Toys, Toys, Toys

We all have a friend or relative who thinks it’s funny to send a gift with loud bells and whistles (in primary colours that don’t match your décor)—you know, the ones that drive you crazy with the noise, noise, noise, and the relentless need to change the batteries. Then there are the moms who look for something that makes both mom and birthday child happy.

Those moms are savvy moms—ones who know about toys from TJ Whitney’s, the makers of old fashioned children’s toys that are both easy on the parental eye and keep children happy and engaged for hours.

TJ Whitney’s is an award-winning company specializing in reproduction golden era toys. When we say golden era, we mean old fashioned toys with beautiful vintage graphics and simple applications for children. So think stacking boxes and memory games, not listening to a stranger’s voice through a plastic cell phone or flashing lights, and best of all, no AAA’s required. What’s even better is that the children seem to be drawn to them just as much as the adults and how can that be a bad thing?

Despite the old fashioned look and feel of these toys, this is a modern Canadian company launched only a few years ago by entrepreneur Janice Prittie. TJ Whitney’s makes a wide range of products but our favourite for younger children is the Nursery Rhyme Nesting Blocks. These delightful nursery rhyme images come to life in a bright, 10 block nesting set. Featuring such old timers as “Pat a Cake, Pat a Cake” and “Hey Diddle Diddle”, these are the rhymes of our childhood ($24.99). They also feature the history of said rhyme for you to share with your child (and that might not make you feel so old).

For the older set (four and up) we like the Toy Memories Match ($19.99), complete with charming watercolor images of classic toys and not a single licensed character in sight. 

These days it’s all about simplicity. We say ditch the plastic and reach for these retro gems. Your kids will love them too.

TJ Whitney’s Toys
www.amazon.com

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