Wooden Toys - Making Toys For Your Baby

When people think baby toys, they do not often think of wooden toys. However, with a few precautions, there is no reason that one could not make a wooden toy for a baby. The great part about wooden toys is that they tend to last longer than plastic toys and can become treasured favorites in the years as they grow up. They may even be toys that they pass on to their children. Here are some things that one should think about when making a wooden toy for the baby.

1.Size. Babies are small. However, they manage to fit a lot of larger things in their mouths. When a baby is exploring his or her environment, they tend to taste everything. For this reason, the wooden toy must be big enough to not fit in the baby's mouth. The wooden toy should not have any small parts that can be pulled off the toy since the baby might do that while playing with it. You do not want the baby to accidentally choke on the toy that was created to entertain him.

2.Coatings. As previously stated, babies tend to put everything in their mouths. They even tend to chew on things while teething. For this reason, one may wish to refrain from varnishing or painting the toy. If you do decide to paint or varnish the toy, be sure to use a non toxic coating and to check the toy frequently for damage to the coating. If the coating is beginning to chip off, it may be a good idea to remove the coating and reapply.

3. Materials. Be sure the wood is not pre-treated. Some of the pre-treated wood is sprayed or dipped with an arsenic type bug killer or a cyanide type treatment to help the wood to resist warping. This can be fatal to the baby if he or she swallows it. If you are creating a toy for the baby, consider using all natural wood. A soft wood is also a good idea because it will have some give to it if it is chewed and will not splinter like the hard wood would.

4. Shape. Make sure there are no pointed edges on the wooden toy before giving it to the baby. A pointed edge could easily injure the baby if he or she falls on it. To avoid this potentially dangerous situation, the wooden toy should have all the edges sanded down and all points should be sanded to a nice curve.

5. Make up. Most wooden toys have more than just wood on them. Often time's people add things like eyes and hair to their wooden toys. This is a great idea, but you must be sure to frequently check these additions to the wood for damage. If the eyes or hair appear to be falling off, it may be a good idea to remove the accessory and replace it with new. This way the baby does not risk choking on a piece from the wooden toy.

Squinkies Teatime Surprise - Christmas Toys 2010

The Squinkies Tea Time Surprise Playset is a dispensing machine in the form of a tea set play set. Children love to pretend that they are grown ups and so imitate their parents and other elders in their fun games. This is one such game where kids can pretend to have a tea party, like elders do, with the Squinkies characters and earn handsome rewards in the process as well.

The set consists of a teapot-dispensing machine, four good-looking teacups around the base of the teapot, five special Squinkies with their five bubble containers and two fake play coins. The little character is the prize in the game and children can win them by inserting either the fake coins or real coins in the teapot. These creatures are contained inside bubble packs and hold a surprise for the winner children till the pack is opened. The game is recommended for kids aged 4 and above.

Kids can fill in the Squinkies Tea Time Surprise Playset with Squinkies that have been supplied to them or others they have collected from elsewhere. They then have to insert either a real coin or the fake ones, they have been given, in the game set and turn the heart shaped pink colored dial. A Squinkie then pops out of the shoot. The play set can also act as a sort of a money bank when real coins are inserted. This will encourage kids to save money. Alternatively, parents can also use this as reward system popping out a surprise Squinkie as the reward by inserting either of the coins.

Girls particularly enjoy this game. The tiny toys popping out of the teapot is fun. They also play around imagining these toys as real characters and involving them in tea parties. These mini toys can be ponies, puppies, babies, kiddies, ponies, rings and many other such things. The game also comes with a booklet with numbered figures to make collecting easier. So don't wait, play the game and collect them all.

The game set is carefully designed. It is brightly colored to get your kid's attention at first sight. This play set is not very big at all. Typical dimensions are 8 x 3.7 x 7.5 inches and it weighs only 1.2 pounds. The Squinkies fits into the palm of your hands and are so cute and kids will want to collect them all. The surprise element of this game, the toy being packed inside bubble containers, tickles the childish curiosity and adds another attraction to the game. The teapot is pretty and kids like it immediately. Typically it can store 7 Squinkies. The size is a bit smaller, but this makes it east to store and improves its portability. Cupcake and gumball machines are larger and can store lot more stuff. It is a better idea to get one of these accessories with the Squinkies Tea set. This will add fun to the game and the kids will enjoy it more.

The little Squinkies are separately sold in bubble pack series. This Squinkies Tea Time Surprise Playset is therefore a really inexpensive addition to your kid's toy collection. They will play it on for hours together, enjoy it and learn a few good old fashioned things about saving money in the process. This game is hugely popular and is sold out even before Christmas.

Hot Christmas Toy - Squinkies Cupcake Surprise Bakeshop

Squinkies are one of the hottest Christmas toys to hit toy shops this year - and for good reason. Barely one inch each, their presence is many times larger. Available in packs of 16 pieces, Squinkies range from kitties and babies to puppies and ponies.

Six packs are on offer, each covered with protective bubbles. Part of the rapture for kids is that they do not know which kind they are getting until the frosted bubble packaging is unwrapped. And that only the characters. There is more than Squinkies to make the cake a surprise Bakeshop and other accessories.

The Gumball Surprise Playhouse is like a gumball machine. And give a little figures, instead of rubber bullets, and can store up to fifteen different parts. The Pencil Topper Accessories bracelet birthday surprise and the surprise of other accessory kit with pieces that your child can accessorize Squinkies different.

Do you want your little toy bearrings or bracelets? Want them on your pencil as you write? Mix and match parts of the wardrobe to come up with customizable Squinkie toys.

