All Aboard! These 12 Train Tables Are Perfect for Your Little Conductor

by Kate LowethNovember 4, 2020

There’s nothing quite like a train table that gets kids excited for some imaginative play! We’ve gathered up a dozen of our favorite train tables for kids that have cool features like built-in storage and legs that that adjust as kids grow. Some even come with accessories like tracks, train engines, bridges, trees and even mermaids to get the creative juices flowing. Which one tops your little conductor’s list?

Melissa & Doug Train Table

This train table has been popular with families for generations and there's no denying why. The sturdy design means that it will stand up to tons of kid play and its storage drawer makes things tidy.

Get yours here, $149.99.

Teamson Kids Wood Train and Table Set

Build your dream town with this train table that comes with 85 pieces including a fire station, two helicopters, wooden train, greenery and more. The sturdy wooden toy train track pieces can be arranged in three different ways to create a variety of track courses.

Buy yours here, $125.

Carolina Grow-with-you Activity Table

This train table is a favorite of ours as it literally will grow as your child grows. The lower height is perfect for toddlers playing on a rug and the taller height works with PBK children's chairs. Four different finishes are available so that you can match the table to your own decor.

Get one here, $199.

Bigjigs Toys Mermaid Train Table

Dive into hours of imaginative underwater play with this adorable playset. It includes a sturdy wooden play table, wooden track pieces, a colorful engine and two carriages that feature a removable treasure chest and clamshell. Plus, mermaids, an enchanting sea castle, submarine, underwater creatures, a diver and more.

Buy yours here, $232.

KidKraft Wooden Train Table

This wooden play table is just what little ones need to engage in fun, imaginative play. It features an expansive double-sided play board for arts and crafts or a fun landscape to build their favorite train track combination. The built-in storage compartment helps keep pieces contained.

Get yours here, $132.99.

EndeavourToys Wooden Train Table

This train table stands 20-1/4" high and comes with a two piece Baltic Birch plywood top that encourages open-ended play. Stain or paint it however you'd like, the table comes unassembled and you can request a different height if you prefer. Storage trundles sold separately.

Buy yours here, $158.99.

Step2 Deluxe Canyon Road Play Train Table

If you are looking for a ready-to-go option, this table from Step2 is a good choice. It has a train track and roadway built in so that kids can play with it right after it is set up. Stow your train gear under the included cover and then use it as a play table for drawing or craft projects.

Get yours here, $99.

KidKraft Railway Express Wooden Train Set & Table

This 79-piece set really has it all: 13+ feet of track, bridges, roadway and even a train to run around the tracks. It's made of wood so you'll know that it is built to last. When done for the day, kids can store it all away in the built-in storage bins.

Buy yours here, $149.99.

Real Wood Children's Activity or Train Table

This table is built to match your existing furniture and is made with care and craftsmanship that your child will enjoy for years to come. Choose the stain or paint of your liking, you can even get a special name engraved on the side for the little engineer!

Buy one here, $305.

BigJigs Toys Magical Train Set and Table

This fun train table includes high quality wooden train tracks, a pastel-colored engine and two carriages plus a boat, heliport, bridge, tunnel, trees, magical toadstools, fairy figures and a unicorn.

Get yours here, $232.

Ramona Kids 3-Piece Play Table and Chair Set from Mack & Milo

This train table offers the option of sitting or standing. The raised lip will keep train pieces in place while playing and the price couldn't be beat!

Get yours here, $67.99.

KidKraft Adventure Town Railway Train Set & Table

If you want to be able to stow your train table when not being used, check out this option from KidKraft. The sides fold in for easy stowage and it comes with two storage bins for cleanup time. The table also includes a 120-piece colorful accessory set featuring vehicles, characters, construction pieces, buildings and more.

Buy one here, $150.78.

—Kate Loweth

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Cuddle up with a Wacky New Plush from Les Déglingos

by Jennifer SwartvagherSeptember 8, 2020

Parents around the world know there is something magical about a new plush friend. The whimsical French toy line Les Déglingos, translated into English as “The Wackos” uses corduroy fabric to create a collection of beloved creatures. Now American families can find them at independent toy and specialty retail shops stateside thanks to importer TriAction Toys.

