Good Toys for Young Children by Age and Stage

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In addition to being safe, good toys for young children need to match their stages of development and emerging abilities. Many safe and appropriate play materials are free items typically found at home. Cardboard boxes, plastic bowls and lids, collections of plastic bottle caps, and other “treasures” can be used in more than one way by children of different ages. As you read the following lists of suggested toys for children of different ages, keep in mind that each child develops at an individual pace. Items on one list—as long as they are safe—can be good choices for children who are younger and older than the suggested age range.

Toys for young infants—birth through 6 months

Babies like to look at people—following them with their eyes. Typically, they prefer faces and bright colors. Babies can reach, be fascinated with what their hands and feet can do, lift their heads, turn their heads toward sounds, put things in their mouths, and much more!

Good toys for young infants:

  • Things they can reach for, hold, suck on, shake, make noise with—rattles, large rings, squeeze toys, teething toys, soft dolls, textured balls, and vinyl and board books
  • Things to listen to—books with nursery rhymes and poems, and recordings of lullabies and simple songs
  • Things to look at—pictures of faces hung so baby can see them and unbreakable mirrors

Toys for older infants—7 to 12 months

Older babies are movers—typically they go from rolling over and sitting, to scooting, bouncing, creeping, pulling themselves up, and standing. They understand their own names and other common words, can identify body parts, find hidden objects, and put things in and out of containers.

Good toys for older infants:

  • Things to play pretend with—baby dolls, puppets, plastic and wood vehicles with wheels, and water toys
  • Things to drop and take out—plastic bowls, large beads, balls, and nesting toys
  • Things to build with—large soft blocks and wooden cubes
  • Things to use their large muscles with—large balls, push and pull toys, and low, soft things to crawl over

Toys for 1-year-olds

One-year-olds are on the go! Typically they can walk steadily and even climb stairs. They enjoy stories, say their first words, and can play next to other children (but not yet with!). They like to experiment—but need adults to keep them safe.

Good toys for 1-year-olds:

  • Board books with simple illustrations or photographs of real objects
  • Recordings with songs, rhymes, simple stories, and pictures
  • Things to create with—wide non-toxic, washable markers, crayons, and large paper
  • Things to pretend with—toy phones, dolls and doll beds, baby carriages and strollers, dress-up accessories (scarves, purses), puppets, stuffed toys, plastic animals, and plastic and wood “realistic” vehicles
  • Things to build with—cardboard and wood blocks (can be smaller than those used by infants—2 to 4 inches)
  • Things for using their large and small muscles—puzzles, large pegboards, toys with parts that do things (dials, switches, knobs, lids), and large and small balls

Toys for 2-year-olds (toddlers)

Toddlers are rapidly learning language and have some sense of danger. Nevertheless they do a lot of physical “testing”: jumping from heights, climbing, hanging by their arms, rolling, and rough-and-tumble play. They have good control of their hands and fingers and like to do things with small objects.

Good toys for 2-year-olds:

  • Things for solving problems—wood puzzles (with 4 to 12 pieces), blocks that snap together, objects to sort (by size, shape, color, smell), and things with hooks,
    buttons, buckles, and snaps
  • Things for pretending and building—blocks, smaller (and sturdy) transportation toys, construction sets, child-sized furniture (kitchen sets, chairs, play food), dress-up clothes, dolls with accessories, puppets, and sand and water play toys
  • Things to create with—large non-toxic, washable crayons and markers, large paintbrushes and fingerpaint, large paper for drawing and painting, colored construction paper, toddler-sized scissors with blunt tips, chalkboard and large chalk, and rhythm instruments
  • Picture books with more details than books for younger children
  • CD and DVD players with a variety of music (of course, phonograph players and cassette recorders work too!)
  • Things for using their large and small muscles—large and small balls for kicking and throwing, ride-on equipment (but probably not tricycles until children are 3), tunnels, low climbers with soft material underneath, and pounding and hammering toys

Toys for 3- to 6-year-olds (preschoolers and kindergarteners)

Preschoolers and kindergartners have longer attention spans than toddlers. Typically they talk a lot and ask a lot of questions. They like to experiment with things and with their still-emerging physical skills. They like to play with friends—and don’t like to lose! They can take turns—and sharing one toy by two or more children is often possible for older preschoolers and kindergarteners.

Good toys for 3- to 6-year-olds:

  • Things for solving problems—puzzles (with 12 to 20+ pieces), blocks that snap together, collections and other smaller objects to sort by length, width, height, shape, color, smell, quantity, and other features—collections of plastic bottle caps, plastic bowls and lids, keys, shells, counting bears, small colored blocks
  • Things for pretending and building—many blocks for building complex structures, transportation toys, construction sets, child-sized furniture (“apartment” sets, play food), dress-up clothes, dolls with accessories, puppets and simple puppet theaters, and sand and water play toys
  • Things to create with—large and small crayons and markers, large and small paintbrushes and fingerpaint, large and small paper for drawing and painting, colored construction paper, preschooler-sized scissors, chalkboard and large and small chalk, modeling clay and playdough, modeling tools, paste, paper and cloth scraps for collage, and instruments—rhythm instruments and keyboards, xylophones, maracas, and tambourines
  • Picture books with even more words and more detailed pictures than toddler books
  • CD and DVD players with a variety of music (of course, phonograph players and cassette recorders work too!)
  • Things for using their large and small muscles—large and small balls for kicking and throwing/catching, ride-on equipment including tricycles, tunnels, taller climbers with soft material underneath, wagons and wheelbarrows, plastic bats and balls, plastic bowling pins, targets and things to throw at them, and a workbench with a vise, hammer, nails, and saw
  • If a child has access to a computer: programs that are interactive (the child can do something) and that children can understand (the software uses graphics and spoken instruction, not just print), children can control the software’s pace and path, and children have opportunities to explore a variety of concepts on several levels

Safety and children’s toys

Safe toys for young children are well-made (with no sharp parts or splinters and do not pinch); painted with nontoxic, lead-free paint; shatter-proof; and easily cleaned.