And then, the piece de resistance - the Squinkies Cupcake Surprise Bakeshop. It's shaped like a cupcake, and the piece doubles as a play station when the sides are opened up. You put a coin into a slot, then turn a dial. It will automatically dispense a storage bubble - inside which is one of the Squinkies characters!

The toy is a lot of fun for little ones who simply love the way it throws up one character after another, each cutely wrapped and instantly delivered on the press of a button. It is for good reason that the Squinkies Cupcake Surprise Bakeshop is one of the hottest Christmas toys this year, and it appears as if this popularity will continue well into the New Year as well.

If you're looking to buy one for your child, be sure to read the many reviews online (including one on my website) before placing your order online or picking it up at your toy store. But hurry, because demand is peaking and supplies won't last forever.

Squinkies - The Cutest Toys For Christmas 2010

Squinkies are a world of fun that fit right in your hand. There are babies, birds, and pets that come in a bubble container to build their world. There are kittens, puppies, ponies and more to add to the fun that is Squinkies. The small, squeezable toys are enough to inspire anyone's imagination. With all of the containers comes a book with the other Squinkies to collect. This makes it easier for a collector, or you as a parent to buy or trade for your child's collections.

In the universe of Squinkies there are palaces for the princesses, bubble gum machines, teapot treasures and more. These all add to the fun of collecting new sets each time they are unveiled. Collectors will want to keep adding to their sets until they are complete. Your children will love the many friends and accessories that come with their Squinkies. Adding more fun to their already enhanced imaginations. Your children should be over four to receive and play with Squinkies as the parts are small and a very young child could put them in their mouth.

Squinkies have a prize inside for your child. This prize could be a bracelet for a princess or a ring for a bride. But whatever the prize rest assured that your child will like it. There are prizes for both boys and girls, so it has an appeal that isn't specific to any certain gender.

Squinkies also have their own website so you can follow new releases and be notified ahead of time before a toy will be discontinued. Your children can even watch videos about their favorite toy. You can read blogs to them that are dedicated to their toy Squinkies as well. All this leads to some quality time spent with each other. You will become more aware and involved in their favorite activity while helping them to build their collections at the same time. Teaching your child about collecting at an early age will keep them involved in an activity that will last throughout their life.

When your child discovers the world of Squinkies you will open up new realms of play time fun for them. It is a world that you will enjoy as well. Playing with your child is a great way to bond over a whole new world of fun. Plus it is a wonderful way for your child and their friends to have fun. With every new release they will want to play with the world of Squinkies. This will lead to more enjoyment for all the children as they collect, exchange and play with their new toys. Even the simplest toys can lead to a new world for your child. But the most important thing about collecting a toy is that your child can keep it for a life time. Squinkies can be handed down to their children later on too. This truly makes it a collector's item.

Remember, Squinkies are a world of fun for your child and their friends. A world that you can also have fun with. Enjoy becoming a child again with your little ones. It is a time that can't be replaced.

Bubble Products

Don't you think that there are more uses to bubble products lately? Bubble bags are used for more than just use wrapping ceramic items or covering breakable items. Several individuals have come up with different ways on how to recycle and reuse the bubble wraps for other functions.

The transparent plastic material with air-filled hemispheres is called bubble wrap. It got its name from the regularly spaced bubbles on the surface of the material. Aside from bubble wraps, there is also a bubble bag wherein the bubbles are either found inside or outside the bag. These bubble products are commonly used for wrapping breakable materials because it has a cushion-like feature. There are several sizes of bubble wraps available.

These days, more uses for the bubble products are coming out. One of which is that it is used for keeping cola and other drinks cold. It is easy to do this because all you have to do is to wrap the cold drinks with bubble products.This will keep the items cold for a longer period of time, especially during hot summer days. You can do the same thing to other frozen products like ice cream.

You can also use bubble wraps to protect your produce inside the fridge. Use your bubble packs to line the crisper drawer of your fridge, just do not paste or glue it in. This is beneficial in keeping your fruits from getting bruises. With the lined drawer, it will also be easier for you to clean it up. If you see that the bubble packs are dirty, just throw them away and use another set.

There are some patio plants that do not survive winter because of winter frost. In order to prevent this from happening, you can wrap the container of your plants with bubble products and fasten it with duct tape or string. This will work as an insulator and help keep the soil of your plants warm during the winter season. Just ensure that your bubble wrap has at least a few inches of allowance above the opening of the container.

During winter or on chilly nights, bubble wraps can help you keep warm. Put a large sheet of bubble product between the bedspread and top sheet. The bubble wrap works as an insulator. It keeps you warm because it preserves the warm air and at the same time, it releases the cold air.

One way to keep your tools lasting longer is to line your toolbox with bubble wrap. This will reduce the chances of unintentional wear and tear on your tools.

There are more uses for bubble products that one can think of. It is not just used for wrapping ceramics or fragile items any more. The next time you receive an item with bubble wrap or bubble bag, make sure that you recycle it. There are many ways that you might think of to use an ordinary bubble product.

Children's Top 10 Toys For Christmas and Beyond

Every year there are top toys that become very difficult to get hold of. One example a couple of years ago was a very expensive robot dinosaur that cost parents a lot of money. Many friends I know of bought these for their children and after Christmas they were never played with again. So I'm not giving you here the latest results from the news on what is selling really well I'm giving you my own experience and the experience of friends who came up with this list of what we feel are the top ten toys for Christmas.

Firstly it has to be a traditional but ever popular toy, lego. Lego comes in various sizes depending on how old the child is. Large lego pieces are suitable for very young children as they cannot be swallowed and for older children more challenging smaller pieces. There are scores of different models that you can buy, often models that relate to films that have been on the cinema such as Indiana Jones and Harry Potter. I have found that vehicles always prove popular whether it be cars or rockets. The beauty of lego is that you can choose a box to suit your budget.

