6 Best Organic Toys for Older Toddlers

Buying gifts for the older toddlers and young school aged children in the family is exciting. They are old enough to truly enjoy their gifts, and get so excited over them. I love seeing their little eyes widen as they unwrap packages.

Older toddlers can be rough on toys though, so I always try to buy very sturdy things that can stand up to a young child’s play. I also give organic toys as gifts. I do that for several reasons. One, in case a child has allergies like I do to the dyes and chemicals in plastics and other materials used in making mass-production commercial toys, but also because they’re just generally healthier and better for the planet.

The Dangers of Common Chemicals

I carry that theme into my own life as well. In fact, my quest for natural products stemmed from my desire to find a natural remedy for hay fever. Once I learned about the dangers of many of the common chemicals used in over-the-counter medicines, I couldn’t help but be interested in the other dangers that lurked on store shelves of every kind.

As a writer, you might say I’m naturally inquisitive anyway. I also have a work-related tendency toward investigative research. Soon my husband and girls were on board, and now the whole family is actively interested in a more organic lifestyle; even my parents who live next door. It’s never too late to start living healthier.

A quote from Buddha says “to keep the body in good health is a duty; otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.” I try to keep that in my mind as I think about the things I buy and use, and especially in those things I give to others.

My favorite gifts to give older toddlers are these:

·         Balance boards

·         Paints

·         Crafts

·         Puzzles

·         Kitchens for little girls

·         Memory and counting toys

Of all of the above gifts, my favorites are the ones that are not only fun, but also have some form of educational benefits. I love the memory and counting types of toys, but building blocks are great because they teach young children to use their motor skills and be creative all at the same time.

I like the balancing boards because they give youngsters exercise while developing their balance. Paints and crafts are fun, and let children be creative and develop their artistic sides. There’s a lot to be said for just fun though. Whatever I get, I look for natural dyes, and organic materials. Luckily those types of toys are much easier to find now than there were even a few years ago.

Pitfalls of Toxic Toys

Many people are discovering the dangers of the chemicals present in the products both from the actual materials and from the processing used to turn them into various items. The dangers aren’t just from the toys when they’re new either. Non-organic plastics and wood toys coated with finishes and paints release harmful toxins for years.

By giving gifts that are safer and healthier, I feel like I’m helping the next generation avoid having to deal with some of the problems I’ve had to deal with. I’m glad that there are allergic rhinitis natural remedies that I can take for my problems, but I’d rather not have to deal with them at all.

Some allergy problems can’t be avoided, like pollen and dust, they just have to be dealt with. However, a lot of health issues, and allergies are a result of the things we surround ourselves with every day. I prefer to get rid of those things, and deal with allergies and illness as little as possible.

About the Author:

Melissa Cameron is a freelance writer who lives with her husband and two children in Austin, Texas. Her parents live next door, and her large extended family gives her plenty of material for her career as a freelance writer. She spends her working hours researching better ways of living, and dealing with health issues like finding the best natural remedy for hay fever, along with parenting and budget-conscious shopping. Another of her passions is local history, and the great state of Texas provides many storylines with which to delight her readers.

Fisher Price Little People Zoo Talkers Animal Sounds Zoo Review & Little People Animal Sounds Contest

I was more than excited when I was contacted to review the Fisher Price Little People Zoo Talkers Animal Sounds Zoo!

When the UPS truck pulls up outside of the house, there are 6 kids who rush the delivery man, probably scaring the heck out him! This time, there was a very large box and 6 children struggling to get it inside of the house. My first question to them was: "Why didn't you let the man bring it in instead of chasing him down the driveway?"

It just so happened that I had been sent the Fisher Price Little People Zoo Talkers to review, and I knew, far before the box was even delivered, that there would be hours of happiness...for at least one child in the house! 14 hands were working hard to wrestle the box open...it wasn't an easy feat, considering it was taped up pretty tight!

Once the outer (shipping) box was torn open, Kodi-bear exclaimed, "Wow! New toys!" At a mere two years old, nothing gets past him! And, he quickly decided that it was his!

With the help of all 6 children, we gathered a screwdriver and quickly started piecing together the Fisher Price Little People Zoo Talkers Animal Sounds Zoo. It wasn't long before it was assembled, and it just so happens that my 6 year old, 8 year old and 11 year old were able to assemble it - so, it's not too hard. :) They were even able to recognize where the stickers went and place them accordingly.

As soon as it was assembled, though, nobody was allowed to touch it! Kodi-bear had decided that it was HIS TOY!

Finally, he decided that Dylan was allowed to play, too...because it's more fun with a playmate!

And, as I suspected, the fun lasted for hours...and went on for days! It's still one of their favorite toys to play with at the moment...and we received it about two weeks ago!

The Zoo

Each area of the zoo represents one of four different habitat for animals: there is the Grasslands, the North and South Poles, the Jungle and, of course, Water. A button in each habitat clues the children in on which animal lives there. There is also a spot where you set the animals and it will intuitively make the sound of, and "talk" about, the specific animal.  From caves to water slides, tree swings to teeter totters, there are plenty of activities for several children to enjoy at the same time.

The lion, polar bear, gorilla and zookeeper come with the zoo. The stickers, when placed in the right spots, show children which animal lives in which area.

I personally like the built-in carrier handle that makes it easy for even children to transport from one place to another.

What we didn't like was having to search for the 3 "AA" batteries, but in a house with 6 kids, there are always batteries...you just have to try a million to figure out which ones work and which ones don't! :)

You can purchase the Fisher Price Little People Zoo Talkers Animal Sounds Zoo at Amazon.com or Walmart.com for $39.97, but I also was able to find it for an excellent price of $34.20 at QVC.com.

