For a few months now Cameron has been really into the various locks on our front door, and likes for me to hold him up to them while he fiddles. Needless to say this gets tiring for me after a few minutes. Over Christmas while we were in DC at my parent’s house I saw they had borrowed a Melissa and Doug Latches Board from a neighbor. Cameron (and I) were so happy with this toy I stole it from my parent’s house and brought it home! (Sorry Mom!) I had no idea such a toy existed! Unlike many of Cameron’s toys, this one seems to have appeal day after day. He is getting good at some of the easier latches and locks, but the harder ones still vex him. So, I hope this one will be popular for awhile. On Amazon I found two versions of the Melissa and Doug Latches board – we have the second one pictured, but I think they both have the same idea.
I think this is the newer version of the Latches Board
The one we have looks like this
Today I was excited when I got my email from the Mini Social saying there was another Plan toy sale going on! Clearly, I am not the only excited shopper out there, because it seems like these toys are selling out fast. Here’s a small sample:
Plan Bus
Plan Train
There is also an amazing doll house which is normally 120$ which is only 60$ – half price. Not too shabby! So if your little one didn’t get enough goodies for the holiday…. check out the Plan Sale!
If you haven’t signed up to the Mini Social yet, please put in my email address 
I can get 10$ if I refer you. 
Happy Shopping!
Cameron’s first birthday was at the end of November, so he just got a bunch of new toys. If you are looking for some ideas of what to get your little one – maybe these suggestions will help.
School bus from fisher price:
Cameron pushes this thing all around the apartment!
Magnetic letters (these are a great distraction while I am making Cam food):
Keep your baby busy while you're in the kitchen
If you prefer wooden magnetic letters, Melissa and Doug make some. They also make some wooden magnetic animals that are super cute!
Classic Radio Flyer bike:
So far Cam just rings the bell, but I know he will grow into this toy!
Matchbox cars:
I'm sure these will be a favorite for years to come
Some of these items should get years of use – I remember playing with magnetic letters on my fridge while growing up for a long time! Anyways, I hope this gives you some ideas. Generally, it’s not too late to order from Amazon with standard shipping in most cases. And if you have Amazon Prime, you have until the 21st! Just check on each product to see what Amazon recommends. Good luck!
Melissa and Doug is having another sale at the Mini Social. They’ve got all new toys for the Holiday Season. So help Santa get an early start on things and check it out!
If you aren’t a member of the Mini Social yet, sign up using my link!
Melissa and Doug is having another sale at the Mini Social. I snagged some toys for Cameron at Christmas that were sold out last time. Check it out! Things are going fast!
If you aren’t a member of the Mini Social yet, sign up using my link.
Last time, sold out - this time - got it!
The Mini Social just announced the Melissa and Doug sale has started! Snap up some high quality toys, mommies! If you aren’t a member of the Mini Social yet, sign up using my link! Thanks in advance!!
Plan wooden toys are beautifully made, and are some of Cameron’s favorite. They can also be a little pricey, so I was super excited when I got my email today from the Mini Social saying there was a Plan toy sale going on! Clearly, I am not the only excited shopper out there, because it seems like these toys are selling out fast. Here’s a small sample:
Plan Bus
Plan Train
If you haven’t signed up to the Mini Social yet, click through my link!
I can get 10$ if I refer you. Happy Shopping!
A mommy friend sent me email recently saying that her sister who lives in Maine has a friend who just launched her own line of hand made toys and children’s items called Sunhollow which she is selling on Etsy. She asked if I could hilight them on the blog, which I was more than happy to do since they looks so beautiful! Here’s a small sample of what they have to offer:
Hardwood Horizontal Stacker
Felted Crown
Hardwood Teether Rattle
The store is starting small, but she plans to add more items especially as the holidays approach. If you are looking for a unique gift for your own little one, or someone else, check out the Sunhollow store on etsy!
Cameron, my husband, and I just got back from a trip to the Ikea in Red Hook, Brooklyn. I always forget how much great (and CHEAP!) kids stuff they have. We got some cute rainbow colored plastic food bowls, some bibs, a plush soccer ball, a mobile for grandma and grandpa’s house (they also got a crib there for him – $99!) and some baskets from the plant area for toy storage. Aside from the great items we bought, they also have tons of other toys (some wooden) cute lighting fixtures and other decor items, as well as kids storage solutions. And everything is very affordable.
Toy clean up basket for less than $15 – thanks plant department!
So next time you need some stuff for baby, think Ikea instead of babies r us or buy buy baby. You may be pleasantly surprised!