Next is a cuddly toy. Girls especially love these and whilst we tend to buy them for babies, it isn't until they are around the age of 5-10 in my experience that they really get the full comfort and adoration for them. Dogs and cats are always popular, nothing too large and anything that has a cute face and feels soft to the touch.

My third choice isn't cheap but my goodness the children just play and play this and never get bored of it. The Nintendo DS ( pink if you are buying for a girl!) is a constantly best selling toy and quite rightly. You can buy endless games for it. Most younger children from the age of 7 enjoy the virtual pets ones, expecially Nintendo dogs. They can blow bubbles for the dog to play with buy accessories such as ribbons for their fur, feed them and cuddle them. With certain games you can connect to another consule so children can play together with them. These are great for plane journeys, long car journeys and as a last resort will give you some quiet time at a restaurant if you are with adults that are keeping the meal lasting longer than the children would like! A great buy.

Number four is the new swimming Baby Born doll. Children from age five would love this to play with in the bath. It actually swims and then can be wrapped in a towel and dressed etc. I have found all girls to go through a phase of loving baby dolls. I have a seven year old that has asked for this for Christmas and yet last year she stopped playing with dolls. So if you know a child that is asking for a doll this one would be enjoyed every day and especially on bath days.

Number five is a board game called Jenga. It is suitable for boys or girls and for any age. You build a tower of wooden blocks and one by one you take it in turn to take the blocks out of a tower. Eventually they crash and you shout JENGA. It gets everyone together and although we have a cupboard full of board games Jenga is the one that my three constantly take out. Another excellent choice would be Connect 4.

Number six may not be described as a toy for Christmas but I'm including it as I know plenty of boys and girls that would love to have this to open as a Christmas toy. The Apple ipod comes in a huge range of colours and is still very trendy with children and teenagers. Younger children seem to find the Zen stone easier to use but older ones just love the Apple ipod and being able to see videos of their singers etc. It is lightweight and seems robust too. Also very easy to use.

Number seven is something, anything to do with Bratz. So much more popular than Barbie with slightly older children of say age six and above. I personally love the doll that you can style and put make up on. Comes in a good sized box too.

Number eight will be Barbie. Only for younger children. My ten year old girl loves Bratz but would be horrified to rececive anything with Barbie. My seven year old still likes Barbie but her peers have already moved to Bratz. So if you are buying for a child aged six or younger then I would stick to glamourous Barbie. Lots of dolls to choose from. Mine always liked ones that dressed in cool clothes rather than looking like a princess and the ones that have a dog or cat with them were very popular.

Number nine would be magnetix. Only for older children but for girls they do girlie pinks and pale coloured balls and for boys more primary based ones. The magnets means that you can construct and make all types of creations with these toys. Children also enjoy finding places within the home for these. I would never buy these if you have any younger children in the house as they are just begging to be swallowed by a toddler but for children aged eight and above these work very well.

Last but not least is a book for Christmas. If you know a child that likes to read look at the current best sellers and buy a book. My ten year old daugher loves Jaqueline Wilson and Meg Cabot. My seven year old girl is currently a big fan of Enid Blyton and my twelve year old loves Garth Nix and Charlie Higson.

All the toys above have been popular with not only my children but friends' children too.
You can find pictures of the toys mentioned on www.helpful-ideas.com

Merry Christmas x

Bath Time Magic for Kids

Bath time is the perfect opportunity for parents and children to really get to know each other and spend quality time together.

How you view "bath time" is up to you. Many parents choose to treat it as a chore and dread the evenings - as do their children. In many homes, bath time is about as boring as brushing teeth. You, however, can choose to turn bath time into something special, which both you and your child will look forward to every day. For a child, bath time should be a transition between the noisy, busy world of day and the peaceful, cosy world of bed. With very little effort on your part you can make it a magic time for both of you.

How do you inject some magic into bath time? Firstly, by prioritizing it. Fix a time for baths that works around meals, cooking, welcoming home your spouse, making evening telephone calls and relaxing - and establish that time for both you and your child. If the phone rings, leave the answer machine to pick it up. Try to do a quick tidy-up with your child before bath time, so that you aren't faced with a horrible mess afterwards - that way it becomes a transition between day and evening for you too. Make sure that you set aside enough time so that you aren't rushing and nagging your child to hurry.

Now, to make bath time fun! Here are some suggestions for adding magic.

Bubbles:

Have an assortment of bubble baths suitable for your child. As long as you don't choose anything too harsh, you don't have to stick to children's products, which can have very unnatural scents and colors. Include basic baby bubble bath and some therapeutic bath salts for energetic, sporty days. Display your different bottles and make a show of choosing which bubbles you will use each night. Perhaps if your child has been helpful tidying up, they can choose?

Essential Oils:

Two drops of lavender or chamomile essential oil (no more!) added to the bath and stirred in well will soothe and calm a fractious child after a long day. For variation, and to be sure that the oil disperses well, you can also add the drops to a cup of milk before adding to the bath. We sometimes use an unscented mild bubble bath with the essential oil.

Candle light for special occasions:

This is obviously only suitable for well-supervised bath times - but kids really do love the atmosphere of a candle lit bath. We would suggest that candles are lit only when the children are in the bath, and are extinguished before they climb out to be completely safe.

Warm towels and pyjamas:

Especially pampering in the winter months, children love to get out of the bath into a warmed towel and pyjamas! Little touches make all the difference.