Electric toys should be “UL Approved.” Be sure to check the label, which should indicate that the toy has been approved by the Underwriters Laboratories. In addition, when choosing toys for children under age 3, make sure there are no small parts or pieces that could become lodged in a child’s throat and cause suffocation.

It is important to remember that typical wear and tear can result in a once safe toy becoming hazardous. Adults should check toys frequently to make sure they are in good repair.

Top 10 Toys and Gifts For Children with Autism

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When it comes to living with a child who has autism, educational experts, pediatricians and scientists all have their advice for parents. But who better to bounce ideas off of than other parents of children on the autism spectrum?

MyAutismTeam is a social network for parents of children with autism that has more than 20,000 members. Described as a “Facebook-Meets Yelp- network,” the site utilizes local reviews of doctors and services and connects members to fellow parents they can ask for advice. MyAutismTeam also connects parents with 30,000 providers, from babysitters to dentists to Taekwondo instructors, who all have experience working with children with autism.

“Parents of kids with autism constantly worry whether they are doing enough, or are doing the right things to help their children thrive,” Eric Peacock, CEO and founder of MyAutismTeam, said. “We focus on making it easy for parents to learn from others who have been in their shoes, so they don’t have to start from scratch when looking for providers that are highly recommended.”

Children with autism, much like most children, gravitate to toys and activities for their entertainment, and parents have noticed their kids prefer certain games more than others. To find out the top gift and toy ideas for children with autism, MyAutismTeam recently surveyed 1000 of its members. For World Autism Awareness Month, here’s what the community voted as their top 10 gifts:

10. Quality time

Everyone loves getting gifts, but what better way for a child to play with the whole family than during good old fashioned quality time. A simple, cost effective and much desired gift for children with autism is a family’s time, patience and empathy. Baking or doing arts & crafts were popular activities.

9. Educational DVDs, toys and games

Children with autism tend to learn more visually or by touch and as such, sometimes struggle with instructions given in the traditional school settings. Giving interactive educational materials like DVDs, toys and games including popular brands like Leapster or Leap Pad help children with autism learn, while keeping them entertained, according to surveyed parents.

8. Books

Most children love to be read to, and children with autism especially enjoy many of the features found in children’s books, such as repetition and rhyming. Classics like “Good Night Moon,” “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” and Dr. Seuss books all use predictive patterns, repetition and rhymes. The ability of children with autism spectrum disorder to remember details is astonishing. Surveyed parents said older children may enjoy books that focus on specific subjects within history and science, full of detailed information that allows them to immerse themselves in the story.

7. Puzzles

Puzzles are a favorite toy of children with autism, according to their parents. Connecting pieces provides a satisfying tactile sensation, and children enjoy the bright colors that come into picture as the puzzle progresses.

6. Play date

Many children with autism struggle to interact socially. Surveyed parents said setting up play dates with other kids may help children with autism apply their social skills while enjoying the emotional benefit of a friendship connection.

Learn more about social interaction with Autistic Children.

5. Video games

Video games can engross children with autism and help them learn and gain confidence, according to surveyed parents. Many parents said they bring handheld games when they’re traveling or taking their child to another activity where he or she will need to sit still for a long period of time.

4. Gift cards

Parents of children with autism say they turn to gift cards to avoid the embarrassing “I don’t like it!” moment. Giving a gift card is a good way to give both the gift of flexibility and the gift of respite from a socially awkward moment.

3. Sensory toys

Many children with autism struggle to process sensory information: Some children are sensitive to touch, while others are sensitive to sounds or lights. As a result, gifts that appeal to the senses like plushies and flashlights are popular.

2. Legos

From high-tech to low-tech, the No. 2 toy on parents’ list was a classic: Legos. The bright colors and tactile experience of playing with Legos is a big draw for children on the autism spectrum, who can also use the blocks to express themselves creatively and experience the tactile sensation some children crave when snapping the Lego pieces together. Lego building sets are great for older children, surveyed parents said.

1. iPad

According to MyAutismTeam’s survey, nearly a quarter of responders said the favorite toy for children with autism may be the preferred toy among many Americans of all ages: Apple’s iPad.

As 60 minutes reported last October, many iPad apps help children with autism learn and communicate, which can often be a struggle. The sensory experience of the touch screen also holds the attention of many children with autism keeping them engaged for hours.

You can also engage with autistic children through active play. Learn how in this Active For Life article.

The Minimalist: The Only 10 Toys You’ll Need for Toddlers

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Each year my family spends part of the summer on an island in Maine. With no running water or electricity, it’s a complete back-to-nature experience. At first, worried that the kids might be bored, we brought lots of toys, but we soon found that our children gleefully played the whole time with rocks and sticks. Now the only “off-island” entertainment we import are ample art supplies and loads of books. I consider it proof that all children really need is a place to explore and use their imagination.

When not immersed in nature, there are a few toys that every toddler needs. But even on the mainland, the “sticks-and-stones principle” remains; simple, Waldorf-style toys that spark the imagination are still my go-tos.

Building on our baby list (see The Minimalist: The Only 10 Toys You’ll Need for Baby), here are the top 10 toys for curious toddlers and their minimalist parents.

1. Sturdy Push Wagon/Cart

Fostering physical development as well as the imagination, push carts will take your child a long way, from toddlerhood to well into the preschool years. New walkers can get a little extra support from sturdy push carts, while older tots might engage in more imaginative play by using them to take their dolls for a stroll or haul a heavy load of freight.

2. Doll

As early as their first birthday, tots will begin to practice their social skills with dolls and/or anthropomorphized animals friends, feeding them or taking them out for walks. Older kids might enjoy dressing their dolls or playing house with them. Plush dolls and animals are best for cuddling at night. Kids will also love squishies with cool voices to which they can talk and pretend as their friend.

3. Blocks

When it comes to fostering the imagination and cognitive development, it’s hard to beat blocks. They can be stacked into castles or spaceships, arranged into mazes or whole worlds. They help baby engage in problem-solving and 3-D design. And they can be knocked down with abandon only to be reborn again. Choose blocks with varied but basic shapes that can be built into anything. Babies prefer simple, colorful squares. But now that your child is older they might enjoy more advanced sets with columns and arches.

