Archive for the ‘Arts & Crafts’ Category
30
Dec
Craft kits for a chilly weekend
Categories: Arts & Crafts
If you’ve been enjoying a staycation this week while the kids are out of school, chances are you’re looking for activities to keep them busy as this (or any) weekend approaches. Craft kits are a perfect way to pass the time, especially when it’s cold outside. Here are five of my recent favorites, and all… read more!
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9
Dec
Confessions of a Toy Copywriter – and a Cool Giveaway
Categories: Arts & Crafts, Giveaways, Holidays
For almost a year now, I’ve had a bit of an obsession. Can I trust you with my secret? OK, I love Sticky Mosaics by Orb Factory. There, I said it. As a writer for Magic Beans, I get to play with all the toys I want. I stack blocks, deal cards, enjoy craft projects,… read more!
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7
Nov
Holiday Giveaways # 4 – Alex Art Spinner & Cuckoo Clock
Categories: Arts & Crafts
2009 will go down in history as the year the toy industry (and everyone else in the world) discovered social media. More and more of our vendors have jumped on the bandwagon and are successfully using Twitter, Facebook and YouTube to promote their products. Technology has been particularly slow to grasp many toy companies, but… read more!
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18
Jul
Day 18 – Melissa & Doug Art Easel with Companion Set
Categories: Arts & Crafts, Toys
I am an enormous fan of Melissa & Doug. Most parents are probably familiar with their products, as you’ll find them on the shelves of virtually any store that caters to kids. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to get to know Melissa, Doug and their amazing team. They are, of hundreds of amazing… read more!
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4
Aug
Paint like a pro with Powder Art
Categories: Arts & Crafts, General
Hi there, this is Sarah, filling in for Sheri while she continues to await the arrival of baby #3. If you’re looking for a fun, indoor activity to keep kids occupied during some of the rainy days this summer, we’ve found something new that is a fun variation on an old theme. Crescent Cardboard has… read more!
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8
Aug
Retro Cool
Categories: Arts & Crafts, For Older Kids, Preschool Toys, Toys
Look what’s back! The Snoopy Sno Cone Maker has been rereleased by Sababa Toys, and it’s exactly the product you and I remember so fondly. Originally released in 1979, this was a runaway bestseller and a summer fixture in millions of homes (mine included). If you never had one, basically you pop some ice cubes… read more!
4 Comments
13
May
Supersize them
Categories: Arts & Crafts, Toys
Pipe cleaners have been a craft-time favorite for generations, but Brain Noodles take the fun to a whole new proportion. These are basically very chunky pipe cleaners, so they’re easy for kids of all age to handle and manipulate. I liked them at Toy Fair, but it was the samples I brought back to my… read more!
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22
Apr
DIY Jr.
Categories: Arts & Crafts, Building Toys, Toys
For aspiring handy types, there’s a new line of constructable kids furniture that’s designed to provide plenty of gratification in exchange for relatively little effort. These new kits, by imadethat, come with wood pieces, sandpaper, simple tools and plenty of paint. The components are sturdy, and the finished product will be a source of pride… read more!
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18
Jan
Do you know Wikki Stix?
Categories: Arts & Crafts, Toys
If you don’t, you should. Wikki Stix are a lifesaver for parents who are hoping to keep kids quietly engaged for any period of time. They are basically a strand of yarn coated in a non-toxic, food-grade wax similar to what you’d find on a shiny red apple. The yarn is flexible, and the wax… read more!
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18
Dec
Hidden Talents?
Categories: Arts & Crafts, Toys
People call me all the time looking for paint-by-number activities. When we opened, my husband (and business partner) was coming off of four years teaching art and art history to high school students, and he encouraged me to avoid paint-by-number activities in favor of more open-ended artistic endeavors. When I first saw Sentosphere Artistics (not… read more!
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