Organizing Toys

Before we begin, I wanted to share some startling statistics with you. I found them in Every Child has a Thinking Style by Lanna Nakone. Keep them in mind when you are organizing toys with your kids.

Children from the age of 4-12 have tripled their purchases since the 1990's.
Children's homes have 50% more things in them since the 1980's.
Since the 1920s toys have been marketed directly to children.
In 2004, 15 billion dollars were spent on advertising to children.
In 1981, kids had 40% time for play.
In 1997, kids have 25% time for play.
Children have a third less downtime than they did a generation ago.

YIKES!

Isn't it interesting that kids have MORE toys now and LESS time to enjoy them? Something is wrong with this picture.

In this article we are going to explore simple ideas for organizing toys, games to make it fun for all, as well as become more clear about your role and your child's role in organizing toys.

Simple Ideas for Organizing Toys

Create one room that is the play room. This may mean children will have to share a bedroom. This allows for their sleep room to be a place of tranquility, peacefulness, and rest. It also keeps toys in a space that is every kids dream--their own play room! Create zones such as a game zone, reading zone, doll zone, car zone, missing pieces zone, etc. The special zones will make it easy to know where things belong. Plus when the kids are inspired, they can easily find the toy that will take them to never-never land.

Use clear baskets and bins for kids to visually see where their toys are and where they belong when it is time to put them away. Empower the kids at all ages to develop this life skill of putting things back. Use pictures for kids who are not reading yet by cutting out pictures from magazines, drawing the toys, or taking a digital picture and using it as the label. Turn it into an art project and have the kids make their own labels.

Practice the "One-In, Two-Out" rule. For every toy that is brought into the home, have the child choose two to donate or give to another friend. This is a marvelous habit to get the kids into. (Well, for us adults too!) The other beauty of this rule is when you are at a store and your child asks for a new toy. You can ask them, "Are there two toys you are willing to let go of to allow this into your playroom?" If the answer is NO, then it is easier to say not now. If the answer is YES, then ask which toys they are thinking about to make sure they are somewhat comparable in size and value. I bet some kids would be more than willing to let go of a fast food toy for a race track! Creating this new thought process with purchases will allow the kids to be an active part of the decision.

Let go of the big, bulky toys that take up tons of space. Trade them in for a bicycle or even a wagon. Kids have flourished with simple toys that enhance their creativity and their physical fitness in the past. Why not do the same now?

Get creative with games and puzzles. Games and puzzles add a special challenge by having different shaped boxes. One solution is to get rid of the boxes and have a clear plastic container for game pieces, a binder for the rules, and a box for all the game boards (with a label on the outside of the card). You can also use the screensaver play for each game in its own box to keep your interest. For the puzzle, use zipper bags for the pieces and paint the back, so you know which piece goes up, the puzzle when it mixes. Remember, you have the power to make space for games and puzzles for your job, your space suit instead of your games and puzzles.

Create a way for children to be free laptop. You might want to play in an area close to thatyou. You may even want them where you can see them. So, have a basket in each room where toys migrate. Throughout the day these baskets can collect the toys and allow for easy pick up to be returned to the play room.

Get in the habit of putting toys to bed. This turns the kids space into a clean slate for new fun to be had!

Rotate toys. As adults, we know what it is like to have too many choices. It can paralyze us! The same is true for kids. If you find them being overwhelmed with their toy selections or becoming bored, place some in a storage box to be brought out on a rainy day or in a couple of months. This will extend the life of the toy by having them feel new again!

Slow the toy flow. If toys are coming into your life at unmanageable speeds, or if you find you are not receiving appropriate gifts for your children, it may be time to offer other suggestions to your family and friends. For example, you can suggest money for your child's college fund, gift certificates, or experiences such as museums, parks, music lessons, trips, etc.

Change your language. Organizing toys instead of cleaning toys can make all the difference in their excitement level. For some reason, kids respond to "Let's organize your toys!" instead of "Hey, let's clean up the play room." I know which one sounds like more fun to me! Ha!

Games to Make Organizing Toys Fun

Out of Place Game

Once a home for their toys is created, ask your kids to close their eyes while you move things around. Their goal is to find all the items out of place and put them back in their home. This encourages kids to look for misplaced items, think about where they belong, and take action to put them back. Using a timer can add another level of challenge! You can even use this for other items in the house such as books, clothes, and school supplies.

Timers

Timers are wonderful tools to add a little excitement and motivation to any project--even organizing toys! By having one near the play area you can:

Set the timer for 15 minutes and when it goes off, it is time to put the toys away.
See how long it takes the kids to put the toys away and race against the clock.
Set the time for a certain amount and what ever is not put away gets placed in a donation box or a safe box (to be let out after a certain time.) Okay, this may seem a little mean, but you could use this if the kids are not cooperating and need an extra incentive.

Field Trip to Donation Center

If your kids are donating toys, take them to the donation center and let the employees share how their toys will be used. If you let the donation center know you are coming in advance, they may even have a little celebration for your kids to reinforce how special their gift is. This could make it even easier the next time that your toys are.

Toy Hunt

Add a touch to clear the mess by putting toys in a treasure hunt. Make a list of all the things you do that after the children to hunt, or better yet, ask your children come with their own lists. Items may include:

Toys that break
Toys that are too young for me
The toys do not like to play more with
Toys, the game lacks a

Now set a timer andsee how many items they can find for the entire list, or for a specific topic, such as broken toys. You can have the kids race against each other or work together as a team effort and give them different zones to hunt.

Yard Sale

This could be a fun way for your child to learn a ton of different skills--money management, marketing, sales, and of course--organizing toys! By making money from their toys, they will see a different kind of value attached to the toy and may be willing to let go of them a little easier. Plus, they can use the money to buy something else they desire.

Your Kid's Role in Organizing Toys

I am a firm believer in having the kids be a part of the decision on what toys are given away. I get a lot of grief from parents on this one, but think about it. On some instances, your child may not know their toy is missing and YES, it is easier for you to do it when they are not around. But just like anything, it is a habit and a way of thinking about their things that can be taught and will take some time. It is possible for kids to develop a lack of trust and hang onto their toys even harder if they fear they will be taken away without their input. This is another fabulous way to teach them how to make choices that reach far beyond toys.

Get the kids involved in their own space. How do they want it decorated? What zones make sense to them? What does organizing toys mean to them? What would motivate them to clean up their space? When given the chance, kids can come up with the best ideas.

Kids also have their own organizing style that is important to embrace. So, how you would organize their space may not work for them. I recommend reading Every Child has a Thinking Style to help identify your child's own style to empower and understand them.

Your Role in Organizing Toys

In my opinion, your role is to be a guide, a support and creator of a safe place for your children to learn. Simply being a great role model with your own stuff and learning how to organize will also empower the rest of the family.

Now is the time to be honest with yourself. Are you more attached to the toys than your kids? I have seen it time and time again. Your attachment may come from the amount of money the toy cost, to who gave it to your child, to the memories you have of your child playing with it. When you have a heart palpitation when the kid picks out the train set he no longer plays with, ask your self where it is coming from. You may find that you have more resistance with letting go of toys than they do AND you could be passing that along to them unknowingly.

It is especially important that you organize WITH your child, and not do it FOR them. They will enjoy having you as an organizing buddy.

Take time to really play with your children. This will give you a better idea of why they like certain toys and child connect with you deeply. Also we all need more time to play in our lives!

The Joy of Building Wooden Toys

The earliest form of toys which dates back to the historical Roman era were all constructed from wood. Toymakers throughout the world fine-tuned the art of crafting wood creating authentic looking dolls, horses, and classic games that we still enjoy today. As time progress more complex and intricate details were added in the process. Vibrant colorful shades, plush fabrics, and movable wooden toy parts paved the way for a new breed. The beloved train set was born along with dollhouses for little girls. During the post WWII period plastic became popular discontinuing the need for wood products. Unfortunately, wooden toys are seldom visible in today's stores. Everything is computerized or artificial. These once immensely popular toys can only be found online or at special novelty shops.

Wooden toys are highly beneficial to children. Each unique toy promotes a specific skill that will assist a child in proper development. Large puzzles with thick wood pegs for easy gripping enhance various fine motor skills. Sturdy wood toy wheels on riding playthings significantly improve mobility. Miniature play sets give kids an opportunity to work on social interaction while learning simultaneously. Unlike modern toys in the market today which are equipped with sound effects, sensor motions, and blue-chip technology wooden toys force kids to use their imagination during play. Children must envision the sights and sounds on their own. These toys are free from many of the toxic concerns associated with plastic products and the environment as well.

There are many options for a builder to consider when making a toy. You can be as creative as you want or adhere to a basic design. Boys and girls enjoy different types of wooden toys depending on their age range. Toddlers of both sexes love wooden blocks and pull toys. Stick horses, doll swings, cribs, puzzles, trucks, cars, trains, soldiers, and games are all sought-after creations. Games such as chess can be easily made with wood spindles and screwhole buttons. Play sets of farms, kitchens, firehouses, and dollhouses are available in wood toy kits if you need extra guidance in the layout. Building wooden toys is an excellent hobby.

The sheer joy that comes from building wooden toys is overwhelming. If you've worked with wood before or are new to woodworking the sense of accomplishment as you shape a piece of unfinished wood into a precious toy for your child or grandchildren is beyond rewarding. Creating a toy that can last for decades and be passed down through generations to come is a marvelous gift for your family. Wooden toys educate the mind as they unlock a child's imagination. Building can even become a new tradition in your home. Allowing your grandchild to be present and help while making the wood toy parts will instill in them confidence and pride. It is also a fantastic way to bond with kids. They feel special and quite important standing on a stool assisting dad or grandfather in the process. A simple wooden play set or truck has the ability to become the most cherished toy in the universe because you made it just for them.

Wooden Toys Promote Creativity

Wooden toys have been around since ancient times. Back then, toys were made out of natural materials or whatever was on hand. Today, toys are produced by the millions, and 99% are made of plastic and other manmade materials. Many of these toys are made in 3rd world countries and are not always of the best quality. Plastic breaks easily which will not last very long. In recent history, there have been problems with lead and other toxic metals showing up in the paint of these items. Wood is a more Eco-friendly material to use. It is durable and can withstand a fair amount of abuse. Generally regarded as safe, these types of toys, when used age appropriately; will give your child many hours of play.

There are many educational wooden baby toys such as ring stackers, alphabet blocks, counting abacuses, and animal puzzles. Their bright colors and simple designs make it easy to keep a baby's attention and teach him skills in the process.

Toddler boys will enjoy playing with wooden trucks that have moving parts and resemble actual 18- wheelers and tractors. However, trucks are not the only toys that can be produced from wood; there are trains, boats and any other vehicle you can think of. Some of these wooden toys are handcrafted which makes them a little more unique than the assembly line variety. Perhaps, some of these may become collector's items, if they are cared for and kept for a period of time.

Girls will love a wooden toy chest designed to look like a doll house. They can store all their toys, dolls, and doll accessories in one convenient place. Other toys chests can resemble benches or even be personalized with the child's name on it.

Can Jigsaw Puzzle Play Make Your Child Smarter?

