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Toy Story

Um, when I was a kid, according to me mom, my favorite toys were canning rings. 

And if you think about it, they are pretty great toys:

Bang them together?  Make a lot of noise.

Chew on them?  They taste sort of metalic and make for good teething rings (OK, so I don't know if the metal is so healthy, but I turned out OK).

Throw them on the ground?  Make a lot of noise.

Sadly, not many people these days are canners, so there are woefully few canning rings around.  But the bigger point is this:

Toys are amazing.   Toys can be educational.

But boxes can be toys.  Do we really all need all this STUFF?

-Heather... off to try REALLY hard not to go completely broke buying toys for my brand-new, day-old nephew...

Posted by: jboulden on 07/11/2006
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Jill  on July 11, 2006 at 08:20 AM 1
I can't believe you didn't mention HABA toys from Germany! As an independent consultant for Natural Family Boutique, these have got to be some of our best sellers~ the toys are awesome: made from kiln dried hardwoods with non-toxic paints, and have a lifetime guarantee. For more info on HABA's company philosophies, visit my website: http://www.naturalfamilyboutique.com/About/News/News-2005-05-15.aspx?jillc
Linda B.  on July 11, 2006 at 12:17 PM 2
Congratulations Heather, on becoming a first time Aunt. I am sure you will be teaching your new baby,nephew, Quinn Gabriel many interesting facts, about how he can help make this world a better place to live. A new generation is what makes life interesting and challenging. Blessings to you and Quinn!! From Your Aunt Linda
Sheila Crosby  on July 11, 2006 at 12:28 PM 3
For years I swore that one day I'd give a two year old a bunch of empty boxes for his/her birthday, because every single toddler I've ever known has played with the boxes first. Last year I finally did exactly that, and they were the little girl's favorite toys for weeks! (Of course I know the parents pretty well, or I wouldn't have dared. And I got her a little dress too.)
stayinhomeandlovinit  on July 11, 2006 at 02:01 PM 4
Kids of all ages love boxes. Mine build castles. Another great way to encourage play and recycling, a tickle trunk ( an old trunk or suit case filled with old clothing, hats, boots, bridesmaid dresses and suit jackets)My kids love having friends over to dress up. It also makes a great gift for nieces and nephews.
Jenney  on July 11, 2006 at 09:27 PM 5
I can't believe it! My son loved canning rings, too! Thanks for the tip. Anyone know of good sources for older babies?
Ariel  on October 02, 2006 at 03:00 PM 6
World Wide Child has some nice eco friendly toys for tots! http://www.worldwidechild.com/ I bought my newborn a couple sets of their handpainted animal sets. These are lovely. I can't wait till she is big enough to play with them. NO PLASTIC TOYS FOR US!
Francesca Olivieri  on February 12, 2007 at 10:07 AM 7
If you love baby clothes, you have to check out this adorable red poncho that we offering at www.sagebabynyc.com and the link is: http://www.sagebabynyc.com/organic-baby-clothes-kee-ka-p/kk-875385000600. What better way to escape the cold winter months, but focus on the mild days of Spring.. At sage baby, the organic baby store, we are already thinking about Spring fashions.. Here is an idea to get you in the Spring mindset.. * Both chic and eco-friendly, our red poncho is made from 100% certified-organic cotton fleece and the gentlest dyes. So cuddly warm, it is perfect for those crisp, early spring days. Sizes available: 12-24 months, 2T and 4T. Manufactured by Kee-Ka. Retail: $50
Jennifer Lance  on March 02, 2007 at 12:11 AM 8
I am so outraged by the presence of BPA in baby bottles and toys. I have always avoided plastic toys with my children for the aesthetics, quality, and health concers. Thus, I started a blog reviewing eco friendly toys and eco issues involving children. http://www.ecochildsplay.com
Natalie  on April 26, 2007 at 12:25 PM 9
Does anyone know where I can find bamboo or wooden bowls for infants and toddlers with dividers (instead of plastic bowls with dividers)? If so, please let me know.
kevin  on May 14, 2007 at 02:20 AM 10
If the use of health and safety materials, personally create a toy. Well, this is the world's best toys This will give the children left a good memory.
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