight Owl is so totally adorable; he has so much heart - I LOVE to root for the little guy." - Senior Designer, Cathy Delebroux
Turning this heroic character into a cuddle creation was a treat. But, transforming 2D art into a plush companion is genuinely an art with many things to consider - shape and fabric to size and weight. Author Christopher Denise's detailed book illustrations provided the perfect blueprint for lead designer Cathy Delebroux to envision and bring this plump little owl to life.
Now, Knight Owl can be enjoyed as a lovable stuffed animal companion. Visit the Knight Owl product page to order yours today and hear more about the creation process in our Q&A with Ms. Delebroux. Whether enjoyed as a napping pal or story-time snuggler, he's the perfect reminder that there is no limit to what you can achieve when you believe in yourself.
]]>Pictured (left to right, top to bottom): Bloom + Bite/ Classic Baby Beads/ Zoo Winkel Pink Rabbit/ What's Outside? Sea Book/ Atom Teether/ Little Jurassics Chomp/ Jazzy Ball
Pictured: Wimmer-Ferguson Infant Stim-Mobile To Go
Pictured (left to right): Color Burst Skwish / Natural Skwish / Classic Skwish / Artful Skwish
Pictured (left to right): Wimmer-Ferguson 3-in-1 Triangle/ Wimmer-Ferguson Nursery Novel/ Natural Baby Beads/ Skwish Natural/ Wimmer-Ferguson Silicone Teether Whale
Pictured: Where's The Bone?
Pictured (left to right): So Deer To Me/ Wild Bear-Y
Organizing is a challenge. Organizing for your kids is an even bigger challenge. It’s been said that organizing while you have kids is like trying to brush your teeth while you eat Oreos, difficult and almost pointless. I will admit, it can be trying, but it’s so worth it. Here are some tips to make it easy, stress free and even FUN!
1. Instead of asking your child what they want to donate (the answer will always be nothing!), give them a box or laundry basket and ask them to fill it up. Often, they will do this quickly and easily. It’s all about getting rid of the excess and moving along the items that have fallen between the cracks. Explain to your kids where their old toys are going. Talk about helping those who have less and what it would mean to them. Expose your kids to this as early and often as possible to make donations easy and meaningful.
2. If something is broken, missing pieces or in disrepair, either commit to fixing it, ordering a replacement or just donating the item. Some toy companies will sell or provide replacement pieces (like Manhattan Toy). However, if the item has been broken for a long time, you probably won’t miss the item once it’s gone.
Photo Credit: @_brookeangelique
Toy featured: Musical Lili Llama
3. If a stuffed animal has a name, keep it. If it is an unloved, unnamed one, it’s okay to donate it. Stuffed animals are usually not accepted by stores such as Goodwill. However, police stations will usually accept them and give them to children in need during an emergency situation. For any stuffed animals you are keeping, toss them into the dryer on fluff for about 30 minutes. This will cut down on dust, pet dander and dirt. If something is priceless, hand wash it.
4. Label everything! If your child is too young to read, have them draw pictures of the items. This will ensure that they know where things are, and will ensure that things can go back where they came from.
Photo Credit: @home.and.haze
Toys featured: Nutty Squirrel Pizzeria, and Baby Stella Peach with Blonde Hair.
5. When cleaning your kids’ playroom it’s important to involve them. Get down to their height and see what they can see. Can they reach shelves? Are the drawers and containers too heavy for them to lift? Making some small changes in the weight and location of items can increase their success in putting things away on a regular basis.
6. If you have toys that are well loved, spring is a great time to clean them. Most manufacturers provide care instructions on the seam labels; when in doubt, contact the manufacturer. See Manhattan Toy's product care/cleaning instructions here. Disinfecting wipes are great to get into small areas of toys. These are also great for games, books and other durable surfaces where little fingers go. For teething toys, pacifier wipes are a great alternative. If you have stuffed animals that are precious, bring them to the dry cleaner for attention.
7. Kids aren’t going to pick up every thing, every day. Give them a place in their room or a play space to keep items out over night, such as a block castle or a puzzle. However, insist the rest of the room be picked up.
]]>We are thrilled to announce the arrival of our newly redesigned Style Your Own Wee Baby Stella experience. The dolls are designed with inclusivity and interchangeability in mind. Each doll features an innovative fabric loop atop its head allowing hairstyles to be changed out in a few easy steps. Genius, right? Check out our "hairdo how-to" video below to see the process in action.
For only $50, you can choose a doll + hairstyle + playset combination - perfect for the little doll lover in your life. Want more than one hairstyle or playset? No problem! You can add as many as you'd like - extra hair tufts are just $3 and playsets are $14 each.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
STEP 1. Choose from one of our 3 classic Wee Baby Stella doll tones (Beige, Brown, or Peach)
STEP 2. Choose one, or more, hair tuft(s) - 20 options (4 styles in 5 colors)
STEP 3. Choose one, or more, playset(s) - 3 options
WHAT'S INCLUDED? (starting at $50)
LISTENING AND LEARNING
Shortly after launching the Create Your Own Wee Baby Stella program in 2018, we received feedback urging the need for equal representation and more options for customization. Your voices were heard! Our development team hit the ground running, working through several doll iterations before landing on the present design. We thank our loyal community for pushing us to innovate and improve the program. We hope you enjoy this genuine community-inspired offering.
Have suggestions on how we can improve the Style Your Own Wee Baby Stella doll experience? Tell us about it!
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We are thrilled to have our Celestial Star Explorer nominated as a finalist in the Infant/Toddler Toy category for this year’s Toy Of The Year awards (TOTYs)—an annual award program hosted by The Toy Foundation. Every year, the TOTYs recognize the top toys, games, and licenses across 17 categories of play. Think of them as the Oscars of the toy industry. So, yeah, they’re kind of a big deal, which is why we’re so excited!
Has Manhattan Toy Been a Finalist Before? Or Ever Won????
Yes, on both accounts! Our most recent finalists were in 2020 with our Deep Sea Adventure, Musical Lili Llama in 2019, Tree Top Adventure in 2015, Skwish Stix in 2014, and Parents Jungle Pals Stacking Puzzles in 2012. We were fortunate to bring home a few wins over the years, thanks to our Groovy Girls® Scout dolls back in 2008 and Groovy Girls® T-series in 2002. We are fortunate to be among the finalists again this year, but we are itching for a win!
Flashback to 2002 with our winning dolls - featured in The Toy Book’s TOTY Awards Showcase Issue this August.
What’s the story behind the TOTY awards?
The TOTY Awards support the impactful philanthropic work of The Toy Foundation, including its Children’s Hospital Play Grants program to offer play in children’s hospital settings; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program to bring the joy of play to everyone around the world; and Toy Bank program to deliver the comfort of a toy to children around the world. One hundred percent of the award program's proceeds support the work of The Toy Foundation.
Who’s Eligible to Vote?
You! That’s right, consumers, retailers, Toy Association members, and the media can vote for one finalist in each of the 17 categories.
Nominations & Criteria
Brand representatives nominate toys. There were over 600 nominations this year alone! All eligible nominees must be new to the market (introduced within the last two years), comply with all U.S. toy safety standards, and be available for purchase in the U.S. by November 1, 2022.
The Fortunate Finalists
Toy finalists are hand selected by a panel of industry experts of varying backgrounds – toy experts, journalists, and retailers. Only seven toys are named finalists under each of the 17 categories.
What are all the Categories?
Action Toys, Collectible Toys, Construction Toys, Creative Toys, Dolls, Games, Grown-Up Toys, Infant/Toddler Toys, License, Outdoor Toys, Playsets, Plush Toys, Preschool Toys, Ride-On Toys, Specialty Toys, STEAM Toys, and Vehicles. Visit the Toy Association website for more details on category specifics.
When are the Winners Announced?
The category winners, determined by votes from Toy Association members, retailers, media, and consumer votes on the TOTY website, will be announced at the TOTY Awards on September 20, 2022 in Dallas, TX.
The overall Toy of the Year and People’s Choice award winners will be announced November 21, 2022. Voting for the People’s Choice Award will remain open through November 11, 2022; it is uniquely decided by votes on the TOTY website. The Toy of the Year will be determined by a panel of expert judges.
]]>Birthdays are such an exciting time, but planning a party can seem daunting for busy parents. Fear not! Our how-to on throwing an adopt-a-pet party takes the guesswork out of planning your kiddo's next birthday bash. See examples from our friend Andi Teggart's puppy party - it's PAWsitively perfect. Then, take advantage of our buy 2 get 1 free plush promotion to find pets for your party!
