Classic Toys

Classic Toys tomorrow on the Today Show: Take a Toy Inventory is one of our favorite posts on the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio blog: Stephanie Oppenheim on Toys.

The Oppenheim Toy Portfolio is a respected independent consumer review of children’s media. It was founded in 1989 as the only independent consumer review of children’s media by mother daughter team and child development experts Joanne and Stephanie Oppenheim.

Entrants for consideration in The Oppenheim Toy Portfolio are not charged entry fees. Winners are selected by noted experts in child development, children’s literature, and education. They choose their award winners based on a number of criteria. Some of their topics of consideration include:

What is the product designed to do and how well does it do it?
Does it invite active doing and thinking or simply passive watching?
Is it safe and well-designed, and can it withstand the unexpected?
Does it “fit” the developmental needs, interests and typical skills of the children for whom it was designed? What message does it convey?
What will a child learn from this product?

The Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Blog: Stephanie Oppenheim on Toys posts about Thoughts on Toys from the Founder of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio. Classic Toys tomorrow on the Today Show: Take a Toy Inventory is one of our favorite posts. Stephanie talks about how important it is to bring home toys with lasting play value. These toys “place your child at the center of the play experience” and often tend to be the more open ended, classic toys.

When taking an inventory of your toys, Stephanie suggests that parents pay attention to these criteria:

Does your child have variety in their types of toys? For a well-rounded play experience, kids need many different types of toys.
Are your child’s toys gender-free? Gender specific toys often teach a specific type of lesson. Having gender free toys introduce kids to a variety of lessons.
Does your child have art supplies? Art supplies encourage creativity during play.
What about family games? Games are one of the best ways to play together.

Read more toy tips on Stephanie Oppenheim on Toys and see some of our favorite classic toys below.

Classic Toys

Magnetic Art Easel

Do Art Watercolor Pencil Art

Circa Baseball

Carrom Game Board

Collecting Toy Soldiers

Desperate Escape - W. Britain

There are numerous toy soldier related blogs on the internet, but one of our favorites is “Collecting Toy Soldiers.”

Brian Carrick is a toy soldier lover who touches on every aspect of the toy soldier industry in his blog, “Collecting Toy Soldiers”. His posts cover everything from specific pieces to vintage catalogs to new collections to wargaming.

His pictures – “it’s all about the pictures”…as he says in his header – bring his stories and descriptions to life. They both demonstrate the details he discusses and display interesting dioramas for toy soldier loving readers. Posts about vintage models are vivid and nostalgic and make anyone with any interest in toy soldiers want to read on. The occasional personal anecdote and humor make his site even more accessible and give the voice of “Collecting Toy Soldiers” a unique disposition.

Mr. Carrick’s pictures from the London Toy Soldier Show in June 2012 demonstrate the attractive dioramas and unexpected figures there for those of us on the other side of the Atlantic. He captures creative collections from some of our favorite toy soldier manufacturers – among them King & Country and John Jenkins Designs. Mr. Carrick describes and photographs some of the interesting toy soldier ranges including Clairet Eskimos, King & Country’s Imperial Collection, and John Jenkins Designs’ The Battle of Abu Klea in The First Sudan War.

Mr. Carrick’s blog features new toy soldier sets like “Desperate Escape” from W. Britain, also featured at The London Toy Soldier Show, which he describes in detail. He also gives thorough descriptions of war games and explanations of all of their participants. For every post, Mr. Carrick offers his own analysis of collections and dioramas in a way that only an experienced collector could, with an eye for detail and comparison to previous sets. Mr. Carrick frequently includes relevant background and clips of history about the subjects of his posts in his writing as well.

If you’re not familiar with “Collecting Toy Soldiers,” this blog is worth a read. Check out Mr. Carrick’s toy soldier blog now.

Douglas the Cuddle Toy

Curly Cocker Spaniel

Douglas Co. has been a family-owned and operated business for almost 60 years. It has become one of the oldest and most respected plush companies in the United States. One look at a Douglas Cuddle Toy and it is no wonder why!

