The Origin of the Barbie and Ken Dolls

There are many children who have a favorite type of toy. This can be teddy bears, Cabbage Patch dolls, Care Bears, soft dogs and cats. They can even be the world famous Barbie and Ken dolls. These two dolls are well known by many people and not just children. While these two dolls are mainly used as toys by little girls, collectors will not hesitate to buy either of these should they come across one.

The Barbie and Ken dolls are made so that they resemble adults. The many different careers and styles of the years have an impact on the lives of these dolls. Today you will find that the world of Barbie has many accessories and items that can be used with either of these two dolls. There are also companion dolls that are of different ethnic backgrounds.

The original Barbie doll was based on a German doll called Bild Lilli. Once Mattel made Barbie and acquired the rights to the German doll, Lilli was soon discontinued. Barbie was then officially given the name Barbara Millicent Roberts. Ken was named Ken Carson. The names for the Barbie and Ken dolls were taken from the names of Ruth Handler, who was the original designer of Barbie.

While Barbie made her debut into the toy market during 1959 at the International Toy Fair in New York, Ken made his appearance during 1961. From 1961 Barbie and Ken have been considered as a couple. Their relationship was a on and off relationship. After a 43 year relationship, the Mattel Company decided that it was time for the two dolls relationship to end.

This separation lasted for about 2 years. In 2006 Barbie and Ken were made into a couple again. While the reason for the separation of the famous couple is probably due to a decline in sales, the reason they are a couple is that probably Barbie doesn't sound complete without Ken.

While the popularity of both Barbie and Ken is attributed to the clothes and accessories you can buy, the look of the dolls may also play an important role. For many young girls Barbies looks are in keeping with the careers that she keeps getting. This fashion conscious doll has gone from being merely a fashion doll to a pilot, doctor, airline stewardess, astronaut, rock star to even being a fairy tale princess or mermaid.

Now while Barbie and Ken are just toys they are iconic figures. The looks and careers you see these dolls appearing in are an indication of how toy fashions can change. The one constant perhaps is the imagination and the endless hours of fun that a girl can derive from just playing with her Barbie and Ken dolls.

Online Toy Store Safety Tips

Online toy stores are ideal places to shop for toys. Your chances of locating that hard to find toy are much higher online, and you can easily compare prices and read reviews before making your purchase.

Of course, while you surf the online toy stores, do not forget to keep safety in mind. Here are 3 quick tips for buying safe toys online:

1. Do not buy building sets with magnets for children under the age of 6

Small magnets that come loose from toys pose a severe choking hazard. If you buy a building set or other toy with small magnets, make sure you purchase your toy from a reputable toy manufacture. Once you get the toy home, regularly inspect the set to be sure none of the magnets have come loose. Be sure to keep small magnets away from young children who might swallow them.

2. If you are buying a scooter, skateboard, bicycle or other riding toy, buy a helmet as well

When you are buying a bicycle, scooter or other riding toy, be sure to purchase the necessary safety related equipment. Every child should have a multipurpose, and proper fitting, helmet that can be used for bicycles, scooters, and other riding toys. Elbow pads and knee pads are also essential for skateboarding and can be especially helpful when your child is first learning to ride a bike.

3. Never buy small balls or toys with other small parts for children under the age of 3

Small balls and other toys with small parts pose a choking hazard for children under the age of 3. Be sure to check the manufacturer's age recommendations and any warning indicating that the toy would not be safe for children under the age of 3. If you are shopping at an online toy store and there is no recommended age range for the toy you are considering, do not purchase the toy for a child under the age of 3. Find a similar toy that specifies the recommended age range on another website.

Imagiplay Wooden Children's Toys

ImagiPLAY Toys

Buying "green" products made from environmentally-sustainable, renewable resources has gotten easier and easier, thanks to a growing demand for these items and the availability of online shopping. Wouldn't it be wonderful if you could find toys that are made with "green" methods and are produced by fairly paid manufacturers? Thanks to ImagiPLAY Toys with Integrity, you can find a wide selection of toys you can feel good about buying for your child or giving as gifts.

The Company

The founder and president of ImagiPLAY, Barbera Aimes, studied language and music across the Unites States and In Japan before settling in Boulder, Colorado to establish her business. Barbera believes in the value of play and in creating positive change. Her goal is to "help children appreciate our world. " ImagiPLAY toys make available safe, earth-friendly toys that teach children the alphabet, counting, and eye-hand coordination, all while fostering imaginative play and teaching about the diverse animal species our world contains.