Poetry night:

In our household, every Friday night bath time was poetry night. We chose Friday night because we often had other children round to play on a Friday afternoon and that meant that our kids were often over-tired and irritable when it came to bath time. We found suitable poetry in the library and on the internet, stored any printed pages in plastic file folders to keep them splash proof, and tried to introduce an interesting variety of poems to the kids. In reality, we read the same favorite poems over and over again!

Bath toys:

Rotate bath toys ruthlessly so that there is always something interesting to play with! Every so often you can raid the kitchen for suitable implements too - children love playing with sieves, whisks, measuring cups and jugs. Our kids would play endlessly with a plastic funnel, plastic bottles (some with holes punched in them) and a couple of plastic jugs. If you don't want to use your own kitchen equipment, you can find these things very cheaply at garage sales and dollar stores. A plastic colander doubles as an excellent storage basket.

Fun foam toys:

You can buy fun foam shapes in buckets, or you can buy the foam at the craft store and cut your own shapes. Perhaps you could change your shapes to match holidays and seasons - flowers for spring and summer, Christmas trees at Christmas, bunnies and eggs at Easter? There are many possible learning activities too: cut pieces to teach colours, shapes, numbers or the alphabet, and practice matching, grouping, sorting, ordering and so on.

Shaving foam sculpture:

Squirt a few large blobs of shaving foam onto the side of bath or into your child's hands (warn him to keep it away from his eyes) and let his imagination take over!

Music and story tapes:

Bath time is a good opportunity to introduce music of all kinds or to listen to a special story on tape or CD.

Blowing bubbles:

For a special treat, bring some bubble blowing mixture into the bathroom. Make sure that it doesn't get into anyone's eyes!

Colorful baths:

A few drops of food coloring will transform the bath into something exotic! Try orange or green at Halloween, red or green at Christmas, red for Valentine's Day and so on. Keep the bottle well out of children's reach!

Language night:

A friend used bath time once a week as "language night", teaching her kids French by listening to French tapes and singing French songs. She decorated the room with small colorful posters, made by cutting up old exercise books or printing pages off the net and laminating them, which she stuck around the bath with sticky-tack. Any bath toys used that night were objects that could be named in French (plastic vegetables from her child's shop, plastic boy and girl dolls, and so on).

Finally, remember that in a few short years the whole ritual of bath time will be long gone and your children will be old enough to shower or bath on their own - resisting any attempt from you to interfere! Have you noticed how eagerly a grandmother runs her grandchild's bath and splashes and plays for much longer than necessary? If you asked her she would tell you to make the most of bath time while you can. Whatever you do now to make bath times magic will be repaid a thousand times in memories for you and your children in the future!

4 Hot New Girls Christmas Toys for 2010: What to Buy for Your Little Girl

Christmas 2010 is right around the corner. Have you started shopping for the latest, greatest toys for Christmas? What are the latest trends in new toys for girls this year?

Children love to wake up on Christmas morning, eager to tear off the wrapping paper from their gifts, hoping to find Christmas toys that will please them.

Every Christmas, parents struggle with all kinds of questions of what toys to buy for their children. How many toys should you buy? Will your child play with them, two months after Christmas has passed? Are the toys safe? Can you really find toys that kids will like that aren't played on a Wii, Nintendo, home computer or Xbox? Are the toys from reliable, reputable toy makers? Where can you shop and find the toys to have them delivered in time for Christmas?

Buying toys from long-established toy makers like Disney, Hasbro, Mattel, Fisher Price, and others is a good plan. These toy makers test their toys to make sure they are safe and fit the recommended kids' age range.

Every year, toy manufacturers work hard to create new ways to entertain, educate and thrill families with fun, safe toys. Let's look at two toys in the most popular toy categories for younger children, shall we?

Category 1. Plush Toys
Sing-a-Ma-Jigs are a new singing plush toy that look like Mr. Bill of Saturday Night Live. These seven inch high dolls sing different songs when you press their bellies. Get two or more and they will sing the same song in harmony, with a different pitch. Lots of fun and entertainment for the whole family.

My Pillow Pets are lovable pet-shaped plush toys that convert to a pillow. Designed for younger children, My Pillow Pets are great to use in every room of the house, in the car and visiting family. You never know where your child wants to take a nap. A Pillow Pet will help your child feel comfortable sleeping almost anywhere.

Category 2. Little Girls Let's Pretend Toys
Little girls love Christmas toys because they love to play pretend. The best girls' Christmas toys help develop their imagination, in practicing when they grow up.

The Calico Critters Townhouse is a fun, classic toy loved by kids for the past 25 years. Aimed at children ages three and up, this product provides an imaginative escape for any child to play house. Every furry Calico Critter needs a home. Your little girl can help make that home.

This cute townhouse is compact, measuring 12 inches by 12 inches by 12 inches. That makes it easy to store and play with. The house has four rooms for living, eating or sleeping. A fifth divider can be placed in the home to make a fifth room for a growing Calico Critters family. The home is two levels. There is a staircase that allows creatures to move freely between levels. You can buy pairs or families of Calico Critters and the furniture for each room in the townhouse separately.

Squinkies Cupcake Factory by Blip Toys is a darling way to have your girl enjoying playing bakery in a very safe way. The factory creates little surprise toys enclosed in a little, clear plastic bubble, just like your girl would buy from a vending machine. You can buy additional Squinkie toys, too that make the toy more fun to use. You can hear lots of giggles and enjoyment for girls ages 3 and up.

The challenge with buying new, hot toys for Christmas is that they become a big fad and everyone wants to buy the same toy. If you wait until "Black Friday" or the week before Christmas, chances are that you won't find the toy you want or you'll pay a premium for it. The way to solve that problem is to find a reputable on-line store that you can trust and has inventory to fill your order.