Step 1: Choose a pet theme
Photo credit: @luckyandi
Step 2: Plan fun-filled activities
Once everyone has chosen a pet, let the fun begin! Naming and creating personalized collars is the perfect activity for the new pet parents. Don't forget the adoption certificate to make it official! You don't have to be a DIY expert either, Andi found adorable adoption certificates and party signage on Etsy.
Photo credit: @luckyandi
Step 3: Stock up on tasty treats
From puppy chow to unicorn cupcakes, play up any theme with mouth-watering snacks. We find Pinterest to be a great place for inspiration.
Photo credit: @luckyandi
Step 4: Carry the theme through to simple decor elements
Whether it's patterned paper plates or animal-shaped balloons, small decor elements can add a little whimsy and flare to your party aesthetic. No need to go over-board - let the pet activities and birthday babe be the star of the show!
Photo credit: @luckyandi
For more information on Andi's puppy party head over to her blog.
]]>Toy feature: Playground Adventure
You are everything to your child. Cook, caregiver, entertainer, chauffeur, and teacher. Yes, teacher! In fact, you are your child’s first and best teacher. This is because 80% of your child’s brain is developed before they reach the age of three and 90% by the time they are five. With one million neurological connections being made every second, every moment can be a teachable moment in the life of a small child. While that may sound like a lot of pressure, fear not! You are a natural teacher! But in case you are looking for some activities to do with your little one, here are a few personal favorites!
6 months - 1 year
You have a mover and shaker! With your little one now crawling everywhere and preparing to stand and walk, you may be looking for an activity that will keep them in one place. Look no further than standup activity sets! They are a great way to help transition your child from crawling to walking. This encourages cruising and standing, which helps build gross motor muscles and builds the confidence needed for those first steps! Activity centers work on those big muscle groups, but they put those fine motor muscles to work. With all this stimulation, it is easy for adults to get in to extend the learning experience!
Motion, directions, and shapes are the name of the game. As your child moves a shape, name the shape that they’re moving. When they move it, comment on the direction. “You’re moving it up.” Finally, how are they moving it? Fast? Slow? Provide the exciting play-by-play! This not only enriches their vocabulary but it makes learning concrete.
A teachable moment doesn’t mean you walk around with a globe, microscope, and a thesaurus. It means that you talk to your child. It means pointing out shapes, colors, and animals. It means singing to your little one and reading stories. It means doing all the things that you are already probably doing. Remember, you’re amazing, and you’ve got this!
Read Part I: newborn - 3 months
About Rachel Giannini:
Rachel Giannini is an early childhood educator with over a decade in the classroom, an early childhood specialist, advocate, and a video blog host. She currently splits her time as a public speaker, early childhood commentator, curriculum designer, and the star of Spy School on Hellosaurus.
Rachel's writing, expertise, and videos have appeared in Vox, The New York Times, HuffPost, Child Care Exchange, and Chicago Parent. Rachel has a BA in Early Child Education and over ten years in the classroom. She also has an MFA in Museum Education from the University of Illinois and is a volunteer hospital magician for Open Heart Magic.
Their First Teacher is You - Part 2 of a 3-part series
By guest author Rachel Giannini, Early Childhood Specialist/Video Blog Host/Early Childhood Advocate.
Photo credit to @5littlebirds_ . Toy featured: Toadstool Cottage
You are everything to your child. Cook, caregiver, entertainer, chauffeur, and teacher. Yes, teacher! In fact, you are your child’s first and best teacher. This is because 80% of your child’s brain is developed before they reach the age of three and 90% by the time they are five. With one million neurological connections being made every second, every moment can be a teachable moment in the life of a small child. While that may sound like a lot of pressure, fear not! You are a natural teacher! But in case you are looking for some activities to do with your little one, here are a few personal favorites!
3 - 6 months
Remember how I mentioned that your little one would start exploring everything with their mouths? Yeah, I meant everything. And while it may seem super gross to you, it is super important for their development. To start, it is their way of exploring their environment. Your child is still getting the hang of their hands. Grasping, poking, smooshing skills have yet to be mastered. However, your child's mouth has more nerve endings per square millimeter than any other part of their body, making it the perfect tool for exploration. By putting objects in their mouth, they investigate textures, strengthen their 5 senses, and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Toy feature: Atom teether
Here are a few ways you can help in this exploration and work on early literacy skills. During tummy time, place a few toys slightly out of range from your little one’s grasp; this will begin prepping them for the crawling stage. Once they’ve reached their destination, and that toy has hit their lips, start providing rich vocabulary. “I can see you put the toy in your mouth.” “What does it feel like?” “Is it smooth?” “What does it taste like?” While your child will not verbally answer you, you are prepping them for future conversations and providing a robust vocabulary. Great job, teacher!
A teachable moment doesn’t mean you walk around with a globe, microscope, and a thesaurus. It means that you talk to your child. It means pointing out shapes, colors, and animals. It means singing to your little one and reading stories. It means doing all the things that you are already probably doing. Remember, you’re amazing, and you’ve got this!
About Rachel Giannini:
Rachel Giannini is an early childhood educator with over a decade in the classroom, an early childhood specialist, advocate, and a video blog host. She currently splits her time as a public speaker, early childhood commentator, curriculum designer, and the star of Spy School on Hellosaurus.
Rachel's writing, expertise, and videos have appeared in Vox, The New York Times, HuffPost, Child Care Exchange, and Chicago Parent. Rachel has a BA in Early Child Education and over ten years in the classroom. She also has an MFA in Museum Education from the University of Illinois and is a volunteer hospital magician for Open Heart Magic.
Their First Teacher is You - Part 1 of a 3-part series
By guest author Rachel Giannini, Early Childhood Specialist/Video Blog Host/Early Childhood Advocate.
You are everything to your child. Cook, caregiver, entertainer, chauffeur, and teacher. Yes, teacher! In fact, you are your child’s first and best teacher. This is because 80% of your child’s brain is developed before they reach the age of three and 90% by the time they are five. With one million neurological connections being made every second, every moment can be a teachable moment in the life of a small child. While that may sound like a lot of pressure, fear not! You are a natural teacher! But in case you are looking for some activities to do with your little one, here are a few personal favorites.
Photo credit to @kindredquiltingco
Birth-3 months
Congratulations! You have a newborn! Between feeding, napping, and diaper changing, you may be looking for an activity to stimulate your baby’s growing body and brain. Hand toys and rattles are a classic, and they are a classic for a reason. Playing with a rattle is a science experiment in action. Your little one is exploring cause and effect. Shake=noise. While that may seem simple to us for a two-month-old, it is a huge discovery. Speaking of discovery, as your child engages with the rattle, they are exploring their hands! Working on grasping, lifting, and of course, preparing to put it in their mouth for further experiments.
Photo credit to @thefamilyroom
As their teacher, you can help your child work on eye and sound tracking skills. (High-contrast toys are great for this age and stage!) First, take the rattle and shake it to one side of their head (within eye distance.) Then, slowly move the rattle to the other side of their head and then above them. This simple activity not only works on your child’s developing eyes but also develops their attention skills and works on their vestibular system (balance and motion.)
A teachable moment doesn’t mean you walk around with a globe, microscope, and a thesaurus. It means that you talk to your child. It means pointing out shapes, colors, and animals. It means singing to your little one and reading stories. It means doing all the things that you are already probably doing. Remember, you’re amazing, and you’ve got this!
About Rachel Giannini:
Rachel Giannini is an early childhood educator with over a decade in the classroom, an early childhood specialist, advocate, and a video blog host. She currently splits her time as a public speaker, early childhood commentator, curriculum designer, and the star of Spy School on Hellosaurus.
Rachel's writing, expertise, and videos have appeared in Vox, The New York Times, HuffPost, Child Care Exchange, and Chicago Parent. Rachel has a BA in Early Child Education and over ten years in the classroom. She also has an MFA in Museum Education from the University of Illinois and is a volunteer hospital magician for Open Heart Magic.
Are you looking for precious gifts for the little loves in your life? Gifting for the newest additions to the family can be a challenge. But, it doesn't have to be! Our pro-tip: focus on developmental milestones. It's a sure-fire way of giving a gift both parents and their littles will enjoy.