Perhaps. Did you know that almost everything children learn during the early childhood years is accomplished through play? The toys your pre-schooler plays with are actually important tools in his or her development. And jigsaw puzzles are one of the best toys for a child's cognitive development. Most pre-schoolers really enjoy constructive play, especially building projects with a finished product at the end. That's why wooden toys like jigsaw puzzles and blocks are ideal for children at this age.

Many educators today agree that the skills needed to complete a jigsaw puzzle are fundamental. The humble jigsaw puzzle can help stimulate your child's concentration and logical thinking processes. Jigsaw puzzles can teach reasoning and problem solving skills as well as hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness.

If your child is a kinesthetic learner, he or she will derive even more benefit from jigsaw puzzle play. Kinesthetic learners do best when there's lots of hands-on activities involving touching, forming or shaping things with their hands as a part of the learning or problem-solving experience.

Besides being loads of fun, jigsaw puzzles can help your children develop their ability to pursue and achieve objectives. Since solving a jigsaw puzzle is an activity a child can easily share with friends, siblings or other family members, it's also a great way to introduce your child to team activities where more than one player is working toward a common goal.

What's more, jigsaw puzzle play can easily facilitate a broader learning experience. Whether it's a pre-schooler just learning his colors or a fifth grader learning about the cosmos, the subject matter and difficulty level of the puzzle can assist and reinforce a pre-schooler in learning colors or an older child in learning the planets in the Milky Way.

Puzzles are also great for seniors. It's a low-stress, yet highly effective way for seniors to help keep their cognitive abilities sharp as long as possible. Jigsaw puzzles can be fun and beneficial for just about everyone. Certainly for kids of all ages and seniors, and also as a way to relieve stress for busy adults or stressed-out moms and dads. The jigsaw puzzle is truly a unique, inexpensive and entertaining resource.

5 Great Educational Toys

Everyone knows that children learn by play. So it stands to reason that we all want our children to get the most out of their play. There are many great toys around, and so why not combine a great toy that kids love with a learning tool.

Here are five great educational toys for children and why they are so good for your kids

1) Wooden Blocks

Wooden blocks have been around for ever and there is a simple reason for that, children love them. Kids of all ages and genders love playing with wooden blocks.

They are great learning toys for kids because they teach them about:

Shapes: blocks come in a variety of shapes with flat surfaces for stacking, arches, cubes, pyramids and domes.



Feel: wooden blocks aren't cold or too hard to the touch. Wood is soft, and won't do much damage in an accident.



Colours: wooden blocks are usually multi coloured. This gives a parent the opportunity to teach a child about colours and for a child to enjoy the beauty of colours.



Fine motor skills: a child will learn how to handle blocks, as they grow older, they will learn to stack them and line them up. The older they get, the higher their towers, bridges and cities grow.



Cognitive skills: Some children might like to sort blocks into groups of colour or shape or size. A parent can also introduce a child to discover this recognition of groups and like items using simple blocks.



Imagination: A child can build anything with blocks; their imagination is their only limitation. Blocks provide a great outlet for children exercise their imagination.

2) Puzzles

Puzzles teach children so many wonderful skills. There are puzzles suitable for all ages and levels, from two and three piece sets to multi piece, more difficult ones.

Cognitive Skills: A child will learn how pieces can fit together to make a whole and how to find and place these pieces. Some puzzles use simple shapes to create an image or shapes to fit a board, or cubes to form a picture but most puzzles are complex images on irregular shapes that come together to form an intricate picture.



Fine Motor Skills: Little fingers will gain pleasure from fitting into position these simple shapes. Smaller pieces will make this more challenging as they get older.



Patience and Social Skills: A child can learn patience from puzzles as they take time to master, and learning to take turns build better social skills.

3) Books

Children will learn many things from books that will serve them well into their older years. They learn about allegory, rhyme, rhythm and repetition. They learn listening skills and observation skills. Eventually they will learn reading skills but most importantly reading to your children provides them special time with their parent or loved ones.

4) Shape Sorter

Shaper sorters provide a child with many hours of entertainment and provide them with an opportunity to practice their fine motor skills, by fitting pieces into holes and cognitive skills by learning to recognise the different shapes and visual skills by learning about different colours.

Learning to take turns with siblings and friends teaches children important social and negotiation skills.

5) Role Play

Toys like doll houses, pirate ships, shops, garages or castles that consist of perhaps vehicles, dolls, people and various items will help to teach your child role play. Role playing, is when the child uses their imagination to create characters and a story using props. Boys might prefer cars and fire engines or pirate ships, and girls might prefer dolls and shops.

Kids toys so often combine fun with learning, and it is not hard to find the toy for the right time for your child to actively learn about their world.

6 Years Old and Their Toys

You have to choose a toy for your kid that is appropriate for the toddlers as well as safe for them. The six year old children are at a point of their entry into the elementary school and have advanced beyond many nursery activities. For example, when you consider the case of your toddler who is 6 years old, they gain considerable knowledge in the field of fields of arts and crafts. You will sometimes feel tired of being scolded by the tiny child when you try to supervise them in this field! It is always recommended that you always supervise children when they use the scissors or any sharp objects.

The motor skills of the six years old are quite advanced and this faculty makes them enjoy many other toys that they previously couldn't experience. The following are the guidelines which will help you choose toys for 6 year olds.

Arts and crafts: When you are selecting arts and craft products, make sure that the toys are non-toxic. The six year olds are gradually developing their writing skills and have a fascination for crayons, scissor, and glue. They greatly enhance the motor skills and augments skills of writing.

Building blocks: You can also bring for them some concrete toys which will enhance their knowledge. You can bring some building blocks which are suitable for the six year old child. They may be wooden blocks, Lincoln logs, or legos; the children like to build with these blocks while making use of their accessories.

Sing, Spell, Read: Actually at the age of 6 years reading, writing, and phonics skills are being introduced to the child. Therefore, educational games such as Sing, Spell, Read, and Write are an indeed helpful for the mental development of the child. Along with these you can also find some other essential games like educational toys, memory and sequencing games which also yields a lot of benefit.

Imaginative toys: You can also bring for your kids the imaginative toys. They are essential for the mental development of the child. The creative development can be encouraged by allowing them to play with puppets. A puppet theater allows the child to immerse itself into the imaginative world and have a splendid time.

Age appropriate puzzles are also ideal for the 6 year old child. These puzzles selected by their age level will help your child to advance in their skills; later on they may move on to more complex puzzles. Puzzles are also a great way to give them a lot of fun and entertainment.

Educational Toys For 2010

Another year has rushed by us and with a blink we are at the door step of 2010. This coming year as with the last and the next we will be put in the position of looking for the most suitable products and learning toys for our children.

In the past we may have forgone purchasing some of the newer educational toys and instead choosing an older style but proven toy or game such as building blocks or another type of wooden toy. This is always a safe option, better the devil you know... and these toys are great, there's no doubting that.

In 2010 and onwards as technology increases and the number of educational products suitable for children grow as well as the demand for high quality and unique toys and games. These products are designed in a way that without noticing the children are being stimulated and their abilities tested this creating entertainment for them and satisfying our need for their development. Educational toys like the Diego toys (go-diego-go) 4 in a box Jigsaw Puzzles kit which contains 4 different puzzles each has progressively more pieces starting at 12 pieces and progressing through 16, 20 and finally 24 pieces, as well as being of high quality and being illustrated beautifully they are made from recycled board which is good for the environment.

In 2010 look for the best children's educational toys that are both a bit different and provide the same level of stimulation as an older style toy and your kids will love you for it.

Are Wooden Toys Really Better Than Plastic?

The answer to the question above is yes. Wooden toys come in a lot of forms. There are wooden building blocks, jigsaw puzzles, rockers, rattles, dolls and doll houses, toy cars and ships, and many more. They don't move, don't talk, don't require batteries, but in more ways than one, classic toys fashioned from good ol' wood are better than toys made from plastic or metal.

Here are reasons why.

1. They are safe.

Toys made from plastic, metal, and even synthetic fabrics can pose unseen dangers to your children. Many of these mass-produced plastic toys are made of separate little components that, more often than not, can be easily yanked off and become potential choking hazards for little children. A lot of them also make a lot of noise, which can produce high levels of noise and expose the ear to hearing damage. On the other hand, wooden toys are noise-free and, when made properly, are free from lead, mercury, and other toxic materials found in metal or plastic toys.

2. They encourage imagination.

Unfortunately, battery-operated toys are much like TV, the movies, video games, and the Internet. They entertain the kids for a little while then afterwards they become boring. Why is not surprising to see a pile of toys left un-played with in one corner of your child's room? With wooden toys, kids visualize. They imagine. When they play with wooden kitchen sets, they see they are cooking real food with their toys. When they ride a wooden horse rocker, they feel as though they are real cowboys galloping on a real horse

3. They are more durable and easier to maintain.

Haven't you noticed how flimsy plastic toys can be? A little joshing around and you will notice that a few pieces are already missing from the main structure of the toy. Wooden toys, well, because they are made from wood, are more hard-wearing than any plastic or foam toy you can find anywhere. Thus, they also last longer, which makes them cost-effective and better for your budget. And because they have lesser parts than most battery-operated toys, they do not break down easily and it is easier for kids to put them away properly.

4. They are naturally educational.

Battery-operated toys usually leave the hands of your children to sing, dance, fly, or whatever its manufacture intended it to do. Wooden toys, on the other hand, stay where they are and children have to touch them, pick them up, and hold them for them to be able to play with their toys. Touching and feeling are two ways by which children learn. They naturally involve themselves with the toys because they engage the senses for long, unlike with battery-operated toys that usually become dull and uninteresting after the first few times they take a flight or speak out their programmed lines.

5. They are beautiful.

Admit it. Toys made from wood have a warm and welcoming aesthetic appeal that no toy made from plastic, metal, foam, or any other synthetic material can ever give off.

The puzzles are not toys or games

Toys and games can play a crucial role in the life of a child. Toys bring joy and help a child develop logical thinking and movements. One of the most useful of these capabilities toys and puzzles. The puzzles are games and toys. It is simply a series of small pieces, and should be gathered together to make a picture instead. There are many types of puzzles in three years, given the use of children of different ages raging fromYears for adults.

Puzzles that children should have the pieces to prevent choking a child by putting them in the mouth e. The best age to begin, the puzzle is whether the child is using, is interested in something more than the usual bells and toys want to play them. Puzzle for younger children, usually 4-6 pieces of cardboard and sealed image, so the child knowsto put the pieces together.

The main thing about puzzles is that you need is a game to tell your child understand what the job. You can then try to do it together. Once you see that your child is a puzzle in order and you realize that he or she is not interested in their own will need to step back and let them try.

The puzzles are very useful because they help the child develop logical thinking and motor skills and make them bettercolor recognition and work hard to improve. All this will be very useful in the future, especially if your baby is ready to go to school.

They want to continue to explore the world of the puzzle together! This game is just as interesting to children and adults. 4-6 Puzzles pieces are just a beginning for the children. Once the older child, the bigger and more complex images and other pieces. Indeed, great puzzle with too manydifficult and tedious for the children so attentive to the needs and interests of the child and buy appropriate toys and games.

