GBaby by Geomag- Made in Switzerland

We're so happy to be adding a new Geomag product to our recommended list! Geomag is already on our Brands You Can Trust list for their fun and interesting toys for older kids. Now, Geomag has a new line just for babies and toddlers. The bright colors and simple shapes will delight your child and you'll know you've given them an exciting and safe toy. The entire G Baby line is BPA free and bath and dishwasher safe. G Baby is available through Amazon, Fat Brain Toys and some Toys R Us stores. The products are just rolling out so they may not be available locally yet.

Bajo toys, beautifully made in Poland

We've featured many beautiful wooden toys and the Bajo toys are no exception. We love that they're made in Poland in a factory just outside Cracow, originally founded by a sculptor and an architect. Each toy is visually pleasing and a nice addition to your collect. We also know you'll love the price!

Top 10 toys for Christmas that your infant and toddler has got to have!

You've seen the lists published by magazines, Walmart and Target. Most lists contain Fisher Price, Mattel and Playskool, all manufactured in China. Well just in time for Christmas we've got our own list of got-to-have toys for your infant or toddler. We will have a preschool list later this week!

Our Favorite toys for this holiday season:

Holgate Toys, Made in USA

Holgate Toys are high quality wooden toys, made in the USA, primarily for infants and toddlers. They are manufactured in Pennsylvania and made with nontoxic paints. Mr. Rogers selected Holgate to make a special line of wooden toys bearing his name. If it was safe for Mr. Rogers, it's safe for us to recommend!

Cool selection of balls, Made in Germany

A Germany company called Togu makes a very colorful and interesting selection of balls. They are designed for kids 3 and up but the larger selections would be fun for rolling around for a toddler or infant too!

As promised, infant and toddler toys under $30

In response to the WalMart price war, (see yesterday's posting) we are making an easy to find listing of great toys for under $30. The main criteria- must be under $30, made outside of China from a brand we have already reviewed and be something we would buy for our own kids. We hope you find it useful for quick shopping!

INFANT TOYS





TODDLER TOYS

TAG Toys, high quality infant and toddler toys Made in the USA

TAG Toys is an amazing family business that designs toys for children ages 1 to 6. Their toys are based on early learning theories and are manufactured entirely in the USA. What a great educational gift and you can be assured it is lead-free! They have won several Oppenheim and Parents Magazine toy awards and are featured in some of the Baby Einstein video series.

Selecta infant and toddler toys Made in Germany

Selecta is a German brand that makes finely crafted wooden toys. Their products, while a bit more expensive than their plastic counterparts, will last your children a long time and provide hours of entertainment. Selecta also makes a miniature food set that is adorable. It's hard to find miniature food for your pretend kitchens that doesn't carry the Made in China label!

Infant and Toddler Toys You Can Count On

During our research, finding infant and toddler toys has been nearly impossible. The most readily available brands in the US, Fisher Price and Playskool, are mostly made in China and have been under several recalls lately. We have finally discovered a few options for the tiniest ones in your life!

Haba is a well known German line of toys that are generally wooden with a strong Waldorf influence. Many toys from Haba are Made in China but we have found these Haba toys are made in Europe. Haba also makes a line of pretend food that is entirely crafted in Germany.



For cuddly dolls and snugglies, check out the like by Kathe Kruse, many are infant safe, washable and all are made in Germany.



Looking for an infant gym but trying to avoid the Fisher Price models? This Selecta Musina playgym is made in Germany and perfect for your lead-free family!


If you're searching for puzzles, Chelona makes a wide selection of puzzles and wooden board books, all made in Greece.



Finally, a collection of wooden animals for pretend play or simply carrying around everywhere baby goes. Holztiger makes a selection of farm, zoo and ocean animals that your child is sure to love. All are made in Germany and painted with a special non-toxic paint that makes them saliva resistant. We especially like: