Designer Mary Wilson knows how you can liven up your eating space even on the darkest days — all without fussing with vases. Instead, set the table with her colorful cork placemats: The designer’s Flora and Fauna collections feature bold graphics, artfully silk-screened, with nonscratch undersides. Select from 14-1/2-inch rounds or 12-by-15-inch rectangles. Available in […]
Need a little something to chase away the winter blues? Here a few of our favorite things.
Here’s a clever and gentle way to introduce both girls and boys to hobby railroading: NameTrains. This wooden railway system features individual letter cars that connect easily with magnets to spell out a name — a great way to personalize a gift for a child (or an adult train lover). Plus, you can create an […]
Know a student who might be your town’s next science fair award winner? For kids ages 5 to 14 who have a bit of patience and an interest in engineering basics, try one of Bridge Street’s many Girder & Panel construction sets. Each one includes an instruction book with engineering drawings. We liked the hydrodynamic […]
Older children (ages 8 and up) and young-at-heart adults will enjoy White Mountain Puzzles. The catalog features almost 200 choices, with 500- or 1,000-piece selections; pictured here is “American Lighthouses.” Prices are $11.95-$14.95. Designed and made in Jackson, New Hampshire. 800-548-8009, 603-383-4346; whitemountainpuzzles.com
In the mid-1930s, Roy Dennison Sr. made a log building set for his children. True, the famous Lincoln Logs had already been released, but Roy thought he could do better. In 1992, Roy’s grandson and his wife, Bruce and Sue Dennison, relaunched the company, offering both the original RoyToy line and new-and-enhanced log sets. We […]
You won’t see a mama cow and her young like these on any Vermont hillside! Thanks to the corded handle, these plush purple bovines on wooden wheels ($22.95) make great pull toys for kids over 18 months of age. Frog, duck, and dinosaur families are also available. Made by Rich Frog Industries, Burlington, Vermont. 888-742-4376, […]
Robert Forenza calls his Hugg-a-Planet stuffed Earth “the teddy bear of the 21st century.” You can hug it and snuggle with it, roll it and toss it. Even better, you can learn from it: The planet’s up-to-date map features more than 600 labeled places. Pictured here is the classic model (12-inch diameter, $19.95), offered in […]
Delight your children throughout the holiday season — and all year long — with these classic yet innovative toys.