Usually boxes inscribed with puzzles to tell them what age they are intended. But the age can be customized! The most important thing is to pay attention only to the child and what kinds of interesting games, he or she is. Be patient and very loving and all is well!

Kids wooden puzzle for the development of cognitive skills

As children grow and develop, their growth spurts. During this time, develop their body and mind to a surprisingly high speed data transfer and their appetite for wanting to understand and seems to be insatiable. They start a lot of questions about the world around them. One way for parents, most of this phase and their children with educational wooden puzzles.

puzzles for children offer many important advantages. They may be to promote cognitiveDevelopment in these important early years. Puzzles for children to stimulate their natural curiosity and engage them with new problems to solve. Problem solving and reasoning skills are just two of many cognitive skills are affected positively when children play with wooden puzzles. For example, if a child tries to form in their respective openings in the form of a toy sorting, using arguments and be sure to remember where each piece belongs. If a piece does not fitcorrectly, they use their thinking skills to identify the problem and solve the riddle to find the piece that fits.

wooden puzzles are a great way to introduce colors for babies and children the letters of pre-school children, numbers, shapes, e. By physically placing the shapes in the form of numbers, letters or pieces of the puzzle color matching positions, they can contact these letters to write before they are able and with the numbers beforecount.

Wooden puzzle Because children are generally of little use for the pieces are usually small enough to fit in a small hand big enough to manipulate them and for every move. The pieces are too large to fit in your mouth, so there are no security risks. Because they are made of wood, the pieces are thick and bulky for the taking right for small hands to hold. The natural wood construction is easy to design, so the children do not feelintimidated.

Grabbing and putting the pieces of the puzzle helps children develop hand-eye coordination and dexterity, improving motor skills. When you have successfully completed these tasks, they acquire self-confidence and trust. The children develop an "I can do" attitude when it successfully completed a puzzle.

Another advantage of wooden puzzles is last. Parents should not worry about wearing the puzzle, because they are made of wooddifficult to destroy children. Some families are spending this kind of puzzle, their children 1 year of age or younger, because they know that these toys are virtually indestructible.

To the best of the wooden puzzle, parents should know that not all children are ready encouragement to play with these toys immediately and call a few. In some cases, children want to play with puzzles, but they are handicapped, for they know not what to do. The cure forthese two problems is the involvement of parents, play with your child and show them what they show to the puzzle together, colors, shapes and interact, even if they want to find out how the new toy and its capabilities.

There is a wide selection of different themes and puzzles for children. The most popular type is the type of block rule is simple in nature and in the square, or other easily recognizable form. There are puzzlesshow the cute animals like a dog or a cat or a picture of a stable structure as a house or an inanimate object, the child is familiar. With all these options, parents should have no problem, the puzzle right for your child.

Educational toys help children develop life skills

Toys Learning and Life Skills
Educational toys, not only to promote skills development in children. They help children to acquire and improve basic life skills. Creativity, self-confidence, independence, accountability and integrity of all the toys are maintained by educational institutions to use carefully chosen.

Creativity
A hallmark of educational toys is how well they ended support creative, open-to play. A wooden tray can inspire a child eating an entire afternoon running a pretend restaurant or pretend to spend planting and harvesting on a farm. A number of blocks can be used in a tower, a road network, a fort, a car, or even become different animals. And the chances of a pound of modeling clay are endless! The more time a child spends exploring different things can be a toy, the more developed imagination in children. This promotes opennessnew opportunities that will help the child to think of creative and innovative solutions for all the challenges that he or she ends up facing each other as an adult.

Self-confidence
One way is to build self-confidence through play that encourages a child to claim to represent himself. Singing, conducting, and to help all children maintain an audience both in the planning phase and during an actual performance. Children also learn to assert themselves by acting outScenarios or run informally with their peers. Outdoor toys such as musical instruments, props and dress-up clothes and encourage this type of game.

The assumption of risk, which will pay him a child's development of self-confidence. Susan G. Solomon, author of American Playgrounds: Revitalizing Community Space, said that "the children to take a chance of an acceptable risk, learn cause and effect, make choices and see the consequences of it, if you do not learn to take risks, the we will do. losing a whole generation ofEntrepreneurs and scientists. "
These risks, children must develop the skills of risk assessment and decision making, so that they can be sure that the risks they face are indeed acceptable. The act of driving and controlling large toys such as bicycles requires children to calculate physical risks. The logic is necessary for some board games like Monopoly based strategy, play chess, checkers and provides for the assessment of risk such as whether to invest in a property or riska piece for a future, the biggest gain.

To improve their ability to calculate risk, children should be their decision authority. Science and engineering kit can help you with the ability of children and use these observations to make decisions about the directions, as experimental and the construction of a working machine. Puzzles and building sets can be refined.

Independence
In general, so that children direct their own play andresponsible for what to do in their spare time helping them to become self-reliant and resilient. In particular, some educational toys foster skills such as problem solving, taking over the position and orientation.
One aspect of what the option is a problem to be solved by themselves. Working with a toy construction system allows a child to explore different solutions to the challenge of building objects. Logical challenges alone, how to understandunderstand how to use a variety of pattern blocks to replicate certain complicated patterns, build problem-solving.

Another aspect that is independent of the acquisition of the situation. This can be as simple as providing your baby with two toy choices and so the child's autonomy, its decision on what to do to play. You can also include the development of independence by the child directly what they assume the roles when playing withYour child or your child in charge of such a toy will be played with. Providing your child can play indefinitely states such as farms, fire and police stations, pirate ships, tree houses, railway stations and creates a situation where control of your child what he or she will behave scenarios that day.

A third aspect is independent of the lead. While unit blocks and communal building sets of large blocks of hollow wood, huge foam blocks or sturdy cardboardBlocks can ability to promote cooperation, provides opportunities for a child with others in a positive way to the design determined that the child's mind, the construction for the cause of it. Educational toys can also help children to be self-motivated and self -directed, so that services running on, without external support and reassurance.

Responsibility
To be good citizens, all children develop a sense of personalsocial and environmental responsibility. In general, the confidence of the children in good hands with their toys to play nice with them and putting them back you do, when play can start, promote a sense of responsibility. At the lowest level, a graph like Melissa and Doug Magnetic Responsibility Chart help a child to keep track of their personal commitments. Also, some toys to develop other types of liability.

If a childhas an open building like a toy that the child may be installed, he or she has a personal responsibility to follow the instructions and make sure that the toy is put together properly. This train the child a sense of pride and personal responsibility in all future jobs, he or she expects to do. And if a cure for the child a doll or pretend pet needs, he develops a sense of personal responsibility for meeting itsObligations to someone else.

Role playing commitments can get a sense of responsibility towards society. If a child is presumed that he or she must be a construction worker or a doctor to practice your child the responsibility of adults to be met when people live together in communities. This role playing socialized the child and allow him or her the idea of the position of member of such a community if he or she usedgrown.

Finally, science kits that encourage children to study the Earth, the children about why people should care for the animals, land, resources and educate taking so on. In addition, toys,,) are made from sustainable materials (such as Plan Toys) or bioplastics (such as Green Toys designed or) use of recycled materials (such as the Scavenger Uberstix set, promote respect for the conservation of natural resources. This in turn leads to a markedThe responsibility for environmental care.

Integrity
Educational toys can also help children develop integrity. With costumes and props to role-play situations as a client and server can help children practice courtesy and good manners. Acting out scenarios such as the care of an injured doll or animal can foster compassion and empathy. And the board games and much more by the rules of a child develops appreciation forRight and wrong.

The advantage of educational toys for child development should not be underestimated. The prosecution of children for play and discovery to continue into adulthood. Children develop their environment fascination of playing with toys and hobbies continue to collect until later in their adult life.

Fantasy

Keep your hat, will be held on an incredible journey! If used properly, is the imagination of one of the greatest tools you can use. In your imagination, anything is possible and there is absolutely nothing, imagine what can not. The fantasy book authors who have spent hours at the place of imagination, the creation of every detail and every aspect is to present some of the largest and wildest places in fiction. All types of characters,
The people and creatures were createdinhabit these imaginary places.

invented whole kingdoms and planets were all to explore. Movies, games, books, television shows, multimedia events, theater shows, theme parks, DVD,
audio tapes, board games, electronic games, puzzles,
And sometimes a combination of several of them have toys
all were vividly imagined and created in every detail.
When you enter this realm
Who is also author of the studyfrom your
Imagination, so that no two experiences are exactly alike.

You can use your imagination for adventure great, great
Dating, fantastic stories, love stories, poems,
Building a house or a special property, special designs or
Invention of something that has never been done before, or
Something that is already better. From
the smallest piece of complex machinery, the most
Awesome colossal machine was conceived inown
Mind. He or she believed in the vision enough to figure out how to do a reality, and then he or she has worked diligently
up to their imagination, rather than on earth.
Thomas Edison invented the light bulb and electricity.

Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone. Charles Drew
found a way to preserve and store blood, and created
the world's first blood bank.
Frederick McKinley Jones invented a way to use clay to
Movies that revolutionized the movie industry has also
created refrigeration units for trucks and trains to food
cool during transport. All through his imagination
and the work went before them. They believed something in their head first and have worked diligently to bring the imagination in the physical world. You
do not be discouraged because they do not work the first or second
or even third time, the whole process, or the final product,
wasVery clear picture in their mind.

Harry Potter was a
A character created and maintained in a woman's head, it is now
He has written several books about him, and there were
several films about a character and all his adventures created.
The imagination, you can fly above the trees and
above the water. It allows you to go further than you can or ever dreamed of. You can talk with kings and queens, you can go in the past or
From now on we can speak in foreign languages, or you can
invent a language. You can create new colors,
You can go to another planet, or under water.

Your imagination can bright, large, dark or
Premonition. Where the light is dark, where there is under, male and female, good and evil.

Everything has a size and substance in
Imagination. Try it and see
where will. Enjoy a rich and
active imagination. But there get stuck in
terrible side of your imagination, if you created in
Your opinion-you can not do too much, and you can
guards to take care of good and positive in the head
from you. You can create a new image in your head;
replace a piece of fantasy that you may be scared.
You can adjust the focus and change the result in all
a thought. You do not have to settle for the same thing in
Your opinionall the time, you may change your mind
at any time. You can make your life, imagine yourself
Now, with your thoughts and actions. Each new
Think in the direction of your dreams forward.

The world is wide open for you, my dear. Imagine
What can you do, wherever you go, you can do, and
then enjoy the ride.

Baby Developmental Biology toys for 18-24 months

18 to 24 months, the child will go through the explosion of a language. With this, his imagination and fiction a whole new level to go, as he is able to communicate his thoughts and feelings. The best child development toys for this age group are toys that have play an outlet for his imagination. All this can be at home on a rocking horse.

The time frame of 18 to 24 months are a period in which the solution of the problems is a priority for the child. This isalso a time when your child to experiment with sound do. Musical toys for development and other sound sources to make baby toys quickly become a favorite of your child.

When his imagination soars, he will also participate in the game of dressing up and role. Developmental toys such as dolls, puppets and costumes from him, his ability to encourage the child hero of the day, to promote her verbally during the same time. Just make sure that the costumes come with Velcro closuresinstead of closures, for the treatment of severe for him, by himself, such as buttons or zippers.

His imagination drive it to its limits and limitations of the test not only spiritual but also physically. You could try all, shoelaces were to test his strength, trying to know the objects first shunned because it was too heavy, stop. And when he was walking under his belt, he will begin to focus on running and jumping, "says Simon," simple games, etc., asHop Scotch and are great opportunities for him to practice.

If you have introduced your child to count, this is a great time to do so. Take advantage of all opportunities to count, which, counting toys or fingers or with vegetables or raisins, some will do and how. development of children's toys, like blocks of numbers are great because they offer the advantages of the blocks during the recent inclusion of its new features. First, the numbersjust be a photo of your child, but over time begin to connect. As a reminder of safety, ensure that the developing baby toys are painted with nontoxic paint, water based.

As the child learns more about the spatial relationships and start drawing lines or do, you should have the shape sorter toys and nesting. Puzzle 3 to 6 pieces of child development are also great toys, why not just feedThe need for matching items, but strengthen the confidence of his and he was a sense of accomplishment.

Some facts about wood toys

Wooden toys are one of the simplest but most overlooked sources of entertainment for children in modern times. Toys are the first object to be invented by man. In the initial stage the man began to develop things in stone. But over time, he learned the art of wood carving things, either with stone or metal. This was the beginning of the history of wooden toys.

One of the most popular of these toys are made of woodBlocks. Building Blocks are constructive in nature and help instill a positive psychology in the spirit of the child. There are other types of toys such as puzzles and games sorting. All these contribute to the overall intellectual development of the child, what is sure to help in the future.

Electric trains have made wood a popular attraction for children for many years. These trains, zooming around on the trail, give the child a sense of tension and excitement. He gets hisoriginal meaning, which means speed, and the genes of a pilot begins to develop in the cells.

In today's world, most children are addicted to games or plastic toys or videos. There is no denying that these two are very attractive and draw attention to the young man in no time. But it is a core, that these things are too contrived to lose the children and nature, while the nature of time with these things. Toys give the feeling ofType and shape according to the spirit of the child.

Wooden toys are made in different countries around the. They offer a unique insight into the magical world of wooden toys.

One of the most popular types of wooden toys from India "is the" Toys Channapatna. These toys have a long history dating back to the reign of Tipu Sultan. A test of the popularity of these toys is the recognition that they received fromWorld Trade Organization (WTO). Electric trains were made of wood in the United States in the first half of the 20th century produced.

One of the largest companies in 1930, trains were Skaneateles was manufactured toys and crafts. In Europe, one of the major toy manufacturer HABA. It 'a German company that produces some of the best toys for kids and their products in the world can be found in advertising, in each section. These are some of the best wooden toys forBoy, the world has offered so far. There are so many other companies, the quality of wooden materials for the child.

Your Cats May Need More Than Toys For Stimulation

Cats, like humans, need stimulation--both physical and mental. They like challenges, puzzles, and problems to solve. Without stimulation they become lethargic and bored. Without it they are more likely to over-eat and demonstrate chronic negative behaviors, like constantly licking their fur. Bob Walker and his spouse Frances Mooney have designed their one-level home to ensure that their cats are royally stimulated. Their house, now the world-famous "Cat's House" in San Diego, is nothing if not a fantastic kitty playpen.

Walker and Mooney have constructed suspended walkways, elevated geometric figures, ramps, stairs, a sisal column running floor to ceiling, and lots of openings for the cats to explore and hide in. This allows cats to be active, play with others, or be alone when they want. It also keeps cats from being underfoot and at risk all the time.

People Magazine has called this home the "world's biggest jungle gym for cats." While you may not want to totally renovate your home with cat activity in mind, you might want to consider what cats like in order to get them more stimulated. They like to climb. They like elevated places on which to perch, be away from others, and feel less vulnerable.

There are simple steps you can take in your home to enhance your cat's activity level and enjoyment. If creating lots of objects to climb and elevated places to perch or hide is unrealistic for your home, consider how you might create some simulation of these. If you have a tall piece of furniture on which your cat may be allowed to perch, you could provide a chair or end table they could use as a springboard for launching themselves onto the chest. The same is true for a shelf, a space in a bookcase, a stable step ladder, or top of the refrigerator. Cat trees that allow climbing, hiding, and the cat's surveying its domain from a height add to the stimulation possibilities.

Of course, you also need to have some program of fun activities for your cat. For example, I had a cat, Lhotse, who loved to play catch with a small plastic ball. She would leap and snag it high in the air with one paw then drop it to the floor. With a little encouragement she then learned to push it back to me for an ongoing game of catch. Another cat loved to chase a fan-folded piece of paper I had tied to a long piece of twine that I dragged behind me as I raced from room to room. If you have a ceiling fan in one room, you can attach a long string with a slightly-weighted object at the end to a blade and slowly rotate it.

Locations and objects that allow cats to climb, leap, stretch their legs, and hide tap into their "inner tiger" need to take part in the activities in which they would in the wild. Whatever you do to stimulate your cat, besides just providing toys, will strengthen your bond with your cat and help keep it psychologically content. Of course, if you also can and feel like building a suspended walkway, your cat will thank you for it.

Toy Shops and Clearance Sales

Toy Store is a place loved by children of every age group. They have all kinds of stuff ranging from dolls, soft toys, puzzles, play cars, books and a lot more. As a kid we all went shopping with our parents. Remember the time when we got a big smile of excitement on our faces while entering any play store. These stores are places which can definitely make a kid's day. If there were no toy stores it would be very difficult for parents to buy toys and any playing stuff for their children. It would be very time consuming for everyone to check out the kind of toys they want. Thus, toy stores are of great importance in case of children. It makes life easier for parents who want to gift something to their children. The employees working in the shops help the customers in finding the appropriate toy they want. Hence, it becomes easier for the parents to find out the right kind of toy for their children.

The toy stores are classified appropriately in different sections according to their types, age, gender etc. This classification makes it easier for the person to find the right kind of toy without creating any confusion and hassle. Many shops carry out toys clearance sales where the toys are sold at a price lower than their particular price by a certain percentage. Therefore, purchasing the toys of a person's choice becomes easier and affordable. This sale is generally carried out at the end of the year and is also known as season's clearance sale where the old stock of the previous year is sold at a lower price.

You can find different types of toy shops. There are the big ones and the small ones. Some shops display toys of various companies all under one roof. Some shops manufacture their own toys and sell them off in their toy shops. However, every shop has a wide variety of toys ranging from every price level. People think that the toy stores are only for kids, but, you can find many things for adults too. You can also find some games and puzzles in the stores which can be used by the entire family.

Hence, toy shops have everything ranging from kid's toys to adult games. You can find everything which you can use as a fun activity tool in a toy shop.

Kids Wooden Puzzles Help Develop Cognitive Skills

As young children grow and develop, they have growth spurts. During these times, their bodies and minds develop at amazingly fast rates and their appetites for wanting to know and learn appear to be insatiable. They begin to ask lots of questions about the world around them. One way for parents to make the most of this phase is by providing their kids with educational wooden puzzles.

Kids puzzles offer many important benefits. They can be used to promote cognitive development during these important early years. Kids puzzles stimulate their natural curiosity and engage them with new problems to solve. Problem solving and reasoning abilities are just two of many cognitive skills which are positively affected when children play with wooden puzzles. For example, when a child attempts to place shapes in their respective openings in a shape sorting toy, they use reasoning and recall to remember where each piece belongs. When a piece doesn't fit properly, they use their reasoning ability to identify the problem and solve the puzzle by finding the piece that fits.

Wooden puzzles are a great way to introduce toddlers and preschool kids to letters, numbers, shapes and colors. By physically putting shapes in the form of numbers, letters or color coordinated pieces into the corresponding puzzle positions, they can become familiar with these letters before they are able to spell and with numbers before they are able to count.

Since wooden puzzles are typically designed for the little guys, the pieces are typically small enough to fit in tiny hands yet large enough for them to manipulate and handle each one. Pieces are also too large for them to fit in their mouths so there are no safety hazards. Because they are made of wood, pieces are thick and chunky, just right for little hands to grab and hold. The natural wood construction is simple by design, so young kids do not feel intimidated.

Grabbing and placing the pieces into kids puzzles helps develop hand-eye coordination and dexterity while improving fine motor skills. As they successfully complete these tasks, they gain self-assurance and confidence. Kids develop an "I can do it" attitude when they successfully complete a puzzle.

Another benefit of wooden puzzles is they last a long time. Parents do not have to worry about the puzzle wearing out, because they are made of wood, which is hard for kids to destroy. Some families give this type of puzzle to their children as young as 1 year old or even younger because they know these toys are virtually indestructible.

To get the most from wooden puzzles, parents should know that not all kids are willing to play with these toys immediately and require some encouragement. In some cases, children might want to play with the puzzle but they are hindered because they do not know what to do. The remedy for both of these problems is parental involvement, playing with the child and showing them what they can do with the puzzle including showing them colors, shapes and interacting when them as they discover the new toy and its capabilities.

There is a great selection of different types and themes of kids puzzles available. The most popular type is the block type which is usually, simple in nature and square or some other kind of easily recognizable shape. There are puzzles which depict friendly animals such as a dog or a cat, or a picture of a stable structure such as a house or an inanimate object of which the child is familiar. With all these choices available, parents should have no problem finding the right puzzle for their child.

3D Puzzles As Amazing Playthings With Optical Illusions

Three-dimensional or 3d puzzles have the illusion of depth and height as well as width is known as 3D or three-dimensional. Anything that has effects with these illusions is one of the most awesome optical illusions applied to things which are in existence for real. These amazing playthings have allured the interest of young adults and children. The wooden jigsaws feature three-dimensional effects making them more interesting and enjoyable.

Three-dimensional or 3d puzzles give a person the perception of looking at these types of playthings at a more realistic level. The concept of this toy has heightened the imagination of the players. These playthings are excellent brain teasers both for children and adults. Playthings such as these can enhance the imagination of any person holding them. Their interesting appearance can truly puzzle any individual.

Most of these toys are non-glue or non-stick when assemble. They can become whole by simply fitting together the pieces. Other types are the jigsaw pieces to be stuck or glued together to complete one whole object. These types come in various forms and designs with many different kinds of materials being used like foam or wood. There are so many shapes and sizes of these 3d puzzles that can be suitable young adults and children. Some come in classical pieces which have become a pastime for some puzzle lovers. Because of their extraordinary appeal these can make good house decors.

There are magnetic 3d puzzles which have offered much fun and amusement not just for small children but for adults as well. A child playing with toys like these will be able develop his mental faculties in solving such simple problem of putting the pieces together and the enhancement of recognition for shapes and colors. The basic senses of sight and touch are put into a good exercise with these toys.

It is truly interesting and a great pleasure to watch your little child playing it. A child's logical part of the brain is tapped and awakened with these brain teasers. Toys of these kinds are good materials for a child's IQ. Schools and homes can consider these toys as competent tools to develop the motor skills of a child using 3d puzzles.

Smart Toys For Smart Babies

The most relevant stage in learning starts from being a toddler. What baby learns during this stage will reflect throughout his growth. Toddler educational toys are the most effective tool that will cultivate their knowledge. Educational toys are entertaining. It's the reflection of fun and laughter. Provide your child a lot of learning opportunities through wide variety of toys: Toys for bath time, toddler cubes, books, puzzles, roller coaster toys, shape sorter, soft toys stackers, wooden toys, DVDs and CDs. Widen a child's imagination with books - they are windows to the world. Supply chunky board books, ABCs, animal books, music & shapes, word books, flap books, bath book and coloring books.

As parents, it's totally challenging and yet greatly rewarding to raise kids. Having enough time to play with your child is a great opportunity for you to learn more about your own kid. We have to understand that every child is unique; each one has specific way of cruising through the milestones of physical, mental and social development. Parents do there best to raise kids to be smart and happy to be who they are. Even in early years of a child, we can start to shape their life. While other parents use television, play station and 3D games as a tool to keep their child entertained. This can lead to disabilities in learning. Children can gain hearing problems that leads to difficulty in language development from watching television.

Toys must be carefully selected. Find the most appropriate toys that stimulate learning abilities and fun to play with. Through toddler educational toys children discover themselves, their environment and their social life. Their toys become instruments in building their creativity, leadership skills and personality as well. Playing educational toys is the best foundation for a successful future.

Play can enhance a child's growth in all areas. Different toys give specific development and experiences for your baby.

Toddlers are like sponges. They absorb concepts through playing. Our role as parents is to choose appropriate toys for their age. Toys must be well-designed & durable. It should expand a child's ability, such as in arts & crafts, reading, verbal skills, music and movement. Keep in mind that what we can offer our child in not just enjoyment, but also what kind of benefit toys will deliver. Encourage them to take their first steps in learning into a fun and enjoyable way.

In addition, to maximize playing for your child's development, there are several points we have to remember.

o Set a proper and favorable area in playing. It must be safe, hygienic and non-smoking zone.
o Look for proper clothes that promote comfort and freedom of movement.
o Give them educational toys where in they can reap the benefits for their growth

Parents must be patient with their child as they found gladness in even small accomplishments. Share excitement as your child discovers the world through shapes, colors, sounds and textures. Make fun in learning a priority. Embrace the importance of toddler educational toys in providing a step-by-step success. Remember, the future of your child lies in your hands.

Educational Learning Toys On The Market

Are you interested in educational learning toys that you can find for your child that will enable them to learn as they play? There are many different types of toys you can buy for your child that will help them learn while they are having fun. Preschool is an important time of life because children are soaking up tons of information and they love to play. They learn through play and it is important to allow your child the time to play, as well as learn discipline, nurture and rest.

The best way to find educational learning toys your child will enjoy is by going online to educational toy stores as well as looking at your local toy stores. You want to choose , a Preschool Educational Toys that will have some basis for helping your child enhance the use of their mind and five senses. Blocks, puzzles, imaginary play, lacing toys, memory games, arts and crafts, and letter games will help prepare them to read and do the school tasks that will be required of them.

When buying a Preschool Educational Toys choose a variety of toys that use different parts of the brain as well as different senses. You want to help them expand their learning abilities even if they are already school age. If you have questions about the best toys to buy you can always speak with a teacher about your child's development. Other ,Preschool Educational Toys that can be helpful are coloring books that teach them about different animals, characters, people, history, and clocks. There are toy clocks you can buy to help your child to read the time.

The idea behind educational learning toys whether you create them or buy them is to help your child be prepared for school and learn while having fun. It is a blessing to have a child in school who enjoys learning. Why not start that early, by showing them that we can learn all the time. It is fun to watch our children learn and grow. Be deliberate in the Preschool Educational Toys you place in front of them and you will be amazed at what their brains will soak up!

The Rationale Behind Childrens Educational Toys

Children have this natural character to learn. They have this ability to absorb new information and react to a stimulus almost like a sponge. Daily experiences, for instance, are excellent avenued in which children can learn. In this regard, games and play, and consequently the toys that they play with, are very helpful for this purpose. Children's educational toys therefore, are critical in every child's learning and development.

This almost insatiable hunger for learning in children, expressed in their natural propensity to play, should not be wasted on toyd without much relevance to their educational development.

While it is true, as some child experts would assert, that any play will serve its purpose in developing the child's brain and total development, it is equally unassailable that maximizing this natural learning process, is not a bad idea. In fact, it is now an accepted maxim that children's educational toys should be considered by any couple or individual contemplating of raising a kid.

Regular play will not only give the children their needed physical activities, as would the need of adults to have a daily chore or regular work, but also a venue to develop their personality, emotional capability, and even overall traits, that will help them in coping with the world that they live in as they grow. It is also during play that children develop their creativity, imagination, speech, reading, thinking, problem solving, and even their motor skills.

But children's educational toys come with a specific purpose, at least in terms of a child's age. Children up to the age of three will benefit greatly from creative play. Make-believe games are very common in this age-group, so it is best to provide appropriate educational toys. Costumes of their favorite cartoons heroes or heroines should be an opportunity to use as accompaniment for their educational toys.

Educational toys for this purpose can take the forms of teddy bears and other stuff toys, dolls, toys that reinforce arts and craft materials. Toys and other articles that somehow imitate the children's environment are also beneficial.

Children within the range of four to five years age are more cognitive and need toys that would help in the development of their thinking, problem solving skills, and decision making capability. Educational toys that would serve best this need are arts and crafts with considerable difficulty, like Lego and other construction toys. Puzzles also belong to this group of educational toys.

Fancy Nancy Toys - Dolls, DressUp, Games and Puzzles Gifts Your Little Girl Will Love

Are you looking for Fancy Nancy Toys and ideas? Well you have come to the right place. Many people are fans of this popular book series created in 2005 by author Jane O'Connor and illustrator Robin Preiss Glasser. Since that time little girls are eager to play dress up, play with dolls, and games of their favorite fancy friend and that is what you will find in this article, information about dolls, dress-up and games!

Dolls

Bring a smile to your Fancy Nancy fan with a Fancy Nancy Doll. Dressed in a festive holiday dress and carrying an ornament,the 18" Holiday doll makes a wonderful gift. It will bring a smile and lots countless hours of fun to your little girl.

The well-known and respected doll designer Madame Alexander brings a wonderful likeness and spirit to their line of this dolls and right into your little girl's arms.

The doll dressed as an Explorer will delight your child also! It is dressed with soft cloth and is referred to as Extraordinaire! Adorned in pink boots, a lady bug headband, and leopard print scarf this doll is ready to go and explore!

Dress Up and Pretend Play

Dress Up and Pretend Play are more extraordinary while having a tea party wearing a boa and ruby crown! There are also satin and lace backpacks for careful storage and carrying of all special toys for play dates and more pretend time at the grandparents. And what fashionista should be without a glamorous purse and matching sunglasses!

Games and Puzzles

Take your little ones play time to frilly and elaborate levels with Glitter puzzles, and dress up stick-ons. Colorforms are available with a variety of themes including the Colorforms Dress-Up Games. Spend time together having delicious fun playing the Positively Parfait Game with your little girl.

Dog Puzzles - A Good Gift Idea for Any Dog Lover

Everyone loves dogs, I'm sure you and even your next door neighbor own one, two, or even, more of them at home! Dogs give people the companionship and comfort at any time and give back the love by being good pets and protectors of their owners. Are you looking for the next best gift idea for your friend who loves dogs? There are dog toys and even dog puzzles that make for great gift ideas with different designs and various types to choose from.

Does your friend prefer small corgis? Do golden retriever designs spark more interest? There are toys and puzzles that are sure to make things interesting for dog lovers out there, like elegantly vintage puzzles that have 1,000 or more pieces that are good for a challenge or even wooden or plastic dog shaped puzzles that are good for displays and designs around the house and even in the dog's kennel or bed. There's never a dull moment thanks to those dog puzzles!

If you're looking to find those puzzles and toys you can easily find them in specialty hobby and toy shops, they are also incredibly affordable because they are made from inexpensive materials most especially the puzzles. You can get online too if you're looking for other specifically designed puzzles for dogs with intricate designs like those with grandeur garden landscapes with dogs or even royalty themed puzzle designs of dogs sitting beside people royalty.

Don't just settle for any gift idea for a dog lover, dog puzzles will sure be something worth treasuring!

Safe Toys For Christmas

Last week my husband's aunt inquired about what our daughter would like for Christmas. I stood speechless, unsure how to answer her. Instead of envisioning a pile of presents under a beautifully decorated tree, I was picturing the mountain of toys (nearly a million) that have recently been recalled because of health hazards.

My knee-jerk response was to say, "Anything that is not made in China", but I resisted the urge. Instead, I went to my computer and began to research the problem that has captivated the minds of the American public: where to find toys that are safe for our children. After emerging from my computer, I realized that although China has become the scapegoat for poisonous products, US Companies may actually be at fault.

For example, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR) is a US firm under attack by parents and consumer activists because KKR is the parent company of Toys 'R' Us, Dollar General, and other companies that have manufactured or sold dangerous products. They are accused of pressuring overseas manufacturers to cut corners in order to make products at bottom line prices. While such actions may have lined their corporate pockets, it has also placed dangerous products in the hands of children and other consumers. Avoiding products manufactured in China is not going to make business practices that endanger our health go away.

So how are we, as consumers, going to handle the holidays? The first step is to seek out reputable companies to purchase toys and other gifts from. The most environmentally-sound approach is to find suppliers or stores that sell safe products in your neck of the woods. Join the local chapter of the holistic moms group, don't worry dads, you can join too (www.holisticmoms.org) and ask other members where to shop. If there are no local options, many safe products are available online.

One company I have discovered is 1888Toys.com, which has a business model that encourages sustainability and child safety. They have a wide variety of products including board games, wooden toys, kitchen sets, puzzles, and educational toys. Their products have not been affected by the recent safety recalls. The owner of the site, who is very pleasant to speak with, ensured me that all of their toys meet or exceed US and European standards for toy safety and pass regular safety and quality checks. Many of their toys are made by small companies in the USA (many are located in Montana, Minnesota and Michigan). I was also pleased to learn that the wood finishes are selected from the 'safe substances' list. (After all, lead is not the only toxic threat to children). You can purchase your gifts online at http://www.1888toys.com or call for other options. They even offer free shipping for orders over $75.

Perhaps the best alternative is to get a few extra hours of sleep on Black Friday rather than braving the crowd of holiday bargain shoppers. If you can hold off on toy shopping until after December 5th, you will have the advantage of shopping the big name stores armed with information about which of the toys found there contain toxic chemicals. Just go to http://www.HealthyToys.org on Wednesday, December 5th. That is when the results of testing performed on more than 1500 popular toys for toxic chemicals such as lead and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) will be released. Each week until Christmas more toys will be tested based upon shoppers' requests. The testing was performed by the Ecology Center in collaboration with the Washington Toxics Coalition and other leading environmental groups using technology more reliable than home lead testing kits.

Another alternative to toxic toys is to gift clothing rather than toys. If taking this approach, consider organic cotton clothing or pajamas that are inherently flame retardant so the chemical hazards of flame retardants are not absorbed through your child's skin. For babies, Under the Nile (www.underthenile.com) sells organic cotton children's clothing, stuffed toys, and a cute little crate of stuffed veggies.

As the holiday season approaches, remember that each and every dollar we spend speaks volumes about what we believe in. By refusing to support companies that endanger our health, we are paving the way for safer products and sustainable practices to thrive in the marketplace. So lets all have a happy, healthy holiday by purchasing quality products from companies that care. And remember that hand-made gifts are from the heart and equally precious. If you cannot afford to buy safer products forego the store-bought gifts and craft something yourself.

If you are looking for a gift for an adult, order the eBook "Holler for Your Health: Be the Key to a Healthy Family" at http://www.holler4health.com. This book will help the recipient preserve or reclaim their health. According to Dr. Leo Galland, author of the highly acclaimed The Fat Resistance Diet, Power Healing, and Superimmunity for Kids, "Every parent needs to read this book." Let this Christmas be the year that we provide our children with healthier gifts for themselves as well as the world they will inherit.

Selecting Toys For Your Kids

Parents do find it difficult at times so as to what toys they should choose for their kids, especially toddlers. It is a great learning period of a baby where he or she is into learning about the different things that comes their way. The toys are the most important medium where the baby can learn a lot of things such as building blocks, stacking and sorting the toys, wooden block games etc. All these toys just stimulate their senses and help to increase their learning abilities.

In specific, the toys for toddlers, who are from the ages of one to three years should focus on physical play. The toys that can be chosen for the toddlers include both the outdoors and the indoors. The outdoor toys can be the ride-on toys, the wagons, balls etc. The indoor games or toys as mentioned above including the building blocks, stacking and sorting toys allows the children to burn their high levels of energies and develop muscle control. The children also love to mimic their elders such as trying to do the things that they do.

Therefore giving them an opportunity to have the same kind of an environment, the children can be given kitchen sets, housekeeping tools, toy cars etc. that would help them open up and communicate with their parents in a much better way. Toys such as large board puzzles with absorbing colors just grabs their attention and they find it a lot amusing. The parents taking active participation with their babies can clearly see that their children is learning different things on a very fast pace and they can then plan on buying advanced toys to meet up their learning potential.

Toddler Toys Aid in a Variety of Developmental Skills

If you have ever played with or observed a toddler playing individually or with other toddlers, then you know that they have an endless supply of energy, are curious about everything, and can have a good time playing with just about any kind of toy. With so many toddler toys out there on the market today, it can be difficult to find the perfect toy to give to a toddler. However, using the tips in this article can help ensure that the next toddler toys you buy will provide hours of educational fun.

Toys geared towards kids this age can be broken down into the following categories: active play, imaginary play, educational toys, and electronic toys.

Active Play

Toddlers have a ton of energy, so giving a toy that requires using that energy is sure to be a hit. Active play toddler toys include bikes, trikes, wagons, climbing gyms, swings, and trampolines. Toddlers love anything with wheels that they can push, pull, or ride on. They also feel like one of the big kids when they are able to go out with older siblings or friends and ride around on their bike too. Climbing gyms can be used both indoors and outdoors and are age and size appropriate for kids at this age. Some climbing gyms include a swing as part of the equipment, but, if not, there are age appropriate swings that toddlers can be buckled into for safety. Finally, a trampoline with a bar to hold onto will thrill any toddler who just can't get enough jumping!

Imaginary Play

Toddlers have great imaginations. Giving toddler toys such as dress up clothes, play kitchens, doll houses, cars/trucks, cash registers, play money, etc. will let them use those imaginations and pretend to do the same things that they see their moms and dads do everyday. Little girls will love being able to dress up like a princess or create their own scenarios with a doll house. Little boys will enjoy "driving" their trucks, cars, and trains around pretending to run errands or do work. Boys and girls alike will have a good time whipping up a gourmet masterpiece in their play kitchens or set up shop and use a cash register and play money to pretend they work at a store. Whatever type of imaginary play toy you decide to give your toddler, they will have a blast using their imaginations and creativity.

Educational Toys

Educational toys include puzzles, blocks, books, shapes, colors, and animals. Playing with these toddler toys will feel less like actually learning something and more like a fun game. But, what your toddler doesn't realize is that he is learning colors, numbers, shapes, letters, and is developing his fine motor and cognitive skills.

Electronic Toys

You may think that your toddler is too young for electronic toys, but certain toddler toys from companies such as Leap Frog and V-Tech are actually geared towards kids this age. Toddlers are able to get a head start on learning numbers, letters, sounds, shapes, colors, and animals all while playing games that keep their attention and make them feel like a big kid.

115 Ways to Be Your Own Boss

(1) HAND DECORATING

of ordinary objects pays well. Their value is often quadrupled. Prepared stencils and designs are available from hobby shops. You can work in attic or basement and need invest very little in supplies. Saleable items are initialled tumblers, stools, trays, jugs, boxes, waste-baskets, greeting cards, toys. Sell your work to gift shops on a sale or return basis.

(2) ADDRESSING AND MAILING SERVICE

This work can be obtained by writing or telephoning department stores, retail and mail order firms, addressing bureaux, and direct mail services listed in the telephone directory. You can advertise your service under "Employment" in local newspapers and in the telephone book.

(3) COLLECT AND SELL COINS

Coin collecting is booming. Supplying collectors is a profitable home business. Get to know values by reading books and catalogues. Buy carefully from reputable dealers and from private sources through classified ads in local papers. Sell through private contacts and mail order advertisments in "Coins" and other collectors' and hobby magazines, and in "Exchange & Mart " Weekly, under "Coins". See No 113 on Home Mail Order Business . Combine with No 79.

(4) CORRESPONDENCE CLUB

Your income is from fees charged for people to join the club to receive the names of others who wish to correspond. In this home mail order business you cater for some special interest: hobbyists, coin or stamp collectors, booklovers, prize contest enthusiasts, writers. (5) PROFITABLE SEWING AT HOME

There is money in a home dressmaking service. It often pays to specialise. Some do well re-modelling old dresses, or making novelties or children's wear. A sign in your window, a card on Y.W.C.A. notice boards and students' bulletins, classified ads in the local newspaper and calls on dress shops and gift stores bring business.

(6) MAKING LAMPS AND SHADES

at home pays well, as they often sell for many times the material costs. Lamp shades can be made in home workshops from linen, plastics, silk, paper and parchment. Local public libraries have manuals on the subject. Outlets are gift shops and department stores. Co-operate with interior designers.

(7) RENTAL BUSINESS

This has mushroomed into an attractive new business opportunity. People like to borrow, do-it-yourselfers rent professional equipment. Many men are doing well these days by acting as rental agents for all manner of things - power tools, trucks, cars, electric generators, etc.

(8) ANIMAL BREEDING

Pedigree dogs and other pets command high prices today. It is important to start with the right stock and keep to the instructions given in handbooks available at local public libraries. Two females mated at different times of the year could prove profitable. (9) BASKETRY AND CANE WORK

can be successful if you keep a good standard of workmanship. Use bright enamel paints for finishing and keep to standard designs and articles. Study the market and offer your products on sale or return to gift and novelty shops, stores, women's exchanges etc.

(10) LOCAL NEWSPAPER CORRESPONDENT

Suitable if you are a good 'mixer' and have good local knowledge and write plain English. Start by sending local editors specimen reports.

(11) CRITICISM OF WRITERS' MANUSCRIPTS

Profitable if you are keen, have some flair, and study writers' manuals. Advertise in "The Writer", "Writer's Review", and "Writing".

(12) RESEARCH SERVICE

Writers, lecturers, business companies and others need free-lance specialists to look up information which can be found in public and special libraries, museums and trade associations. Get work through classified ads in literary and writers' magazines. Home operators can earn oe2.50 to oe3.00 per hour. Your local reference libraries will help.

(13) BUYING AND SELLING ON COMMISSION

Start with an outbuilding or store room until you can take a small shop. No knowledge of your goods is necessary. Take a commission of 15% to 25% on everything you sell. Suppose a customer brings in a table, chair, or camera for which he asks a certain price. When you have found a buyer you notify your client, who collects the cash and pays your commission. Your only expenses are for the space, and classified ads. Furniture, T.V. sets, cameras, typewriters, prams, sell well.

(14) IDEAS FOR CARTOONISTS

Cartoonists pay well for ideas and gags that suit their style. Write to cartoonists care of the magazines in which their cartoons appear.

(15) AT-HOME BABY SITTING

is an increasing in-demand spare-time activity. Mothers bring their child to the baby-sitter's home, some taking seven or eight at once, charging by the hour, plus something extra if a meal is given. Combine with No 92.

(16) AGENCY SUPERVISORS

working from home are wanted by Buying Protection Services, 20 Gorham, Rottingdean, Brighton. BN2 7DP.

(17) INVISIBLE RE-WEAVING

This service is popular and rewarding because it salvages costly garments at considerably less cost than would be needed to replace them. There is particularly good scope in small community neighbourhoods.

(18) HANDBILL DISTRIBUTION

for business firms and other advertisers can be profitable. Door-to-door delivery can be arranged with senior school-children. Sales letters sent to department stores and other local advertisers can bring good results, also advertisements in "The Trader".

(19) RUG AND FURNITURE CLEANING

is a growing business. In America especially, more and more people own and operate an 'on location' rug and furniture cleaning franchise, such as Service-master, 2117 North Wayne Ave., Chicago 14, Illinis. In England similar firms advertise in "Exchange & Mart", "Sunday Times", and "The Observer".

(20) SELL MAGAZINES

This requires no office and it can be evening work. Write to publishers requesting the right to get subscritions. Approach schools, hospitals, offices and private people in their home and at their business. Solicit orders by telephone and direct mail advertising. Or concentrate on back numbers which can be bought and sold through advertisements in

(21) HOME MANUFACTURING

Many saleable products can easily be made at home, and sold through gift shops and other retailers.

(22) USED CRRESPONDENCE COURSES

at reasonable prices are in demand and several people in America are running this type of mail order business. They include second-hand instruction manuals and self-improvement books in their lists. Advertise under "Educational" in "Exchange & Mart". Combine with NO 114.

(23) UPHOLSTERING AND FURNITURE REMODELLING

Once you have learned the "know-how" this can pay well. Public libraries have some good books on the subject and a lot can be learned from craft and hobby magazines. Many start with just a box of hand tools and some special equipment.

(24) WINDOW DRESSING

calls for, of course, artistic ability and skill with tools, plus imagination. It is advisable to get tuition in the subject at evening classes.

(25) MAKE PLYWOOD NOVELTIES

and sell through gift shops. Popular items: weather vanes, ships, squirrels, dogs, birds, row-boats, name and address backgroungs, picture puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, jewel boxes, comic plaques, doll furniture.