4 Hot New Girls Christmas toys for 2010: what to buy for your child

Christmas 2010 is just around the corner. Have you started shopping for the latest, greatest toy for Christmas? What are the latest trends in new games for girls this year?

Children love to wake up Christmas morning, preferably torn gift wrap their gifts in hopes of finding them is like Christmas toys, dass

Every Christmas, parents are struggling with all sorts of questions about what toys to buy for her. How manyToys> you should buy? Your child to play with them, two months after Christmas is over? If toys are safe? You can really find toys, children do not play like Xbox or Wii, Nintendo, computer at home? There are some toys, toy manufacturers of confidence? Where to shop and find the toy at Christmas time that they provide?

The purchase of pet toys toy-set as long as Disney, Hasbro, Mattel, FisherPrice, and others is a good plan. This toy manufacturers try to ensure that their toys are safe and suitable for children of the group has recommended '.

Each year, toy manufacturers are working hard to make new toys to entertain, inform and inspire families with fun, safe. We see the two most popular categories in the toy toys for kids, right?

Category 1 Plush Toys
Sing-a-ma-jigs are singing a new stuffed animallooks like Mr. Bill on Saturday Night Live. These seven inches tall puppets sing different songs when you press their stomachs. Get two or more and will be singing the same song in harmony, with different steps. Have fun and entertainment for the whole family.

My Pillow Pets are lovable animal-shaped stuffed animals that transformation into a pillow. Designed for younger children, My Pillow Pets are great to use in any room in your house, car and visit family. You never know where yourChild wants to take a nap. A pet bed helps your child feel comfortable sleep almost anywhere.

Category 2 Girls Let's Pretend Toys
The girls love Christmas toys because they claim to love to play. Top Christmas toys girls develop their imagination while practicing when they grow up.

The Calico Critters Town House is a fun, classic toys loved by children in recent years 25th Aimed at children aged three years and this productoffers an escape route for any imaginative child play at home. Every living thing needs a furry calico house. Your child can help make at home.

This lovely terraced house is compact, measuring 12 inches 12 inches 12 inches. This makes it easy to store and play with. The house has four rooms for living, eating or sleeping. A fifth divider can be placed in an apartment with a fifth place for a growing family Calico Critters to do. The house is on two levels. There is a ladder that allows creatures move freely between levels. You can buy couples or families to Calico Critters and furniture for every room in town house apart.

Blip Toys Squinkies Cake Factory is one way to enjoy your way of having the girls in the oven in a very secure way. The work provides little surprise toy bubble trapped in a small, clear plastic, just like your girlfriend vending machine purchase, would consist of. You can add more games Squinkie, also make theToys> more fun. You hear a lot of laughs and fun for children of 3 years.

The challenge with the purchase of new, hot toy for Christmas is that they become a great fashion and everyone wants to buy the same toys. If you "wait" Black Friday or the week before Christmas, you may not find the toy you or you will pay a premium for it. The way to solve this problem is to shop online reputation, you can trust and has passed oncomplete the order.

Toys - Tonka

Tonka Toys. Even the name sounds tough. And we must not delude ourselves. Tonka toys were hard, in the good old days when toys were made to last particularly before or as they say, would be in their television commercials, "you are made of tough Tonka." Yes, every child has had his tough Tonka trucks. When did it all begin? How long has thrown these tough Tonka trucks?

Tonka began in 1947. The first trucks were made by a company called Mound Metalcraft.The company was in Mound, Minnesota, in a very small room. No, it was not what you want to call a big problem when it started. The company itself actually to produce and garden equipment, which had specialized as hard. In some technology and approach, are some of the toughest trucks ever started together.

In the first year of product Mound Metalcraft than 37,000 of these trucks drive. This despite the fact that only two designs.The two designs were an excavator and a crane. Oh, and if you ask Tonka is the word "great" in Sioux.

After World War II Tonka trucks popular with families after the war. The demand for these trucks was so great that it far exceeds production. One year limited company would be sold in a few months.

The whole premise of the company and a Tonka who refused to compromise was never that toys should be stable and theirGive your child's play as much as possible out of them. They believe that there was no reason their toys should not last for many years. And they did.

In the almost 60 years since the first Tonka Toy million of them have been sold 250 of the above. To date, their vehicles are made for anything you throw at them can resist. What started as only two trucks in a growing number of trucks and playsets.

Over the years there have been some wereMilestones in the legacy Tonka. It took more than 17 years since its first truck, but in 1964 the most popular truck, they have ever done, spending Mighty Dump. None of their trucks ever sold more units. Between 1965 and 1972 was what was the "Mighty age" called. This is when the Mighty Tonka series has grown tremendously, so that title as the Mighty Clam, Crane, Shovel, Scraper, Car Carrier, Bulldozer, Wrecker, Hydraulic Dump, Roller, Bottom Dump, Mixer, Loadmaster and Grader.These were some of the most popular vehicles ever.

Between 1973 and 1982 Tonka has more vehicles. This time we gave the Rescue Vehicle, Car Carrier, forklifts, backhoes, Buggy and adventure, believe it or not, the Mighty Winnebago.

Over the next 25 years for Tonka Toy produce quality products and accessories, such as Chuck My Talking Truck, the first call Tonka.

Promises to come up with Tonka trucks that are more stringent than thethose made 60 years ago.

This is a difficult act to follow.

Retro Christmas - Memories Mid Century Modern

Christmas is the best thing for a retro vintage Christmas decorations?

If you remember when there was a silver tinsel tree with pink and blue lights, the height of chic holiday .... when the sound of Alvin and the Chipmunks are still gives a thrill of anticipation .... if you listen to your father to explain to remember that the bubble was actually a time to warm up the bright lights before they could begin .... then the answer could only be yes.