Newborns
Teethers, snuggly pals, and tactile books are perfect for the newest valentines in your family. Toys are usually the last thing new parents add to their baby registries, so they make excellent gifts for holidays and special occasions. Encourage tummy-time, visual tracking, grasping, and more with developmentally friendly toys this Valentine's Day
One Year
Celebrate new walkers with a fresh pair of shoes. Young toddlers are also working on mastering their fine motor skills through meal and snack time. Set them up for success with a baby fork and spoon set or sippy cup. If you're looking for a little extra something, you can't go wrong with a new plush pal or fill and spill toy.
Two Years
They're mobile, full of energy, and always looking for something to discover. Encourage solitary play with fun-filled activities like coloring sheets or play-dough. Pro-tip: choose no-mess markers that only color on special paper; mom and dad will be pleased. Washable dolls make excellent playtime companions for young toddlers. Especially ones that love bringing their best bud with them on every adventure.
Photo credit @ellen_wags
Three Years
Elementary-learning games to encourage matching, memory, and early math skills are perfect for three years and up. A new puzzle or game is an excellent way to foster learning through play.
Another toddler-friendly gift theme - toys and activities that encourage social emotional learning. Kids have big feelings, but aren't quite sure how to communicate them. Supporting social-emotional growth and understanding is integral for this age and stage. So, make it a fun learning experience with the help of activities and books! Big Little Feelings is a great resource for navigating the social-emotional landscape.
Discover more age-appropriate toys, dolls, and stuffed animals by shopping our occasion category. Happy gifting!
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1. CREATE AN ACCENT WALL
Transform one of the walls in your child’s room into a chalkboard and the answer to “Can I draw on the walls?” will always be “Yes!” To make it happen, start by sanding the wall smooth (a smooth surface equals better chalkboard-like results). Then cover wall with at least two coats of chalkboard paint. After paint is completely dry, which can take a few days, rub a piece of chalk across wall, then wipe off with a soft cloth. Let your little artist go to town. Alternately, cover one wall with a mural or wallpaper in an intriguing pattern.
Toys featured: Velveteen Dinosaur collection
2. SWAP OUT BEDDING
New linens and accent pillows are an easy-as-pie way to freshen up a bedroom. Your child’s favorite colors or things (dinos, magic, space, etc.) can be your inspiration jumping off point. Don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns and shades.
3. GET HOOKED
Hang wall hooks in fun colors or shapes low enough for kids to reach. Use them for hanging dress up clothes, jackets or hats.
4. MAKE YOUR OWN ART GALLERY
Create a gallery wall in your child’s room out of family photos, kid art or other favorite images. Matching frames can pull the look together. Or choose a variety of different frames for a relaxed, boho vibe.
5. UPGRADE HARDWARE
Switch out knobs on a dresser or a table with drawers to give the furniture a more polished, unique feel.
6. LET THERE BE LIGHT
New lighting—be it a floor or table lamp or a pendant light—is a lovely way to cheer up a room and there are so many attractive options. Consider texture, shape and size when making your choice. A paper lantern might have a whispery, organic feel. An oversized pendant becomes a bold, geometric centerpiece.
7. LAYER IN EYE CANDY
Garlands, mobiles and removable wall decals all offer big visual impact without a lot of DIY know how.
Photo credit to @to.thesimpleheart
Toy featured: Musical Lili Llama
8. INTRODUCE STYLISH STORAGE
As your child gets older, the question, “Where to put the toys?” will loom ever larger. So, look for furniture items that can do double duty as storage: storage benches, ottomans with lids, trunks and beds with drawers.
Toy featured: Natural Baby Beads
9. GIVE YOUR WINDOWS A MINI MAKEOVER
New curtains or shades are a huge help when you’re seeking a new bedroom look. And if the rest of your child’s room has a softer, more neutral palette, window treatments are a great place to incorporate a bold pattern. The strong colors or print will add energy without overwhelming the space.
10. BRING IN THE OUTDOORS
A little nature is always a nice touch in a bedroom. Snake plants and philodendrons are hardy and have air filtering properties. Succulents are also easy to maintain (just steer clear of too-poky plants like cacti). For bigger impact, try the bird of paradise or a money tree. Hanging baskets get flowers and greenery up out of reach.
11. CREATE A COZY NOOK
No matter your child’s age, a cozy place to curl up in will always be inviting. Toss a beanbag chair in a corner, add warm lighting and books within easy reach, like in a basket on the floor nearby. And speaking of baskets…
12. BRIGHTEN UP BASKETS AND BINS
Spray paint baskets or open plastic bins for an instant face lift. Metallics, candy colors, or tonal colors (slightly different shades of the same hue) all make for fun kid room choices. Hold can about 6 inches away from basket and spray in long even strokes to minimize drips. Let dry and fill (for example with those books from tip 11).
Toys featured: Brilliant Bear Magnetic Stack Up, various baby books, Canoe Buddies, Playdate Friends Ollie and Harper, and Beats To Go.
13. LET TOYS BE PART OF THE DISPLAY
Showcase favorite stuffed animals, bright, graphic toys, colorful kids’ books (face covers out) and more on open shelves. The objects’ cheerful personalities will become part of the room’s overall look, especially in a mostly neutral space.
14. HAVE AN EASY ORGANIZING STRATEGY
It’s a dream scenario: Your kids can find the toys they want when they want them and clean up is a breeze. Start making it a reality by sorting like objects together (cars, art supplies, dolls/action figures). Put them in separate bins, crates or clear containers, ideally with labels so everyone knows what lives where. Petite containers are especially helpful for small art supplies like beads, pom poms, sequins, etc.
15. COLOR INSIDE THE BOX
Paint or add wallpaper to the inside of shelves for a playful visual surprise of color or pattern. Here’s how:
• On a readymade unit, paint or wallpaper the back before attaching it.
• Another option: Remove shelves, then wallpaper them.
• If painting, first sand shelves as well as the inside of the cabinet. Tape off shelves’ front edge for a pop of contrast. Prime, then paint shelves and the cabinet’s interior.
16. LOOK BEHIND DOOR NUMBER ONE (AND TWO AND THREE)
The backs of doors make for great additional off-the-floor storage. An over-the-door organizer with pockets can hold shoes, toys, extra clothes and more; even better if the pockets are clear so you can see what’s inside.
Photo credit to @theheinrichhouse
17. BUILD AN EASY-ACCESS ART STATION
A rolling cart is a handy solution for art supplies. Organize markers, pencils and crayons in separate containers. Sort and store construction paper in a rack or folders. Add tape, paints, paintbrushes, stickers, whatever your child loves. Roll the whole setup to wherever the creative magic is happening—and roll it away just as easily when the fun is done.
Photo credit: @mamas.little.village
The holidays are on the way. That means it’s time to stuff their stockings, take advantage of seasonal savings and shop hot gifts for the holidays! Not sure what to get for the kiddos on your list? No worries, we have some great options for newborns to kindergarteners.
Baby’s First
Let’s face it, the first holiday season with your little is more about the parents than it is the babe! Those are the moments you’ve been waiting to witness. Enjoy all the “firsts” of this holiday season by loading up on toys they’ll love for months to come.
A few of our faves:
Atom Teether / Wimmer-Ferguson Stim-Mobile To Go / Color Burst Skwish / Farmyard Friends Activity Book
One Year Olds +
Photo credit: @moth3rhubbard
The first birthday is under their belt, so it’s time to up the toys to something that will engage, delight and ultimately keep them BUSY! Activity toys are perfect for keeping your littles entertained. Plus if you haven’t gotten them a soft dolly yet, it’s high time you get them a take-along-friend for all their adventures. Choose from our award winning Playdate Friends, Baby Stella or Wee Baby Stella collections.
A few of our faves:
Velveteen Dinos / Beats To Go / Wee Baby Stella Exclusives / Musical Lili Llama
Preschoolers and Up
Photo credit: @essentiallyjenni
Always on the move and ready to take on the world! Sound like your little one? Get the gifts that fit their growing developmental needs, encourage discovery and make your little’s day all that more exciting.
A few of our faves:
Making Faces / Playdate Friends Washable Dolls / Tree Top Adventure
With over 300 toys in stock, there’s so many exciting options. Discover more by shopping our Stocking Stuffers, and Seasonal Savings categories with even more great suggestions to help narrow down your search. Plus, our shop by age and category break down make it easy to find toys for every age and stage of early childhood.
Happy gift hunting!
