I realized that a lot of the toys I post on this blog come from the independently owned toy company Melissa and Doug. I thought I would share a little bit of information and a few more toys from a great company that really strives to create quality educational toys for children.
The duo started their business in Doug’s garage while they were still dating in 1988. Now, a little over 20 years later, Melissa and Doug are married and have a large staff and office.You won’t find them selling a lot of talking, blinking or illuminated toys, but they offer a variety of wooden puzzles, creative puppets and play sets. I like the classic look and feel of their toys and I feel that they encourage the right kinds of play in younger children.
I also love that they have always taken toy safety very seriously, even before the lead paint scares of recent years. Melissa and Doug put a heavy emphasis on toy safety and frequently test their products throughout their assembly. To read about their extensive safety policies and CPSIA compliance, click here. I highly recommend their web site as a whole, in addition to the fun products listed below.
Melissa and Doug offer a variety of fun and charming puppets and also a puppet theater to put on a show. The only thing that might be cuter than this Police Man Puppet is the Make your Own Monster Puppet, which includes suction cups so you can display your creation in a window. How clever!
(13.49 at Arsa Toys)
I think this collection of kid-friendly instruments is just adorable. It’s made from high-quality wood and designed for children 18 months and older. It includes all kinds of instruments that kids will love to hit, strike and shake.
($21.49 at Arsa Toys)
Getting mail as a kid is so exciting and fun (well, I guess it is too when you’re an adult and its not a bill). Kids will love this pretend play mail box, which comes with all kinds of fun mail! This toy is hand painted and made from high quality wood. It comes with several pieces of mail and magnetic stamps that kids can apply again and again. Great for group play!
($28.99 at Arsa Toys)
