These award-winning animals make the perfect gift for a toddler!  Stuffies are giving new meaning to the words “stuffed animal”: they have 7 secret pockets for kids to hide their “treasures” and each comes with a hidden interactive storybook.  I was sold on this item when I read Stuffies‘ near-flawless reviews.  Reviewers with children ages 2-10 rave about how much their kids love these toys.  They’re “cuddly”, “durable”, and all-around “loveable”.  I just ordered “Gracie the Hippo” for my almost-3-year-old nephew who loves collecting and carrying coins, sticks, and small toys!

view on Amazon

view on Amazon

view on Amazon

view on Amazon

view on Amazon

view on Amazon

view on Amazon

view on Amazon

“Animals-on-Wheels” are the newest addition to TLB Music‘s indoor playspace! These adorable push toys by Green Toys are perfect for babies and toddlers: they’re sized for small hands, safe, durable, and really easy to clean.

*”Animals-on-Wheels” are made from 100% recycled milk jugs.
*Encourage fine and gross motor skills.
*No sharp edges or metal axles.
*No BPA, phthalates, or PVC.
*3 adorable designs to choose from: elephant, pig, and turtle.
*Affordable: only $12.99 each (we got ours for less than $9 each on Amazon!)
*Dishwasher safe!

View Animals-on-Wheels on www.amazon.com:

Elephant-on-Wheels
Pig-on-Wheels
Turtle-on-Wheels

(click here to enlarge image)

1. Snow Stompers by Poof Slinky  {View on Amazon}
Your kids will love stomping through the snow, leaving behind giant footprints. Easily attaches to shoes or boots!

2. Sno-Brick Maker by Poof Slinky  {View on Amazon}
This mold makes snow “bricks” so kids can construct forts, igloos, walls, and castles!

3. Snowball Maker by Flexible Flyer  {View on Amazon}
Make a snowball in seconds with this handy tool.

4. Toddler Boggan Sled by Paricon Sleds  {View on Amazon}
This pulling-sled is ideal for young toddlers. With a high back and safety straps, your little one won’t miss out on outdoor winter fun!

5. Kids Snow Shovel by Suncast  {View on Amazon}
This practical mini shovel is perfect for small hands.

6. Freestyle Mini Luge Snow Sled by Zipfy  {View on Amazon}
This lightweight sled is easy for kids to carry up hills and is a favorite with reviewers who love its speed, its sleek look, and the fact that it can hold up to 250 pounds- meaning parents can get in on the fun!

7. Snow Ball Throwing Stick by SnoFling  {View on Amazon}
Take your snowball fight to the next level with a SnoFling.

8. Snow Dino Kit by Wide Ideas Inc.  {View on Amazon}
Tired of making your same old snowman? Update the classic snow sculpture with this adorable set! Wide Ideas Inc. also makes a snowman kit (level 1) and a snowbear kit (level 2).

(click here to enlarge image)

Gift shopping for the little ones in your life? I put together a list of some of my favorite non-toxic, eco-friendly gifts for kids, including toys by environmentally-responsible companies like Green Toys, PlanToys, and Hape.

1. Eco Stars by Crazy Crayons view on www.amazon.com
“These star crayons are made with crayons collected by the National Crayon Recycle Program. The purchase of this product supports ‘Recycling Education’ and employs people with developmental disabilities, creating a positive earth conscious impact through the art of coloring and recycling! Crayons and packaging are made in USA with 100% recycled non-toxic materials.”
2. City Skyline Glow Block Set by Wonderworld view on www.amazon.com
These environmentally friendly rubberwood blocks use non-toxic paints and glow in the dark!
3.  Plan Preschool Beehive by PlanToys view on www.amazon.com
“This toy helps develop fine motor skills by matching a bee to hive by using the pincer grasp or forceps.  All PlanToys are made using chemical free, kiln-dried recycled rubberwood and designed with water based non-toxic colors as accent.”
4. Fruits and Vegetables Tray by PlanToys view on www.amazon.com
“The fruits and vegetables are easily “cut” in half with the wooden knife. Kids love the sound of the Velcro as they cut the vegetables. This toy promotes fine motor skills and imaginative play and is made from all natural organic recycled rubber wood and colored with water based dyes.”
5. Scoot Around Ride On by Hape view on www.amazon.com
This adorable scooter is made with FSC-certified wood and child-safe water based paint.
6. Organic Farm Buddies by Apple Park view the www.amazon.com
How cute are these? “Organic Farm Buddies are handmade using all natural materials, like 100% certified organic cotton, corn fiber filling, and dyes. All of the packaging is printed on recycled paper with azlon from soy ink. Farm Buddies are naturally hypoallergenic, so they are great for newborns and babies with allergies or sensitive skin.” (shown: Penny the Pig & Belle the Cow)
7.  Submarine by Green Toys view on www.amazon.com
We have so many items by Green Toys in our indoor playspace! They are built to last and are dishwasher safe.   “Made in the USA from 100% recycled plastic milk jugs that save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, this sturdy watercraft features a spinning rear propeller, a flat bottom for added stability, and the classic handle and wide-mouth opening combination for plenty of scoop and pour fun. The cabin can be opened for easy cleaning, while the whole vessel is also dishwasher safe. No BPA, phthalates, PVC or external coatings and also meets FDA food contact standards. Packaged with recycled and recyclable materials and printed with soy inks.”
8.  Eco-Dough by Eco-Kids view on www.amazon.com
“Eco-dough is an all natural alternative. It is made with plant, fruit and veggie extracts. No chemicals, artificial dyes or metals. The containers are made from cornstarch and 100% compostable.”  What’s in it? Natural and organic fruit, plant and vegetable extracts from annatto seed, beets, blueberries, carrots, paprika, purple sweet potato, red cabbage and spinach, flour, salt, cream of tartar, organic rosemary oil, vitamin E oil, soybean oil, and coconut oil!
9. Rocket & Astronaut Playset by Green Toys view on www.amazon.com
“3-2-1 blast off – the Green Toys Rocket launches into another eco friendly deep-space mission! Made in the USA from 100% recycled plastic, the fully equipped, 2-in-1 set includes a detachable top capsule and two astronauts. No BPA, phthalates, PVC or external coatings and also dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. Packaged with recycled and recyclable materials and printed with soy inks.”
10. My Creative Cookery Club by Hape view on www.amazon.com
I love this play kitchen for toddlers by Hape, a company that has eco-responsibility in its company mission!
11. Build-a-Bouquet Playset by Green Toys view on www.amazon.com
This is one of my favorite 100% recycled toys by Green Toys. Love this: “On average, every pound of recycled plastic used to make Green Toys products saves enough energy to run a laptop computer for a month and enough energy to power a TV for three weeks.”
12. Giraffe Walker ‘N Shape Sorter by Wonderworld view on www.amazon.com
Made from rubberwood, non-toxic water based paints as well as biodegradable fabrics.

I put together a guide of kids beach essentials filled with everything you need need to spend a summer day by the shore. Sunscreen, sandals, towels, and trucks- keep reading for 24 must-have items!

click to enlarge

1. Kikkerland Beach Towel Clips (Dolphins) Easily hang towels or secure them to your beach chair with this adorable clip!  view on www.amazon.com
2. Green Toys Sand Play Kit Made from recycled milk containers!  view on www.amazon.com
3. Kikkerland Beach Towel Clips (Lobster Claws) Easily hang towels or secure them to your beach chair with this adorable clip! view on www.amazon.com
4. California Baby Summer Blend SPF 30+ This sunscreen is vegan, non-toxic, and scented with citronella, lemongrass and cedar essential oils. view on www.californiababy.com
5. Learning Resources Alphabet Sand Molds Write a message in the sand with these durable letters! view on www.amazon.com
6. Sand-Off! Powder-Infused Mitt Beach Towel This is a genius invention! view on www.amazon.com
7. Stephen Joseph Hooded Shark Towel The perfect towel for wrapping up for a bite to eat. view on www.amazon.com
8. Melissa & Doug Sand Brick Maker and Trowel Set Make a mini sea wall with this kit! view on www.amazon.com
9. Stephen Joseph Hooded Mermaid Towel When your little mermaid is out from under the sea, wrap her up in this! view on www.amazon.com
10. HABA Sand Play Excavator Dig and drive with this durable beach toy! view on www.amazon.com
11. Melissa & Doug Happy Giddy Chair Easy to open, close and clean. Comes with a carrying case! view on www.amazon.com
12. HABA Sand Play Tanker Truck This truck carries and pours water- perfect for filling moats! view on www.amazon.com

view on www.amazon.com

view on www.amazon.com

view on www.amazon.com

view on www.amazon.com

view on www.amazon.com

view on www.amazon.com

view on www.amazon.com

view on www.amazon.com

(My nephew using his Mommy’s lens cap as a teether!)