4. Ride-On

Toddlers love to speed around on scooters, never realizing that this gross-motor action is actually helping to develop the balance and coordination they will need later when playing sports, dancing, or performing other physical activities.

5. Board Books

Childhood development experts are unanimous about the benefits of reading as much as possible to children. A step up from baby’s cloth books, tough board books with simple graphics will engage your child and help develop a lifelong reading habit. Choose books that play with language and rhythm, such as rhyming books, or those with tabs, flaps, and tactile textures that will engage your child on multiple levels. These can be read to children who are about to sleep on mattresses with gadgets.

5. Fat Crayons

Not to get too far ahead of ourselves, but most of today’s leaders in business agree that creative thinking will be the most essential skill set needed for tomorrow’s workers. For now though, art is simply a wonderful way for your child to engage in his or her world. Along with fostering creativity, big crayons help kids develop their fine motor skills.

6. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

One of the best things about raising tots in Manhattan was all the vehicles. Fire trucks, subways cars, cranes, and planes galore. Once, there was even a pile driver working on a building next door. Oh, the hours we spent gazing from our 15th floor window onto this transportation bounty!

Even if you don’t live in the city, kids living in a modern world quickly develop a love of anything that rolls, flies, or floats. And when they can’t see the real thing roaring down the street or overhead, they’ll want to recreate the excitement in their home. At this age tots will appreciate a few movable parts such as dumps and hooks. Simple trains that connect together will also help with fine motors skills.

7. Play Figures (Animals and Humans)

Children are naturally attracted to animals and, after a trip to the zoo or farm, will want to play with their own set at home. These, along with small wooden people, will help your child populate imaginary worlds in which to explore social dynamics. Small play figures, like Transformers squishies, are also highly portable, making them useful for toddlers on the go. Finally, look for toys that children will play with into their elementary school years.

8. Shape-Sorting Box

Like nesting cups or stacking rings, shape-sorting toys encourage cognitive development and problem-solving. Tots delight in putting things in and watching them disappear (and then taking them out again)—all while learning basic shapes and colors

9. Puzzles

Puzzles help kids with fine motor and cognitive skills. Plus, they’re just fun. Choose age-appropriate puzzles (just a few pieces) with chunky pieces that are easy to grasp.

10. Pail and Shovel

A bucket and shovel are musts for any toy arsenal. Whether in the sandbox, at the beach, or in the bath, water and sand experiments abound with these simple tools.

Honorable mentions:
Rubber ball: If you have only a fabric ball for baby, now’s the time to upgrade to something that bounces. Choose a medium-size ball that can be both kicked and thrown.

Set of Rainbow Silk Scarves: Silk scarves fuel all kinds of imaginative play, from babies first red superhero cape to a deep blue on which to sail one’s boat.

Musical Instruments: Kids love to experiment with rhythm and noise (a.k.a music). The only reason I didn’t include these on the list is that you don’t need to invest in a specific toy to encourage a baby garage band. Pots and pans or an old baby rattle will do. My son used to bang on upturned water jugs, which he also used as push toys.

8 Best Electronic Gadgets for an Enhanced Learning

There’s no denying that raising children can be tiresome. However, there’s no better thing than having them around, watching as they progress and become brighter than we will ever be. But if you want their educational experience to be better, you should invest in gadgets and devices that allow for enhanced learning while still providing fun.

 

With so much high-tech around us these days, finding the best device for your kid can be pretty hard. That’s why we’ve come up with this list of eight electronic gadgets for learning. They range from simple, game-oriented to more advanced toys for older children and even teens. Let’s check them out, shall we?

Osmo — Creative Starter Kit

For quite some time now, Osmo has been the leading tech manufacturer for kids of all ages. They have products for children too, and they’re pretty rad. Their “Creative Starter Kit” is what any kid with an inclination towards drawing would love. Moreover, it’s even better if they love science and interactive games.

 

In essence, the kids use hand-held drawing plates that come to life thanks to an iPad. And in case you take it on a trip, it will still work because it doesn’t require Wi-Fi or any internet connection. The recommended ages for this educational gadget are between five and ten years.

 

Still, this doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun with it too. After all, aren’t we all kids disguised in adult shells? Jokes aside, parent reviews recommend that you play together with your child the first time so that they fully understand how it works. Your comments will also help them use the kit even better whenever they’re alone with it.

Nintendo Switch

Wonder what the best console for kids on Amazon is right now? Well, it’s the Nintendo Switch. Of course, this isn’t just a device for kids and teens. You can also use it, no matter how old you are, as it’s fun and not that expensive. It costs around $350, making it affordable for most parents.

 

The best thing about the Nintendo Switch is that it’s suitable for any gaming lifestyle. In other words, it can transform into a hand-held device from a home console in no time. It also offers online gaming (multiplayer), but it needs an internet connection — Wi-Fi to be precise — and you can connect with seven more consoles simultaneously.

 

When it comes to user reviews, they’re pretty positive. In fact, some claim that it’s like a portal that leads them back to their childhood days. Although it’s a fairly new gadget, it somehow recaptures that cool and retro feel of old consoles like Super Nintendo and the Game Cube we all loved a couple of decades ago.

LEGO Star Wars BOOST Droid Commander

What kid doesn’t love Star Wars? Moreover, are there any adults who dislike it as well? We’d have to say that chances of someone not loving George Lucas’ lovechild are slim. Therefore, our third pick on this list is LEGO’s “Star Wars BOOST Droid Commander.” This product is all about problem-solving and primitive coding. As such, it can introduce your child to the basics of engineering and even robotics.

 

With the use of your LEGO “Droid Commander,” the user can control their droids and send them on forty different missions. All this is possible with a Bluetooth connection. The recommended ages for this gadget are eight and above, making it suitable for teens and even Star Wars-loving adults.

 

Just like the previous two entries on our list, this one has tons of positive reviews too. “The build quality is the same as the previous BOOST set, only it’s Star Wars,” one of our friends who has children said, visibly joyous due to his nerdy obsession with this franchise.