Big Simply Hippipos the Hippo in Tube is one of five animal characters that will soothe and enchant your little one. It may be hard to choose one among Flamingo, Ostrich, Tiger or Llama as each plush pal offers its own charm. One thing’s for certain, your child will cherish their new lovey from birth to freshman orientation.

“Les Déglingos was founded in early 2007 by Laurent Manceron in France,” explains TriAction Toys’ Chris Cofoni. “Laurent’s idea was to bring very innovative and funky designs to the market, steering away from the common pastel plush toys available at the time. He was the first designer to design plush using corduroy and the material’s success in the plush toy market has been imitated widely since.”

If you feel like you may have seen this toy before, it may be from one of its many cameo appearances on many movie sets and the TV series Modern Family.

This plush line is the perfect gift for baby showers, holidays and birthdays. The decorative “tube” packaging is just as appealing as the plush tucked inside. Artistic drawings of each animal face mimic their unique characters.

Les Déglingos are machine washable in cold/warm water and have no parts that present a choking hazard. Each product is tested to comply with European regulations (EN71), USA regulations (ASTM) and REACH (AZO for colorants in the fabrics).

Look for these five corduroy pals, each priced at $19.99 and for age newborn+, in specialty stores now.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of TriAction Toys

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11-Year-Old Identical Twins Create Sleek New Writing Utensil

by Jennifer SwartvagherAugust 27, 2020

When studying did you ever wish you had a highlighter attached to your pencil? SOZY’s The Annotator, created by 11-year-old identical twins, Sophie and Izzy, combines a #2 pencil, extra-strong eraser and liquid highlighter into one sleek, functional package. This sleek tool is useful and efficient for students and professionals alike, ideal for note taking, color-coding papers, highlighting materials for presentations or just doodling.

Sophie and Izzy’s journey started in school with a simple hack, combining a highlighter to a pencil by taping them together. This solved the problem of switching between both writing instruments at school. When they went to buy the product, and realized it didn’t exist, they decided to design one themselves.

The girls decided to combine elements of their names for the brand and SOZY (SOphie and IzZY) was the result.

For the girls, their passion project has been a lesson in entrepreneurship.From sketching a prototype from scratch, creating a mold to picking a color palette, developing a brand name, designing a logo, creating a website and writing Instagram posts, they have made important decisions, faced challenges and learned how to start (and run) a business.

The Annotator currently comes in packs of four, in pastel shades and in brights ($10) and they have more in development. Available online, The Annotator has also already been picked up by Kitson, Uncommon Goods, The Graphite Store and Presence, among others.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of SOZY

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12 Easy Wind Chimes Kids Can Make at Home

by Nikki WalshJune 3, 2020

Looking for a way to harness the wind? From upcycled plastic lids and egg cartons to tin cans and seashells, check out these 12 unique wind chimes you can make at home. Not only will it give your kids something to do, but it also makes for sweet backyard decor. Scroll down, our how to make wind chimes crafts will blow you away!

Recycled Plastic Lid Wind Chimes

Recycle! Parents can help out on this wind chime project. Recycling plastic lids and pretty beads (or anything you can put on a string) makes for this colorful wind chime. We love the tutorial over at Crafts by Amanda, so head over for the deets. Then it’s time to get crafty.

Eggs-tra Easy

The sky’s the limit when your little artist reuses egg cartons to make these pretty pastel wind chimes. This project is a breeze to put together with a few supplies: egg cartons, watercolor paint, beads, bells and yarn. Get instructions for this eggs-ellent idea from Barbara over at ArtBar.

Ocean in the Air

Shell we make some wind chimes today? Grab shells, glitter, glue gun and string, then follow Jessica Amey’s simple directions at Let’s Do Something Crafty, and you’ve got new backyard décor. When you're done, tie it up and let the wind do its thing.

Tea Bottle Wind Chimes

From colorful paper mâché and glitter paint, your little crafter will enjoy this DIY wind chime project. The best part is the tinkering sound the lids make when done. For a complete how-to head over to Amy Latte Creations and get started today!

Hanging Hearts

It's heart to resist this sweet wind chime made with care over at No Time for Flashcards. Little hands will need a little help (it's worth the effort!) melting these pretty red and white hearts. You’ll need pony beads, string, a piece of wood and silicone holders. You can get the 4-1-1 from Allison over at No Time for Flashcards.