Douglas the Cuddle Toy
Douglas Co. puts a strong emphasis on promoting imaginative play and emotional connection through their products. The company attributes the success of their business to distinctive designs, high quality materials, and craftsmanship. Douglas plush toys have unique gestures and endearing expressions that clearly distinguish them as Douglas. The toy line is also known for the variety of their product offering. They create cuddly toys out of unusual breeds and hard to find species. Douglas has enjoyed continuing success and the company has grown internationally. Today, Douglas is sold in Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

Production and Safety
All Douglas products are designed in Keene, New Hampshire by experienced designers who understand safety regulations. This group not only creates Douglas’ designs but also manages them from conception to final production.

Douglas products are manufactured in Asia. To ensure that the core values of the company are maintained throughout all stages of production, Douglas chose manufacturing partners who adhere to a strict code of ethics and provide a safe and healthy working environment. Douglas has a strong relationship with a limited number of high quality factories. None of their products are made by subcontractors. Members of the Douglas management team also make regular trips to their overseas factories to ensure Douglas quality and safety standards are in place. Douglas even employs their own quality and safety inspectors to work on site during production.

Douglas toys are in full compliance with Toy Safety Standards. Their products are tested regularly by independent testing labs. This ensures that all Douglas products meet or exceed US Government as well as voluntary Toy Safety Standards. In addition, Douglas inspects every incoming shipment received at their warehouse as a final quality check. The safety of Douglas’ customers has always been a top priority, and will continue to be so in the future.

Douglas Selection
Douglas offers product lines ranging from Baby Plush Toys to Fun Fashion Plush to Plush Stuffed Animals. These include everything from puppy purses to plush sea life to unusual plush beasts.

The Toymaker of Williamsburg carries a variety of these plush playthings. Can’t wait to play with Douglas the Cuddle Toy? Start shopping our official site now!

Robert E. Lee

Robert E. Lee is well known for the role he played in the American Civil War, especially for his success in The Second Battle of Bull Run and the Battle of Chancellorsville.

Lee was born at Stratford in Westmoreland County on January 19, 1807. Lee’s father also had military roots. Lee was the child of Revolutionary War hero Henry “Light Horse Harry” Lee.

Robert E. Lee attended West Point in 1825. After graduating, he served the US military in Georgia, New York, Texas, Virginia and Mexico. In 1852, Lee was given the job of superintendent of West Point.

On April 18, 1861, Lee was offered the position of field command of the US Army. When Lee learned that Virginia seceded from the Union he resigned from the US Army and took the position as commander of Virginia forces.

In 1965, he was given the title General-In-Chief of all Confederate Armies. Later that same year, he surrendered to Ulysses S Grant at the Appomattox Court House effectively ending the Civil War.

After the Civil War, Lee was almost tried as a traitor. Instead, he had his civil rights suspended. President Gerald Ford eventually restored Lee’s citizenship. Robert E. Lee was also given the position as President of Washington College. Washington University was later renamed Washington and Lee. Lee died on October 12, 1870 and was buried in Lexington.

Can’t get enough of Robert E. Lee? See the miniature version today! Represent this iconic Civil War general in your toy soldier collection. See Lee and all of our Civil War toy soldiers on our official site now.

General Robert E. Lee

General Robert E. Lee

General Robert E. Lee Mounted

General Lee's Belongings

Lee and Stuart

Ever wonder what Lee was like in action? Now you know!

Check out the story behind TOYmaker TALK

ThinkFun

Tilt

ThinkFun is the world’s leader in addictively fun games. Their products build creative thinking skills and improve problem solving while you play. ThinkFun’s mission is to “Ignite Your Mind!” Their games are made for people of all ages who want to challenge their mind and sharpen their skills. ThinkFun certainly achieves this with their creative line of products.

In 1985, Bill Ritchie and Andrea Barthello founded ThinkFun. The company was created on the dream that they could change the world with play. In the early years, the husband and wife team worked out of their basement. The basement served as assembly line, office, and distribution center to the small start-up.

