This Facebook Marketplace Find Became a DIY “Zoo” for Stuffed AnimalsHome Projects
It’s right at home in a child’s bedroom.
Oct 15, 2023
Attention, Parents: Costco Has an Ultimate Bluey Playset for $55Life
According to commenters, some locations have already sold out, while others are already running low on stock.
Sep 10, 2023
This $32 Small-Space-Friendly Amazon Toy Is My Best Kids’ Purchase
Style
It’s perfect for families in small homes!
Jun 7, 2023
“Seinfeld” Fans Will Love Fisher-Price’s Latest Little People Collector SetLife
The iconic sitcom is joining the Little People line-up.
Jan 23, 2023
This Adorable Plush Toy Will Teach Kids How to MeditateLife
And adults, too.
Dec 26, 2022
Watch This Aunt Customize a Dollhouse for Her Niece in 24 Hours
News
It even has grouted tile.
Dec 14, 2022
Here’s the Most Popular Kid’s Toy in Every Country
News
From Legos to PS5s.
Dec 4, 2022
The Hottest Toy of 2022 Is… A Birthing Guinea Pig?Life
Get ready to hunt down Mama Surprise.
Nov 28, 2022
This Stylish, Functional Kids' Toy Will Blend Right in With Your Home DecorDecorating
Social media brought me to the Pikler triangle toy, and I'm here for it.
Oct 26, 2022
Amazon Toy Book Has Arrived And Adults Are As Excited As Their Kids
News
If the Amazon toy book has already arrived in the mail, then prepare for your kid’s holiday wishlist to be several pages long. Apologies in advance.
Oct 12, 2022
LEGO's Advent Calendars Include Harry Potter, Marvel, And Star Wars
News
LEGO has unveiled their advent calendar collection for this year, and though the calendars might not have a partridge in a pear tree, they do have Harry Potter, Groot, and Darth Vader.
Oct 12, 2022
These Are the Most Valuable Vintage LEGO Sets
News
Check your storage bins.
Aug 12, 2022
Responsibly Dispose Of Toys With Mattel's Toy Takeback Initiative
News
Keep outgrown toys out of landfills.
Jun 8, 2022
The Nostalgic Reason I Accidentally Started Collecting Fisher-Price Toys From My ChildhoodLife
I don’t know what it is about ’90s kids, but our wistful longing for simpler days feels uniquely potent.
May 6, 2022
How To Make Felt Food: Our Gigantic List of Free Online Tutorials & PatternsHome Projects
Over 150 patterns and tutorials to make your own, adorable felt food.
Feb 4, 2022
You Can Now Use Fisher-Price’s Classic Toy Telephone To Make CallsLife
It works like an actual rotary phone.
Nov 1, 2021
There’s Now a Peloton-Inspired Stationary Bike for Kids, Because of Course There IsLife
The Pelican bike lets kids get in on the action and take their own pretend cycling class.
Jul 6, 2021
IKEA Turned Kids’ Doodles Into Toys, Including a Fried Egg and a Mermaid DogLife
The designs reflect the boundless imagination of their young creators.
Mar 22, 2021
You Can Adopt Elf Babies for Your Elf on the ShelfLife
Each one comes with a whole mini nursery setup.
Nov 8, 2020
The Ultimate (Probably Practically Free) Dress Up Box Checklist!Life
Ssh! We’re putting together a dress up box for my kids this year for Christmas! To aid in my quest for putting together the best dress up box ever, I have made this handy “Ultimate Dress Up Box Checklist”. How many of these do you have in yours? Or, even better, waiting to add to yours, currently lying around your house? Used adult clothes: short dresses (they will become full length on a child) bridesmaid dresses (possibly cut short?
Jul 17, 2020
Ursula’s Window Seat RoomHome Projects
Name: Ursula (7 years) Location: Soho, NY Making a room for Ursula in our new home together took awhile but it was a joy. For her first room to herself in our new life (we were sharing a one bedroom for a year), I was able to take a white sheetrock box with a high ceiling and make it airy but cozy and have plenty of storage for her growing lifestyle of clothes, dolls, costumes and toys. Before! During!
Jul 17, 2020
Kids Room Throwdown: Trofast vs Kallax/ExpeditOrganizing
One of the most challenging decisions a parent faces in decorating a kids’ room is storage. Where on earth does one store all their stuff? Two popular options among Apartment Therapy readers are IKEA’s Kallax (originally the Expedit) and Trofast storage systems. But which will work best for your needs? Read on to find out who wins out in the Trofast/Kallax kids room throwdown! As a bench? Winner: Trofast. Sure, the Expedit looks lovely beneath sun-filled windows.