Teething babies and toddlers will put anything in their mouth to soothe and stimulate their sore gums! These are my 5 favorite teething toys:

1. Sophie the Giraffe Teether by Vulli View on www.amazon.com This is the iconic teething toy seen in nearly every Upper East Side stroller and beyond.  My nephew loves his!  From the manufacturer:

Sophie the Giraffe, full of discoveries and activities to awaken baby’s senses. Sight: The dark and contrasting spots all over Sophie the Giraffe’s body provide visual stimulation and make her easily recognizable to baby. She soon becomes a familiar and reassuring object. Hearing: Her squeaker keeps baby amused and stimulates his hearings. Taste: Sophie the Giraffe is very flexible and has lots of parts for baby to chew like ears, horns, legs. She is perfect for soothing baby’s sore gum when teething and is completely safe. Made of 100% natural rubber and food paint. Touch: Sophie the Giraffe is perfect for baby’s small hands. She is very light and her long legs and neck are easy for baby to grip. She is very soft to touch, stimulating soothing physiological and emotional responses. Smell: The singular scent of natural rubber makes Sophie the Giraffe very special and easy for your child to identify. Sophie is Phthalates and BPA free.

2. The Winkel by Manhattan Toy  view on www.amazon.com This teething toy has nearly flawless reviews. Parents love its durability, the ease children have when manipulating it, and how it rattles.  From Manhattan Toy:

Colorful loops made from soft, pliable plastic are easy to grasp and hold, plus caregivers can refrigerate it for a soothing teether.

3. ZoLi Gummy Stick view on www.amazon.com The Gummy Stick is one of the most innovative designs I’ve seen in teething toys. It looks like a toothbrush, establishing dental hygiene at a young age.  Perfect for teething toddlers trying to reach their back teeth!  From the manufacturer:

Teething babies will welcome these soft gum massagers, because their rubbery, textured nubs offer excellent teething relief, even for hard-to-reach molars! And because they look and feel like a baby toothbrush, they instill good brushing habits from the start. The anti-choke shield prevents over-insertion. For newborns and up. Top-rack dishwasher safe. Gummy Sticks soothe inflamed gums and clean first baby teeth, while helping to establish early dental hygiene habits Made of polypropylene, with a thermoplastic rubber tip; BPA and phthalate free.

4. Twist Teether by Green Toys view on www.amazon.com Green Toys is one of my favorite toy companies. Their teether meets the same high standards as its toys- it’s made of 100% food-safe recycled plastic milk containers and is designed with intellectual stimulation in mind! From Green Toys:

Shake, rattle and explore with the my first Green Toys Twist Teether. Tiny hands can easily grasp this lightweight, three dimensional, ultra-safe teether. Each uniquely shaped and colorful charm has a distinct texture to stimulate visual and tactile senses. Made in the USA from 100% food-safe recycled plastic milk containers that save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. No BPA, PVC, phthalates, or external coatings. Meets FDA food contact standards. Dishwasher safe too!

5. Raz-Berry Teether by Razbaby view on www.amazon.com These Ring-Pop-looking teethers are as functional as they are adorable! Parents love the size, texture and aesthetic appeal. From Razbaby:

Gently massages and cools baby’s tender gums. Bumpy texture aids in the teething process. Hands-free-soothes baby’s gums while they play! Non-toxic 100% Silicone. Safe and durable. Stimulating Multi-Texture can be frozen for EXTRA soothing comfort. BPA Free.

Click through for 10 of our favorite eco-friendly toys for kids!

1. Pallina by Hape (3+) This game of strategy is made from eco-friendly bamboo and nontoxic paints. View on www.fatbraintoys.com.
 

 
2. Pizza Parlor by Green Toys (2+) This adorable play set is made from 100% recycled milk containers and is dishwasher safe! View on www.amazon.com.

3. Ride-On Recycling Truck by Wonderworld (18 months+) We LOVE this truck! It is made from environmentally friendly rubberwood, strictly using non-toxic paints, dyes and lacquers and formaldehyde-free glue. The packaging is also made from at least 70% recycled paper! View on www.amazon.com.

4. Eco-Dough by Eco-Kids (2+) This molding dough is non-toxic and made from natural ingredients including plant, fruit and vegetable extracts. View on www.ecokidsusa.com.
 

5. Stacking Cups by Green Toys (2+) These stacking cups, numbered 1 to 6 on the bottom, are perfect for little hands. They’re made of 100% recycled milk cartons and can easily be cleaned in the dishwasher. View on www.amazon.com.