]]>How is Manhattan Toy creating a brighter future for our kids, our community, and the world? We’re starting from a solid place and are making progress towards some very lofty goals. After all, we care about the same things you do – joyful moments, inclusivity, supporting our community, and sustainability. Here is where we are today.
IN OUR PRODUCTS
Design Matters
Play is how children learn and develop. This is why we take toy design so seriously, with careful consideration in every detail. Everything we make comes from a place of love and respect . . . Read more.
Representation
We always strive for inclusivity in our toys and how they show up in the world. This has been part of our company ethos long before it became newsworthy to do so. Admittedly, we haven’t always hit the mark. Read more.
Safety
In today’s world of eCommerce, where almost anyone can put a toy up for sale on their website or Amazon, proof of toy safety testing is crucial. You can trust that all of our toys are tested to the most exacting international standards for safety. Read more.
IN OUR COMPANY
Employment
Inclusivity is part of our company culture. Our small but mighty team of 44 full-time employees is composed of over 70% women. This is also reflected in our executive leadership team, led by our female CEO . . . Read more.
Sustainability
Because we make products for infants and young kids, we have a binding obligation to ensure the future of our planet is the best it can be. We’re actively working to define our long-term goals for sustainability. We’ve started by switching to shipping cartons made from 90% recycled cardboard materials . . . Read more.
IN OUR COMMUNITY
Happy Start Program
In late 2018, we launched an annual program of giving for families living below the poverty line in the Twin Cities community. We worked with the Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ) organization to identify early education centers in the Minneapolis area serving families in need. Read more.
Giving Back
Being a friend and active contributor to our community is central to who we are . Every year, our team fulfills dozens of donation requests from local and national nonprofit organizations. As a Minneapolis, MN-based company, we have an especially big heart for local needs. Read more.
Learn more about who we are, our process, beliefs, and the individuals behind the Manhattan Toy brand. Visit our Social Responsibility page today to see the evolving narrative of our efforts to invest in a brighter future for all of us.
]]>Are you a halloween fanatic? Or, maybe just overly excited about dressing your littles up in costume. Either way, we have two easy steps to inspire your costume creations for Halloween and beyond.
Photo credit: to.thesimpleheart
Step 1: Raid the Toy Bin
A good rummage through the toy bin or play space is a great place to start. Use your little one's favorite toys as inspiration. Perhaps there's a stuffed animal that comes to mind, or you have an aspiring chef who loves kitchen play time. Dig, sort and ponder the possibilities.
Photo credit: emneicher
Step 2: Toy Translation
Once you've identified the toy or theme, now it's time to get creative. A direct interpretation of their favorite toy or play set is an easy option. If they love doll play, they could "twin" with their favorite dolly. Or have them compliment the toy's theme. Truck lovers could become construction workers, while kiddos with a love for their stuffed pig could be a farmer.
Crafting a costume for your kids should be fun and stress free. The best part, they can enjoy playing with their dress up attire all year long!
]]>By: Mona Bachani Singhal, founder of Spark Wonder
We often hear how play is the way children learn about the world around them. In a world of marketing and consumer culture there are plenty of options that may do the exact opposite of what we want for our children. As an Educator and Toddler Specialist I have often seen every version of a play space you can imagine. Consider this a beginners guide on creating a successful play space for your little ones.
Photo credit: @ellen_wags
Make it Count
Often, we think that learning numbers or math skills requires a dedication to quizzes and testing. However, that won’t work! Your little one will see right through that tactic and quickly disengage, even if they know the answers! Instead of taking the time to test their knowledge open up activities that will naturally show you what they know while also allowing them to learn new concepts.
Blocks are a great one for this and the bigger the blocks the better! Playing with blocks is always exciting and it will naturally allow you to have some math conversations. “Can you pass me one?” “Is this taller?” “I need one more please.” By working with blocks together you are naturally discussing math concepts in a way that makes sense to your child. This is much more fun than asking them to count.
The Stack and Smash is a great place to start. You can work on the same concepts and it’s a real space saver. Remember it’s not unusual for your child to just move cups or blocks from one place to another. Eventually the concept of building upwards or “adding on” will come.
Once they are ready and comfortable with using math language such as “one more, higher, bigger, smaller etc” you can introduce games that will encourage them to recognize the patterns in numbers. Subi is a great place to start because you can start out with creating a memory game and naturally recognizing patterns at the same time.
Photo Credit: @theheinrichhouse
Get Messy
How often do you avoid art or sensory activities because you’re afraid of a mess? Yes we want a clean home and don’t have the time to add one more thing to our to do list. But you need to! This is the one aspect of play that is often overlooked in every play space at home. However, this is one of the most important!
If your child gets messy and is able to touch things that are messy, sticky or slimy they are much more likely to have better eating habits! Notice the textures your child prefers. Are they a little one that seeks crunchy snacks or soft and easy to swallow? Whatever they are comfortable with, pick the opposite texture for play time. For example, if your little one loves soft textures, introduce crunchy, hard and firm textures during play. Fill a bin with cereals, rice or dried pasta. If your child prefers crunchy textures then fill a bin of wet oatmeal, wet cereal or water mixed with flour.
If they are able to explore textures during open ended play times, they will be more likely to try them when they show up at mealtimes.
Invite your child’s favorite toys to “watch” this special playtime. Bring Playdate Friends Nico along and let your little one explain or show their favorite doll what they are working on. This way you are promoting language development and supporting positive eating habits.
You don’t need to have a dedicated space, you can add simple moments of play almost anywhere. If you are worried about a mess, take it outside! Backyards, parks or even the sidewalk will alleviate some of the stress about cleaning up.
Photo Credit: Paige Jones Photography @paigejonesphoto
Drama, Drama, Drama
I know what you are thinking - your little one has this one down. They can go from happy to full meltdown in 5 seconds. That is not the kind of drama I am referring to. This is more about dramatic play!
This area can be as simple as a play kitchen area or having some of their grown up’s dress up clothes. A dramatic play area can include dolls or stuffed animals too.
This is an area where your child can explore concepts that are important to their day to day life - home, kitchen, work - all the things they see their parents and caregivers doing. In this space you may hear things like “I am feeding the baby” or “I’m going to my office. I have a zoom call.” It’s where all the tidbits of the day can be explored in a way that they can control.
Have things in this area that are meaningful to your family. For example, if Yoga is your happy place let your little one explore with their own mat. You can even take this a step deeper and add Wee Baby Stella’s Yoga set to their play space. Next time have everyone bring their mat to Yoga practice!
Photo Credit: @_brookeangelique
Rotation is Key
I can’t tell you how many times I hear “my child is bored with their toys.” Yes it happens. If we see the same exact things in our fridge, closet or workspace we too would be bored. Our kids are no different.
The key is to have your space adaptable. Some days it can be a spaceship and other days it can be a doll house. Use things around the house and rotate them out every few days. Put some toys in a closet or a hidden space and change them out every week. This will help your little play with intention because they have less in front of them but this will also help keep things fresh! You will buy less toys because rotating them will keep things more exciting.
This can be done with every single toy you have. Keep half the bin of Lego blocks out or just one color. Put half the books on the bookshelf. Remove half the pots and pans from the kitchen area. By trying these small changes your child will feel inspired to create something new with something they have had all along.
"Playing in the simplest ways can make a world of difference."
It's the mark of children that grow to be independent, confident and comfortable in their day to day lives. Use this guide as a simple way to ensure your child is playing with purpose.
About the Author:
Mona completed her Masters in Early Childhood Education from Columbia University, Teachers College. She went on to complete an Advance Certification in Special Education from Fordham University.
Beginning her career as a preschool teacher, Mona taught at schools throughout New York City. Later, becoming an Educational Director and Preschool Program Director where she developed curriculum and trained teachers on the importance of play and parent partnerships.
Mona adores children and has made it her life goal to support families to help nurture young children. She believes if parents and children are able to have their needs met and feel supported there will simply be more room for joy and wonder in the world.
Have you ever dreamed of loading up the RV and traveling the country with your fam? Days spent exploring the sites, living minimally, and making unforgettable memories. Sounds dreamy right? Well, at least until the first toddler melt-down! But, let’s face it, minor setbacks only add to the experience.
Paige Jones, photographer, and mama of two, has been living out this very dream for the past eight months! Paige and her husband completed a beautiful renovation of their RV. Modern amenities, paired with a chic minimalistic style. The Jones family has been living a life on the road for the past eight months! But, what's their secret to creating a harmonious family experience while living life on the road? We've got some pro tips to share.