ThinkFun was initially named Binary Arts and the company’s original mission was “To translate the brilliant ideas of the craziest mathematicians, engineers and inventors into simple toys that can be appreciated by boys and girls around the world.” Though they have edited their mission a little, this original mission still guides their work. Today, ThinkFun is a global company. Their products are sold in 60 countries and produced in 20 languages.

“Ignite your mind!”

ThinkFun Inc focuses on creating products that inspire learning and creativity through play. ThinkFun is continually improving and expanding their product offering by creating mobile apps, participating in global education programs and even using brain research to inform the new products they create. ThinkFun has won a number of awards for their toys and games including ASTRA Best Toys for Kids 2012, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Awards, and Dr. Toy’s 100.

While ThinkFun’s products are fun, they are also made of high quality materials and created with safety in mind. Their toys go through strict quality testing to ensure they are safe for the public. ThinkFun has always used certified independent testing labs to test products and ensure their safety prior to introduction into the marketplace. All products have been tested by an accredited laboratory and meet or exceed requirements regarding unsafe substances.

Want to join the fun? See some of ThinkFun’s most popular and well known games. Check out Rush Hour, Zingo!, Math Dice, Chocolate Fix, Swish, Distraction and Pathwords. Each is fun and challenging in a unique and exciting way. Check out these and the rest of our brain busting games from ThinkFun on our official site today!

Kumon

Amazing Mazes

Kumon is a tutoring program that originated in Japan. Kumon creator Toru Kumon came up with his method in the early 1950s to teach his child from home. Toru believed that encouraging a child’s motivation was the key to education and Kumon products still remain true to this original vision. Today, Kumon has established itself as one of the best educational publishers in the world.

Kumon creator Toru Kumon came up with his method in the early 1950s to teach his child from home. In 1955, Toru and his wife opened the first Kumon Learning Center. As their students’ grades improved, the learning center gained a positive reputation. Kumon founders opened more and more centers in Japan. Kumon is now the world’s largest supplemental education program and is used in 45 countries around the world.

The Kumon method is what makes their workbooks unique and effective. The proven Kumon method was developed to help each child reach their full potential. Kumon takes an individualized approach to math and reading and each concept is presented step by step. Children learn more easily when they focus on one skill at a time which allows kids to master each aspect of a subject before moving on. This keeps them from becoming frustrated by difficult lessons. The Kumon method not only creates an academic foundation, it also instills confidence in children. Kids see they are able to learn and soon are motivated to learn on their own.

“Toru Kumon’s aim in developing the Kumon Method of learning was to help each individual child realize his or her full potential. This remains the shared mission of all Kumon enterprises today.”

With Kumon workbooks, kids can improve their skills in various subjects including specific mathematical, reading, and writing lessons. Kumon workbooks and learning aids introduce basic skills to children ages 2 years and up. In addition to the lessons they teach, Kumon creates high quality materials as well. Kumon illustrations are colorful and engaging and workbooks from Kumon are created with the highest quality materials.

Each Kumon Workbook focuses on specific skills and has its own educational benefits for children. Tracing books, for example, improve pencil control skills. They also build a foundation for writing letters and numbers. Cutting, folding and pasting books improve dexterity and concentration. They provide a hands-on learning opportunity and with the completion of the book, kids feel a sense of accomplishment. Kumon Basic Skills workbooks improve motor control and are engaging for children. Kumon Math Skills Workbooks teach one specific skill at a time. This unique approach allows kids to concentrate fully on each skill and progress at their own pace. Kumon Verbal Skills Workbooks teach kids how to read and write. Each workbook teaches kids an important skill set. All Kumon Workbooks also have basic educational benefits.

Basic Kumon Benefits:

All Kumon books teach basic concepts
Facilitate learning without frustration
Instill good study habits
Motive children to learn
Create a love of learning

If your child hasn’t tried The Kumon Method yet, browse our extensive selection of Kumon Workbooks and let the learning begin!

Folkmanis

“Folkmanis believes imagination is the key to a healthy childhood, encouraging play and discovery to develop the skills necessary in life.”