6. Mini Automoblox Set (3+) These adorable cars can be deconstructed and constructed over and over again, improving fine motor skills! They’re made of natural German Beechwood with a non-toxic finish. View on www.amazon.com.
 

7. Pull-Along Snail by Plan Toys (19 months+) This simple pull along toy is fantastic. It’s made of organic, recycled rubberwood and encourages toddlers to crawl and walk. View on www.amazon.com.
 

8. Flatbed Truck and Race Car by Green Toys (12 months+) This is a favorite in our playspace! Like all Green Toys, it’s made from 100% recycled milk jugs and has no BPA, PVC, phthalates or external coatings. View on www.amazon.com

9. Seed Bombs- Butterfly and Bird Mixture (4+) Not really a toy, but lots of fun nonetheless. Plant the seed bomb (perfect for little hands) and water to easily grow plants and flowers that will attract butterflies and birds! View on www.fatbraintoys.com.
 

10. Stacking Tree by Plan Toys (2+) This eye-catching stacking tree is made from recycled rubberwood and can be rearranged to make a variety of different trees! View on www.amazon.com

We put together a collection of classic toys and games designed with a stylish, modern aesthetic.    No apps on this list and no batteries needed!  We’re going back to basics with tops, blocks, hopscotch, darts, and dominoes!

1.  Cat Steps by Educo (3-7 years) $12.99
view this item on www.amazon.com
Move over tin cans! These steps are safe, sturdy, and perfect for walking in the sand. Your children will improve balance, coordination, and motor skills while leaving behind adorable cat paw prints along their path! 
2. Spinning Tops Optical Set by Haba (3-8 years) $8.99
view this item on www.amazon.com
This top set comes with 8 optical illusion disks to try!
3. Life on Earth Matching Game by eeBoo (4-8 years) $12.51
view this item on www.amazon.com
The gorgeous images on these sturdy cards are a perfect way to learn about different animals and improve memory skills.
4. Hardwood Texture Dominoes by GuideCraft (3-7 years) $18.48
view this item on www.amazon.com
Perceive through touch with textures like hardboard, sandpaper, cloth, and more. We love this modern twist on dominoes!
5. Design Your Own Yo Yo Kit by Seedling (5-11 years)$12.18
view this item on www.amazon.com
Craft your own home-made yo yos with your children!
6. Dado Cubes by Fat Brain Toys (3 years+)$24.95
view this item on www.amazon.com
Children can unleash their creativity and design flair with these smart “blocks”. The slits in the cubes allow them to interlock, forming unlimited 3-D structures. This item is a favorite in our playroom!
7. Jump Rope by Green Toys (5-9 years) $7.64
view this item on www.amazon.com
This adorable jump rope is made of 100% recycled plastic and cotton rope. Every product Green Toys makes is eco-friendly, eye-catching, and durable!
8. Hop to It Play Carpet by Learning Carpets (2-10 years) $35.54
view this item on www.amazon.com
Hopscotch is easy with this soil and stain resistant carpet with skid-proof backing.
9. Automoblox Minis by Manhattan Toy (3-15 years) $22.64
view this item on www.amazon.com
These cars are so much fun to take apart and reassemble! The full-size cars from Automoblox are fantastic as well and excellent for developing fine motor skills.
10. Doodle Pro Travel by Fisher-Price (3-7 years) $18.50
view this item on www.amazon.com
The Doodle Pro is perfect for little hands on the go.
11. Doinkit Dart Set by Marky Sparky (6-15 years) $26.09
view this item on www.amazon.com
Take the fear factor out of darts with this magnetic set!
12. Three-Seater Rocker by Wesco (1-4 years) $134.99
view this item on www.amazon.com
This is another favorite in our playroom! This update to the see-saw is easy to use, stable, and can be used inside or outside.

Hohner makes fantastic, durable musical instruments for young children.  Almost all of the instruments our students play in our Upper East Side music studio are by Hohner.  They are attractive, easy to clean, and have great sound!  We put together a list of the 5 most popular.

To purchase any of the featured musical instruments:

Visit our NYC studio-  TLB Music 266 East 78th Street  NY, NY 10075  www.tlbmusic.com

or click on the links below each item to purchase on www.amazon.com.

Toddler Xylophone
view on www.amazon.com

Maracas
view on www.amazon.com

Translucent Harmonica
view on www.amazon.com

Tambourine
view on www.amazon.com

Ocean Wave Drum
view on www.amazon.com