Choose the right RV/Vehicle for your fam.
Ensure comfort and avoid unneeded stressors by taking the time to choose the best vehicle/RV for your family. Amenities, sleep capacity, layout, and even length come into play when planning any road trip. Some parks and roads have length limits – do your research to avoid any unfortunate surprises.
Featured: Manhattan Toy Wood Camera
Make a plan as your “guideline.”
Planning out your major stops and adventures is a must. But be sure to give yourself grace. We all know that things don’t always go according to plan. So, if you get behind schedule or decide to swap out one of your destinations, don’t fret. Enjoy the journey and live the adventure!
Featured: LEGO Star Wars Minifigures
Keep things cozy and inviting.
Creating a “home away from home” experience is key. Take tips from the everyday comforts you enjoy and work them into space. Be sure to think beyond blankets and pillows. If it’s coffee in the morning and fruit snacks for the kids, don’t leave home without it! Perhaps it is creating an outdoor environment that extends your living space. A cozy experience is totally in your wheelhouse!
Featured: Making Faces magnetic set
Pack toys and activities.
Toys and games are perfect for road travel. Be picky about what you bring, as you will have lots of fun things to explore at each stop along the way. However, downtime and idle activities will keep the kiddos and adults sane! There are plenty of activities you can create on the fly – scavenger hunts, journaling, eye spy, and more. Remember, travel can be exhausting for everyone, so imaginative toys like plush, favorite dolls/action figures, and games help in keeping even your littlest travelers content.
Plan frequent stops.
The journey is as much of an experience as the destination. So, avoid cramming too much travel time into each day. Stopping every 3-4 hours can help in keeping everyone fresh and happy. Be spontaneous and look for pop-up stops that the family will enjoy. Is there a waterfall 20 minutes off your path? Check it out! Try to avoid being overly ambitious about your itinerary. Taking a few days to unwind in one location will help everyone recharge their batteries.
For more on Paige’s RV renovation tips and travel toy favorites, check out Mother Mag’s article about the Jones family adventures. Plus, Mother’s got the scoop on travel essentials in their summer travel wishlist. Thank you, Paige, for inspiring us all to take advantage of the precious moments we have with our kiddos!
]]>It is fun to give gifts, especially when you're able to witness the sheer joy in the recipient's face after unwrapping the perfect gift. Discover toy classics and new designs that make the best developmentally friendly gifts for littles age 1-4.
Toys for 1st Birthdays!
You can't go wrong with wood activity toys. The Deep Sea and Playground Adventure toys feature gliders, bead runs, spinning gears and more! Plus standing play for new walkers. Stacking toys like the Brilliant Bear Magnetic Stack Up and Cactus Garden encourage honing those fine and gross motor skills. But, for the water lovin' babies, you've got to gift one of our new floating fill n spill toys - Crab, Whale, Pirate Ship or Sailboat! Great for in the tub or the kitty pool.
Got a doll lover in the family? Baby Stella and Wee Baby Stella - make great first dolls. Their completely soft bodies are great for cuddling and carrying, plus each doll includes a magnetic pacifier! Our Stella collection offers more than just dolls, discover fun accessories for encouraging imaginative role play.
Favs:
1) Baby Stella Beige Doll with Brown Hair 2) Deep Sea Adventure 3) Stella Collection Pool Party 4) Cactus Garden Magnetic Stacker 5) Toadstool Cottage 6) Crab Fill N Spill Floating Toy 7) Wee Baby Fella 8) Musical Lili Llama
Toys for Two Year Olds
Those two year old toddlers love exploring new things. That's why Baby Stella Learn To Dress Dress is perfect for littles learning to dress themselves. This doll is loaded with features that encourage fine motor development - buttons, snaps, zippers and ties. Helping to hone their elementary dressing skills. For doll enthusiasts that take their dolly everywhere, Playdate Friends are the perfect solution. They're 100% machine washer and dryer safe! Not to mention, adorable! Plus, they come with a matching animal companion.
It's never too early to introduce numbers and the concept of subitizing - the ability to recognize a small group of objects without counting. That's where our Subi! game comes in. Pairing number learning with game-time fun. For toddlers that likes to discover new sounds, check out our Beats To Go, along with others from our musical toy collection. Beats To Go is great for your summer time travel as it's easy to carry and compact for on the go. So many toys to consider, it's hard to choose!
Favs:
1) Baby Stella Learn To Dress 2) Subi! 3) Beats To Go 4) Playdate Friends Ellis 5) Amigos Llama 6) Playdate Friends Freddie 7) Playground Adventure 8) Pirate Ship Fill N Spill Floating Toy
Photo Credit: @theheinrichhouse
Toys for Three & Four Years Olds
Preschool-age toddlers are busy little bees. Gift them toys that allow them to explore, play, learn and grow. Our complex wood stacking toys like our Boom Shock-A-Lack-A and Bam-Stack-A-Lack-A offer stacking play that tests toddler's spatial reasoning. If you're working with your kiddos on feeling identification, then the Making Faces Magnetic Set is right up your alley. Littles can create their own facial expressions to reflect their feelings or those of others - social emotional learning in its simplest form.
Got a game lover in the making? Then you'll want to see our latest matching, memory and animal-inspired games. Like our Pup Match Up, Paws & Claws or Subi! Each game fosters memory, matching, number and/or animal recognition skills. For the aspiring foodies, explore our adorable wood kitchen-inspired role play sets - Ribbit Waffle Maker, Bunny Hop Mixer, Toasty Turtle and Early Bird Espresso. Check out more great gifts for 3+ that will put a smile on the face of the toddler in your life.
Favs:
1) Bam Stack-A-Lack-A 2) Making Faces Magnetic Set 3) Little Nook Playhouse 4) Pup Match Up 5) Ribbit Waffle Maker 6) Stella Collection Happy Camper 7) Nursing Nissa 8) Loki Leopard
Photo credit: @ergetaways
Soft stuffed animals like the Velveteen dinosaurs, Benny The Blue Footed Boobie, and Kiwi Koala are great for kids and adults. Learning to self-sooth and build emotional connections is a great skill for little ones to learn. For older children, these plush friends encourage role playing while fostering language and social emotional development. Find more plush animal toys in all shapes and sizes for kids of all ages when you shop our Stuffed Animals & Puppets category.
Make this birthday a Manhattan Toy birthday. To find more great gift ideas for the birthday babe in your life, shop our gifts by age section. Happy shopping!
Then listen up because this article is all about must-have toys for the baby registry. It’s such an exciting time to imagine all the fun to come, share in the excitement with loved ones, and create your baby registry.
We’ve partnered with Babylist so you can seamlessly add toys to your registry right from our site. Let’s face it; toys are not at the top of your baby gear checklist. But, they make the perfect additive to any gift. Plus, we all look forward to hearing the “awws” and “that’s so cute” when attending any shower. So, give your gift-givers those adorable additives to throw into the mix. And gift givers, surprise her with some must-have toys that support baby’s development from day one.
Photo credit: @itskareene Toys featured: Natural Skwish & Musical Lili Llama
Nursery Decor
Ok, you have the Pinterest board full of inspiration and all the pretty plans inside your head. But, what does any nursery need? Texture, like stuffed animals to match any theme, visual interest like our Skwish. That looks great on the shelf while being easy for baby to grasp and chew. Whether your nursery vibe is boho or an astronomer’s dream, we have something for any theme.
Photo credit: @charlotteetcharlie Toys featured: Theo Turtle Travel Toy, Cherry Blossom Musical Rainbow, Under the Sea Narwhal Activity Toy & Cherry Blossom Bear
On The Go
Traveling with baby, can be intimidating for first-time parents. Who are we kidding? It’s intimidating for all parents! Luckily, we have some great toys to keep baby entertained while on the go. Like our Infant Stim-Mobile To Go that clips right onto the car seat handle. Mesmerizing baby with high contrast black, white, and colored graphics that promote visual development. Or link a soft book, teether toys - like our Winkel - or musical toys to the stroller and carrier with our Baby Links. Make life easier for new parents - equip them with travel toys baby will love.
