Play Talk

The Play Talk Blog shares stories, play ideas, and parenting resources to support growth, creativity, and joyful learning at every stage.

Don’t forget the A – Arts in Education Week is September 14-18, 2015

Over the past several years the importance of STEM education has been a big topic for policy makers and the education system. An acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math; these certainly are important subjects that should be emphasized in...

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National Teddy Bear Day, September 9, 2015

Manhattan Toy is teaming up with Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory to offer you a chance to win your own Truffles Bear™!          We’re having an Instagram Photo Contest running now until September 9, which is National Teddy Bear Day! So...

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The Magic Behind Top Ten Toys

Amongst the hustle and bustle of the Greenwood area in Seattle, Washington there’s a fascinating toy store by the name of Top Ten Toys. Just off 85th street, Top Ten Toys has Seattle’s largest selection of classic, hands-on and fun...

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Independence Day: Tips to Stay Safe This Holiday

The fourth of July is around the corner! Celebrating Independence Day with friends and family usually includes outdoor activities such as: attending parades, hosting a barbeque, taking a dip in the lake or gazing at the pyrotechnics of a fireworks...

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School’s Out! Time for Summer Travel Planning

summer travel

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Supporting Visual Development: The Importance of Developing Baby’s Visual Abilities

Visual development is a crucial part of baby’s growth. According to Pregnancy & Baby’s 2012 article on visual stimulation, newborn babies are only able to see a mere 8-15 inches in front of them. In addition, “they are unable to...

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Your Yukon Toy Destination: Angellina's Toy and Children's Boutique

In Whitehorse, the capital city of Canada’s Yukon Territory, there is a remarkable place you ought to visit. The Yukon offers many extraordinary sights throughout the year. You may catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, or witness the wonder...

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Puppet Playtime

Imaginative play is an important part of the development process. Through pretend play, children nurture a variety of necessary skills to succeed in life. Nurturing your child’s ability to exercise their imagination supports the development of different social, emotional and...

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Fine, Gross, Small and Large Motor Skills . . . What’s the difference?

Fine, Gross, Small and Large Motor Skills . . . What’s the difference?

You've probably heard the terms, fine motor and gross motor development. But, what’s the difference? Wonder no more! Here are the basics behind these terms and techniques for fostering motor development in your littles.

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The Story Behind “Big Blue Whale”

When you find yourself walking down historical 19th street of the Houston Heights shopping district, there are several boutiques and shops you may come across. Perhaps you find yourself inside a thrifty antique store, or seated in a comfy chair...

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Prepped for the Park

March 30 is national “Take a Walk in the Park Day”. So we’ve put together a list of 10 things you should do before your next park venture! Getting the kids ready for any trip can be an adventure all...

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New Traditions: Valentine's Day 2015

Valentine’s Day is a time to remind the one you love just how much they mean to you. As tradition may have it, couples young and old often find themselves buying flowers, chocolates or even taking their “sweetheart” out to...

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Our Tree Top Adventure Is Up for a TOTY Award!

We're very proud and excited that our Tree Top Adventure is up for a Toy of the Year (TOTY) Award this year in the Infant/Toddler category.  This is one of the most prestigious annual toy awards to be nominated for, and...

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The Educational Perks of Having a Plush Pal

We take great pride in creating some of the very best plush critters on the market because we know many times a baby's first toy is a teddy bear or another soft animal creature. When shopping for a cuddly toy to gift (or...

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Neighborhood Toy Store Day: Nov. 8, 2014

It’s almost that time again!  Every year, members of the “ASTRA” (American Specialty Toy Retailing Association) participate in Neighborhood Toy Store Day.  Saturday, November 8th, is the date of this year’s Neighborhood Toy Store Day.  ASTRA retailers across the nation...

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How to Encourage Imaginative Play

Imaginative play is essential for children and their key to engaging and making sense of the world, because children learn best from experience: from what happens around them, what they see, hear, smell, taste and touch.  To truly absorb these skills they need to act...

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Teach Kids Responsibility Through Organization & Chores

As a parent, you have a job to teach your child valuable life lessons. One of these important lessons you must teach your child is how to be more organized. Let’s face it — not all kids are naturally organized...

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Don't Forget the Toys

When planning for your first child there are many things to consider adding to your baby shower gift registry.  From the car seat and crib, to clothing and diapers, there are so many things to think about.   All parents want...

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Playing with Baby

Playing?  With a tiny baby?  Some of you may be wondering exactly how to when humans are that young.  Babies are tiny and fragile - but not easily breakable.  And truly, playing is essential to a baby's development and initiating early...

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Introducing Little Ones to a New Sibling

I’m currently expecting my fourth child and know from past experience several times over how important it is to make sure that older siblings don’t feel pushed to the side when a new baby arrives.  Showing the big sister/big brother...

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A Grand Day

If you've ever turned to your parents or your partner's parents for advice or help with parenting, you know just how important and wonderful grandparents are.  That's why grandmother Mariam McQuade of West Virginia had the great idea of starting...

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5 Ways to Beat the Labor Day Blues

Labor Day is Monday.  That means the carefree, warm days of summer will soon draw to a close... and so does the freedom of kid's schedules.  Sadly, less time will be spent outdoors as the temperatures cool off and the days...

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Playful Learning

Spotlight: Preschool Teacher Mrs. Mandi Sauer shares how she prepares for the school year and the importance of play in the classroom Most schools in Minnesota start the day after Labor Day. It’s a busy time of year for students, but especially...

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Retailer of the Month: Brilliant Sky Toys

This month’s featured retailer  is Brilliant Sky Toys and Books.   Director of Vendor Relations, Whitney Hall has worked at the Brentwood, TN location since it opened in 2010.  This August marks the four year anniversary of this franchise location.  As a...

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Family Road Trip Take‐Alongs

It’s not too late for a warm-seasoned family road trip of weekend vacation.  Summer is still here!  In fact, with the increase in flight prices more and more families are spending time on the road in order to vacation this...

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The Stages of Play

Developing play skills is an essential part of childhood. Through play, typically-developing children acquire the skills necessary to communicate with others, express and understand emotions, physically manipulate a variety of items of all sizes, build strength and endurance, and gain...

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Retailer of the Month: ABC & Toy Zone

ABC & Toy Zone in Rochester, MN has been in the business of selling toys for almost 20 years and has a bright future. And, we're extraordinarily proud to say that Manhattan Toy has been working with them 18 of...

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Our blog is moving next week!

We are thrilled to say some blog changes are happening at Manhattan Toy, and all for the better!  We've been so happy to get our blog up and running on Blogger, but now after developing a good editorial team, content...

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My Fourth of July Adventure

By Manhattan Toy Editors The Fourth of July is next week already, so we’re feeling all sorts of silly!   We’ve cooked up a Fourth of July themed Mad Lib for the whole family. Ready for to have a _______ (Adjective)...

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Why Playtime with Dad is so Important

When our daughter, Avery, was born, I instantly transformed into a new man. Not that I was a bad one to begin with, but now I was “Dad”; small word with an enormous meaning! I was ready to start playing...

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Father's Day Cards

June is here and that means Father's Day is a week from Sunday: June 15th in fact! What are you and your kiddos going to do to make the important men in your life feel the most loved? We've got...

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Play This Memorial Day Weekend!

By Manhattan Toy Editors The official kick-off to Summer is almost here, Memorial Day weekend. It appears that most of the US will have beautiful weather, for at least part of the holiday weekend, so make sure you and your family...

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Playtime with Baby: A Simple and Beautiful Pleasure

I admit: I love baby things.  Consider baby clothes, baby essentials, and baby toys my new obsession. (Gosh, how things have changed since being head-over-heels about stilettos.) However, I'm a mom now, and I'm proud to say my life now revolves...

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How To Teach Children to Be Honest

Today is National Honesty Day!  When kids are little, honesty is usually not a problem.  The word 'blunt' comes to mind. It's as children enter the teenage years that the truth sometimes becomes more elusive.  Here are our 5 tips to help steer...

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Retailer of the Month Feature: Five Little Monkeys

The History and Magic Behind the locally-owned, family run, green certified, San Francisco Bay Area toy store Owner Stephanie Sala opened the first Five Little Monkeys location in Albany, CA in 2001.  Opening her own toy store, was not part of...

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Boosting Self Esteem Through Pretend Play

When I was pregnant with my first child and learned I would be having a daughter, I made a few very important promises to both myself and my unborn little girl. I first vowed to teach her how to become...

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How to Keep Little Hands Busy on Rainy Days

By Guest Blogger Becca at Southern Mom Mess We all know that Spring brings rain, and rain means finding fun and educational activities to keep our kids engaged while inside. Not always an easy task! As a teacher, I really...

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Three Must-Haves on Your Next Family Vacation

Keep the Kids Busy with These Great Suggestions As the snow melts away and the brown grass slowly starts to peek through the white blanket of slush and ice, vacationing to a warmer climate starts to sound like a fantastic...

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Think Spring!

Spring starts tomorrow – and then Easter is just one month away!  We love the light pretty patterns and soft pastel colors that this season brings and the fresh smells of the Earth in bloom. This spring, whether planning Easter...

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Celebrate Plant a Flower Day!

It may be too cold in your area to actually start your garden, but whether you're planting outside or inside using a pots - get going! For most of us in the US, especially us in Minnesota, starting seeds indoors is...

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Today is National Salesperson Day!

We would like to take a moment and thank all of the Sales Groups, Sales Representatives and Retailers that promote and sell our toys and gifts.  We greatly appreciate the efforts from all of our Road Warriors!  Each one of you is...

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Love can have a small budget

You don't need to spend a hundred dollars on gifts to impress the ones you love on Valentine's  Day.  Really, this time of year (and in our hard economy) it really is about the thought and just remembering those who...

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Retailer of the Month Feature: Mrs. Tiggy Winkle's

Mrs. Tiggy Winkle's is a sweet family owned and operated store in The Glebe, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.  Our partnership started a long time ago, because of our mutual love for Whoozit, and it's blossomed ever since. Specializing in quality...

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Adventures with Manhattan Toy

Guest Blog Post: Grace at The Daily Obsession Cabin Fever is a term my husband uses to dramatically announce that he is delirious from being trapped our apartment for too long. With the winter temperatures and all that white stuff on the...

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Embrace the Cold and Get Outside!

Don't let the blustery weather keep you inside all winter long.  Just bundle up and prepare for the outdoors the right way.  Here's our tips great for little ones and adults alike! Fuel up.  Whether off to school or going out to...

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National Bubble Bath Day

Incase you didn't remember, it's National Bubble Bath Day today! What does that mean? Slow down, relax and take a little more time cleaning up yourself instead of just showering quick.  It's a really nice way to distress after a long...

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Holiday Cake Mix Cookies

Do you have your shopping done, holiday cards out and festive decorations up?  How about the wrapping have you had anytime to bake???  The holidays are a crazy busy time of year... but oh so wonderful.  Take some of the stress...

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A Walk Down Memory Lane

As a toy company, we strive to create toys that kids will love and enjoy for years to come. On a day-to-day basis we are constantly reminded, by our customers, how toys have the remarkable ability to leave a lasting impression. ...

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