(26) JUVENILE CLOTHING EXCHANGE

Many women in the suburbs of London and other cities run a children's clothing exchange, where mothers exchange children's unwanted, out-grown garments for others and pay an exchange fee. This project can be combined with the sale of boys' and youths' wear such as shorts, T-shirts etc., of your own make, or from wholesale suppliers listed in "The Trader".

(27) BOOK INDEXING Indexing books for non-fiction publishers is pleasant, profitable work. The technique can be learned from handbooks in public libraries. Work is obtained by writing to non-fiction publishers listed in the "Writers and Artists Year Book".

(28) DANCING LESSONS

Needs skill and a gift for teaching. Local classified ads bring pupils. Teach in your own home at first. Special classes for middle-aged people pay well.

(29) HANDWRITING ANALYSIS

This is a service which can be profitably advertised with classified ads in magazines and newspapers. The skill can be acquired from manuals on graphology.

(30) REMINDER BUREAU

With such a service you undertake for an annual fee to remind people of birthdays, wedding anniversaries, dates for payments, etc. You get your customers through "Personal" ads in "Sunday Times" and "Observer".

(31) RAISING RABBITS

has the advantage of three markets: selling fur, breeding stock, and meat. This project can be started in a large backyard free from local restrictions against raising animals. Get "know-how" from local library.

(32) ENTERTINING in the form of singing, recitations, magic, dancing, doing a comedy act etc., calls for skill in your particular line, and a "way" with an audience. To get bookings it is necessary to become well known in your area by giving benefit performances for charitable affairs, hospitals and orphanages. (33) EMBROIDERING

beautifully decorated cigarette cases, velvet compacts, pin cushions, baby dresses etc., is profitable. Sales are through gift shops. Get "Embroidery" magazine which advertises opportunities and a correspondence course from Embroiderers Guild, 73 Wimpole Street, London W.1.

(34) DRAW CARTOONS FOR MAGAZINES AND NEWSPAPERS

Cartoons are well paid today and there are some excellent handbooks and correspondence courses on the subject. Some cartoonists do well by specialising in supplying industrial magazines with cartoons. Markets are listed in "Writers and Artist Year Book".

(35) DECORATED CANDLES

These are good sellers to gift shops. Study craft magazines, visit gift shops, and try to turn out something different.

(36) PART-TIME PUBLICITY WORK

You supply public relations help to small businesses in your area, arranging press parties, preparing news releases, arranging interviews, etc. Know-how can be obtained from handbooks on public relations at your public library.

(37) MAKING & SELLING HANDMADE SHELL DECORATED JEWELLERY

For this home business you need artistic ability, finger dexterity and knowledge of the market. Handbooks give full information. Sell through friends, neighbours, church groups, members of women's clubs, gift and novelty shops, dress shops and beauty salons.

(38) DOG TRAINING

If you have the gift for it and the necessary know-how from books on dog training you can get this kind of profitable work with regular advertising in the local press. This can be combined with the sale of dog requisites.

(39) BOOK-KEEPING SERVICE

Local newspapers often contain part-time vacancies, or you can approach grocers, service stations, clubs, public houses and various retailers who may need a home book-keeping service, rather than a more expensive firm of accountants, to help prepare and maintain tax forms and records.

(40) MANUFACTURER'S REPRESENTATIVE AT HOME

This means calling in independent and chain retail stores of all kinds and soliciting volume orders. You handle no merchandise but send the orders to the factory which then ships the order direct to the retailer. There is no selling door-to-door to consumers. You need no office, only a telephone and some stationery.

(41) WOODWORKING

using 3/8" or 1/2" plywood, is profitable if you can make such items as attractive bedside cabinets and kitchen fixtures, and charge not more than 100% above the cost of the materials. Consult your local library for books.

(42) A MENDING SERVICE

for single men, business girls, school-teachers, professional people and over-worked housewives can pay well. Advertise at week-ends in the classified section of your local newspaper. This work can be combined with some other sewing.

(43) RAISING CANARIES, BUDGERIGARS AND PARAKEETS

You need a sunny room, starting with one or two pairs of birds. Sell the offspring to friends, neighbours and local pet stores.

(44) MAKING AND SELLING FOODS

This pays handsomely. Items in demand are cakes, jams, jellies, maple syrup, apple cider, cheese, cookies, candies, etc. Sell through gift shops, tea rooms, hotels, grocers, and by small classified advertisements in national Sunday newspapers and women's magazines. It is usual to fix prices by doubling the cost of ingredients.

(45) MODELLING

Photographers, art schools, advertising agencies, moving picture agencies, department stores, T.V. stations, want women, men and boys as models for advretising, illustrations for clothes and other products, magazine illustrations.

(46) PROFITS IN KNITTING

This is a home activity that pays well. Women buy sweaters, dresses and two and three-piece suits; men need mufflers, gloves, socks, jackets, sweaters; and children's knitted wear is also in demand at good prices. Sell privately through local babywear shops, gift shops and other suitable retail outlets; by mail order; also by approaching suitable firms.

(47) NURSERY SCHOOL

Many women with the necessary experience with children earn good money operating a nursery school simply by making their services known through local classified advertisements. :FORTYEIGHT (48) NOVELTY, TOY AND BRIC-A-BRAC SHOP

Interesting if you can make articles in demand that also sell to wholesalers, mail order houses, stores, souvenir shops, gift shops. Typical items: paperweights, desk sets, book-ends.

(49) DEMONSTRATIONS

Details of an attractive range of luxury skin care products for demonstrating from your own home at generous profits are obtainable from B & G Delaney, 18 Wellington Square, Chelsea, London SW3. Agents to sell beauty preparations are wanted by Avon Cosmetics Ltd., 84 Baker Street, London W.1.

(50) SELLING SHIRTS

to friends and workmates at actual wholesale prices is a popular spare time activity. A free starting outfit of actual shirting samples, coloured illustration, etc., is offered by K.L.Shirts, 349 Edgware Road, London W2.

(51) HOOKED AND BRAIDED RUGS

and novelties made at home sell well in local shops. Lamp and vase mats, handbags, hot dish mats, seat covers, toilet seat covers, backrests and slippers are in demand. Rugmaking kits are obtainable from Winwood Textiles, Kidderminster, Worcs.

(52) COLLECTING AND SELLING SCRAP METAL

is profitable. If you have transport you can start by collecting scrap in your locality. Your local library will have a book on metal identification that will tell you how to identify steel, lead, zinc, bronze, brass, iron, etc. Your librarian will help you to track down buyers.

(53) SELL PRINTED STATIONERY

There are many outlets, stationers, friends, and by mail order. Books giving the know-how are obtainable from your public library and new and secondhand printed machinery is advertised weekly in the "Exchange & Mart". Profits are good and reliable work much in demand. Start spare-time and develop into full-time.

(54) MUSHROOM GROWING

This can be conducted in a shed or basement. A thorough knowledge of the subject is essential. Sales can be made through a sign in your window; through local newspaper advertisements or a roadside stand; and to local greengrocers, restaurants and hotels. (55) MAKING CURTAINS AND RUGS

is a pleasant home occupation. Many people are glad of such a money-saving service. Get business through telephone and personal calls, letters and classified advertisements in local newspaper, sell privately and through gift shops. Get supplies at trade rates through wholesalers listed in the telephone book and in craft journals.

(56) A FILM DEVELOPING SERVICE

can be a very profitable occupation, especially in the summer. You can work from home and get business by offering chemists 25% commission to act as agents.

(57) CHILDREN'S PLAYROOM

Some women have developed a profitable second income by turning one of their rooms into children;s playroom, fixing it up with bright walls, games, puzzles, toys and books. (58) CURIOS AND NOVELTIES

Made at home, these items can be sold directly to the public or through retail outlets such as gift shops, novelty and curio shops.

(59) COLLECT AND SELL AUTOGRAPHS

These can be picked up, often cheaply, from estate sales and secondhand bookshops, also by writing to famous people telling them how much you appreciate something they have done or written (such letters often bring a thank you note).

(60) BABY SITTING AGENCY

A baby sitting (and invalid sitting) agency is well worthwhile. Operators advertise for baby sitters in the local newspaper and check their suitability. The agency mails postcards to parents, women's groups and church groups making known its service.

(61) BUYING AND SELLING OLD CHINA AND GLASS

It is possible to make good profits by buying certain types of old china and glass from secondhand stores, auction sales, etc., and selling them privately and to antique dealers. (62) FURNITURE AND APPLIANCE REPAIRING

If you have the ability there is good scope in this field because everywhere people like to be able to call in someone to salvage old furniture, remodel lamps, fix chairs and sofas, etc. :(63) MANAGING BLOCKS OF FLATS

Owners of apartment houses are often glad to pay 5% of the rent to someone who will collect monthly rents, place income in the bank, superintend maintenance and show people over vacant flats.

(64) FELT CRAFT

it is quite easy and often highly lucrative. Home operators obtain low-priced kits from supply houses, scraps from departent stores, milliners and mills, and make toy animals, table mats, handbags, holders, hot dish pads, slippers, hats, belts glass cases, felt flowers, purses. Sell to gift shops.

(65) OPERATE A SPARETIME AGENCY ROM HOME

Details of various agencies from Wessex First Aid Co., 6a Royal Parade, Kew Gardens, Richmond, Surrey; Progressive Insurance Brokers, 7 Judd Street, London W.C.1; Garden Estate Nurseries Ltd., 4 Station Road, Wytleaf, Surrey.

(66) WRITING FOR MONEY

Thousands of magazines pay well for articles and stories that suit their public. Many beginners get into print with the help of manuals such as "Write for Money" (from your authorised distributor). Markets are listed in "Writers and Artists Year Book".

(67) A HOME REPAIR SHOP

for toys, dolls and household items is appreciated in most towns. Such a service can be made known with announcements on notice boards, a sign in your window and with classified advertisements in local newspapers.

(68) PREPARING CURRICULUM VITAE (C.V.'s)

on your home P.C. and printing out on daisy-wheel or laser printer. Very prestigious results are achieved thus materially assisting job candidates. Fees of £25 - £50 can be collected for the finished product. Advertise your service in local/national newspapers.

(69) WORDPROCESSING SERVICE

from home using P.C. appropriate software as 'Wordstar' and a daisy-wheel printer. Reports, special letters, quotations, invoices can easily be produced using state-of-the-art peripherals. Customers will be small businesses such as builders, doctors, accountants. Demand will be regular.

(70) DRESSMAKING FOR OFF-SIZED FOLK

Because so many people cannot wear the standard-sized costumes sold in shops, this is an excellent speciality.

(71) WRITING COMPUTER SOTWARE

Children love novel computer games thus creating a constant demand for new and better arcade quality software. If you have programming skills (or these skills can be acquired through local college courses) then writing these games using computer language could prove a very profitable venture.

(72) ILLUSTRATED LECTURES

There is money in this. Build up a collection of colour slides on two or three popular subjects. Read up these subjects over a period. Then write offering to give illustrated talks to clubs, civic organisations, educational institutions and employees of business firms. Projectors can be hired.

(73) HAT RENOVATING

A number of women in small and larger towns add to their income by giving 'new life' to hats, changing the style to make them look new and different.