Photo credit: @5littlebirds_ Toy featured: Toadstool Cottage
Tummy Time & Beyond
I’m sure it seems too far into the future, but soon enough baby will be starting to lift their head, roll over and even sit up! Remember, shower gifts should apply to life beyond the first few months. You wouldn’t limit your clothing options to only newborn sizes. So, branch out with your toy additives. Pat-mats are perfect for newborns and up. As they transition into tummy time, they can explore the textures and fun features, like that of our Crawl & Discover Mat. Fill and spill toys, stackers, and wood musical toys can be used as motivation to crawl and reach while baby is little. Then, transition into their intended use as they grow and hone their motor skills.
Enjoy finding the toys to fit the new mamas’ needs, style, and theme. Whether your shopping through our site or navigating your way through babylist.com, there’s something for everyone to discover.
]]>Did you know we’ve partnered with the LEGO Group to create LEGO® minifigure plush? They are soft toy versions of LEGO character favorites, like Emmet and Lucy from THE LEGO® MOVIE 2™, LEGO STAR WARS Chewbacca, even THE CHILD™! We could not be more excited to share about our latest LEGO arrivals. Plus, all the places you can find them in store and online.
Our LEGO partnership began with the release of THE LEGO MOVIE 2, where we introduced the first five characters in our licensed LEGO product collection – Lucy, Emmet, Sweet Mayhem, Unikitty and Angry Kitty. Along with eight super-soft LEGO clips that included even more fan favorites from THE LEGO MOVIE 2.
Since the start, our soft minifigure characters and clips have had a home in Target® - both instore and online. Also included are the LEGO STAR WARS minifigure plush series in 2019 and THE CHILD™ + LEGO® NINJAGO® in 2020. We continue to grow our collection each year.
Photos captured in Target stores by @greyson.n.juniper and @creatinghomewithwhit
Now, boasting over 18 different minifigure plush toys. From Darth Vader and Butterfly Girl to Shark Suit Guy, the gang has grown into a colorful collection that STAR WARS and LEGO fans alike can enjoy.
Image left/right top/bottom: LEGO NINJAGO, LEGO MINIFIGURES, THE LEGO MOVIE 2, LEGO STAR WARS & THE CHILD
So, what is more exciting than discovering all our soft LEGO minifigures? Being able to find them in places across the globe, like all LEGOLAND® Parks in the US, Europe, Japan, and Malaysia. Plus, Discovery Centers and LEGO retail stores across the US and Europe. You heard that right LEGO fans; our newest characters are right in the center of all the fun! But you can also find them in store at Von Maur and Target, or online at Amazon.com, Target.com, Kohls.com and Walmart.com.
Photo captured in LEGOLAND Windsor, UK store
Now that you have the scoop on our licensed LEGO characters, we wish you happy shopping! Enjoy finding your favorite LEGO minifigure plush online or at a store nearest you.
]]>We are excited to share about our partnership with Kanika Chadda-Gupta, journalist, entrepreneur, and host of the top-rated podcast, That's Total Mom Sense where she interviews industry experts on their life stories, parenting, and wellness.
As a television anchor and executive producer for global networks (CNN, Zee TV), Kanika fueled her passion for storytelling through breaking news story coverage and celebrity interviews. But it was her journey into motherhood that parlayed her narratives into "tangible takeaways to help parents problem-solve.” Upon welcoming her three children [including twins] into the world within a year and a half, Kanika felt the pull to support parents honing in on their mom sense. What is mom sense? “It’s a parent’s own sixth sense – their superpower of intuition when it comes to their kids.”
Kanika approached us after her experience with Manhattan Toy in her own home - wanting to dig into the story behind the imaginative world of Manhattan Toy. Her April 1st episode features our very own Creative Director, Jeanne Bleu! Listen in to discover the WHY, HOW, and WHO behind our toy design. Plus, you’ll hear Jeanne’s mom sense moments through her own motherhood and grandmotherhood journey.
Jeanne Bleu ~ "the kids enjoy playing with them . . . it's skill building and we know design matters - they look good in the nursery, they look good on the living room floor . . . something you can feel good about on many levels."
]]>
We all know that designers have an innate ability to make things look good. It's why so many of us look for inspiration from professional and amateur designers across the board.
Whether it’s for kid’s room décor, birthday invitations or even how to wrap a present. So, we thought, why not ask our Manhattan Toy designers to help us create some adorable Easter baskets to ignite your basket creation process. Take a look, get inspired and have fun finding the perfect gifts and goodies for your little’s Easter basket this April!
Filled with a delightful book and characters from our Cherry Blossom baby collection. There's Piper the bunny, a soft book Flutter by birdie, some Natural Baby Beads plus this adorable pull Musical Rainbow.
Don't be afraid to mix up your basket ingredients. There's a whole gamut of things you could gift to the littles in your life. Is your babe learning to feed themselves? Add in some baby spoons or meal-time mat that makes meal-times easier for you and fun for baby. Perhaps your little loves their bath time, splurge on tubby-time essentials or add some new bath toys into the mix.
Filled with games and squishy-soft plush. Check out this weighted dinosaur Stomper from our Velveteen Dinos collection, a memory game that fosters social-emotion learning called Making Faces and one of our wood stackers - the Boom-Shock-a-Lock-a.
Little love surprises, and can find joy in the littlest of things. Think small this Easter, what simple things can bring the most joy? Like our Little Nook sets, they are itty-bitty, but offer imaginative play time for toddler enjoyment. Games are a fun additive to any basket as well. Offering playtime fun that they can enjoy again and again. Do you have spring travels planned? Perhaps new swim apparel is on your list to get. No matter what you choose to include in your little's basket this year, seeing the look of excitement and joy in discovering all goodies in their basket is well worth the time put in.]]>
It seems that only yesterday the 2020 elections were in full swing. As we step into 2021, Inauguration Day is next on the political docket. The recent months have been trying, with the horrific events at our nations' Capitol only adding to the uncertainty. But, experts say avoiding the subject with your kids is not the answer. After all, kids are like sponges that are soaking up information constantly, making now the perfect time to help them process all they are hearing.
Parenting is no walk in the park, especially when broaching challenging subjects with your little ones. That's why we're sharing a few resources for navigating complex and sometimes scary subjects with your kids - election process, attack on the Capitol, Inauguration Day, and other relevant topics we are facing.
This is not an exhaustive list, but we hope it helps start and guide conversations with the littles in your life. We will continue to share helpful resources through our Instagram. Have more suggested resources, stories and voices to amplify? We'd love you to share with us hello@manhattantoy.com.
Talking to kids about Inauguration Day:
The Our White House Inauguration Celebration Kit for Kids! Created by The National Children’s Book and Literacy Alliance for parents, family members, teachers, librarians, and community leaders.
Everything You Need to Know about Presidential Inauguration a comprehensive, kid friendly, video by Pursuit of History.
Inauguration Day Activities for Kids of All Ages by Sarah Moore of Nashville City Moms Blog
Inauguration Day Activities for Kids from teachstarter.com
Talking to kids about violence at the Capitol:
Talking to Kids about the Violence at the US Capitol By Diane Jones Lowrey of Common Sense Media. Age-based tips and questions to have conversations as a family about disturbing events.
Talking to Kids About Violence at the US Capitol by Jessica Seaman and Tiney Ricciardi of the Denver Post.
Helping Kids Understand the Riots at the Capitol by childmind.org.
How to Talk to your Kids About the Capitol Riots by Harvard staff righter Colleen Walsh of The Harvard Gazette.
How to talk to children about the Capitol riots: An age by age guide by Meghan Holohan of today.com - Experts weigh in on why it's important to explain the news in an honest, age-appropriate way.
10 tips for talking to your kids about the attack on the US Capitol by Dr. Neha Chaudhary, CNN
How to Talk to Kids About Riots a the US Capitol from NPR
Don’t shy away from talking to kids about the Capitol riot. They know more than you think. by Amy Joyce of The Washington Post
Listening and learning - talking to kids about race, racism and racial inequality:
How to Talk to Kids About Race and Racism, from Parent Toolkit, includes advice on how to approach the conversation and other helpful resources.
The Conscious Kid offers a wide assortment of resources as an “organization dedicated to equity and promoting healthy racial identity development in youth”.
Talking to Children about Racial Bias, from HealthyChildren.org, By: Ashaunta Anderson, MD, MPH, MSHS, FAAP & Jacqueline Dougé, MD, MPH, FAAP
Talking to Children After Racial Incidents, featuring author Howard Stevenson, an expert on racial stress and trauma.
Your Age-by-Age Guide to Talking About Race, from 6 months to age 8, from Parents Magazine.
How to Talk About Kids and Race from Brightly, by author and mother Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, full of studies, citations, and resources.
Why White Parents Need to Do More Than Talk to Kids About Racism, from Times, a study by Margaret A. Hagerman sociologist and author.
From NPR’s Life Kit podcast, Talking Race With Young Children also has a wealth of resources and advice on its episode page.
A large list of other resources from the Center For Racial Justice In Education.
Coming Together: Standing Up to Racism, Sesame Street and CNN’s town hall
Talking to kids about the election process:
What is Voting All About? Five Ways to Teach Kids About Elections by Holy Hays, contributing writer for The Manhattan Toy Company
The Right Way to Talk About Politics with Your Kids, According to Experts by Gail Cornwall of goodhousekeeping.com
Let’s Vote! for parents by PBS kids
Now Is A Good Time To Talk To Kids About Civics by Anya Kamenetz, Cory Turner and Sylvie Douglas of NPR
How To Explain The Election And Voting To Kids by Caroline Bologna of huffpost.com. Here's what parents should know about talking to their children about the electoral college, choosing a candidate to support and more.
Talking to Kids About the Election by Cassandra Spratling The contentious presidential race might be confusing and upsetting. Here's how to help children deal.
Additional resources for talking to kids about difficult topics facing us today:
How to Talk to Kids about Difficult Subjects by Caroline Knorr of Common Sense Media
Caring for Each Other, a Sesame Street initiative to support families throughout the COVID-19 health crisis
THE MOTHERLODE January 8th, 2021 top weekly links by Katie Hintz-Zambrano of mothermag.com
Talking To Your Kids About Coronavirus And Social Distancing by Tara Haelle Senior Contributor at forbes.com
How to Talk to your Kids About Coronavirus by Deborah Farmer Kris of PBS Kids
How You and Your Kids Can De-Stress During Coronavirus by Deborah Farmer Kris of PBS Kids
]]>Watch and learn.
These videos—and some familiar friends—explain what voting is, why it matters and how we do it. BYOP! (Bring Your Own Popcorn.)
Vote With Abby, Elmo and Steve Carell
In the Neighborhood Voting Booth With Daniel Tiger
Stop, Think and Choose With Daniel Tiger
Why Voting Is Important by Kids Academy
This year especially, many schools are giving students access to BrainPOP, an online learning resource, for free. These two BrainPOP Jr. videos are great primers on the role of President in our country and why we have elections.
Rights and Responsibilities With Annie and Moby
Photo credit: rashellewhiteharris
Read all about it.
Story time gets an election theme. These cute picture books are a kid-friendly introduction to the world of voting.
Vote! by Eileen Christelow
Duck for President by Doreen Cronin
V is for Voting by Kate Farrell
Max for President! by Jarrett Krosoczka
Curious George Votes by H.A. Rey
One Vote, Two Votes, I Vote, You Vote by Bonnie Worth
Photo Credit: abbyyrollercoasterlife
Hold your own election.
Sometimes the best way to learn something is to actually do it. So plan an election the whole family can participate in. There are plenty of fun things to vote on: what to have for dinner (mac and cheese forever!), what to watch at the next Family Movie Night, cats vs. dogs. Once you’ve narrowed down the candidates, discuss their pros and cons. Then make a ballot box and voting cards. You can even use blank mailing labels to create and hand out your own “I Voted” stickers after ballots are cast.
Make a campaign poster.
Dream big! Invite your kids to make a campaign poster as though they were running for President. They can draw self-portraits, or decorate with pictures or words representing ideas that are important to them. The project is also a good chance to get kids thinking about the qualities that make a good leader.
Photo credit: chels819
Involve your kids when you vote.
However you’re casting your vote this November, you can still let your littles in on the process. If you’re filling out a mail-in ballot, show it to your kids. Point out the different candidates’ names and any proposals you may be voting on. Explain how you mark your choices. If you’re voting in person and aren’t bringing your children, walk them through a sample ballot at home before you go and talk to them about what you’ll be doing in the voting booth.
And for any voting questions you may have, here's where you can check your registration, find your polling place and more!
]]>Written by Katie Hintz-Zambrano of MOTHER
Photographed by Aysia Stieb
One of the silver linings of all of these extra hours under the same roof as your child is the chance to help your kiddo hone in on some of the skills you’d love for them to have for a lifetime. And we’re not talking about math. Instead, we’re referring to raising decent humans who are thoughtful, kind, generous, empathetic, and all of the other good stuff. Luckily, teaching kids these important basics can happen in little moments, day after day, week after week, and add up to big results.
Especially with the negative state of the world right now, focusing on instilling positive, heartfelt skills in kids can feel extra meaningful. Below, we offer some ideas to inspire, as well as some tips from Berkeley, California-based mother Andrea Cheng (pictured here, with Miro, 2), who’s on a mission—like so many of us—to raise a kind and conscious kid.
Read Books About Feelings. To get your kid to be thoughtful, it helps to start with the basics and teach them about feelings. There are so many great children’s books that help put names to common feelings (The Feelings Book, The Way I Feel, these sweet board books by Manhattan Toy, the A Kids Book About series, and on and on!). While reading these books (or watching read-alouds on YouTube), don’t just stick to the words on the page. Get interactive. Ask your child to describe a time when they felt happy, sad, frustrated, scared, excited, etc., and share with them times when you’ve felt the same.
Get Emotional With Your Games. Especially for young children (toddlers on up), finding games that help them tap into their emotions is a great complement to the books they are reading. We especially love this Making Faces Magnetic Set, which was developed alongside a PhD in Developmental Psychology and allows children to recreate eight suggested feelings (calm, worried, sleepy, angry, and so on), as well as make their own creations with magnetic facial pieces. There’s also a matching Making Faces Memory Game, which tuns the classic flip-and-match game into a lesson on emotional expressions.
Read Books About Empathy. Once your child understands that everyone experiences a variety of feelings (and can be triggered by different circumstances), they can more easily empathize with other people and imagine things from another perspective. There are numerous kids’ books out there, featuring a diverse cast of characters, that tackle an array of situations that can help your child build up their empathy muscle (research shows empathy is able to be taught!). If you need book suggestions, take a look at retailers like Bookshop and Amazon‘s list of titles on “emotions and feelings,” Google “social emotional book list,” or you can simply take any children’s book and turn it into a conversation about the character, what they are going through, and what your child would do if they were in the character’s shoes.
Be Kind To Others AND To Mother Earth. It’s not just about teaching kids to be kind to other people (although we have some ace tips for that here!). Just as important is raising children who behave lovingly towards our planet. Teach your kids about energy conservation. About avoiding food waste. And about conscious consumption—buying fewer, but higher quality things, and passing them down once you’re done with them. The latter point is one Andrea thinks about often. “We try not to impulsively buy anything since the act of researching the thing is half the fun of shopping—is it well made, what’s the story behind the brand, does it encourage open-ended play, is Miro naturally drawn to it, is it something he can find new ways to play with as he gets older? With the items that Miro’s outgrown, I’ve been setting them aside to pass onto new parent friends, donate to his school/toy drives, or leave on our curb to cycle into our neighborhood.” For more ideas on how to teach your kids to live green, check out our past articles here and here.
Get In The Giving Mood. Starting at a young age, children can get into the giving spirit by picking out thoughtful gifts for others (including toys for toy drives), baking treats to give to neighbors, and selecting toys from their own collection that they are ready to pass down to a friend or donate to a charity. Older kids who are starting to earn money can also get into the habit of dividing their funds into “save,” “spend,” and “give” jars. And for the toddler set, Andrea shares her own method for starting to get little Miro into the giving mood: “I try to proactively seek out little moments in the day where we can think about others—whether it’s prompting to share bites of our meal with each other, asking him what Daddy, Ah-Ma, Ah-Gong (his grandparents), or Marty (our dog) would like when picking things up from the store or role playing with his toys,” she says. “At this age, something I’m trying to instill in him is the idea that if you find something you like, maybe others would like it, too.”
Practice Gratitude. Especially during the year we’ve all endured (and continue to endure), focusing on what we’re thankful for is key. From keeping a gratitude journal and writing appreciation notes to making thankfulness a part of your family culture, we’ve got 10 bits of advice for raising grateful kids right here.