Wyvern Dragon Puppet

Folkmanis puppets range from realistic animals to make believe creations. Their puppets can educate kids and give children a medium for self-expression. After more than 35 years, Folkmanis is still a family owned business. The company is widely regarded as the most innovative puppet maker in the world. The quality and connection to the natural world conveyed through Folkmanis puppets today remains true to the owners’ original vision for the puppet line.

Since 1976, Folkmanis has been creating inventive and engaging puppets. The first Folkmanis puppets were created to entertain Folkmanis owners Judy and Atis’ children. Today, Folkmanis boasts a product line of more than 200 cuddly creatures. New designs are also constantly being added to the extensive Folkmanis puppet collection. Though the company has grown drastically since it was founded, this family owned business is still overseen by original creators, Judy and Atis. They monitor both creative aspects and operations of the business to ensure that the quality and original vision for the company remain intact.

Folkmanis’ creative line of puppets contains creatures from Africa to Asia as well as fictional characters. These puppets are inspired by real animals and insects from around the world and by children’s books. Folkmanis puppets are more than just toys. They have educational value for kids, are long lasting, and can become beloved companions for little ones. Their puppets inspire creativity, teach children about animals, promote hands on learning, facilitate interaction, improve motor skills, and even effect language development.

Folkmanis Puppets consistently win top toy awards including recognition from Dr. Toy, Parents’ Choice, and Oppenheim Toy Portfolio. If all of the exciting products and awards weren’t enough, the company is also going green and giving back. Solar panels are reducing Folkmanis’ carbon footprint and the company is committed to recycling. In the spirit of giving back, Folkmanis also donates puppets around the world.

If you can’t wait to fill your toy chest with rooster puppets, enchanted trees, purple pi monsters, gecko puppets and more see all of the Folkmanis Puppets on our official site now.

Chuggington

Wilson

Chuggington is a British television show for children that is broadcasted in countries around the world. Not only is it entertaining for kids but it also communicates values to young viewers. The popular television show follows new trainees through their lessons and adventures in the town of Chuggington. In each episode, a new lesson sends young Chuggers important messages and builds values.

The Chuggers in Chuggington represent every type of locomotive from electric bullet trains to trolleys. Chuggington depot is at the heart of the town of Chuggington and colorful tunnels lead to exciting places outside of the city. The instructor, Dunbar, coaches trainees through their lessons in the Chuggington depot training yard. Vee, Chuggington’s announcer, assigns each Chugger their mission on her dispatch board during an episode.

As young Chuggers complete daily tasks they learn to ride the rails and pick up important values along the way. Their tasks could be anything from carrying passengers smoothly to operating the loading doors of a quarry car. All of the Chuggers also have strengths and weaknesses. They must learn to use their strengths to complete their tasks and to work around their weaknesses. As they complete their assignments, young Chuggers learn important social and emotional lessons. They come across common childhood challenges and experiences like bullying, helping friends, following instructions, doctors’ visits, and keeping promises.

Through the personable train characters in Chuggington, kids learn important lessons as well. Viewers see the significance of being thoughtful and caring. Chuggington helps kids to see that everyone (or every train) is different and unique. Lessons your kids may take away from the show include the value of friendship, importance of telling the truth, to keep trying even when things are tough, to finish jobs, not to use violence, to help friends, or to follow instructions. Through all of the Chuggers’ adventures, the show even begins to instill a sense of wonderment about the world.

Now Chuggington fans can buy wooden trains that come in the likeness of popular characters on the show. See all of our trains from the Chuggington Wooden Railway on our official site now.

Anri

Mary

ANRI carvings are beautifully detailed wooden figures. Famous artists from around the world create original designs that skilled ANRI workers translate into intricate woodcarvings. Each ANRI figurine is unique, hand carved from select pieces of wood, then hand painted with oil paints. Each figure passes through 16 different stages of carving and painting and four quality control areas before receiving the ANRI seal.

