2009 July | Inhabitots

Inhabitots Link Roundup of the Week

by Beth Shea, 07/17/09

Tangled and True highlights an eco-friendly way to get around town with your tot — via the Taga, part bicycle, part stroller. What a unique, functional way to travel with kids.

Wise Craft puts a new spin on an old classic: Checkers. This crafty mom designed homespun checkers — made out of felted rocks, a game board fashioned from a ‘stash of woolen remnants from Goodwill’… and a lot of ingenuity!

In response to recent news that a Canadian survey found BPA in 84% of the glass-jarred baby food containers it sampled, LilSugar has compiled a list of seven BPA free baby food alternatives.

Droolicious introduces us to adorable Aminal ‘Momey’ and ‘Dady’ organic dolls (misspellings intentional) — inspired by the “silly imaginings of what kid-designed Mom and Dad dolls might look like.”

Maya Made brings us a how to on creating a simple summer pavilion for your kids via thoughtful use of household items. We’d love to be invited to a tea party in this charming setting!

Fantastic Blocks by Grimm’s Spiel & Holz Design

by Desmond Williams, 07/17/09

German toy design company, Grimm’s Spiel & Holz, has freed the standard wooden block from its cubist confines by creating the aptly named Fantastic Blocks – tiny building structures that burst with color and are devoid of straight lines, angles or corners. Conceived as fictional gnome dwellings, the block sets vary from the simple 2-piece Onion House ($6.98) to the more complex 16-piece Gnome Town set ($59.98). Each block gets its burst of color from non-toxic water based dyes and is hand-sanded to perfection. “Whether used for building, pretend play, storytelling or decorating – these rugged blocks will last a lifetime.” They’re the kind of toys that foster a child’s inner Dali. (Available at the Fine Wooden Toys website).

+ Fantastic Blocks sets range from $7 – $80

+ Grimm’s Spiel & Holz Design

NEW! Alma Urban Crib by Bloombaby Easily Folds Up to Save Space

by Beth Shea, 07/17/09

Studio dwellers everywhere can let out a sigh of relief when it comes to carving out room for a nursery in a tiny space. Akin to the ingenious storage aspect of the Murphy Bed, Bloombaby’s Alma Urban Crib stores compactly and easily to make room for all of baby’s household antics during waking hours. Read more about this stylish, savvy crib after the jump!

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Paper Animal Masks from Zid Zid Kids

by Jasmin Malik Chua, 07/16/09

What will your child be today? Intriguing Lion, Demure Bluebird, Clever Giraffe, or Lucky Elephant? With Zid Zid Kids’ opulently illustrated animal masks, the animal kingdom is his or hers to command. Quick and easy props for pretend play, the masks are made from recycled paperboard, but are sturdy enough for monkeying around. Don them to channel your wild side on Halloween, birthdays, and every day in between.

+ Animal Masks $13 each at Spunky Sprout

+ Zid Zid Kids

TREEPEE: It’s a tent! It’s a swing! It’s a trampoline!

What do you get when you combine the timeless allure of a treehouse with the bouncy, active fun of a trampoline and the thrill of a tree swing? Welcome to the world of Treepee! This amazing outdoor space for children will take imaginative outdoor play to new heights. Whether your kids opt for aerial camping, or they choose to hang out in nature and relax with a book, all you need is one strong tree to secure the Treepee, and your kids will be ready for new adventures!