Macrame Wind Chimes

If your little crafter is keen on making friendship bracelets, then these DIY macrame wind chimes are perfect. For what to get and how to make these wind chimes head over to Crafts Unleased. When done, hand them up and listen to the music in the wind.

Creature Chime

Paperclips? Check. Plastic cup? Check. Add string, googly eyes and bells, and you’ve got the makings of a wind chime inspired by Chelsey over at Buggy and Buddy. Go here for the step-by-step. When done, sit back and hear the bells.

Over the Rainbow

Wood-n’t you like to make this colorful chime? There are a few more steps to this project, but the result is worth it. Props to Jackie at Happy Hooligans, who came up with this cool craft that starts with a nature walk. Find the how-to here.

Fairy Fabulous

Who doesn’t love to believe in fairy tales? These cute little wind chimes make a sweet tinkering sound that your own fabulous fairy will love. There are quite a few (but do-able) steps: you'll need beads, small jingle bells, wire and miniature flower pots. Lori over at Beneath the Rowan Tree gives us detailed steps.

Awesome Upcycle

We try to set a good example for our kids by picking up trash from the environment. Well, Natalie over at Handmade Charlotte took this task up a notch when she made these whimsical wind chimes. You’ll need a plastic lid, ice cream spoons, bells, feathers and several other items. Get the full scoop, here.

Do the Can-Can

When kids are done playing “kick the can” they can paint them to make this bright and bold can craft. A nod to Kim who came up with this cool idea that’s easy for kiddos to do. All you need is an old lampshade wire (or something similar), cans, paint, string, hammer (adult supervision, please) and nails. Grab the directions here.

—Nikki Walsh

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Krispy Kreme Is Launching Fruity Doughnuts Just in Time for Spring

by Jennifer SwartvagherApril 24, 2020

Springtime evokes thoughts of your favorite fruit flavors and visions of beautiful pastel colors. Krispy Kreme is launching its most colorful innovation yet. Fresh off the Line Doughnuts, a series of everyone’s favorite fruit flavors ready for the picking, starts off with Strawberry Glaze on Tues., Apr. 28.

Krispy Kreme will release one new flavor each week, available Tues. through Fri., over the next three weeks.

Along with the fruit glazed varieties, Krispy Kreme is also introducing an Original Filled doughnut for the first time ever.

Strawberry Glazed and Strawberry Kreme Filled Doughnuts (available Tues., Apr. 28 through Fri., May 1) are a fresh take on one of the season’s most loved fruits. Both Doughnuts are covered in a strawberry glaze, with the Original Filled featuring a light and airy strawberry Kreme.

Key Lime Glazed and Key Lime Kreme Filled Doughnuts (available Tues., May 5 through Fri., May 8) will brighten your days at home with the tart flavor of key lime paired perfectly with the sweetness of Krispy Kreme Original Glazed. The Original Filled version is covered in key lime glaze and filled with a key lime Kreme.

Lemon Glazed and Lemon Kreme Filled Doughnuts (available Tues., May 12 through Fri., May 15) feature the return of the fan favorite lemon glaze flavor, combining zesty lemon and Krispy Kreme’s sweet, signature glaze. The Original Filled version is filled with delicious lemon Kreme filling.

You can get these doughnuts and all of your other favorites by visiting your local Krispy Kreme drive-thru. You can also order online via Krispy Kreme’s website or app for curbside pickup.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Krispy Kreme

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Spring Has Arrived at Starbucks with New Tumbler Line

by Karly WoodMarch 6, 2020

If you’ve been dreaming of warmer weather and spring blooms, you’re not alone. To get us all excited for the end of winter, Starbucks has released a new line all about spring.

The pastel-themed collection not only boasts plenty of bunnies and flowers, but also a new take on the popular matte studded tumbler from last fall.

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The lineup comes with a variety of tumblers, coffee mugs as well as reusable hot cups.

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Many of the products also feature iridescent designs which have us dreaming of sun-dappled afternoons!

The spring lineup is slowly rolling out to Starbucks locations as well as cafes in Target.