Kindle Kids

Not all kids enjoy reading, and that’s okay. They’d instead do something else with their free time, just like you did when you were their age. However, some can’t get enough books. For those, Kindle Kids is the best gadget for learning that you can buy them if they’re cute little bookworms. 

 

Kindle Kids is a high-quality device with a black and white outfit. But if you or your kid want to refresh its looks, you can get a cover of your choice. From rainbow birds to all kinds of other sweet animals, you can find it all online for a few extra bucks. In the reviews, the parents are all raving about how good of a device this is.

 

Kindle Kids is for kids older than five.

Holy Stone Mini Drone

If you’re on a tight budget, there’s no need to worry. Our list is for everyone. Allow us to introduce you to a $25 high-tech gadget that your kids are going to fall in love with instantly. 

 

Holy Stone Mini Drone is a great device that allows your kids to explore the skies and has just enough battery life to keep them occupied while you do the dishes.

 

Since it’s remotely controlled, the Holy Stone Mini Drone can do all kinds of tricks and turns. Even the landings will be epic. But what can children learn from this gadget? Well, the remote control stick will help them develop motor skills. The parents all love it, saying they envy their kids and want to keep the toy for themselves.

Spehro Spacedrums

Kids love music, especially mimicking playing it. But what’s the most fun instrument? Well, it’s the drums. It just seems so cool to keep a rhythm and play beats. So, if your kid is into jamming, Sphero Spacedrums is the tech toy for them.

 

This gadget mixes the art of music and modern technology. It provides you with rings that connect with an app on your phone, and when you use them to tap different colors, they play varying sounds. From loops to simple rhythms, Sphero Spacedrums can play almost anything you can imagine.

 

The manufacturer says that Sphero Spacedrums are for ages six and up. And for the parent reviews, well, they love it. They think it’s a perfect gift for Christmas and will make their kids understand and love music early on

OurLife Waterproof Camera

For under $50, you can buy your child one heck of a digital camera. OurLife Waterproof Camera will work perfectly when your kids enjoy the pool, go to the beach, or hang around bars with you. Of course, if they want to, they can use it while snorkeling or doing other outdoor activities with friends after school.

 

Not only is this waterproof camera great fun, but it will also help them develop their artistic skills with photography. And after a couple of years, they can look up their old photos and laugh with you together. The camera comes with an 8 GB memory card, meaning they’ll have plenty of room to store images.

 

This high-tech educational gadget is for kids between the ages of four and fifteen. When it comes to parent reviews, well, they’re more than positive. They seem to think this is a perfect piece of tech to take on summer vacations. Additionally, they enjoy the rubber layer that prevents the camera from breaking if it falls.

Indispensable Tips In Finding The Best Nesting Dolls You’ll Love

With the growth of popularity, female Nesting dolls itself developed. Cool nesting doll toys began to make its way to different areas in their own way. Now you can find a variety of scenes on the dolls themselves, the forms and styles of their painting. Usually they are distinguished by the city of production. Modern masters make not only the classic Nesting dolls, but also paint on the plots of fairy tales and works of domestic authors, there are musical dolls timed to coincide with holidays, in the form of famous cartoon characters, animals, world politicians, historical personalities. But nevertheless, every time we say “nesting dolls”, we immediately imagine a cheerful Russian girl in a bright national costume.

Symbols of Russia

One of the most famous symbols of Russiathe nesting dollswas originally conceived as a children’s educational toy, but over time it turned into a world-famous souvenir. The agency correspondents learned about the path the doll had to make.

  • There are many versions of the origin of the nesting dolls. According to the most accurate, having confirmation, the nesting dolls appeared in Moscow in 1898, in the workshop “Children’s Education”, which belonged to the Mamontov family famous Russian merchants and philanthropists, the keeper of the museum values ??of the Art and Pedagogical Museum of the Bartram Vera toy Polyakova.It was for this workshop turner VasilyZvezdochkin and artist Sergey Malyutin who created the first model of the toy. The first doll was eight-person, the smaller one was inserted into the larger one and so on to the smallest one in Russia.
  • However, the name “Matryona” for a toy sounded too serious, so they began to use its diminutive form, the museum employee explained.According to her, in the first nesting dolls the main doll was depicted as a Russian girl in a sundress, a headscarf and a rooster in her hands, and inserts into heras peasant children.At the beginning of the 20th century, the craft was transferred from Moscow to SergievPosad, the masters of the city continued the tradition of making dolls, says DariaBaranova, head of the design department of the Graduate School of Folk Arts branch of the SergievPosad Institute.

According to her, in 1904, the nesting dolls came to the World Exhibition in Paris and very quickly gained fame. Since then, it began its march around the world, and it has become a kind of symbol of Russia. Well, since at that time it was already made in SergievPosad, it was this city that was considered the birthplace of nesting dolls. Nesting dolls is considered both a toy and a souvenir. Until now, the doll is widely used in preschool institutions as a good didactic material, with its help, children learn the colors, size, shape of objects.On the example of the nesting dolls it is easy to explain the difference between big and small, you can’t put a big one into small nesting dolls, children understand this very well.

At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, artists experimented with the form of a nested doll, made it conical, helmet-shaped, and changed its painting. Masters began to reveal the plots of literary works with the help of nested dolls, to capture historical events. For example, by the centenary of the war of 1812 two nested dolls were made with the FrenchNapoleon and Kutuzov with their headquarters. By the centenary of the birth of Nikolai Vasilievich Gogol, the dolls with the characters of his literary works Dead Souls and The Inspector were made. They produced a lot of nesting dolls depicting different nations in national costumes.And to one of the anniversaries of the October Revolution, they made a nesting dolls meter in height, and on it were depicted the peoples of the republics in national costumes that are part of the USSR.However, over time, they returned to the traditional image of the nesting dolls in the form of a girl. ABC News even posted an article about nesting dolls.

The process of making nesting dolls

The nesting dolls is made mainly of linden, because it is a very clean tree, it contains almost no branches and is also quite soft for processing, said the teacher of drawing and painting at the faculty “Arts and Crafts” of the First Moscow Educational Complex Elena Kalyonova, who also uses dolls in teaching dances.

