Introducing Yummy Dough, the world’s first play dough that is actually intended to be eaten. We all know that kids have been munching on clay and play doh for years, but this stuff actually tastes good, and contains ingredients that are designed to be ingested. It comes in a box containing four packages of dough mixture. There are four different colors and each one can be mixed with the next to create any color under the rainbow. Simply add a small amount of water to the mixture and stir it up. Once mixed, give the dough a good kneading and it is ready to go. Kids can squish, squeeze and create just like regular modeling clay, but with Yummy Dough they can snack as they play. Children love the bright colors, squishy texture and outstanding flavor. Once a creation is finalized, just pop it in the oven on a cookie sheet for 15-30 minutes. After it is done cooking you are left with a warm, delicious treat that is ready to eat. Children will have the satisfaction of creating something with their own hands, and getting to eat it makes it even better. The finished cookies taste great and retain the bold colors.

Your kids will have hours of fun molding and shaping this unique play dough. They will be able to create all sorts of colorful Yummy Dough creations thanks to the excellent texture and four color varieties. This is a super fun activity that is great for kids that like cooking, little artists, or any other child that enjoys squishy dough and eating sweet treats (the latter is pretty hard to come by we know ). Let their imaginations run wild as they create bugs, animals, shapes and faces. The possibilities are truly endless. This stuff is so fun that mom, dad, grandma and grandpa will want to join in too. Yummy Dough is a great activity that the whole family can enjoy. It is perfect for rainy days or those cold winter afternoons. Regular clay tastes gross, but kids eat it any way. Just imagine the fun they will have and the reactions you will get when their play dough actually tastes good!

You can’t really mold anything good out of cookie dough, and traditional clays and doughs are not intended to be eaten. Yummy Dough combines the best parts of both worlds. It is a colorful modeling clay that is sweet and delicious!

Yummy Dough – The edible play dough.

PERPLEXUS is enclosed in a transparent plastic sphere. It provides hours of fun and frustration as you twist and turn the sphere trying to maneuver a small, steel ball through an intricate labyrinth of narrow plastic tracks. Navigate obstacles of varying difficulty to reach the end.

Debuted at the 2009 Fall Toy Preview in Dallas, a number of major game buyers believe Perplexus will be the next big craze, rivaling previous brain teasers. We’ll take that as a compliment.

PERPLEXUS was invented by 3-D design teacher Michael McGinnis who began his project in the late 1970’s and originally named and marketed it as Superplexus. Through years of experimenting and design, it was developed into a finished product with the help of KID Group, a toy invention and licensing group.

PERPLEXUS is addictive…once you try it, you’ll be hooked! Good, clean, frustrating fun sure to entertain the entire family.

About PlaSmart Inc.:
PlaSmart Inc. is a Canadian award winning toy company based in Ottawa, Canada. Founded in 2003 PlaSmart Inc. has in seven short years grown rapidly and now has it’s unique, smart, simple, fun toy products in 5 continents and over 60 countries. While best known for the award winning PlasmaCar, PlaSmart handles over 150 products including Yummy Dough which will be featured on Dragon’s Den October 28th, 2009. The company itself has been recognized as the 13th fastest growing company in Canada according to Profit 100.

Perplexus

You get all of the benefits of plastic without the drawbacks. These dishes are very durable and resistant to breaking. They are also totally dishwasher safe and microwavable. They are actually more heat resistant than most regular plastic dishes for kids. They are tested safe, and contain no toxic chemicals. Guaranteed to be BPA free, PVC free and Phthalate free. They have a nice natural brown color that lets you know that they haven’t been dyed, painted or altered in any way. This feature also helps to keep kids attention focused on the task at hand; eating. The Little Husks dishes will last for years, but when thrown away or introduced to the right environment, they become 100% biodegradable. That’s right. They will totally break down to leave nothing when you finally discard them.

We carry a full line of these dishes at simplygoodstuff.com. There is a dinner plate, a pasta plate, a soup bowl, utensils and a cup. Basically every type of dish you need to feed your child. At an incredibly affordable price tag, these dishes are a great alternative to plastic, and far more practical than traditional alternatives like wood, metal and ceramic. Discover an eco friendly way to feed your children. Stop worrying about dangerous chemicals or feeding kids on tableware that is hard to care for. The Little Husks line is incredibly practical, totally safe, and very easy on the earth.