How the Products are Made

ImagiPLAY's toys are all made from environmentally-friendly products. You won't find plastics and other synthetics among their products, so you don't have to worry about lead and other toxins. ImagiPLAY uses primarily plantain-grown rubberwood from rubber trees grown in managed forests. This wood is not only beautiful, it is durable and splinter-free, and allows for the trees to have a "second life" after their sap-producing years are over.

Not only are the products made from earth-friendly products, but they are manufactured in a way that respects their makers: because the factories where these toys are produced are close to the places where the workers live, those who make these toys can maintain a healthy life/work balance.

So, not only can you rest assured that they products you buy are helping to sustain our earth, you can know that they are produced in a way that fairly treats the company's workers.

The Products

You'll find toys for toys for babies and toddlers, and beautifully crafted animal figures for older children available through ImagiPLAY. Their baby rattles are crafted from smooth, beautiful, managed forest beechwood, and polished with beeswax. Toddler push toys in a variety of shapes, from hybrid cars to ducks, are made of rubberwood so they are safe for your child and your floors.

Puzzles, blocks, and bead mazes, all made from earth-friendly wood, will entertain your toddler for hours. Check out the veggie cutting set, which allows toddlers to "cut" vegetables made from colorful wood and to reassemble new vegetable creations with Velcro.

ImagiPLAY's puzzle playsets are puzzles and figures in one. After your child takes apart the three-dimensional pieces of the rainforest puzzle, he will want to play endless imaginative games with the figures, learning about different species as he manipulates the colorful, easy to hold pieces.

Colorific Earth Puzzles and Natural Dream Puzzles are interlocking, three dimensional, wooden puzzles that will spark your child's interest in the animals they represent as well as teach him hand-eye coordination. Wooden playsets such as A Day in the Kingdom or a Day on the Farm feature characters and sets to foster imaginative play, all made from easy-to-hold, durable wood.

Room décor items are also available, featuring giraffe bookends and wild animal coat hooks. Collectible animal pairs feature zebras, wolves, lions, and other sets of wild animals in both natural wood and painted wood. These animals will be sure to spark some imaginative play and to encourage your child to learn more about the animals these toys inspired.

USA Map Floor Puzzle, 50 pieces

Product Details

Brightly-colored, imaginatively-illustrated puzzles for learning and play. Rugged pieces that are easy for little fingers to put together. The handy storage case lets kids take the puzzle wherever they go. Finished floor puzzle is 20" by 30". For ages 4-7.

• 50 Pieces
• Multi-use case
• Great Graphics
• High Quality
• Recommended Age Range 3-6

Wild Animals Floor Puzzle, 36 Pieces

Product Details

Give your preschooler's spatial thinking and fine motor skills a workout with this large, colorful puzzle. Big, thick pieces are perfectly sized for a young child's grasp. We love the kid-friendly illustrations and coordinating carrying case - perfect for clean-up, storage and travel! Includes 36 pieces and a coordinating carrying case. Crocodile Creek puzzles are designed in the United States. Puzzle pieces are made of thick cardboard. The case is made of thick cardboard with a plastic handle. Dimensions: Case: L 10.5 x H 7.5 x W 3.5 in. Puzzle: W 20 x L 30 in. Learning skills: Cognitive, Language, Sensory, Social/Emotional and Independent Play. Ages 2 Years+

• 36 Pieces
• Multi-use case
• Great Graphics
• High Quality
• Recommended Age Range 3-6

Melissa & Doug Presidents of The Usa Floor Puzzle - 100 Piece

Product Details

Portraits of all 43 U.S. presidents are featured on a giant floor puzzle that's fun for the whole family. The sturdy puzzle pieces are 20% thicker than other floor puzzles and the easy-clean surface keeps them looking new. 100-piece puzzle measures approximately 2 feet by 3 feet when completed.

• Comes with thick, durable pieces
• Features a gorgeous variety of realistic, appealing images
• Bright, sturdy packaging withstands many uses
• Contains 100 pieces
• Each President's portrait is shown, with his name underneath

Velociraptor Dinosaur Floor Puzzle

Product Details

Velociraptor Dinosaur Floor Puzzle

The Role of Play in Children's Learning

Play Time University?
A child does not need to learn to play, but he does need to play to learn. From the earliest age, children are fascinated by the world around them and they desire to interact with it as much as possible. The utilization of miniature versions of things the children see in the adult world can give the child a way to explore how the real world works. It also can be a great tool to help a parents evaluate what messages they are conveying to their children as they see how their children interpret what they observe with their parents.

Look out for toys that will help your children develop skills that will prepare them for life, teach them to engage the creative process, and give you a fun opportunity to become part of their world in a fresh new way.