Jul 17, 2020
25 Inspiring Ideas: Repurposing Old ToysOrganizing
So you’ve gone through the toys, sorted them, and chosen some to part with. Now what? You could donate them, do a toy swap, hide them away for a while, or trash them. But another fun idea I’ve come across recently is to repurpose those once-treasured toys. I’ve rounded up twenty-five inspiring ideas for repurposing your little one’s unwanted play things, from the practical to the outrageous and everything in between. 1. Build an island with Lego 2.
Mar 11, 2020
15 Toys You Can Make with CardboardDecorating
I don’t know about you, but my daughter and I start to go a little stir crazy at this time of year. We try to get out as much as possible, but sometimes with these short, cold days we can’t be out for long. I’ve been keeping my eye out for inexpensive do-it-yourself ways to have a little fun indoors. Here are some fun and budget-friendly cardboard creations that are sure to keep your little ones entertained during those final weeks of Winter: Row One: 1.
Feb 28, 2020
How To Make a Custom Baby GateHome Projects
Chris and Julia’s daughter was growing up fast, and they needed a baby gate for their soon-to-be-mobile child. Not thrilled with the readymade options they saw in stores, they devised this custom option for the top of their stairs. The plexiglass makes it less conspicuous than others out there, and the special size works nicely for their extra-wide staircase.
Dec 19, 2019
Before and After: This $100 Storage Closet Makeover Comes with So Many Organization LessonsOrganizing
This family's toy closet was better looking than many, but it definitely had some room for improvement.
Sep 23, 2019
Space Saving Toys for Small HomesDecorating
“Kids! It’s time to fold the toys!” Every parent should be conscious of what you’re bringing into your home for your kids to play with, but if you live in a small home the size of a toy can be a deal breaker. Mostly, I limit the sheer number of toys we have but another strategy I employ is to look for toys that store easily. Does it fold up to a smaller size? Can I tuck it in the closet or on top of our wardrobe? Suddenly a tricycle in a small apartment seems feasible.
Sep 5, 2019
LEGO Just Announced a Disney Train and Station Set, So All AboardLife
The minifigs are the cutest!
Aug 19, 2019
Your Childhood Furby Could Be Worth Over $4,000Life
If you have a Furby stuffed away in storage, it's time to bring them out because they could be worth thousands.
Jun 27, 2019
IKEA and LEGO’s New Collaboration Aims to Get Kids (and Parents!) Off Their PhonesOrganizing
Two iconic Scandinavian brands are teaming up to make playtime more fun. Finding the balance between YouTube and actual physical activity, IKEA and LEGO have partnered to create a comfortable space for playtime that’ll be enjoyable for kids and parents alike.
Jun 14, 2019
Here’s How Much Your Vintage Cabbage Patch Dolls Could Be WorthLife
If our binges of Marie Kondo’s popular Netflix show have taught us anything, it’s that cleaning is good, but mindfully tidying up is so much sweeter. In the process, you inevitably discover the items that truly bring you joy and say farewell to those that don’t. But what if tossing unnecessary items could bring you joy and a stack of cash? If your tidying has unearthed treasures like vintage Cabbage Patch Kids dolls, you could be in for a solid payday.
May 31, 2019
Small Play Kitchens & Stove TopsDecorating
A friend and apartment dweller recently asked us for small play kitchen suggestions for her daughter’s Christmas present. We tried talking her into some DIY ideas, but she is more the DI-Buy type. If you’re in the same boat, here you go – fifteen small play kitchens (under 31″ H) so your kids can play “dorm room” and “flop house” too. My Portable Cooker by Wonderworld ($55.
May 8, 2019
Cameron’s Contemporary Room with Graphic WallpaperDecorating
Name: Cameron (5)Location: Sherman Oaks, CARoom Size: 16′ x 16′ Now that Cameron is five years old, he wanted a cool, big boy room. The room is definitely all boy and the graphic wallpaper and bold colors give it a more modern aesthetic. The space is pretty large for child’s room, so his parents were faced with the challenge of dividing up the room into different play areas. Designer Shirry Dolgin helped bring the design together to create a special room for Cameron.
May 6, 2019
My Favorite Films for ChildrenLife
As a former Waldorf class teacher, I’ve seen firsthand how unchecked screentime from films, tv and computer games can adversely affect young children as they grow, but I also believe in doing what I can as a parent to educate and turn a potential problem into an opportunity – and to meet the modern world carefully and at our own speed. I started this project four years ago, it’s been going really well. Here’s the latest update.
May 5, 2019
Before & After: Boy’s Bedroom RedoHome Projects
Michele’s son had outgrown his room’s decor, and everyone was sick of the orange, purple and red color scheme. It took a couple of weeks to re-do it completely, using a lot of what they already owned, plus adding a few new things to the mix. The goal was to keep it affordable and simple.This room might win the award for the most handmade things in one space.
May 5, 2019
How To Build a TreehousePlants & Yard
In spring of 2013, I decided to bust out and build a tree house for my daughter Ursula, which I’d never done before. I remember having one as a kid and loving it. I wanted one that I could build in a day, wouldn’t be too high up so as to worry me or other parents, and which was SIMPLE in design to maximize playtime and allow for adding on later. It’s light, open and can go up and down easily.
May 5, 2019
Before & After: Old Wooden Crate Gets a Fun New LifeHome Projects
Jolene kept some old nail boxes in her garage for some time, waiting for a way to repurpose them into something useful. Can you guess what she made for her kids? Click to see what she and her husband did with one crate in an hour’s time, with a few tools and additional supplies. I’ll give you a hint: it involves eyebolts.Jolene cut some holes for legs and her husband secured the rope before hanging it from a tree in their front yard.
May 5, 2019
Before & After: Boy’s Nautical Room Makeover on a BudgetHome Projects
This is a great makeover and a cool story because it involves a mom and son working collaboratively to create a completely new room for a budget of only $150! Take a dip into Levi’s newly nautical bedroom (puns = not my strong suit). I know, wonderful, isn’t it?
May 4, 2019
10 Book Series Boys Will Especially LoveLife
I’m a voracious reader, and have been since I was a child, so I naturally wanted to pass this love on to my children. With two boys, though, I soon discovered that there aren’t as many obvious book choices for boys, especially in the early and middle elementary school years. We’ve spent a lot of time trial and erroring books for my sons, so I thought I’d round up their favorites.
May 4, 2019
10 Interactive Gifts for Design-Loving KidsLife
For many of us, the love of architecture, home design, and decor had deep roots in childhood. This season, help spread that passion to the kids in your life with these books, blocks, and crafts. Top row: 1. Draw Me a House: Architectural Ideas, Inspiration, and Colouring In by Thibaud Herem, $17.01 2. LEGO Architecture Fallingwater, $98.95 3. Citiblocs Wooden Building Block Set, $48.21 4. 3-D Home Kit, $31.46 5. Fun with Architecture Rubber Stamp Set, $24.95 Bottom row: 1.
May 4, 2019
Small Kids’ Room Strategy: Toddler-Size Bunk & Loft BedsDecorating
Recently I came across the image above of small bunk beds in the shared bedroom of 4-year-old twins and realized I’d never seen mini bunks like this. They are the same size as a toddler bed (i.e. the size of a crib mattress) and offer a stop-gap solution for parents looking to eke out another year or two in their current space. First, a word about safety: Although these beds are sized for toddlers—i.e.
May 4, 2019
Before & After: Entertainment Center to Dress Up StationHome Projects
We’ve certainly seen our share of entertainment centers turned into play kitchens. But what if your child doesn’t want to play domestic goddess? What if she just wants to be a goddess? Then you might want to follow Mandi’s lead and turn an old entertainment center into a dress up station. I love all the amazing details, like the jelly jar lights, that Mandi installed to make this the ultimate vanity.
May 4, 2019
5 DIY Ideas for Lego Minifigure StorageOrganizing
With the introduction in recent years of the LEGO Mystery Minifigures series, the number of minifigs in our house has exploded. If you aren’t familiar with the concept, LEGO releases a series of unusual minifigures, like Bunny Suit Guy, Yeti, Welder, Diner Waitress, or Bagpiper.
May 4, 2019
Nature Calls: Tools For Budding BirdwatchersPlants & Yard
It’s the perfect time of year to have the kids active and outside and, if they love to watch birds, to encourage that, too. If you have a beginner birder at your place, here’s everything they’ll need (and a couple of things they’ll love) to get started on what often becomes a life-long hobby. 1. Audubon Bird Call can produce generic bird calls $8 from Los Poblanos Farm Shop. 2.
May 4, 2019
8 Steps For Managing & Organizing Your Kids’ ToysOrganizing
If you have kids, toys are an important and unavoidable fixture of your home. You know this, and you also know that the sheer volume can easily get out of hand if you’re not intentional about the flow of toys into your home. If you are trying to get a handle on your kids’ toys this year, here are some strategies to help you plan and manage what comes in and stays in your home: Take a moment to think about what is important to you in regards to toys in your home.