Dinner Plate

Spaghetti Plate

Drinking Cup

Spoon & Fork

Soup Bowl

Tableware Set

As you may know, Parents’ Choice is the nation’s oldest nonprofit guide to quality children’s media and toys.  The Foundation’s purpose is to search out and recommend products that help kids grow imaginatively, physically, morally and mentally . . . fairly-priced products that are fun, safe and socially sound.

It’s obvious why the people at Parents’ Choice singled out Twig as one of the best toys of 2009.  Here’s what the Parents’ Choice reviewers (real parents and real kids!) had to say about Twig:

Opening the box containing this exquisitely-designed set of blocks elicited gasps of “ooh’s” and “aah’s” from goggle-eyed youngsters who couldn’t wait to get their hands on them!  The children have never before seen blocks like these, which have open spaces, holes and slots that make it possible for the compatible, precision-cut pieces to slide into, between and alongside one another.  The results of their freewheeling constructions have been astonishing.  The 72 wooden pieces include six sets with the same components.  Each set of 12 pieces is painted in a different brilliant hue, and they nest together perfectly like a three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle.  This can make putting away the blocks seem like a game.

See for yourself what everyone else is talking about. This innovative new toy is sure to become a classic. A simple yet elegant design allows for limitless building possibilities. Twig is perfect for boys and girls alike, and is enjoyed by children of all ages. Discover this modern twist on a classic. Twig is a block set like no other.

Twig

Other Good Toys

Ottawa, ON (PRWEB) October 31, 2007 — The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association’s (ASTRA) “Best-For-Kids” is an annual list compiled based on input and recommendations from independent toy store owners across the U.S. Having met the members; high quality, safety and lasting play value standards and guidelines, PlasmaCar was selected as a top toy within the Active Play category.

PlasmaCar is the pure energy, pure fun ride-on toy. A multi-award winner, PlasmaCar requires no batteries, gears or pedals – it runs on the most inexhaustible energy on earth: kid-power. Turn the steering wheel and away you go. PlasmaCar harnesses inertia, centrifugal force and friction to propel kids of all ages to fun. Just rotate the steering wheel from side to side to go forward and flip the wheel 180 degrees to steer backwards. The smoother the driving surface, the faster you go: up to an exhilarating but kid-safe 6MPH. To stop, cease rotating the steering wheel and put your feet onto the ground. Great exercise indoors and out.

PlaSmart, based in Ottawa, imports and distributes toys across Canada, the US and Internationally. Their expanding selection of unique, award-winning, quality products now also includes activity kits and educational products. For more information on PlasmaCar, and about PlaSmart, please click here .

“The PLASMACAR creates an environment of imagination for ages 3 and up” says Tim Kimber, President of PlaSmart.

“The innovative design uses a child’s own strength to power the PLASMACAR by simply turning the steering wheel right and left”.

“Pretending finally becomes reality with attractive colors and comfortable design” says Kimber.

A child controls his own world on a PLASMACAR. Speeding down his own freeway, flying through his own sky, safely stopping without effort, a child builds confidence in his own actions, builds muscle and strength, and improves his coordination and sense of responsibility.

Gliding without batteries, gears, or pedals without exceeding 6 mph/10kmh, ridden indoors or out, the PLASMACAR is easy to use by riders of 100 kilograms on a smooth surface, 55 kilograms on rougher terrain.

PlaSmart (pronounced Play-smart), is an industry leader in providing safe and durable innovative toys to children. The award-winning PLASMACAR ride-on toy is available in toy stores across North America for $69.95 MSRP.

For more information contact:
PLASMART, INC
Timothy Kimber, President
Phone: 613-862-9370
Email: Plasmart@rogers.com

About the Toy Industry Association (TIA) – www.toy-tia.org
Since 1916, the TIA’s 500 members speak as the authoritative voice of the North American toy industry, and include manufacturers and importers, sales reps, licensors, marketing and promotion firms, safety and/or communications consultants and related associations and trade publications. TIA also owns and operates the American International Toy Fair™

[ PlasmaCar ]

Plastic toys seem to be the most popular choice for the consumer these days as the shelves of stores are filled with them. Maybe it is time to consider some alternatives. There are many natural and creative ‘toys’ that can be found in your home and nature.