Understanding the importance of play in the development of children's lives, you should take the opportunity wherever possible to make choices that will stimulate learning through the joy of play.

When planning your next birthday party, you could choose a themed party such as a pirate party or a fairy party, and then incorporate exciting events in your party that will help the children understand a little about the significance piracy has had on the history of the world or how the magic of fairies can be lived through children and adult literature. We can help with party bag fillers that might include pocket money toys that simulate pirate booty. Or perhaps you might prefer to simplify your life by purchasing pre-filled party bags that will make your child's party more memorable for all attendees.

A great way to spend quality time with your child is to choose toys that will naturally benefit from your guidance. An origami set could open your child's mind to explore the origins of this unique form of art. A build-your-own periscope kit can help you teach your child about how mirrors and reflections can be used as tools. Wooden finger puppets can be used to teach your child how to create stories and express idea. Simple musical toys can introduce a child to the language of rhythm, harmony, and rhyme.

Felt boards, puzzles, and even baby dolls, when given the proper direction, can be invaluable in the development of a child. The limits are found only in your and your child's imagination and creativity.

Toys are never supposed to be simple time filler, baby sitters, or toy box stuffers. They should be carefully selected to add quality to the life of a child that will follow him through all of his or her days. Be purposeful when choosing toys. As they are outgrown, recycle them into the life of another child, so old toys do not overwhelm the environment. When you start taking toys seriously, they will help your child to flourish in ways you can't even imagine. Play smart!

The Importance of Toddler Toys in Brain Development

The first three years of a child are crucial to brain development. During this period, the brain triples in weight and establishes billions of nerve connections. At the age of three, kids have twice as many nerve connections than a lot of adults. This is the reason why toddlers are very curious and inquisitive.

Their brains absorb thousands of information all at once, constructing new connections and associations, and making sense out of all the new and unfamiliar sights and sounds that bombard their senses. This is also the reason why toddler toys are designed the way that they are: colorful, bright, loud, with many different textures, shapes, sizes, and are made of different materials. These are all designed to stimulate and develop a child's mind.

Differentiation and classification
In the early phase of development, one of the crucial things that a child learns is differentiation and classification. Toddler toys such as building blocks, stuffed animals, padded play gyms, rubber balls, and spiky mats, help a child recognize the different textures and shapes of different objects. Having toddler toys in different colors and in different hues and shades, also allows a child to perceive the nuances and basic principles of color, developing their creativity and imagination. Exposing the child to as many colors, shapes, and textures as possible can help expand their perceptions and sensory experience, and help them have a wider picture of the world.

Emotional intelligence and imagination
There are also toys for toddlers that nurture emotional intelligence and imagination. The popular ones are musical toys for toddlers. Musical toys help kids learn balance and harmony, and stimulate their creative minds with interesting melodies and artistic rhythms. Classical music, particularly Mozart's Violin Concertos, is also a big help in developing a child's brain and imagination.

Logic and reasoning
While infants already have most of the neurons they need for their lifetime, their neurons are not yet wired together to form the compound networks required for complex thought processes. In the early years of a child, the neurons rapidly link together and form connections or synapses. Toys such as puzzles, mind games, mixing and matching, play cards, and mind maps can help toddlers make complex associations and rapidly develop their logic and reasoning.

Memory and concentration
These days, with numerous technological advances and a bombardment of media messages and information, from home theaters to 3D video games, all-day cartoon channels to internet access and online entertainment, and from billboards to interactive LCD screens, ubiquitous advertisements, and sophisticated gadgets, kids and toddlers have shorter attention span and concentration. They are easily distracted and bored. Traditional toys for kids can help them be more patient, increase focus and concentration, improve their listening skills, filter out distractions, and enhance their memory.

Traditional toys that require kids to sit down, think, and tinker for a couple of minutes or even an hour will help a child form good habits and acquire discipline-two important traits for excelling in school and the adult world.

Opera Glasses - Setting the Perfect Musical Stage

Opera, the mere mention of the word itself brings zillions of smiles on the faces of music lovers. The most famous form of musical drama, consisting of singing with orchestral accompaniment, an orchestral overture and interludes, they are stealing the hearts of millions and enthralling people with their sheer magnificence since decades.

Whether it is the worlds most acknowledged musical theatre masterpiece and the longest running show in the history of Her Majestys Theatre, Andrew Lloyd Webbers "The Phantom of the Opera" or any other distinguished opera, people just can not resist their charm and brilliance and keep on flocking the theatre to enjoy and delight in the most pleasurable experience of their life.