In Soviet times and during the Perestroika years, the nesting dolls was tried to be made from birch. But birch is harder, its wood color has a warmer shade, so they refused it. Many craftsmen do not paint the faces of dolls, and the color of linden wood is better than the color of birch wood, and it conveys the hue of human skin.

Wooden bars for the manufacture of dolls come to the factory, where they give the traditional shape. Then the wooden blanks are transferred to the artist. First, the artist primes the wood, that is, covers it with white glue or paste. This is done so that the paint does not soak into the wood of the nested doll and does not spread on it. And then, when varnish is applied to the paint, it also does not absorb into the wood.

After the primer is dry, the outline of the drawing is applied. The middle of each nesting dolls is marked so that the center of the face and all the figures coincide (so that there are no displaced parts).Pencil draws the oval of the face, the main parts and parts of clothing.After that, large color patches are poured in usually a sundress, a scarf and a shirt.After all the color patches are filled in, a detailed study of the drawing begins: the face and the decor on the clothes are carefully drawn. The painting ends with the addition of shadows that make the picture voluminous. You can find many beautifuly crafted nesting dolls online.

Last Words

After finishing the painting, the nesting dolls are varnished in order to fix the drawing, to give the toy brightness and a nice glossy look.The classic version: the dolls are painted in red, green, blue and their combinationsyellow, orange.The painting time depends on the size of the nesting dolls and the complexity of the pattern. On average, this process takes from 1.5 to two or three hours.In the nesting dolls can be any number of places, it can be both single and hundred local.Usually in the nesting dolls can be from three to nine places.

Silicone Bracelet Ideas That Will Change Your Style

Silicone bracelets, as opposed to metallic bracelets, are smart, practical and they are here to stay. Looking for a reliable supplier of silicone bracelets and silicon bracelets? You can find the perfect silicone bracelets at the right price by visiting braceletworld.co.

History

The first silicone bracelets appeared in 2004 in the US and Western Europe. It was mostly in connection with the collection and charity that they were used. What really boosted and led to the popularity of silicone bracelets were live strong yellow silicone wristbands. Armstrong found testicular cancer in 1996, but he managed to overcome the disease and returned strongly to the bike sport. He then established the Armstrong Foundation in 1997 to support cancer research, later renamed Live strong. The Armstrong Foundation and main sponsor Nike teamed up to design the now known yellow Live strong silicone bracelet. 6 million bracelets were produced initially and were sold in a very short time. The excess revenue went to the Armstrong Foundation in support of cancer research. After several years, Lance Armstrong turned out to be using banned substances while taking part in cycling, and was stripped of his titles. At the time the scandal with Armstrong broke out, silicone wristbands were not so much associated with Armstrong and did not lose their popularity due to the scandal.

Use of silicone bracelets

Silicone wristbands are still used for charity by foundations and organizations. By wearing silicone wristbands on the wrist, a clear message is expected of what you support or stand for. These bracelets are also widely used for advertising. Companies and other organizations use it as a give-away. Special shapes for wristbands, such as a silicone bracelet braided design, are also used as decoration and fashion. In addition, these are commonly-used as bracelet that symbolizes friendship. Here’s an article from Forbes.com about bracelets.

Production and materials

Silicone bracelets are made of 100% latex-free rubber and have been tested safely against allergic reactions. The material is soft, elastic and very comfortable to wear. Silicone in its raw form is transparent. Dyes can be added to the raw silicone to obtain different base colors for the bracelets. Other popular additives for the raw silicone are glitter flakes of different sizes, and glow in the dark. Marble and segmented color effects are achieved by mixing one or more colors during the production process.

De-bossed or lowered areas on the bracelets can be filled with soft enamel colors, which are also elastic, allowing the bracelets to stretch without causing the filled colors to break. Embossed or raised areas of the bracelets can be color printing using a special film.

Embossed silicone bracelet

The most popular in this category are embossed silicone bracelets. Colored silicone is used for production. A shape is made in accordance with the work of art texts and logos, and is heated in a silicone mixture and poured into the mold. In the next phase, the silicone is cooled in the mold, and when hard enough, it is released from the mold. The logo or text is typically lowered halfway into the thickness dimension of the bracelets or raised over the surface of the bracelets when embossed.

Printed silicone bracelets

Printed silicone bracelets are divided into two groups. Silk screen printed or screen printing and offset printed, both used for printing on glossy silicone bracelets. Screen printing is the cheapest way to customize glossy silicone bracelets with logo or text. Typically, one or two colors can be printed on the bracelets. When more than two inks are required, offset printing is used where full color images can be printed on the bracelets.

Printed silicone bracelet or embossed and colorful

In most cases, we recommend customizing the bracelets by embossing and then the color-filled bracelets. Color filling is more durable and looks much better on the bracelets, compared to printing. The difference in price between printed and embossed color-filled is not that great, which can be an attractive factor in choosing the method.

Sizes and shapes

Although it is possible to produce silicone bracelets with adjustable sizes such as straps, this option is not so popular. When it comes to silicone bracelets, fixed size bracelets have a higher demand. Standard basic molds are used in the production to suit a few different standard sizes such as extra-large, adults, young, children and babies.

Silicone bracelets can be made in almost any shape, just a matter of cost. Special shapes of silicone bracelets require a special basic shape. Braided, zigzag, dots and clock-shaped are just to name a few.

Design even silicone bracelets online

If you need engraved silicone bracelets with or without color filling, you have the opportunity to use our advanced online designer, where you can design your bracelet directly on our website. This is an easy, convenient and manageable way to tailor your own product. You have options for selecting fonts, sizes, colors, logos, locations, etc. In fact, many people have their own designs already, including the ever-famous silicone bracelet with seashell design.

Further options

When variable data is required on the bracelets, such as personal names, numbering, groups, etc., laser engraving is used. The process starts by engraving glossy bracelets. The depth of the engraving is controlled by the intensity of the laser beam. Laser engraving is controlled by a computer program that can process information from Excel or just from a list. Applications for silicone bracelets are becoming increasingly popular. A chip is integrated into the bracelets, making it easy to transport and scan RFID chips by attaching the wrist to a scanner. The silicone layer provides good protection for the RFID chip.