Here are some alternatives to the toxic, sometimes noisy, plastic toys that you and the kids might enjoy more:

1. Small kids like to mimic what we do. Do you ever notice how they like to play in the cabinets and explore what is in there? Why not give them a cabinet and drawer in the kitchen filled with a wooden spoon, colander, wooden bowl, pot, lid, rolling pin, towel, washcloth, broom, dustpan and a fabric shopping bag. My one year old son spends so much time playing in this space and I always put in a few surprises for him to enjoy.

2. Make a drum or other musical instrument. You can use a recycled container with a lid (yogurt, ice cream) and have an already made drum or make one out of natural materials. Drumming is a great way for kids to connect with their heart and to calm themselves too. They can start a drum circle with their friends,family and neighbors. Kids can make instruments out of sticks that they can decorate and create music. Using paper towel rolls and filling them with dried beans and covering with recycled paper with decoration…you have a shaker!

3. Build a tent out of sheets, blankets or fabric. Okay, this must be every kids all time favorite! Drape them anywhere indoors or outdoors and they have their place space.

4. Rocks, seeds and sticks are plentiful enough. Building, jewelry making, stacking, creative and imaginative play in many different ways. And do not be afraid to let the kids bring them indoors. Relax and they will have even more fun.

5. Recycled clothing can be taken apart and used to make a special one of a kind doll. This is a great opportunity for the child to recognize their creative abilities on their own or share some time with a parent making it extra special.

[ Good Stuff for Kids ]

6. Play silks are a great way to soften the atmosphere of the play area. The silks can be used for imaginative play and dress up. Speaking of dress up…

7. Have a dress up basket. Fill a basket with scarves, beads, large fabric pieces, any any other unique finds. Dress up can help to expand childrens imagination which turn in to the most amazing creative adventures.

8. Using a flannel receiving blanket, soft cloth or a recycled silk scarf, you can make a cuddly doll for a small child. Use a little stuffing for the head. You can use a sock, wool or fluff from milkweed. Then make the arms and legs out of knots.

9. Write a book. Whatever the topic of interest, creating a book is a fun way to use the imagination as well as have a fun learning experience.

10. Growing a garden can be play. Let them dig in the dirt and select what they would like to plant. Kids love to eat food they grow themselves. What a great way for a child to be empowered, by growing their own food.

There are so many natural and creative ideas that come to mind. I realize that their are times when you want to purchase a toy or give a gift. Maybe you will consider checking out some of your local natural toy makers or companies such as Magic Cabin, Nova Naturals and mother owned small businesses for healthier alternatives to the plastic toys. Allowing yourself and children to enjoy creative imaginative play is good for the body, mind and spirit. Have fun!

Lisa R. Marshall is the facilitator of Path to Nature…honoring life through whole health, natural living, herbal healing, sacred celebrations & journeys. She is also a mother & doula. Lisa is a facilitator to those who want to make changes in their lives.

Please visit http://www.Pathtonature.org for further information or to contact the author.

[ Good Stuff for Kids ]

The National Parenting Center’s Seal of Approval program is an independent testing procedure conducted to judge a variety of products introduced and marketed to the parent/child consumer market. Testing involves a multi-step process conducted over an eight-week period. Staffed by volunteers, the testing facility of The National Parenting Center gives parents, children, and educators the opportunity to examine a variety of submitted products. The testers are encouraged to play with, build, read about, and judge by the reactions of the children, each product’s quality. Evaluated are each product’s level of desirability, sturdiness, interactive stimulation and other ingredients essential in the make-up of a quality product. Test results are based on both statistical averaging and comments received from the parent/testers.

“My goal when I invented The Snack-Trap™ was to create an innovative product that addressed a basic everyday challenge facing parents. Infants and toddlers don’t eat, they snack, and when they snack they spill and make a mess,” states Christine Moss, President of Mossworld Enterprises, Inc. “Receiving the 2003 Seal of Approval is very gratifying and exciting as a businessperson, but especially as a Mom. The National Parenting Center evaluation progress is rigorous, they set the highest standards for children’s products, and we are thrilled to be included in the select group receiving the 2003 Seal of Approval,” she adds.

The Snack-Trap™ has a unique patent-pending top which allows infants and toddlers to get their hand in to retrieve snacks and then closes when their hand is withdrawn. The base cup features a tip-resistant design, and along with the unique lid, is durable to withstand drops and repeated daily use. Ms. Moss developed the product after encountering challenges keeping up with the spilled cheerios, goldfish crackers, and other snack foods her two young daughters left behind in their “wake.”