May 4, 2019
Everything Sucks, So Here Are 8 Fun Games to Play Outside This SummerPlants & Yard
I know I am not the only one depressed by the state of the world right now, growing more and more incredulous and outraged with each passing day. If you work hard, and do what you can to make things better out there, it’s okay to take a break too. One of the best ways to recharge is to gather a group of friends, go outside, and indulge in some brainless fun this summer. Balance your rage/shock/concern with some wholesome/ridiculous/playful outdoor games.
May 3, 2019
Your Childhood Beanie Baby Could Be Worth Up To $10KLife
If you’re thinking about throwing out those old Beanie Babies stuffed in the back of your childhood closet, stop right there. Turns out those plush toys might be your ticket to making an online fortune (if they’re in good condition, of course!). Despite the growing popularity of other e-commerce sites (read: Amazon), eBay has remained the go-to place to buy and sell rare goods, including Beanie Babies.
May 3, 2019
A Photographic Ode to IKEA’s Expedit in Kids’ RoomsOrganizing
IKEA’s announcement last week that they were discontinuing the ubiquitous Expedit storage unit was, ultimately, much ado about nothing as its replacement, called Kallax, is nearly identical. But the public outcry by many fans was a reminder of how beloved this versatile and functional piece is. The Expedit transcends nationality, budget and decor styles as you can see in this gallery of children’s rooms.
Feb 24, 2019
Mattel Releases New Role Model Dolls for Women’s History MonthLife
In honor of International Women’s Day, Mattel just announced that they will be releasing a run of new Barbie dolls modeled after inspiring women. Along with adding dolls to their Shero collection, Amelia Earhart, Frida Kahlo and Katherine Johnson have all been given the Barbie treatment for the new Inspiring Women series. I am truly honoured to be part of the Barbie family, celebrating International Women’s Day.
Mar 8, 2018
Check Your Mom’s Attic, Because Your Old Polly Pockets Could Be Worth a TonLife
Did you have Polly Pockets as a kid? I sure did. Those tiny little choking hazards lived in minuscule worlds tucked inside jewel-toned compacts. And like many things I wish I still had even decades after they got passed on to cousins or thrift stores, I often contemplate hunting some down on eBay. And apparently, I’m not alone. Well it turns out, if you’re stricken with the nostalgia bug, it could cost you.
Jan 7, 2018
Before & After: This Costco Playhouse Got Customized for ChristmasHome Projects
If you’ve just spent hours assembling your child’s new dollhouse, or are still pulling things together for Christmas morning, then you might not want to see this. Because mom Melissa just turned this generic brown Costco playhouse into a winter wonderland of beauty.
Dec 24, 2017
Teddy Ruxpin Got a Makeover & Is Still Creepy AFLife
Anyone who grew up in the ’80s remembers Teddy Ruxpin. The talking bear with the cassette tape in his back hit the market in 1985, scared us all with his uncanny valley face and low battery voice, and faded into oblivion for awhile. Until now. In case you need a refresher: MommyandGracieShow got a look at the new Teddy at the Dallas Toy Fair and he’s ripe to terrify a whole new generation. Produced by Wicked Cool Toys, the biggest visual difference is in the eyes.
Oct 3, 2016
10 Clever Ways to Store Stuffed Animal CollectionsOrganizing
Ready to organize those stuffed animal collections for the new year? Some parents recommend purging until you don’t need a storage solution, but some kids love their stuffies so much that they’d love to keep them all. If you agree to house a bunch of these toys, you might want an aesthetically pleasing way to store and display them. We’ve rounded up some simple and clever ideas for keeping plush toys corralled and displayed so that, hopefully, everyone is happy. 1.
Jan 6, 2014
Before & After: IKEA Circus TentHome Projects
Crystal loved the price and concept of IKEA’s CIRKUSTÄLT play tent, but she wasn’t a fan of the loud primary colors especially to use in her daughter’s softer-hued bedroom. She picked out fabric she did like and got busy with her sewing machine…Voila! She used the same “bones” of the tent, but completely new fabric that is more her style.
Mar 26, 2012
Before &amp After: Gina’s 1-Hour Doll Stroller RefreshHome Projects
You may be looking at this thinking, “I have that exact same stroller at home.” While yours is also likely pink (the non-pink doll stroller is akin to the Holy Grail), you’re probably referring to the state of disrepair this one is in. From how quickly they fall apart, you’d think these kids were pushing around bowling balls not little baby dolls.
Apr 8, 2011