Be A Strong Role Model. Your kid seeing you practice respect for others and the earth and being thoughtful in all of the ways is the goal. But let’s be real—the pandemic doesn’t always bring out the best parent in all of us, all of the time. Just remind yourself that your kids are watching, and in those moments of stress-induced blunders (because there will be many), it’s important to take some time to apologize to your kid if needed, and give them more context as to why you weren’t the person you wanted to be in that moment. And then, as they see you dust yourself off and try again, they’ll receive that life lesson, too.
This post is brought to you by MOTHER x Manhattan Toy Company.
]]>Photo credit: @monicaandandy
New baby on the way? Let us guess…you’re excited, a little bit terrified, wanting everything to be just right? Makes perfect sense, whether you’re getting ready to welcome your first child or your fourth! And while we have full faith that you can do this, mamas and dads, we also wanted you to have some company and confidence boosting. This checklist covers the basics, from baby gear and the nursery to taking care of yourself and Baby’s big brother or sister. So read on for essentials—stuff, apps, pro tips and ideas—that’ll have you and your growing family off to the best possible start.
Photo credit: @livin.mivida.ale
For Baby
Babies require less than you might think, so don’t fret about stocking up on all the things. Start off simple with a few must-haves, then add on as you learn more about your and your baby’s needs and likes. The starter kit:
Photo credit: @spicysaltysweethome
For the Nursery
Here, too, a few essentials go a long way.
Photo credit: @ricaworld
For You
For the first few months of your newborn’s life especially, you’ll be giving a lot to that bundle of joy: time, sleep, nutrients, energy. But you can’t fill someone else’s cup if your own is empty. So make sure you’re prepped with things to take care of you, too.
Photo credit: @_carleenmarie_
For Big Sisters and Brothers
It can be tough to suddenly play second fiddle in your own family. Help ease the transition for big sisters and brothers with these ideas:
Photo credit: @therealcindy
For Fun
They may be itty bitty…but they’re learning fast! These tips and toys are perfect for playtime for you and your little one!
This summer may be a little different than others past. Stores, parks and restaurants are slowly reopening, but we all know the next few months may not involve your typical seasonal plans. So we’ve got some ideas on how you can make the most of your summer while staying close to home!
Get Outside
The outdoors can be a great escape. Whether it’s just going in the backyard, finding a new park to explore or getting out on the lake, take time to discover new ways to enjoy what nature has to offer.
Live on the coast? Find an open beach and pack up the family for some sandy toes fun. It’s a great destination and an easy place to spread out. If you’re located inland like us, use that summer sun to your advantage and throw a splash party in the backyard. There’s lots of fun filled water games you can enjoy as a family.
Plan a picnic lunch at the nearby park, or use an app like AllTrials to find a new hiking/walking path for your family to traverse. Fishing can be an adventure in itself. Here in MN, we have over 10,000 lakes to choose from. Real fishing not your thing? Then fill up the kiddy pool or a plastic tote and create your own DYI fishing game for the kiddos.
If you’re looking for ways to let your kiddos play with their friends in the neighborhood while still observing social distancing, here are some great ways to play! From relays to musical exploration, you’ll find loads of kid friendly outdoor games for littles of all ages.
Around the World - One Mouthful at a Time
Enjoy trying new foods? Spend the summer making or trying dishes inspired by cuisines from across the globe. From pasta to pirogies, discover new foods as if you were traveling to new cultural destinations.
Get your littles involved through choosing the dish and partaking in the cooking! Try looking up interesting facts and the history of each of the regions, countries and cultures that inspire your meals. It’s a great way to introduce geography, history or science while learning to follow a recipe. If you have a babe just starting on solids, try introducing an ingredient that’s featured in the main dish.
Photo credit: @cute.and.loud
Camping Made Easy
State and national parks have started to reopen, but if camping is not your thing, there’s always backyard glamping. The best part, you don’t even have to sleep outside! Create a day of backyard camping fun, complete with story time in the tent, a grilling cookout and smores over the fire (or in the microwave). If the weather isn’t cooperating, you can always make an indoor tent with blankets, pillows and twinkle lights for night sky ambiance.
Camp cancelations can be such a let down, but there are plenty that have gone virtual! A quick google search can help in finding camps that your kiddos will love. From science and engineering to art, music and reading, discover the best virtual camp for your kiddo today. Here are a few free online experiences we found at parents.com.
Love movie nights? Then glamp up your plans by hosting your own outdoor movie theater. Just remember the popcorn, blankets and bug repellent.
Photo credit: @droutremblay
Get Organized
We are all spending extra time at home lately. So, why not focus some of your efforts on organizing! It may not be glamorous for starters, but so rewarding in the end.
Kids grow out of clothes, sometimes as quick as they get them. Have your littles help by hosting a fashion show! If the clothes don’t fit, put them in the donation pile. Going through the toy bin can also help in straightening up your playroom. It’s a great way to teach your littles about giving to others, as there are donation organizations that accept lightly used toys. The Spruce has a whole list of places that take gently used toys.
If you have been saving all that artwork your littles have been making at home, daycare or school, now’s a great time to create an album of art. You don’t have to be a scrapbooking wiz to create a great keepsake. Places like ARTKIVE make it easy to turn your little’s designs into an album or framed mosaic to enjoy for years to come.
Photo credit: @ashcostanzo
Making the Most of Bad Weather Days
Raining days can put a damper on fun, but there are plenty of activities and ways to spend your time when the sky turns gray.
Movies and games are excellent indoor activities that let you recharge and enjoy the indoors. Plan a movie marathon! Make up a game for each movie to help keep the kiddos engaged or active. Here’s an idea, have the kiddos tally every time the main character's name is said, or make up a new dance move every time a song comes along. The options are truly endless, all you need is a little imagination.
If your kiddos love to explore and it’s safe to venture outdoors, plan a rain-day scavenger hunt. There is plenty to discover. From counting puddles, to discovering worms, frogs, ducks and more, there is plenty to see even on rainy days. Create a list of things you might find, when you return home check off all the fun things you found!
Love crafting? Chances are you have everything you need to create a rainy day inspired work of art right at home. Here are some fun paper, coloring and goop filled crafts to try out on your next soggy weather day.
Photo credit: @katherynvle
Self Care
In order to take care of others, we need to take care of ourselves. So, don’t forget to take time to recharge the batteries.
Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and tire out your littles. Plan a family walk or take a bike ride. For all you yogis out there, stream a mom and baby yoga session, one just for the kids or find a class that's great for the whole family. Yoga not your thing? There are loads of free online classes to explore. Don't be afraid to try something new!
Reading can be a great escape. Whether it’s a mystery novel you crave or a personal development book you have been wanting to crack open, take the time to find something of interest. Discover the world of audiobooks if you prefer hearing the stories. Find a sunny spot, or a hammock in the shade to indulge in a literary escape.
Some say music is therapy for the soul. It can lift you up, calm your storm or even light a fire within. Spend some time listening to your favorites or discovering new music. You can even turn it into an activity with the kids by listening to different genres or having everyone in the family pick a new song to enjoy each day.
Photo credit: @daggerpines
The summer of 2020 may be different than years past, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of it. Take a minute to see what’s going on in your local area. Don't let COVID get you down, grab summer by the horns and share your fun with us on social. We want to see how you're getting out and about; seize these summer days while they last!
]]>“Wait, your last name is White? But your skin is brown….that’s so funny,” said Sam, an adorable 3-year old neighbor. For kids, color is just a characteristic. When they're young we have the opportunity to continue to foster their openness talking about race by celebrating differences and underscoring similarities.
My name is Jaylon Rosenblum (maiden name White). I’m Head of Marketing at Manhattan Toy Company and a black mom to two boys. From the moment they were born I have thought about when and how I will talk to my guys about race, but it’s not something that’s top of mind for all parents.
As parents, we have an opportunity to seed change early by talking to our kids about race and building positive associations with races that are different from our own. The building blocks we use can be as straightforward as curating books with main characters of different races, exposing kids to different cultures, and providing dolls of different skin tones to nurture.
We can also approach conversations proactively and head-on. For some, conversations about race come naturally and for others, they’ll be difficult, but they’re imperative for all of us. Our friends over at Lovevery have shared a list of resources to help guide conversations about race with young kids. I’m resharing their list because I’ve found it to be a helpful resource in my own life.
This past week has brought a spotlight to a long-standing fracture in our society. This post does not address the complex issues that we face as a country, it simply provides a resource that we can employ so that we can all move forward together in building a better society for our children.
Here are some resources that might be helpful: