Play Talk

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

Soft baby doll seated on rug with teddy bear, bottle, mini paper book and pacifier next to a TOTY award Finalist seal on right side.

November 10, 2025

Vote for Love, Stella!

Our Love, Stella Sleepy Time Peach Set has been nominated as a finalist in the Doll category for this year’s Toy Of The Year awards (TOTYs). Help us win! Cast your vote today to make our Love, Stella Sleepy Time set the 2026 Doll of the Year or People's Choice winner.

Read moreabout The Importance of Play

May 31, 2024

Your Guide to Tummy Time for the First 6 Months

Discover how you can foster your child's development through brief, intentional tummy time play activities through the first 6 months of baby's life. Article by Dr. Beth Achterhoff, one of our resident child development experts.

May 31, 2024

4 Tips to Creating a Space for Imaginative Playtime Learning

A beginners guide to creating a successful play space for your little ones. Check out these helpful tips to crafting the perfect learning-friendly environment for play and discovery.

May 31, 2024

Stuffed Animals for Every Occasion

No matter the occasion, huggable stuffed animals are perfect for nearly every gift-giving moment. Discover how versatile plush toys can be as we share countless occasions perfect for stuffed animal gifting.

March 5, 2024

Smile Inducing Toys for Baby's First Easter

Calling all first-time and seasoned parents gearing up for their newborn’s first Easter! We're stocked with smile-inducing Easter gifts for your child.

October 24, 2023

Manhattan Toy: A Crown Crafts™ Family Brand

This October, we're debuting new header tabs on our site, connecting you to the family, our family, of Crown Crafts brands. Learn more about our Sassy sister toy brand and NOJO infant and toddler bedding brand today.

June 16, 2023

Manhattan Toy Book & Author Collaborations

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...

April 14, 2023

Sunny with a Chance of Baby Showers

Let's talk baby showers! We've got great gift ideas for the mom-to-be on your gift list.

August 17, 2022

Our Celestial Star Explorer is Taking Off!

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. Help us win by casting your vote today!

August 2, 2022

How to Plan an Adopt a Pet Party

Our how-to on throwing a killer adopt a pet party takes the guess work out of planning your kiddo's next birthday bash.

May 3, 2022

Their First Teacher is You - Part III

Simple teaching tips to encourage learning and development in your 6-12 month old!

May 3, 2022

Their First Teacher is You - Part II

Easy ways to encourage learning and development in your 3-6 month old!

April 27, 2022

Their First Teacher is You - Part I

You are everything to your child. Cook, caregiver, entertainer, chauffeur, and teacher. Yes, teacher! Read more on part one of our three-part series on teaching tips from birth to their first birthday.