Craftsbury Kids is the place to look for unique, handmade toys, clothing, art and decor, and gifts for babies and children.
So it is no surprise we’ve featured some of their selections in our Guide to the Hottest Holiday Toys for 2008.
This gorgeous Caterpillar Pull Toy ($34.00) is handmade of hardwoods in the USA. Stack, pull, and watch the wheels spin–and you’ll still enjoy him as he rests on your shelf.
I think this adorable Plush Matryoshka Doll ($10), made in England, would make a sweet friend for a little one or …

When space and money are in short supply, I love finding products that have multiple uses.
The 3-in-1 Stepping Stone Play Mat from One Step Ahead changes with your baby as he grows and develops.
First, the play mat begins as a great tummy time spot. There are plenty of textures, colors, mirrors, soft toys, and more attached to the mat–including the all-important baby-safe mirror. Because all the action takes place on the mat, it is a great reminder to play on the floor with your child on his stomach so he …

Our Hottest Holiday Toys Guide is here! Check out our picks for the best pretend play, push and pull, building toys, plus the top arts and crafts supplies, non-toxic teethers, and more!
And, of course, there’s swag!
Starting today, we’re hosting 12 Days of Giveaways! Remember to come back everyday for a new giveaway.  Better yet, subscribe to our e-mail digest so you’ll never miss a hip review, chic sweeps, or fabulous deal.
Get into the giving spirit and share our guide and you can earn up to two additional entries in all …

Baby Mwah received these soft organic blocks ($28) from NewBornMom, a hip eco-friendly baby store, a few months ago. The blocks match NewBornMom’s luxe organic elephant crib sheets($40), which I’d been drooling over since they would look so pretty in my animal-themed nursery. 
Initially Baby Mwah showed no interest in the blocks, so I used them as nursery decorations since the pretty cream and blue patterns matched my nursery decor. 
Once baby started sitting up independently, I reintroduced the blocks. These soft blocks quickly became a favorite toy. He enjoys chewing on them, stacking them, rolling them …

Traveling with a baby or toddler can be a joy if you are well-prepared and flexible. Little Jet Set aims to help you in the preparation department. We’ve reviewed some of the award winning travel gear and toys from this fabulous children’s boutique in the past and have included several of their selections in our Travel Tips: Best Gear for Traveling with Babies and Children.
Little Jet Set is generously offering a Baby Travel Gift Set (ARV $85) to one lucky Mamanista reader. The winner will receive a Green …

Natural Pod has one of the most unique selections of heirloom-quality, natural and organic toys, clothing, and gifts.
This Canadian-based store only stocks eco-friendly and child-safe wooden and cloth toys, organic clothing, and sustainable items, most of which are made in Canada, the USA, or Europe.
My tot checked out a few of Natural Pod’s toddler toys and pre-schooler favorites.
She’s carrying around the Poot & Boogie Doll from their Natural and Organic Dolls section. Poot & Boogie dolls are handcrafted and natural–even the fiberfill is an eco-friendly corn-based material. …

If you are looking for natural and organic toys so gorgeous, you won’t want your child to put them away, check out the selection at Natural Pod. These toys are made from natural materials and promote open-ended play.
Toddlers will enjoy the old-fashioned push and pull toys, like Baby Diva’s Elephant on Wheels. This toy is far larger and sturdier than it appears on the website. With oversized wheels, and an easy-to-grip ball for pulling, this is the perfect companion to follow baby everywhere.
Natural Pod also has a fantastic section of …

When I was little I did not really play with dolls, but I had dozens of “stuffies,” plush animals that I brought into bed with me every night. Every little child should have a constant companion, a friend that is so much more than the sum of its stitches and fabric parts.
We know that everyone has different taste, so please also check our Toys to Trust Guide for more tips and suggestions and browse the selections at our full list of Retailers of Toys to Trust so you can pick …

Reading to your baby promotes language development, which builds the foundation for future reading skills. At Mamanista, we love innovative products that encourage an interest in reading.
Kids Preferred focuses on bringing to life old favorite and new classic books for babies and toddlers. Instead of licensed characters that promote television programs, how about music, toys and plush animals from great children’s books?
Although Kids Preferred does manufacture their products in China, most of their toys are primarily fabric. All toys are tested to the highest domestic and international safety standards in …