Silicone wristbands can easily be converted into key rings using a metal clamp and a split ring. A stainless steel split ring is mounted on the bracelet. A metal stainless steel clamp is pressed on the bracelets to hold the splinter in place. These silicone key hangers are popular in swimming pools and other places where keys are to be worn on the wrist.

Delivery and transit time

Bracelets in stock are usually shipped the same working day as they are ordered. Customized silicone bracelet production takes as long as 18 days, and some special bracelets have up to 24 days of production time.

Pusheen Inspired Onesies That Will Slay This Winter

Tired of traditional pajamas and terry robes? Want something new and unusual? We offer to consider a hit last season, record-breaking sales it’s pajamas onesies, also known as kigurumi. They first saw the light in the Land of the Rising Sun, quickly winning the love of buyers around the world, from people who wear it at home, to people who wear it on onesies fashion shows.

Indeed, made in the style of various characters from cartoons and animals, dinosaurs and many other types of fleece and velsoft pajamas are great for various purposes especially because the image can be complemented by beautiful slippers-feet. Standard pajamas, perhaps, are cozy, but the maximum of its capabilities is a dream or a quiet pastime with a cup of coffee or a book in hand. Mirror.co.uk even posted an article here.

Buy Onesies: online store

Onesies with amazing design trends have different purposes. Fun parties, various games with children who will be delighted with the mother dressed in the outfit of your favorite cartoon character, or bold exits to the nearest store. The time of standard pajamas, which in one form can make you sleepy, and the traditional robes that have become the heroes of many jokes, have passed it’s time to let joy and fun enter your house, now using the opportunity to buy Onesies pajamas in America. Do not miss your chance, make a purchase now.

Onesies: buy cheap in America

Order onesie pajamas for bedtime quite simply. You should decide on the right size, which can be done due to the presence of two categories called child onesies and adult onesies, and pick up your favorite character with the help of a convenient directory with a lot of photos and additional information. Shoes are made to order, so you should specify the desired size.

What are the goals for ordering a onesies? What is Pusheen? Enumerate all the advantages long enough, consider only a few options:

This is a great unconventional gift that is guaranteed to enjoy a young girl. Even on an overcast autumn day, wearing a Pokémon onesie or giraffe, sadness just will not work.

Quickly saw the advantage of costume animators involved in organizing children’s parties. Birthday or children’s party, where the heroes of the favorite cartoons will stroll, are simply doomed to success. Small spectators will be delighted and will remember the holiday for a long time because the main thing is not a cake or sweets, but children’s laughter.

You won’t surprise anyone with a party with disco and beer. It’s trite and boring unless its members are dressed in different animal costumes! When organizing a youth party, it is worth wondering where you can buy Onesies.

Quite unexpectedly, but deservedly, the costumes became widespread among fans of winter sports. In particular, the skiers and snowboarders, resting in the ski resorts. The reason for this was not only the high quality, convenience, and warmth of the product but also the opportunity to get smart pictures. Today, no one is surprised by a selfie with a background on the mountain slopes, if only in the foreground there is no “giraffe.” People have considered onesies as travel essentials because of the said comfort it brings

In online store onesies are in stock absolutely always. Therefore, you can make an order now. A variety of products will allow you to purchase a costume that best onesies your character or mood.

Onesies Pajamas: Specifications

The initial purpose of pajamas was not to entertain others, or to make original selfies. This is a wonderful home costume with a number of positive qualities:

  • A wide range of options from animals and cartoon characters to fantastic animals such as Pokémon
  • Onesies is very easy to put on and take off, does not hinder movement
  • The material from which the costume is made breathes without blocking the path to the body
  • Pajamas are not only comfortable but also warm. It is great for sleeping on cold winter nights or spending time with children outside on cool autumn days.

Onesies can rightly be called universal clothing, which will ensure a comfortable pastime in various situations. In addition, it reliably warms its owner, which is quite important. Onesies pajamas in America are no less popular than in the countries of North America and Western Europe, therefore, choosing a gift for a girl, wife or beloved child, it is worth considering this win-win option.

Costume Onesies

Perhaps the skeptical hostesses, after reading all the above, grin and think: Well, yes, and try to wash away the stain from coffee from such onesies. Indeed, many beautiful things need complex care, but not these pajamas. The Japanese are famous for their practicality no less than the Germans because they made a costume with unique properties. It can be easily washed even with hands, and it doesn’t need ironing at all! When machine washable enough to warm the water to 30 degrees.

Additionally, you should know the following important information:

  • This type of clothing cannot be washed with the addition of bleaching agents
  • Dry onesies will be from 3 hours to 10 hours, depending on factors such as size, model and air humidity, where it is posted
  • To avoid wrinkles, put your pajamas in a horizontal position after all the water is in the glass.

Washing such a onesies will not cause much trouble, the fabric will be smoothed out on its own. After drying you will need to carry out additional operations. Summer models dry much faster than winter ones, but this is natural since different materials are used for sewing.

Visitors who accidentally hit the portal of the Onesies shop, while not buying anything, but having changed their decision after reading the information provided, will not regret it, because the costume will give a lot of aesthetic pleasure and, of course, comfort.

Onesies to buy

We will not argue that this portal is the only one where you can place an order since the popularity of the costume is incredible and there is an incredible number of possibilities for making an order. But we can offer the client a number of unique features:

  • Reasonable cost for any type of product, no other overpayments.
  • A lot of extra bonuses and pleasant surprises are available. For example, when ordering a costume, the buyer can count on a gift in the form of a selfie stick or legs.
  • A wide selection of different models and sizes. Even in the absence of your favorite option, you will not have to wait long for its launch on the sale, and soon you will become the owner of a quality upgrade.

Thanks to a user-friendly interface and a well-thought-out order system, it will be quite easy to place a purchase – select the desired model, click on the “Basket” button, confirm by clicking “Ok” and provide the information required to effect the shipment.