ANRI’s master carvers transform only the best blocks of wood into woodcarvings of the finest quality. Each piece of wood has unique grain. That grain shows through oil based paints in every ANRI figurine. This natural distinctive pattern means every ANRI carving is an original work of art. This quality, craftsmanship and detail are what make ANRI’s exclusive works a favorite for collectors all over the world.

The ANRI Process
Master carvers create a first model of every ANRI design. From the first model each ANRI woodcarving is created. ANRI uses only the best wood for their carvings. They use slow and symmetrically grown wood species like maple, lime tree, alpine pine, ash tree and pear tree. Each figurine begins as a perfect woodblock. The rough cut is created from that block. At this stage, the woodcarving has the right proportion and is recognizable but not yet refined. The figure is then delicately hand carved. With careful attention to detail, masters supervise every cut to ensure that even the smallest detail is accurate. These beautiful woodcarvings are then hand painted by experts to breathe life into each figurine. Trained painters use ANRI’s special transparent colors to reveal the grain of the wood in each piece. Each woodcarving goes through stringent quality controls before it receives the ANRI seal.

ANRI Collections
ANRI collections are created by master artists and come in different sizes and styles. ANRI’s collections include: ANRI Nativity, Juan Ferràndiz, Original Bachlechner, Original Florentiner, Prof. Karl Kuolt and Original Prof. Karl Kuolt, Original W.Bacher, Religious, Sarah Kay, The “Ferràndiz” Collectibles, and Ulrich Bernardi. Figurines in these collections range from 2” to 40” and are made from pine wood, linden wood, or maple wood. Each design is different, each piece is unique, and every woodcarving is carefully crafted.

Browse all of our ANRI figures on our official website now.

Baby Toys Baby Toys!

Zoom Zoom Vehicles

Baby Toys Baby Toys! While oh so colorful and fun, they are also an important tool for your child’s development. Toys for babies affect everything from emotional to physical to social to intellectual development in young children. With these important developmental benefits, selecting the right toys for Baby is an important task. Learn about the benefits of popular baby toys to decide which are best for your little one.

Baby Toys Benefits

Baby toys stimulate Baby’s senses
Physically develop Baby’s muscle control, motor skills, strength and coordination.
Improve intellectual abilities
Spark creativity
Improve simple problem solving, concentration, reasoning and memory
Teach both independence and cooperation
Teach Baby about the world around them and the way things work with concepts like cause and effect

What You Should Look for in a Baby Toy

Rainbow Xylophone

Always look at the recommended age on a toy to decide whether it is appropriate for your baby. Toys are safety tested before they are released to be sure they are safe for their intended age range. Many toys are also designed to teach Baby specific lessons at appropriate times. Choosing a toy that is not made for your child’s age can be both dangerous and frustrating. There are common stages that children go through in development. Purchasing toys that complement that development will ensure that your baby gets the most out of their toy.

Look for diversity in your toys. Is this toy similar to the others you have? Does it provide a new texture, activity, or sound that will get baby engaged in a whole new way? Look for toys with a variety of materials, weights, textures, sizes, shapes and colors. The more variety, the better. Having diversity in toys gets your baby to engage and learn as much as possible through play.

Cooperative toys. Anything that encourages you to play with your baby is a plus. Toys don’t provide the only play a baby needs. Kids need to interact with other people (especially parents) too.

Look for long lasting toys. Toys that will hold your baby’s interest and that are durable are the most beneficial. Look for toys that your baby will play with again and again. These are the best investment for your toy chest. Toys that are durable are also very important. Cheap toys may seem appealing but if they break, they are a potential danger to your baby. Investing in a nice baby toy will not only save you money in the long run but is also likely to be safer.

Does the toy inspire interaction? Will your baby want to touch, shake, bite, or throw the toy? The more your baby interacts, the more they will learn.

Uncomplicated. The physical qualities of the toy like the color, textures, and sounds are what benefit Baby. Don’t get sucked in to a super complicated toy. Durable and engaging should be your standard.

Shop a great variety of Baby Toys on our official site now.

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