(74) POULTRY BREEDING

If you have the inclination and the space, plus some ability for buying and selling you could look into this possibility, studying the journals and manuals on the subject at the local library.

(75) HOME IMPORT-EXPORT BUSINESS

This field bristles with opportunities and involves only very modest expenditure to start. One operator claims to make an average of oe15,000 to oe20,000 a year and he started with very little capital. The necessary know-how is easily acquired; there are reliable manuals on world trade, showing how to start, how to get government help, how and where to buy, how to sell locally and by mail, etc. (76) PRINTING SERVICE

Selling printed items (letterheads, envelopes, forms etc.,) through local solicitation involves no equipment, no stock, no financial investment, no figuring. You find a wholesaler printer who will supply a catalogue and samples; these do the main job.

(77) PREPARING SPEECHES

If you have the ability to prepare speeches there is well paid work to be obtained from persons active in trade associations, literary clubs, political groups and social clubs. A letter, with your business card, sent to the secretaries of such associations may well lead to interesting work. Payment can be quite high according to the type of speech and the amount of research needed .

(78) PART -TIME TAXI DRIVING

It is necessary to be over 21 years of age and to possess a driver's licence. Apply to local taxicab companies.

(79) DEALING IN POSTAGE STAMPS

gives plenty of scope today with the ever-increasing interest in stamp collecting for pleasure and profit. There are over 3 million collectors of stamps in the British Isles and about 12 million throughout the world. Even if you confine yourself to supplying collectors in Great Britain, you can make a good income.

(80) PAPER HANGING

if you can do it well, is a wanted service. Insert classified ads saying you will decorate houses at low rates (get the know-how from library books). Request a discount of 20% on wallpaper supplied by retailers.

(81) PLASTIC CRAFTWORK

can be carried out on a card table at home. Manuals are readily obtainable showing how to make jewel boxes, paperweights, candleholders, pen-holders, cigarette boxes, costume jewellery and ornamental plaques for gift shop outlets.

(82) THERE IS MONEY IN CARS

first in selling used or new cars, second in running a motor insurance agency. You can buy used cars cheaply at weekly auctions and sell for excellent profits from home. Advertise in your local paper under cars for sale.

(83) PART-TIME SECRETARY

Many women do secretarial work at home for dentists, doctors and lawyers who do not require a secretary all day. They call for the client's recordings from a dictation machine and perform the work at home, at a considerable saving for the client. (84) POTTERY CRAFT PRODUCTS

can now be made at home at low expenditure on kits and clays from craft supply houses. There is a good market for gaily-decorated tiles for hanging on walls, decoration of fireplaces, etc., small pitchers and mugs, vases and flower bowls.

(85) PROFITS FROM PLASTIC LAMINATING

There is a demand for this service because so many people have documents and papers they want to preserve from deterioration by having them covered with a layer of plastic that is airtight. Business firms want photos, cards, maps, charts, clippings, etc., protected. Firms that show you how to get started advertise in "Exchange & Mart".

(86) PET OWNER SERVICE

Shampooing and boarding pets is a sought-after service in higher-income areas. Poodle clipping is also in demand. Your local public library probably has books on dogs and clipping. Cards displayed at newsagents and classified advertisements in local newspapers bring this kind of business.

(87) LOCATE OUT-OF-PRINT BOOKS

This pays well. You place two-line classified ads in literary periodicals such as "Books and Bookman", "Times Literary Supplement", "Time and Tide", offering to find scarce books a "free search service". You insert other ads indicating specific titles wanted in "The Clique".

(88) TELEPHONE ANSWERING SERVICE

Such services are used by lawyers, doctors, repair men, contractos and others who are not always able to have someone to answer 'phone calls'. Many housewives, shut-ins, married couples and others find that a telephone answering service pays well. A monthly fee is charged.

(89) COMPUTERISED BOOK-KEEPING/ACCOUNTING SERVICE

Using a home P.C. and software such as "Sage" or "Pegasus" accounting packages you are able to offer a fully computerised book-keeping and accounting service including; purchase ledger, profit and loss accounts, sales ledger, nominal ledger, profit forecasting.

(90) TOY MAKING

calls for a keen interest, market study and initiative; in demand are: tricks, games, game boards, masks, educational toys, models, puppets and any other types. Felt for soft toy-making is obtainable at low prices from Griffiiths & Co., 6 Hanover Street, Merthyr Tydfil

(91) TEACH TYPEWRITING

Many stenographers take a typing class at home in the evening, using rented typewriters and ads in local papers.

(92) A LIST BROKING SERVICE

can provide a good income, spare-time or full-time. List Broking is big business in America and is a fast growing field in the U.K. It is the use of one firm's mailing list by another non-competing firm. Operating such a Mailing List Exchange is easy and profits are high.

(93) CHINCHILLA BREEDING

is equally profitable. This can be undertaken at home since most people have a spare corner or cupboard under the stairs to keep the cages. Chinchillas are becoming extremely popular animals hence this can become a very profitable croft business.

(94) WEDDING VIDEO SERVICE

offering a personal video of this special occasion is a profitable usage of a "camcorder". Many young brides want a living momento of their wedding-day. oe20-oe30 per copy can be realised for 1-2 hours work. Up to a dozen copies can be sold from each ceremony. Advertise in your local paper. A "camcorder" can be purchased as cheaply as oe450.

(95) TYPEWRITER REPAIRS

A home typewriter repair service can pay well. Get business through office supply stores and small classified advertisements in local papers at weekends.

(96) WATCH REPAIRING

can be highly profitable. A watch repairing course is offered by Watchcraft, 121 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London S.W.15.

(97) STENCIL CUTTING

for churches, clubs and business firms pays well. It is simply typing on to a wax stencil (without the typewriter ribbon). Erasures and corrections are made with a liquid which may be bought at any office stationery shop. (98) SELLING OCCULT AND METAPHYSICAL BOOKS BY MAIL

is interesting and can be profitable. In England a reliable advertising medium for such books is "Prediction"; in America "Fate".

(99) SILK SCREEN PRINTING

can be excellent home business. The process is used for greeting cards, posters, show cards, personalised place cards, etc. This method of printing by stencils through tautly stretched silk in a frame is easy to learn and there is no scarcity of manuals.

(100) T.V. REPAIR SERVICE

is a good spare-time business. There are useful manuals on the subject.

(101) SELLING INSURANCE

This is growing enormously and the future market is very great. Most insurance companies have training facilities. Men and Women act as sole proprietor, operating their own business in their own time.

(102) SIGHT-SEEING GUIDANCE AND LECTURING

is usually seasonal work. It is necessary to be a fluent talker and know how to handle people. Become familiar with the points of interest you will talk about from handbooks at your public library. Apply to sight-seeing companies in your area.

(103) SECOND HAND BOOK SERVICE

Books can often be bought cheaply at private sales, from markets and side-street secondhand bookshops, and through classified advertisements in "Book Market" and "Exchange & Mart" (under books). They can be sold to specialist booksellers and through classified advertisement under "Books" in "Exchange & Mart".

(104) DESK TOP PUBLISHING

Armed with an Apple Macintosh computer and software such as "Pagemaker" and a laser printer (total outlay for second-hand equipment ....see 'Computer for Sale' in "Exchange & Mart"....as little as oe3500) and a few hours home training from the 'user friendly' manuals accompanying this equipment you have the basis for a ready made business. Charge oe25 - oe40 per hour for preparing the artwork for letterheads, manuals, business cards, etc. Customers will be small printers, large printers with overspill, mail-order dealers.

(105) MONEY FROM YOUR CAMERA

Sizeable incomes are being made by free-lance photographers. Clubs often want group shots of the membership. Home portraiture pays well. Local business firms buy pictures of their products. Retail stores want photographic show cards.

(106) HANDYMAN SERVICE

Profitable odd jobs for local householders include furniture repairing, patching up cement, simple plumbing, washing cars, sharpening lawn mowers, garden tidying, fixing labour-saving devices, shelves, etc. With the help of the popular manuals available anyone can give first aid for the metal fitting and utencils in the house. It is often possible to pick up commission through work obtained for paper hangers, plasterers, carpenters, etc.

(107) 'TRAINING VIDEO' MAKING

Many small and medium sized companies place much emphasis on group training. This is very time consuming in terms of staff employed on training tasks. Offering a 'training video' service will attract such customers. A training session is 'video recorded' and the company use this to impart the required skills to groups of their employees.

(108) WRITING SHORT PARAGRAPHS

Most people can write tips on household management, cookery, child care, etc. Jokes, anecdotes, children's sayings, business-building gimmicks, etc., are in demand. Many such items receive sizeable cheques from magazines. (109) MAKE AND SELL COSTUME JEWELLERY

Home-made costume jewellery sell well to jewellery outlets, gift shops, hairdressers shops, clothes boutiques, and by direct mail. It is possible to start with limited capital. Read books borrowed from the local library, study trade journals, and literature issued by manufacturers of fittings and supplies. Catalogues from Leisurecrafts Ltd., Romford Road, London E.12. Write also to Gemcraft, 96 Grove Vale, London S.E.22.

(110) HOME TYPING

pays well if the right techniques are followed. Business firms, professional people and associations in your area need typing done by free-lance typists. Authors need novels, short stories, plays, non-fiction books and articles typed and they are easily reached through classified ads in writers' and literary magazines. T

(111) COLLECTION SERVICE

Many people with the ability to write good letters have done well helping business firms with their overdue accounts. Sample collection letters given in handbooks from public libraries can be adapted to suit various types of businesses. Charge customers from 10% on all money brought in.

(112) TELEX/FAX/PHOTOCOPYING SERVICE

Communication and fast coying are vital requirements of modern businesses and executive professionals. Second-hand fascimile and photocopiers are cheaply available. You can charge 10p per photocopy, oe1.00 per minute for fax transmission and oe1.50 per min for telexing. Advertise your service in classified sections of local newsapapers.

(113) HOME MAIL ORDER BUSINESS

You can start and operate a profitable mail order business at home with limited capital if you go the right way about it. Starting with almost no capital it is possible to make oe100 a week part-time and oe700 (and much more) full time. "I've found mail order a wonderful, a proven way to make high profits in spare time, at home. I think it is the finest spare-time business of all", writes James Carr, author of a well known Mail Order Course. "You can start anywhere", he writes, "using your kitchen table for an office. You do no personal selling.

(114) SELLING SELF-HELP AN 'HOW' BOOKS BY MAIL

This is the most satisfactory type of mail order business. Easy, pleasant and profitable, it is an ideal spare-time or full-time activity, especially suitable for the beginner in mail order. We do not know of anything else that can be sold as easily and with as little capital as books. They bring continual repeat business for related books. No licence is needed to sell books.

(115) CRAFT WORK

Because good craftsmanship is scarce today home craftsmen can readily sell attractive work through gift shops, furniture stores and other retailers, also privately. Unusual bookshelves, bookracks, bookends, novelties, wireworks, marquetry, leatherwork, etc. Addresses of handicraft materials and hobby kit suppliers are usually obtainable at local public libraries.