The whole theatre is jam packed with opera lovers savoring the magnificent stage, spell bounding performances, vibrant costumes, mesmerizing special effects and lots more. But have you ever thought- what makes the performances most enjoying by the audience? How do they get to relish all the intricate gestures and see the facial expressions of the performers even while sitting in the last row or from the balcony?

The opera glasses have been setting the perfect tunes for the audiences so that they can bask in the glory of the opera performance without any misses and cuts. Designed according to the Gallelioen design of the binoculars and sporting wide lens, they ensure unobstructed and full view of the stage regardless of the place you are seated.

Earlier, the audiences who had seats at the back row and not having the luxury of opera glasses used to come out the theatre unsatisfied and frustrated as they were not able to completely enjoy the performances, costumes and special effects due to the visual obstruction. But, opera glasses are setting the ideal stage for them to relish each and every detail with finesse and style.

Available in numerous styles, designs and prices, they can compliment the sense of style of each individual and make a perfect fashion statement. You even have the privilege to select the opera glasses matching your dress. To relieve you from the burden of holding them while watching the performances, they are available with handles and chains. What more, you can also choose the glasses having features like light which enable you to go through the program list without disturbing your neighbors and other audiences.

Now, when opera- goers come out the theatre they are completely satisfied and their smiles and twinkle in their eyes says it all!

Why Are Wooden Toys Classics?

Why are wooden toys classics?

It is easy to be tempted in the store to look at and buy the latest and greatest, flashiest new toy on display. But, we have all found that the classic wooden toys are the ones that stand up to the test of time both in terms of durability, stimulating and holding children's interest, generation after generation.

I let out a chuckle when I saw the classic wooden duck on a string among my daughter's first birthday presents. I thought, "Wow I had one of those when I was a kid". And now, just as I did, my daughter pulls on the string and the duck follows her everywhere as she toddles around the house. The latest whirling, flashing thing is great for a few moments, but this duck is her friend.

It's a similar story with trains. All of my son's friends have wooden train sets. They have been played with for years and years. When they visit each other to play with all their newfangled stuff and then begin to look bored on a rainy day, its always a sure thing to ask "who wants to play trains?" Wooden train sets are never boring to either gender and for all ages.

It is easy to imagine that wooden toys are expensive because they are so durable and great for kids. But, it is fairly easy, if you look, to find a simple wooden puzzle or set of blocks at your toy store. As these toys last for a long time, you will also find them at a local garage sale for a fraction of the price - well-loved, but still in great condition. You also don't have to buy the brand-name sets (e.g. Biro wooden trains) you can find similar items at your nearest discount store (check out Ikea).

The reason that wooden toys, including: puzzles, pull-toys, trains, dollhouses, blocks and logs for building have become classics is that they stimulate children's imagination while standing up to the knocks of childhood play.

Our Solor System Floor Puzzle

Product Details

The Planets provides amazing facts and fascinating myths and legends for each planet in the solar system. Each page increases in size as the journey through space moves farther away from the Sun toward Pluto. A gatefold page explores the other parts of the solar system. Stories of the Sun takes the young reader through an exciting journey of the solar system. Making stops at The Earth, The Moon, The Stars, and The Planets, readers will learn interesting facts, history, myths, and legends about the solar system. Vibrant, scientifically accurate illustrations detail each celestial body. Presented on graduated pages that steadily increase, and finished with a detailed gatefold, Stories of the Sun is a dynamic introduction to the solar system. Features: This floor puzzle is 5 feel long, has 48 large pieces and is recommended for age groups 4 and up.

• Toys, Puzzles, Sovling Problems, Jigsaw Puzzles

Let's Learn the Aleph Bet and Numbers Floor Puzzle

Product Details

4-inch interlocking colorful foam rubber puzzle mat includes removeable aleph bet including final letters and numbers from 0-9. The 36 pieces can either be used to form a shape or layout on the floor as mat. Comes in a clear plastic zippered storage case.

• 4-inch interlocking colorful foam rubber puzzle mat includes removeable aleph bet including final letters and numbers from 0-9.
• The 36 pieces can either be used to form a shape or layout on the floor as mat.
• Comes in a clear plastic zippered storage case.

Toys And Games That Both Parents And Children Can Enjoy Together

In this demanding and competitive world, many people find that they tend to work too hard to the extent that it is hard to achieve a proper work life balance. I don't spend enough time with my kids? I am too stressed? Does this all sound familiar? If yes, you will probably appreciate this article which seeks to introduce to you selective toys and games that can be enjoyed by parents and kids alike. Hopefully, this will enable you to spend quality fun time with your children and at the same time takes your mind off work and relieves stress.