For baby boomers, mid-centurywas more than a style of decoration, is the common childhood of a generation. Tinsel trees, bubble lights, and the Chipmunks were also part of growing up in the fifties of Saturday morning cartoons on TV in black and white and enjoy the new batch of Jiffy Pop from the right bubble aluminum.

But during the fifties are not appreciate the single, the classic style of the fifties. Mid-Century Modern is quickly becoming one of the most popular styles inInterior and many 20 - and 30-year-olds are embracing the clean lines and bold graphics with emphasis enthusiasm.

If you want to resume the fun of the fifties and sixties to decorate your holiday, here are some tips to make it happen:

Think fun, not fussy

Retro Christmas decoration is based on modern look, very fashionable during the war. Clean lines and exciting new areas of materials (like plastics) were all the rage, and the traditionInnovation was wet. Fussy details were smooth and aerodynamic design is for everything from cars to decorations for the tree.

Use bright colors and bold designs

Vibrant, intense colors and bold design cartoonishly simple graphics are the hallmark of the Mid-Century Modern decor. That translates beautifully to the holiday decor and retro-themed holiday ornaments and breeding materials are relatively easy to find.

Do not forget theCharacters

Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the red nose was, and, of course, Santa and his elves are all characters very popular during the holiday period of the fifties and sixties. If candles shaped, with plastic and hung on the tree, or converted into a plug-in, light-up display for the garden in front, cute, cartoon characters certainly a shot of fun and retro charm.

Electrify it!

Although shops and public buildings usedLights as decorations of the season since the end of 1800 was lit by electrical decorations are not standard for the average house and apartment owners, until the postwar period. But when hit electrical decorations, they hit on a large scale! Produced in all shapes and sizes of men lightbox Christmas life-size Nativity on the front garden, electric decorations were a milestone in mid-century holiday decorations.

To feel really retro, mini pack lights that shine and cut off yourTree with large multi-colored lights. New versions of the 1950 standards are available everywhere and are a great improvement over the originals, which could have terrible hot, in a surprisingly short time.

The temporary tattoos are safe

This day and age, more and more people choose to have permanent tattoos, leaving their mark on their skin choice. If the tattoo is applied by a skilled artist, the opportunity will be minimally affected. Sad as it is, but many of us, tattoos will end up with houses, unhealthy plants - in the following infections or other serious problems.

Years ago, tattoos were found in quarter machines quick wrapper, chewing gum, toys and even parts of's corner. Children love to get these temporary tattoos, because they have the possibility of children who had a tattoo - one that is completely safe and do the dishes. Now days, even adults are thought to know that this is the right idea. The tattoos are no longer just about children, as most last a long time - this makes them ideal for adults.

The smartest thing about temporary tattoos, is the fact that they are not actually permanent. With temporary tattoos, do not be angryto infection or hardware unhealthy because it involved no penetration of the skin. non-permanent tattoos are safe, and easily removed with soap and water. This is very kind and costs - the need to remove the tattoos as a permanent operation.

If it's a permanent tattoo was intended, you should try a tattoo of short duration. Temporary tattoos that have an excellent opportunity to be tested, drawings and see if a tattoo is best for you. If you do not like everythingyou have to do is to wash. Then you should buy a new one and see if you like better. There are literally thousands of temporary tattoos gives, with designs that are sure everyone is happy.

If you decide to get a permanent tattoo instead, you just stuck with it. To fire a permanent tattoo, you should have surgical removal, which can cost thousands of notes. They are also considering the risk of infection, with a scar. PermanentTattoos are great, but - was pleased with the tattoo.

In most cases, tattoos see short-term, permanent as a tattoo. In order to take the tattoo or just with water and apply to your skin to lick. If you have it where you want, just print a few seconds. They are easy to use, and last until you wash. If you choose a longer lasting temporary tattoo will last for a long time. In this way you can decide if apermanent tattoos will be worth the investment.

Here you can find temporary tattoos in local stores or online. They are very convenient and less expensive if you buy in bulk. tattoo artists also sell, and generally have a huge selection. In this way, you can search through the options available and find the tattoo that fits your style.

All in all non-permanent tattoos are easier to apply tattoos and permanent make any risk for skinor health. Those who are afraid of needles tend to like it either, because they give you the possibility of a tattoo, without it under the needle. Before you rush out and get a tattoo, you should endeavor to give permanent tattoos. It does not cost much money - but I'm going to give you the opportunity to see how you look with a tattoo - and decide if a permanent tattoo is really something you want.

Vintage Christmas Lights - History of Christmas lights and where to buy

Vintage Christmas lights are a great way to return to the past. With all the retro trends in society Retro Christmas lights to impress a popular way to show your friends and family. The World Wide Web is an excellent resource for finding old Christmas light years past. HolidayLEDs.com is an important resource for research of Christmas lights for sale. If your parents or grandparents are visiting your you this Christmas, you can remember theirYouth, with beautiful lights from previous years.

Christmas lights dates back to 1800! The first public Christmas tree was published way back in the White House in 1895. The same has been instrumental in raising public awareness of the Christmas tree tradition. In early 1900, the first light sets have been sold to the public, and the lights gradually developed in the early 1900's. General Electric Company was one of the pioneers of the first games of Christmas light.

Among1930 and 1950, enlightened figure sets were very popular in American society. To include these figures in the light show this year to add a nostalgic touch to your display. It 'been for almost all the characters of the symbols of Christmas has grown, from Santa Claus and go to Bethlehem to the end.