Age recommendations are 1-5 1/2, but I can assure you that all of my children, ages 2-11 loved it.

Contest - Your Chance to Win $10,000 Grand Prize.

Fisher Price and Jarod Miller, Zoologist and TV host, are partnering to launch the Animal Sounds Contest! Simply video tape your child making their best animal sounds impression! Then, go to the submit page and enter!

Up for grabs is a $10,000 Grand Prize, a trip to the Fisher Price headquarters and a Zoo Talkers prize pack worth $100 retail value. 10 First-prize winners will also win the Zoo Talkers prize pack. Each entry is also entered into a Sweepstakes to win 1 out of 100 Animal Sounds Safari Vehicles. What have you got to lose? (Contest ends 11/30/11 at 11:59pm Eastern)


Thank you, Fisher Price, for allowing our family to review your super-cool Fisher Price Little People Zoo Talkers Animal Sounds Zoo! We love it!


I received a Fisher Price Little People Zoo Talkers Animal Sounds Zoo free of charge for review from Fisher Price or one of their PR representatives. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are completely and honestly mine. 

My Children Think I'm MEAN

Last night, my 3 year old Dylan, with his new-found fascination with the gaming world was extremely mad at me. He has formed a habit of getting frustrated and screaming about the games or getting mad at whoever is playing with him for "beating him" or "pushing him" (or pushing his "guy").

He Says I'm Mean

By 8 p.m., I had had enough.

Me: Dylan, time to turn the games off.

Dylan: You're mean!

Me: If all you can do is scream and cry, apparently the game is not fun anymore. Time to turn it off.

Dylan: You're a big meanie, mom.

Me: Yep, I'm mean. Turn the game off.

Dylan: Youuuuuuuuuuuuuu MEAN! (now screaming) Meanie!

That wasn't the end of it. He pulled his little 3 year old screaming fit, reminding me over and over again how mean I really am.

Up walks little Dakoda, my youngest at 1 1/2 years old. He looks at me and says, "Mee-mee."

He Thinks I'm Mean, Too

Did he? He did. He says about 4 words, including Mom, Dad, peeeese (please), and now "Meanie".

Well, it's no secret that I'm a "Mean Mom". I'm mean because I expect my kids to behave, help clean the house and get along with each other. I'm mean because I have expectations, period. I'm mean because I don't say yes to everything...and I'm mean because I turn the games off.

I'm okay with being a Mean Mom. Am I the only Mean Mother in this world?

Co-Sleeping: The Real Deal

 I admit it - I broke the rule. I have "co-slept" with all of my children since day one. Yes, I did it despite the doctor's chastising, questioning and nagging. I heard all of the reasons why co-sleeping was against the "Good Parenting" rules and I still broke the rule, regardless.

What is Co-Sleeping?

Plain and simple: it's when you allow your children to sleep in your bed with you. At least, that's my take on it.

My last two co-sleepers

Didn't you ever want to climb in bed with your parents when you were little? I know I did. I know I felt safer after a bad dream when I nestled into my parent's bed...and, to be quite honest, I don't remember anywhere else I felt so safe and sound.

Why Did I Break the Rule?

The doctors always asked the half-statement-half-question at the regular check-ups, "And (insert child's name) sleeps in his/her crib?"

My answer way always, "No." Some days, when I simply didn't feel like dealing with the badgering that came after my answer, I would lie, "Why, of course, they sleep in their crib." But, for the most part, I gave the reluctant, "No."

And, the lecture began. SIDS, SIDS, SIDS. Something about rolling over on your baby (Are you serious?) and the lengthy list that they had for reasons not to sleep with your brand new little precious bundle.

Apparently, they didn't convince me. Let's just say that I decided to do my "scientific research" on my own. I'll break down the statistics for you: out of 6 of my kids, I never rolled on any of them while I was asleep. They never got tangled up in the blanket and the pillows. They didn't suddenly stop breathing while they were sleeping.  

None of them had any issues with sleeping in my bed.


As A Matter of Fact...

They all sleep deeper and sounder right next to me where they can hear that heartbeat that was so calm and soothing for the first 9 months of their life. They can hear or feel or at least sense my breathing, too. And, I believe that my warmth next to them is quite soothing as well.

I have tried the other scenario. Put them in their own bed. Yes, and sleep less for it. Especially when they are sick. That's just not for me.

I chose co-sleeping because the little ones feel safer and sleep better than in their own bed. Look at nature. How many animals can you think of that co-sleep? New puppies, new kittens, baby bears...birds even co-sleep in the nest. Most animals are co-sleepers. And, that's not okay for us?

Besides, look at them! If they want to sleep with Mommy and it helps them to sleep better...I see nothing wrong with it. 

I've Said It Before

Read back through my posts...you'll see that I state clearly that I'm not a perfect mother. (If you are, I'd LOVE to hear from you! Click on my contact page and send me a note). But, all of these ridiculous "Good Parenting" rules that are placed on us are quite against the feeling and tendencies of nature. It is natural for me to feel like my baby/child feels safer sleeping near me.

If you choose to heed the warnings and pushy and opinionated "advice", go ahead and NOT co-sleep with your children. Go ahead and stick them in that cold and lonely crib. I'm not going to judge you as the doctors and "Good Parents" judge me...

Don't Tell Me They'll Never Move Out

They eventually move out of the bed on their own. I've learned that through my own studies...so, there! My research shows that four out of my six children are now completely grown out of my bed, one is very close to being in his own bed, and the last one...well, I'll cherish that for as long as I can. There are no statistics out there that will change that.