No less convenient is the possibility of various options for calculating: using a bank card, cash, cash on delivery or calculation directly when ordering. Caring for the customer, the team of our store tries to execute the design and delivery of the parcel as comfortable and as fast as possible. Therefore the transportation agreements are concluded only with companies that have an impeccable reputation.

Finer Details for Russian Nesting Dolls: The Best Looks for Your Choice

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Where did the nested doll come from in Russia, who was its ancestor and where is Japan? The most famous toy, which is considered to be one of the symbols of Russia all over the world, in fact, if you dig deeper, it will not be quite Russian.

The appearance of the nesting doll

In Russia, the nested doll appeared relatively recently – at the end of the XIX century. The device of the doll was not quite normal – inside the doll, divided into two halves, hid a few more dolls of smaller size.

The idea of ​​creating a new toy originated in the heyday of interest in Russian culture. In Moscow, in the workshop “Children’s Education”, they created dolls dressed in various Russian costumes. It was here that the artist Sergey Malyutin presented the first nesting doll, which got its name from the old Russian provincial name Matryona.

However, the idea of ​​creating a nesting doll belonged not to Malyutin. Moreover, the nesting doll in principle has little to do with Russia.

East is a delicate matter

The idea of ​​creating the famous nesting doll came to Sergey Malyutin when he met a figure of an Eastern deity brought to the estate near Abramtsevo from Japan – Buddhist saint Fukurum.

The figure was brought from the island of Honshu. Like the nested doll, it was divided into two halves, and inside the old man turned out to have five more of the same smaller figures. Inside the sage, his whole family was hiding.

There is a legend that the very figure of the Japanese sage has quite Russian roots.

According to one of the versions of the origin of the Japanese toy, it was invented by a Russian monk fleeing to Japan, who once carved a figure of a Buddhist deity of happiness and longevity Fukuruma-dza from a tree. The figure depicted a wise man, whose head stretched up from many thoughts. However, no one has yet been able to confirm or deny this legend.

The split toys themselves were quite popular in Japan. Besides, directly, Fukurma, there were figurines with the image of another Buddhist saint – Daruma.

Russification of nesting dolls

Impressed with a strange toy, Sergey Malyutin draws turner Vasil Zvezdochkin to his creation, who carefully grinds the figurines of a new toy on the machine. Malyutin himself creates nesting doll costumes.

 

He “dresses up” each doll in a special way. The biggest one was holding a rooster in her hands, the other – the sickle, the third was carrying a loaf. Created Malyutin girls and brother.

Later nesting dolls begin to gain more popularity and begin to paint them completely differently. Initially, they were dressed in national costumes of Russia, after years nesting dolls began to appear, depicting sportsmen, political figures, fairy-tale characters and animals. They absolutely knew how to paint a nesting doll.

Currently, there are several types of dolls: Sergievskaya, Semenovskaya, Tverskaya, Vyatskaya and Maidanskaya. Each of them is distinguished by its type, outfit, ornament and shape.

The nested doll is a great gift for both a foreigner and a resident of Russia. This original gift will be the pride of its owner, because each of the copies is unique and in its own way.

Our store has an excellent reputation, because we have been on the market for  years already! During this time, we have pleased more than 3000 customers with high-quality souvenir doll products. In our store you will be offered not only excellent products, but also favorable conditions for cooperation. Each client is guaranteed quality and a wide range, and we also have a % discount for regular corporate clients. Our nesting dolls at an affordable price have a different configuration: 3, 4, 5 or even  pieces in one.

Wide range of Dolls

Our store has a huge range of products. Here you can pick up a gift or just an element of decor that will please even the most demanding customer. We want to pay special attention to the souvenir “nesting doll  places”. This is one of the most popular dolls presented in our store. Each of them is charming and unique in its own way.

You can buy them on our website or you can buy  places for the nesting doll in Moscow.

These dolls differ from others in that there are  dolls inside each doll. They are presented in various price categories that will help you to choose a gift without any problems, based on your financial capabilities.

Nesting doll is presented here in different versions:

  • Semenovskaya
  • Strawberry
  • Smorodinka
  • Painted
  • Mimicry
  • Firebird
  • Holy Faces
  • Nesting doll under Khokhlo, etc.

For the most demanding customers

Almost all nesting dolls of places are handmade. If you suddenly could not find in our store what you would like for you, we suggest making unique ten-seater nesting dolls ( pieces in each) to your taste. For a souvenir nesting doll  pieces, the price is quite democratic.

Our dolls up to 25 cm high, bright and incredibly beautiful, will decorate any interior. Wherever you are, a souvenir nesting doll  places you can buy in the online store.

If you are going to visit abroad, then the nesting doll will be a great gift. nesting doll  places to buy – this is a great solution for a present. Believe me, such a miracle will not leave anyone indifferent. Also, such a souvenir can be bought as a doll gift for girl babies because of the reason that these are dolls safe from PVC dangers.

As you already understood, the nested doll is a universal gift that will please anyone. As of now, it has become a must-have doll in the world.

The nesting doll souvenir of  places you can buy in Moscow in our store, which is located at the address.

One of the main images that emerges at the mention of Russia is a nesting doll – a painted, finely carved wooden doll, considered (with a bit of irony or quite seriously) almost the perfect embodiment of Russian culture and the “mysterious Russian soul”, sometimes perceived as the height of art, now creepy kitsch.

However, how Russian is Russian nesting doll?

First nesting doll

The legendary first nesting doll with a black rooster. Like every national symbol, the nested doll has a legend of appearance. And as in many legends, the truth is overgrown with speculation. Let’s go and we’ll add our portion.

It turns out that the Russian nesting doll is quite young, she was born somewhere on the border of the XIX and XX centuries. The legend calls the place of appearance, the names of the turner and artist, the first to clean and paint the doll. But with the rest of the details, not everything is clear.

Almost all sources said that the prototype of the first nesting doll was a Japanese god . Valid in the 2nd half of the XIX century In Europe and Russia, a fashion for everything Japanese appeared, there was an extraordinary demand for Japanese prints of any content and quality, exotic Asian figurines, etc. But there is no clarity with a specific prototype, the “father” of the nesting dolls. Most often the name “Starets Fukurum” sounds.

Fukurokuju Figure

Fukurokuju Netsuke, ivory

The first group of legends “recognizes” in Fukurum the long-headed Fukurokuju (福禄寿) – the god of wealth, happiness, abundance, wisdom and longevity. Fukurokuju is depicted as an old man with an unusually elongated forehead, often carrying signs of a phallic cult. The pear-shaped shape of an old man really resembles the outlines of the shape of a classic Russian nesting doll.

Fukurokuju is one of the so-called “seven gods of happiness”, sitifukudzin . The composition of sitifukudzin was unstable, but the total number and unity of the characters invariably was at least from the 16th century Seven gods were really popular in Japan, for example, in the era of Tokugawa, there was a custom to bypass the temples dedicated to the gods of sitifukudzin.

Some adherents of the theory of “paternity” over the nesting doll of the elder Fukurokuju believe that the seven gods of happiness could invest in each other, according to the principle of the modern nesting doll, and Fukurokuju was the main, the largest demountable figure.

According to another version, only form was borrowed from Fukurokuju, and turner Vasily Zvezdochkin filled it with recursive content already on Russian soil . Truly chiseled dishes and wooden detachable souvenirs, such as Easter eggs, were, to put it mildly, not unusual for Russian masters, that is, technically, the nested doll did not represent a special novelty or complexity.

The History of Barbie Dolls

The Barbie doll was invented in 1959 by Ruth Handler, the co-founder of Mattel, whose own daughter was named Barbara. Barbie was introduced to the world at the American Toy Fair in New York City. Barbie’s job was to serve as a teenage fashion doll. The Ken doll was named after Ruth’s son and was introduced two years after Barbie in 1961.

Barbie Facts and Technology

The full name of the first doll was Barbie Millicent Roberts, and she was from Willows, Wisconsin. Barbie’s job was a teenage fashion model. Now, however, the doll has been made in versions connected to over 125 different careers, including President of the United States.

Barbie came as either a brunette or blond, and in 1961, red hair was added. In 1980, the first African American Barbie and Hispanic Barbie were introduced. However, Barbie did have a black friend named Christie who was introduced in 1969.

The first Barbie was sold for $3. Additional clothing based on the latest runway trends from Paris were sold, costing from $1 to $5. In the first year (1959), 300,000 Barbie dolls were sold. Today, a mint condition “#1” (1959 Barbie doll) can fetch as much as $27,450. To date, over 70 fashion designers have made clothes for Mattel, using over 105 million yards of fabric.

There has been some controversy over Barbie Doll’s figure when it was realized that if Barbie was a real person her measurements would be an impossible 36-18-38. Barbie’s “real” measurements are 5 inches (bust), 3 ¼ inches (waist), 5 3/16 inches (hips). Her weight is 7 ¼ ounces, and her height is 11.5 inches tall.

In 1965, Barbie first had bendable legs, and eyes that open and shut. In 1967, a Twist ‘N Turn Barbie was released that had a movable body that twisted at the waist.

The best-selling Barbie doll ever was the 1992 Totally Hair Barbie, with hair from the top of her head to her toes.

Biography of Ruth Handler, Barbie’s Inventor

Ruth and Elliot Handler co-founded Mattel Creations in 1945 and 14 years later in 1959, Ruth Handler created the Barbie doll. Ruth Handler refers to herself as “Barbie’s mom.”

Handler watched her daughter Barbara and friends playing with paper dolls. The children used them to play make-believe, imagining roles as college students, cheerleaders, and adults with careers. Handler aspired to invent a doll that would better facilitate the way young girls were playing with their dolls.

Handler and Mattel introduced Barbie, the teenage fashion model to skeptical toy buyers at the annual Toy Fair in New York on March 9, 1959. The new doll was very unlike the baby and toddler dolls that were popular at the time. This was a doll with an adult body.

So what was the inspiration? During a family trip to Switzerland, Handler saw the German made Bild Lilli doll in a Swiss shop and bought one. The Bild Lilli doll was a collector’s item and not intended for sale to children, however, Handler used it as the basis of her design for Barbie. The Barbie Doll’s first boyfriend, the Ken Doll, debuted two years after Barbie in 1961.

Ruth Handler on Barbies

“Barbie has always represented that a woman has choices. Even in her early years, Barbie did not have to settle for only being Ken’s girlfriend or an inveterate shopper. She had the clothes, for example, to launch a career as a nurse, a stewardess, a nightclub singer. I believe the choices Barbie represents helped the doll catch on initially, not just with daughters — who would one day make up the first major wave of women in management and professionals – but also with mothers.”
Ruth Handler’s Other Inventions

After fighting breast cancer and undergoing a mastectomy in 1970, Handler surveyed the market for a suitable prosthetic breast. Disappointed in the options available, she set about designing a replacement breast that was more similar to a natural one. In 1975, Handler received a patent for Nearly Me, a prosthesis made of material close in weight and density to natural breasts.

The Story of Mattel

One example of a contemporary toy manufacturer is Mattel, an international company. Toy manufacturers produce and distribute most of our toys. They also research and develop new toys and buy or license toy inventions from inventors.

Mattel began in 1945 as a garage workshop belonging to Harold Matson and Elliot Handler. Their business name “Mattel” was a combination of the letters of their last and first names, respectively. Matson soon sold his share of the company, and the Handlers, Ruth and Elliot, took full control. Mattel’s first products were picture frames. However, Elliot started making dollhouse furniture from picture frame scraps. That proved to be such a success that Mattel switched to making nothing but toys. Mattel first big-seller was the “Uka-a-doodle,” a toy ukulele. It was the first in the line of musical toys.

In 1948, the Mattel Corporation was formally incorporated in California. In 1955, Mattel changed toy marketing forever by acquiring the rights to produce the popular “Mickey Mouse Club” products. The cross-marketing promotion became common practice for future toy companies.

In 1955, Mattel released a successful patented toy cap gun called the burp gun. During the years, Barbie created dolls for inspiration women as mentioned by Cosmopolitan.