Over time, the varieties were developed by the play of light. In mid-1940 famous Bubble lights were developed. In the mid-1950Lights first appeared on the market. General Electric continues to develop new sets of light, but had a lot of competition from foreign companies.

In 1970, the majority of Americans all their lights in September purchased by foreign companies. It was the end of an era for American companies, but vintage Christmas lights are still popular today!

Custom Halloween Products

Halloween is a time for children and children at heart. It 's the season when we all let our hair and scary. It 's also the time when we are away with wearing orange.

If you are planning a party for the home or the thought of a promotion associated with the holidays, here are some ideas for Halloween are clean, safe fun. Available in all price categories, these Halloween giveaways assure you not to miss the fun especially when you are on a tight budget:

Or make your guestslittle 'stress relief this Halloween with promotional stress balls. Custom Halloween products like the brain in a dish or pumpkin stress balls are scary but fun gifts to choose from, even out of season.
Or, add stamped the devil in the details with napkins personalized drink or a meal with Halloween characters.
O Candy Corn Halloween colors are perfect giveaways for trick-or-treaters. Some custom Halloween promotional products like mini bubbles of sports in seasonSigns and pumpkin toys are inedible but exciting Halloween anyway.
o Do not forget the bags of trick-or-treat Halloween. Reflective silver Halloween bags assure the safety of the treatment, as to keep the prey day. Are you "green", non-woven reusable bags that Halloween is the trick with glow-in print-the-dark do.
o Be sure, whatever. Scary Halloween stories never go out, but it is better than cure. Custom Halloween reflectiveProducts such as multi-function zip-Clip (TM) and the diamond stud zipper with safety in mind. The former can be used as a zipper, lace tags, key holders and coin holder, while the latter offers a slot for coins and place for identification. reflective bracelets, bangles and lace tags are well-intentioned gifts that will be appreciated.
or toys, such as the Halloween and vampire rubber ducks are the Halloween guaranteed right to one placeThe amount of fear and fun promotion.
O Glow skull stickers, ghosts and monsters and glow sticks are fun and apt giveaways for promotions tight budget.
O Spooky-sounding greeting cards with CDs to give an authentic feel strange to celebrate.

Avon Cosmetics: A leader in cosmetics and Corporate Philanthropy

Avon Cosmetics are manufactured by Avon Products, Inc. Corporation. Avon produces perfume, cosmetics and even toys with markets in over 135 countries around the world. Avon has annual sales of $ 7740000000 worldwide. Avon's CEO and company chairman is Andrea Jung, who was promoted to the position in 1999.

Today, Avon's fastest growing markets in Russia and China. Although Avon has always been and continues to be primarily a direct sales company, Countries like China most sales are made in retail stores. Doorstep selling has been banned in China during 1990, but has not seemed to slow Avon sales in China.

Avon cosmetics are not just for women, although women have traditionally been the target market for Avon products. There are also Avon products that are geared toward men and their skin care needs. Avon has been capitalizing on their children's products, including toys and basic toiletries such as shampoo and> Bubble Bath.

More recently, Avon came with two new brands, "M" and "brand". M is an Avon catalog and product line for men. Mark is an Avon line targeted to younger women aged college (18-25). The Mark product line is a great success and has a monthly "Magalog" the latest and most popular cosmetic Avon and other cosmetics with young buyers lined cases.

Beyond commercial pursuits, the Avon company is also investing in variousphilanthropic causes, most of which focus on issues of health and the empowerment of women. Some of the biggest campaigns launched or participated in the Avon breast cancer, domestic violence and global issues.

For more information about Avon cosmetics, social history or philanthropic ventures, take a look ath their official website to find http://avon.com

Small Christmas gift for a child 6 years or girl

Christmas is an exciting time for children. So, let's look at some unique Christmas gifts for a 6 year old boy or a girl look.

The fun part of making gifts to children is that they give no pleasure in them. You could set a picture book, a toy car, a toy or a bubble-blowing. There is always a 6-year-old, smiling.

And now for some really great Christmas gifts you might not have thought.

Toy Computer - This colorfulComputer has a screen, a keyboard, mouse and speakers. The only thing he does is go on the Internet. It 'full of games, songs and puzzles and is enough to make every heart sing to six years.

Piggy Bank - The piggy bank has a big smile and a real pig, loves to be fed. Comes in a variety of colors and is painted all over with favorite cartoon characters. Put some 'money in its slot, wrap well, and he is certainly a joy for her newOwners.

Play Phone - This phone is ready to be colored and filled with special messages for your favorite songs in six years. It works the keyboards and makes a noise like a real phone.

Games - There are some challenging games for 6 years, and some that are just plain fun. There are games to play game of skill and observation, together with the whole family. Among the most popular Battleship, Operation, the Game of Life are, Clue (a detective game)Sorry, Twister, commitment and Connect4.

Jewelry that lights up - This 6 years will be dazzled all with their eye bracelets rings and necklaces. This ornament comes on a fixed or flashing light and can turn on and off.

And now the gift that is both safe for children will find ice cream machine - children big and small - the magic of ice cream. When it comes to food, the ice could be the most successful of all. The machine is a ball of iceThat is opened. You place the ingredients in it, close it securely, and shake it. Then pass the ball from person to person and each has a couple of shakes. Then open the ball and the ball out of the ice. This is certainly a keeper.

Name scroll painting - its name and its meaning, and famous people with your name printed on a painted background. The painting is of a cat, a dog, a giraffe, a moose, or any other animal. It is a crown, a crest and aBorder. This role is ready to prepare and is confident that six years to make her happy.

Well, this is the experience. Have a good time for Christmas shopping unique gifts for a child aged 6 or girl. And have a Merry Christmas.