––Karly Wood

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This Magical White Chocolate Easter Unicorn Is Birthday Cake Flavored

by Jennifer SwartvagherFebruary 27, 2020

Move over chocolate bunnies, there’s a new mystical creature in town. Add a touch of magic to your Easter baskets this year with a sweet unicorn. This birthday cake flavored white chocolate treat even has rainbow sprinkles mixed into it.

This pastel accented unicorn has a pink mane and tail, a yellow horn and speckles of pink, yellow, blue and purple candy sprinkles everywhere. It’s the ultimate springtime treat.

We found this 7.5-ounce hollow Magical Easter Unicorn at Big Lots! and Party City retailing for $5 to $6.99 respectively.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Party City

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Disney Has Baby Yoda Valentine’s Day Shirts & Love Is Officially in the Air

by Karly WoodFebruary 4, 2020

We know you can’t stop making heart eyes when “Baby Yoda” walks on the screen, and now you don’t have to! Disney has released new Valentine’s Day The Child clothing and excuse us while we buy them all.

The Mandalorian-themed shirts and sweatshirts feature simple designs of your fave mini-Yoda with hearts and sweet sentiments like “Be Mine.” You can shop the new styles at Shop Disney, and here’s a sneak peek!

The Child ''Be Mine'' – Star Wars: The Mandalorian Pullover Sweatshirt for Adults

$34.95

The Child ''Little Valentine'' – Star Wars: The Mandalorian T-Shirt for Kids

$21.95

While we were shopping we also spied some equally adorable shirts that aren’t necessarily centered on Valentine’s Day, but are all about The Child. These Baby Yoda-themed tops can be worn all year long!

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Shop Disney

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Pottery Barn Kid’s Disney Princess Tea Set Is a Must-Have for Your Next Tea Party

by Shahrzad WarkentinJanuary 31, 2020

Tea time just got a royal makeover––a Disney royal makeover, that is. Pottery Barn Kid’s Disney Princess Tea set is an absolute dream!

The Porcelain Princess Tea Set from Pottery Barn Kids features a tea pot with lid and four cup and saucer sets. Each one features a different Disney Princess including Ariel, Belle, Cinderella and Jasmine. It makes the perfect companion set to Target’s Disney Princess dinnerware collection.

The cups and saucers are all gold-rimmed with gold accent handles. Each one is a different pastel color with the name of the princess hand-painted on the side and artwork painted on the inside.

The tea set is recommended for kids ages eight and up and it’s not hard to see why, considering how delicate they look. This is definitely a pretend play favorite your kids will cherish for years to come.

The entire set is available for $79 at Pottery Barn Kids online.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Pottery Barn Kids

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The New Treats Collection from Disney Eats Is a Must-Have Classic

by Erica LoopJanuary 13, 2020

Get ready for a slice of nostalgia with the newest members of the Disney Eats Collection! Available in Disney stores and at shopDisney.com, the line features Mickey, Minnie and everything you need to serve up tasty treats in style.

So what can you look forward to from this completely cute collection? You’ll find everything from Mickey and Minnie-themed baking dishes to treat trays (both $19.99)—and so much more.

With classic cartoon illustrations, the Disney Eats Collection’s newest treat-centered top picks also include matching Mickey and Minnie bowls (16.99 for the set), pastel-hued spoons ($16.99 for a set or four), an adorable ice scream scoop ($12.99) and a cupcake stand/caddy ($39.99).

Keep clean as you cook with the Mickey and Minnie pot holder and kitchen towel set ($16.99) or write a note to go with your tasty baked treats on the Mickey and Minnie stationary set from Disney Eats ($14.99).

This oh-so-nostalgic treat-inspired line is available in stores and online at shopDisney.com right now!

—Erica Loop

Photos: Courtesy of Shop Disney

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Melissa & Doug Train Table

Teamson Kids Wood Train and Table Set

Carolina Grow-with-you Activity Table

Bigjigs Toys Mermaid Train Table

KidKraft Wooden Train Table

EndeavourToys Wooden Train Table

Step2 Deluxe Canyon Road Play Train Table

KidKraft Railway Express Wooden Train Set & Table

Real Wood Children's Activity or Train Table

BigJigs Toys Magical Train Set and Table

Ramona Kids 3-Piece Play Table and Chair Set from Mack & Milo

KidKraft Adventure Town Railway Train Set & Table

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Recycled Plastic Lid Wind Chimes

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