As a mother, there are a few things that are really important to me when I purchase toys for my kids. If I am investing my hard-earned cash, then I obviously want to get the most out of my money. 

But most importantly, like many other parents out there, I want to ensure the product I’m buying does not contain dangerous chemicals. I want toys that are made of quality raw materials and will not easily break. These toys should last a lifetime to be passed along to siblings, family, friends and even other generations. I want a toy that provides learning opportunities. A toy that will inspire creativity and imagination. A toy that will have multiple uses as my child grows.

Am I asking too much? When it comes to the safety and education of my children, I would say absolutely not!  

As more and more parents are becoming aware and concerned about chemicals in children’s toys, so is the concept of purchasing “green” or “eco-friendly” toys.    

Did you know that many toy manufacturers have made a public commitment to not only implement and uphold a strict safety standard for the products they produce, but to also be environmentally responsible in doing so?

Here are my top 10 picks from Play and Learn Toys (www.playandlearntoys.ca) as tested by friends and family for creative, and safe fun:

1. Large Stepped Pyramid by Grimms
2. ABC Blocks by Heros
3. Trapecolo by Bamboo
4. Large Curved Blocks by Grimms
5. Gourmet Chef Cookware & Gourmet Chef Cuisine
6. Mosaic Puzzle by Hape
7. Ring A Round A Row-sy by Educo
8. Geomix by Haba
9. Contina by Bamboo
10. Colour Charts Rally by Grimms

Okay, I am extremely pleased with the “host an Online party” feature that is offered by both Play and Learn Toys and Dimples Baby Accessories. Customers have the option of hosting an E-party and based on the total sales, they get a credit towards FREE items from our stores. This option has been proving very successful. Customers from one Province can host a party and friends from other Provinces are making purchases in support – how awesome is that? It is especially well-suited for those remote areas where access to boutique shopping is not readily available. It works similar to hosting a catalogue party (e.g. Discovery Toys) except it is all conveniently done online. One stop shopping, without the waiting since products are usually shipped out the next business day. Did I mention that we also have FREE giftwrapping? PLUS, not only does the hostess receive benefits, but whoever is making a purchase also gets a discount. Where else, would you find such great features? Well, People are quickly catching on and opting to host an E-party with us.

It’s been a while since I have posted an article so here I am again sending out my updates. Dimples Baby Accessories is now offering Little Twig products and Modern crib accessories by Ollie & Lime (UK). On the Play and learn Toys side of things, Blabla Doll are the newest addition to our product offerings. As always, we offer FREE Giftwrapping on all orders, FREE Shipping with a minimum purchase, Gift Registry service and Online Parties where you can earn FREE products.

We have also started the implementation of a rigorous Marketing Plan. With that being said, lookout for out ads featured in The Mompreneur and Edmonton’s Child magazines. You will receive discount coupon codes featured in these ads.

We are now mid-year and the launch of e-parties is taking off. You can host an online party by simply inviting your friends and relatives across Canada to participate. Their support will help you to earn FREE toys and gifts from any of our stores. This works great for Baby showers, Birthdays etc. too. You can promote your party through email, Facebook etc. This unique option is proving to be very successful and provides more options for our customers.

Looking forward to seeing you online!

Since the launch of Dimples Baby, I have had the opportunity to have my products reviewed by Kari with Haute ot & Baby Couture Blogsite. Kari is a mom of a 3 year old boy and she just has a little girl and was able to test out a Pippalily Sling and Swaddle Designs Hooded Towel & Washcloth Set. Kari is also the creator of Adam’s Blankie Baby Gifts, Haute Tot Couture children’s clothing, and Gourmet Play Toys. Check out the product review and enter to WIN the GIVEAWAY of a Swaddle Designs Hodded Towel & Washcloth Set.

On that note, a friend of mine (Maggie) just created a NEW Blog site Doodle & Lulu. She is a mom of three and I am very excited for her and her new venture. Maggie is invloved in a number of activities including running an educational program for pre-schoolers, she is very successful as a Gold Canyon Candles Independent Manager, she is very crafty with scrapbooking and quitling etc. Maggie has been awesome in helping me to get the word out about Play and Learn Toys & Dimples Baby Accessories. Please visit her blog Doodle & Lulu and if you have a product to be reviewed – she will help get the word out.

Finally, a big shout out to Jessi at Iceberg Web Design - she has created two awesome websites for me – Play and Learn Toys and Dimples Baby Accessories. She is great to work with and she puts up with me needing everything perfect and the many changes that I am constantly bugging her to do as I get new ideas. Thank You Jessi!

Just Arrived – Eeboo products offering a wide variety of games & activities geared toward Learning & Development.

Matching Games for Pre-school & older kids, Learning to Read, Spelling, Opposites, Rhyming, 123s & ABCs, Writing Stories, Lacing Cards, Maths Skills (Fractions), Learning Time.

Check out the Eeboo brand at Play & Learn Toys

Dimples Baby was created to offer upscale baby accessories such as Blankets, Bibs, Towels, Sleep Sacks etc.

All of our accessories that was previously offered on the Play and Learn Toys website has moved over to the Dimples Baby website.

You can create a Gift Registry for those special occassions. There is also an option for hosting an Online Party and earning a credit toward FREE Products.

Check out the website at www.dimplesbaby.ca

I am very excited to announce that I have added a new feature to the Play & Learn Toys website – Host an Online Party and earn FREE toys. You can now sign up to host an Online Party with Play & Learn Toys and you (the hostess) will decide on a start date for your party and how long you want to keep your party open (usually one week). You will receive an online invitiation by email to send out to your friends/guests. The online invite will contain information about your party as well as a specific coupon code that will allow your guests to receive a Discount of 5% of their entire purchase.

Guests must shop online during the specified timeframe of your party in order to receive their discount. As the hostess of the online party, you will receive a credit toward FREE toys at the Play and Learn Toys online store. All items will be shipped to each guest at the shipping address provided. To book your Online Party, email us at info@playandlearntoys.ca.

Yet another review and giveaway to be won at Fun And Funky Mommy!!! Contest ends on April 17, 2010. Also lookout for new proucts coming soon!!!

Easter Sale – Get 20% Off using coupon code PALTOYS20 – available for a limited time only (expires March 31, 2010)!!!!

Receive a FREE gift on all orders over $150.00

When Play and Learn Toys was developed, I wanted to offer quality toys. However, the store has since expanded to include baby accessories and other quality gifts. In wanting to keep Play and Learn Toys  a toy store, I have decided to have another website developed for just baby accessories such as blankets, bibs, towels and more….Coming Soon – Dimples Baby Accessories!!!