Easy Homemade Gag Gifts For Birthdays, Christmas and Other Celebrations

Sometimes the best gift you can give is a good laugh!

Wouldn't you agree that the world is needs more laughter? Have you noticed that sometimes people take celebrations awfully seriously? People worry about their age as they approach their 50th birthday. People at stress out about finishing their Christmas shopping and staying within budget. What a crazy world we live in, where people get anxious about occasions that are supposed to be fully of joy!

Christmas and birthdays are opportunities to share good times and laughter with your friends and family. So, here are some of favourite ideas for gag gifts that are sure to bring a laugh and a smile!

Homemade 40th, 50th, and 60th Birthday Gag Gifts
Make a gentle dig at the person's age. Or perhaps a not-so-gentle dig! A fun way to do this is make them a little badge to wear at their birthday party, with a silly quote on it like:
- "I'm not over the hill. I'm just too old to climb it!"
- "I'm not old. I'm just chronologically gifted!"
- "I'm not 50. I'm 18, with 32 year's experience!"
- "60!!?? I demand a recount!"
You can buy badge-making kits at your local craft store, or you can just make a sign that can be attached with a safety pin.

Homemade Christmas Gag Gifts
A sweet Christmas gag gifts is a collection of "Christmas poops". For instance, package up some white marshmallows and label them "snowman poops". You can include a little poem:

You've been naughty,
So here's the scoop...
Your Christmas gift
Is snowman poop!

You can also make reindeer poop (chocolates), grinch poop (green jellybeans), or elf poop (red and green m&ms). Another favourite Christmas gag gift is to wrap up some cookie dough, with a little note saying "I thought this might come in handy, since everyone's a little short on dough around Christmas time!".

Any Occasion Gag Gifts
Here are some extremely silly gifts that are versatile enough to be used for many occasions:
Straw Hat, assembly required: loose straw in a bag
Nature's Organic Bubble Bath: Some baked beans, with a note to "eat beans, wait one hour, fill bath, and enjoy your organic bubble bath!"
Expert Jigsaw Puzzle: Sawdust in box. "Guaranteed hours of entertainment. Perhaps even decades!"
Stress Relief Capsules: Bubble wrap, with instructions to "Pop one sheet every 4 hours. See physician if symptoms persist.".

Feel free to get creative and adapt these ideas as much as you like, or come up with your own homemade gag gift ideas. Go for it and give someone a good laugh!

How To Make Your Own Gift

One of the most popular gifts for Easter is a gift basket stuffed animals and some elements of fun for children to enjoy chocolate. As you get older, maybe your children grow, and is no longer the pleasure of supporting the Easter Bunny with special holiday gift baskets. This does not, but that is not the tradition continues, with other holidays and special occasions.

Christmas is a wonderful time to make your gift baskets, and can be agreat way to personalize all currently add. If it is a woman who loves even know thinking of buying a basket of Nice and the addition of a bottle of your favorite shower gel, body lotion, perfume and everything you know to be their favorite. If you're a sports family, a basket with his favorite team memorabilia success will be filled. Some examples may be a T-shirt and baseball cap, a rare collectible card collectors or other officers.

OnceYou have the gift baskets filled with goodies, it's time to buy clear cellophane gift bags. After opening the gift bag, gently slide your gift basket and all its contents inside. Once you are in a perfect location, secure the top with transparent adhesive tape or a paper clip. A large bow at the top of your gift baskets not only personally, but the receiver also knows that you have a lot of thought put into the design and appearance of their gift.

Another great idea for gift baskets isto include a variety of colorful fruits, including apples, oranges, pears, strawberries, plums, etc. If you gift baskets, not to buy the plug may be placed on a dining table or as the center of the room. Fruit gift baskets are ideal for teachers, doctors, lawyers or family health consciousness.

If you are looking for a couple of gifts to contain, hold jewelry, a leather bag, tickets to special events, gifts, stuffedAnimal, favorite candy, etc. The more color and variety you can add a gift basket, the more your gift to appear for a party.

Argument still need some ideas for gift baskets? Many pets enjoy creating personalized gift baskets baby gift baskets and gift baskets also newlywed. There is no end to the number of creations that can be done with a little 'imagination and a bit' of time and effort.

Personalized Holiday Gift Ideas for Christmas

With the holiday season just around the corner, start your brain on the shelf just thinking about buying gifts for your family and friends. We want people to think that goes in the selection of gifts to appreciate? Try Personal Gifts.

You know, your father loves books, you can never go wrong when you choose a great success at the New York Times bestseller. The Amazon Kindle is a good selection of custom Christmas gift for him this year. The Kindle is a handheld electronicReader to read a book store and books as a library for future use completely. How about purchasing an Amazon Kindle this year for your father and order his book required reading Kindle?

Perfume, bath and wellness products, gift baskets with gourmet chocolate products, have them all to your spouse or your mother and now you are looking for something else. Why not a gift basket of your own? Collect your favorite scented shower gel and fragrance, add anice bottle of wine and candles, an iPod loaded with their favorite music or the latest book by a popular author and a voucher for a spa to be pampered.

Looking for a gift for a child too young for the care of pets or allergy? Puppets not inspire a parent? Do you want to save a living animal from the discovery? It responds to touch and fell asleep when left alone for five minutes. Personalize the gift by adding a monogram bag toychild's favorite fruit and biscuits in the basket. Creative Manuals and devices, music CDs and DVDs of popular films are easy to adjust for Christmas gifts for children, their individual talents, tastes and preferences.

Custom Christmas gifts make a lasting impact for Christmas, because the recipient understands and appreciates the thought, time and effort invested to ensure that beneficiaries were happy with the gift.