Remote Controlled Toys

Radio controlled toys such as helicopters and cars provide the excitement that both children and adults desire and encourage interaction between parents and their children. Depending on what you buy, these toys can be enjoyed inside or outside in the garden, yard or park. Most RC toys are relatively easy to control, especially when under adult supervision and are suitable for children 8 years and up.

Puzzles

I highly recommend puzzles. There is a vast array of interesting puzzles in the market place such as the Tripod puzzle, Cmetric Too and of course the highly popular Sudocube which comes in a cube just like the traditional rubik cube. These puzzles are created to stimulate critical thinking and encourage problem solving skills, combining education and fun.

Educational Solar Toys

In today's climate of environmental awareness, solar powered toys and kits are not only great fun, but also introduce children of all ages to the concept of renewable energy and offer adults and their children the experience of building the toys together. Different solar toys offer different degrees of difficulty when it comes to assembling, hence, you can be sure to find one that is both challenging and fun for both parents and child.

Active Toys

As the risk of child obesity increases at an alarming rate, it is important that we continue to look for creative ways to add activities into the lifestyles of our children. There are a number of fun games that encourages physical movements and exercise. Games such as Dance Pad and racket ball games are great way to achieve this goal.

Homemade Toys

Finally, there are many inexpensive ways to engage your kids and is fun for parent and child. Nothing beats the old fashion way of paper plane and kite making. Kids' sense of pride in their kites is undeniable. No store-bought kites could have brought these children as close to the mystery and physics of flight as their own creations. Parents would no doubt enjoy teaching their children how to make these toys which they themselves played with as children. Teaching children how to make a toy can be a memorable and meaningful way to spend time with them.

I hope I have provided you with some general ideas and concepts of how certain toys and games can be enjoyed by both parents and child which ultimately achieves the goal of spending more time with your kids and hopefully serves as stress relief from work. For specific details of some of the toys and games mentioned in this article, I encourage you to visit my website.

The Learning Journey Puzzle Doubles in PVC Carry Bag Solar System Floor Puzzle

Product Details

Two Sided 24 Piece Puzzle with Crayons

• 24 Piece Puzzle
• 4 Wipe Off Crayons
• Bright Colorful Talk About Puzzles
• PVC Bag For Portable Storage
• Line Drawing On The Back Side For Coloring

The Learning Journey Puzzle Doubles Giant Pirate Ship Floor Puzzle

Product Details

Each giant sized Puzzle Double product takes the concept of a traditional puzzle to a whole new level! Each GIANT ?oor puzzle in this series includes a giant 30 piece 2' X 3' beautifully illustrated "talk about" ?oor puzzle. Once the puzzle is completed the fun is just getting started! Turn the puzzle over and now it becomes a giant coloring activity! Use the four write on/wipe off crayons that are enclosed to color each large scene. Once complete, you can wipe off the crayons with a dry cloth. Puzzle Doubles provide children with multiple learning activities all combined in one great product! Ages 3+ years.

• 30 Piece Puzzle
• 4 Wipe Off Crayons
• Bright Colorful Talk About Puzzles
• Line Drawing On Back Side For Coloring
• Builds Self-Confidence

Melissa & Doug Deluxe Dragon Storm Cardboard Jigsaw - 500 Piece

Product Details

The thick, durable pieces of this 500-piece puzzle when assembled, feature an exciting scene with a magical wizard and dragons in flight. This best quality cardboard jigsaw puzzle represents a great value! Bright, sturdy packaging will withstand many uses. Measures 14.5" x 10.5" x 2.5".

• Feature a gorgeous variety of realistic, appealing images and stunning original artwork
• Contains 500-pieces
• Bright and sturdy packaging
• Excellent for developing small motor skills and problem solving skills
• Exceptional quality and value

Disney Princess First Look & Find & Giant Puzzle

Product Details

• 6 square feet of first look & find puzzle fun
• Includes: 1 First Look & Find Book and 1 Giant Floor Puzzle
• Search, Point, and Match - Practice Counting - Identify Shapes & Colors - Read a Book Alone - Practice Motor Skills
• 3' x 2' Puzzle

Melissa & Doug USA Map 51 pcs Floor Puzzle

Product Details

Geography comes to life in this jumbo-sized floor puzzle, featuring 51 shape-cut pieces of the states. Heavy-grade cardboard pieces are coated on both sides for added durability. Kids will have fun learning the states on this colorful, informative map puzzle.

• Kids will have fun learning the states on this colorful, informative map puzzle!
• Featuring 51 heavy-grade shape-cut cardboard pieces
• Puzzle pieces are coated on both sides for added durability
• Helps develop matching skills
• Recommended Age Range 6 Years and up