The Seal of Approval program continues the efforts of The National Parenting Center which was chartered in 1989 to help create better-informed parents as they tackle the challenges of parenting in the new millennium. The center is widely recognized as being a leading parent advocacy organization dedicated to providing parents with comprehensive and responsible guidance from the world’s most renowned child-rearing authorities. Additional information about the Center and the 2003 Seal of Approval report can be accessed via www.tnpc.com. The specific product review of The Snack-Trap™ can be viewed at www.tnpc.com/soa/Hol03clothing.html.

Mossworld Enterprises, Inc. is a certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) founded by Moss to manufacture and market The Snack-Trap™. Launched this past summer, The Snack-Trap™ quickly gained the attention of parents everywhere after being featured on an episode of the Dr. Phil Show. Headquartered in Troy, Michigan, they can be reached at 248-828-7460 or through their website as www.mossworld.com.

[ Snack-Trap ]

VideoJug: Childproofing The Kitchen And BathroomFor a great all natural laundry soap that is safe for washing children’s clothes try the Wash It Laundry Ball. It is totally safe and hypoallergenic, and so easy to use. Just toss it in the washer and forget about it. Lasts for up to 100 loads!

The ABC’s of Fruits and Vegetables and Beyond is noteworthy in that it is really two books in one. The first part, the ABC’s, consists of coauthor Steve Charney’s clever and zany poems about twenty-six common and unusual fruits and vegetables. Charney is a noted children’s entertainer, songwriter, author and literacy promoter. He brings the same genius to the poems as in the songs he wrote for “The Bear in the Big Blue House,” Jim Henson’s Emmy-nominated show.

The second part, Beyond the ABC’s, is as the subtitle describes: Food, Facts, and Fun for Everyone. It is the work of David Goldbeck who, as coauthor with Nikki Goldbeck, is known for nine food books, including the bestsellers The Supermarket Handbook and American Wholefoods Cuisine. In Part Two, Goldbeck, a former elementary school teacher takes kids beyond the ABC’s to a delightful mixture of food lore, recipes, jokes, tongue twisters, unusual facts, shopping tips, and other fun- and thought-provoking activities. Children also discover where many fruits and vegetables come from, learn some Spanish words, and are directed to related books and websites. The forty-three tasty recipes were supplied by Nikki Goldbeck, who served as food editor. The book is beautifully illustrated by Maria Burgelata Larson. David Goldbeck says that his secret plan is to entice kids to eat these important foods “indirectly, by creating a new relationship with vegetables and fruit that is not just about their nutritional importance.”

ADVANCE COMMENT

Noted child nutrition expert Fern Gale Estrow, MS, RD, CDN wrote:

Charney and Goldbeck’s wonderful book of poems and activities will appeal to children as they move through elementary school, exploring food and farming using the alphabet to establish their place in history, geography, art, literature, science, the kitchen, and let us not forget jokes and riddles! Even adults will laugh and learn at least a fact or two – and maybe each of us (young and old) will find an interest in trying something new!

ABOUT THE AUTHORS AND ILLUSTRATOR

Steve Charney is a nationally known children’s entertainer, magician, ventriloquist, songwriter, radio personality and literacy promoter. His books include Hocus Jokus and Kid’s Kookiest Riddles. He is also the co-host, with his dummy Harry, of the radio program “Knock On Wood.” Steve performs at festivals, theaters, and libraries throughout the world and Steve and Harry often promote literacy in schools as well. He has written dozens of songs for Jim Henson’s TV show “Bear in the Big Blue House

David Goldbeck is coauthor with Nikki Goldbeck of nine food books. These books include the bestsellers TheSupermarket Handbook, American Wholefoods Cuisine and, most recently, Healthy Highways. He is the author of The Smart Kitchen. David, trained as a lawyer, has worked as a waiter, produce man, and elementary school teacher.

Maria Burgaleta Larson grew up in New York City and spent her childhood summers in Cuba. She is a graduate of The Cooper Union and a Fellow of The American Academy in Rome.

Publication Date: May/June 2007

Ages: 4-12 (and beyond)

For further information please visit http://www.yochee.com/