Christmas is Always
“Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it’s Christmas. Christmas is ALWAYS!”
Dale Evans Rogers
Two weeks. That’s when I last wrote. There has been a lot of head spinning life decisions in the in between. Needless to say, we may agree or disagree, like or dislike the leaders that won the elections, but most importantly we must respect the good work all presidents have done. Every president has done at least one thing to better our country, and this is something we must focus on in this transition. We can be excited or disappointed/discouraged at the outcome, but we are still a nation that needs to be united more than divided. So with each result I had different emotions- either yay or a gut punch – but we can’t stay there. The votes are in and we must look ahead, maybe speak up a bit more, or search for foundations that speak up for what we are passionate about. Many of these places will send out letters electronically through email, that you can sign and be sent straight to your congressmen or women. They are the ones in the midst and researching, say guns, so the letters have all the right language to get the attention of congress or even local leaders. Everytown.org and protectyoungeyes.com are two that are making so big leaps right now.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to make this all rosy, but we do have to make today worth it. So head up, eyes forward. 😊
Onto more happy thoughts… I decided during all this chaos that it would bring great joy to my heart to share some of my favorite children’s toys, gifts, etc. I am a stickler for quality toys, and a bit obsessed. I plan on sharing these things through Christmas. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends I hope this helps if you are stuck on presents 😉 I plan on sharing arts and crafts, games, music and videos, baby and toddler toys, and “Must Haves” for new parents and grandparents.
This week I will start with my Top 25 “Cannot Go Wrong” Brands. Anything I have ever purchased from the brands I am about to list, have ever disappointed. I always encourage going to a local toy store, or at least supporting a small business if you order online, so I will place some links at the bottom for these.
- Melissa and Doug: Pretend play paradise!
- Green Toys: Eco Friendly, but oh so fun! Tea time to mighty machines!
- Radio Flyer: Classic. Need I say more?
- Fisher Price (Retro Toys): I mean who doesn’t like nostalgia?!
- Hess Trucks: Awesome Tradition that lasts! They have the yearly truck, but also a “stuffy” truck, and they release a set of minis every year.
- Hape: simple but superb!
- Plan Toys: Play food, this is the brand! The price is well worth the quality!
- Breyer: Great collection to build piece by piece. A continuing wish list of sorts😉
- Brio: Classic Trains. And they have expanded to so much more.
- Glo Pals: Bath time Fun! Love Love Love these!
- Calico Critters: Quality dollhouses and fun animal characters.
- Madam Alexander: Hands down the best dolls, even have 0+months now!
- Learning Resources: Have someone who likes to pretend play school, doctor, vet? Plus so much more!
- Usborne Activity Books: Write and wipe dry erase books, mazes, sticker books all a wonderful for the car or waiting rooms or restaurants.
- Eeboo: Games to crafting to flashcards, they are top notch!
- Haba: Learning and Growing this is the place!
- B. Toys: My favorites from this brand is the musical instruments, but I everything is quality that I have purchased.
- Magnatiles: Amazing for any child that love constructing!
- Schleich: Lions, tigers, bears, oh my! Bunnies, deer, squirrels, indeed! Animal figurines that are just absolutely adorable!
- John Deere: Of course, some tractors have to make the list!
- Toysmith: Little bit of this and little bit of that. Perfect for snail mail!
- Schylling: My favorites from here are the police, fire, and sheriff badges. Lots of fun pretend play surprises.
- House of Marbles: “Retro” toys and games.
- Bruder: All kinds of trucks and vehicles- trash, recycle, tractors, mighty machines, you name it, they most likely make it!
- Fat Brain Toys: Games, toys, educational fun.
There you go. Anything made by these brands, I can guarantee you they will not disappoint. And if they do, contact the company and let them know, quality companies have quality customer service!
Where do you find a local toy store?
Astra Toy reviews, tests, and then determines the toys of the year. They also do Neighborhood Toy Store Day and Month, which is November! It’s basically my dream job in another life 😂 https://astratoy.org/Astra/_Astra/_Marketing/About/Storelocator.aspx?hkey=95e4dc30-d15e-4e04-a3b1-1644a53235ee
Shop online? You can still support small businesses, see if they have a website, most do these days. Here are a few of my favorites:
https://alicattoysandbooks.com
I hope this brings joy to you as much as it does me and my niece and her radio flyer wagon/walker 😊
Life Book of the Week: The Carpenter’s Tree: A Christmas Tale of the Rockefeller Center Tree, by David Ruben
