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There’s so much about wooden toys that we love: they blend in with grown-up décor so easily and literally last forever (hello, resale value!). Etsy has all of our top picks for wooden toys like the versatile Pikler triangle, too-cute play kitchens, Montessori toys, personalized gifts and more. Consider this your wooden toy shopping list.


Pikler Triangle

$220 BUY NOW

If you don't have a Pikler triangle in your home, you need to get on it. Not only are these all the rage for indoor climbing for little ones, but they have a high resale value when you are ready to pass them on. 


Inclusive Wooden Peg Dolls

$67 BUY NOW

We love this option for your Montessori-inspire playroom. These wooden peg dolls are hand-painted in rainbow colors with different skin tones, encouraging open-ended play.


Fairy Tree House

$107 BUY NOW

We love all the details on this wooden fairy treehouse that will soon be the most-play-with item in your playroom.


Large Waldorf Natural Rocker

$199 BUY NOW

You'll love this multi-use piece for your home as it is functional and aesthetically pleasing at the same time. Kids can rock on one side and then flip it over for a climber/tunnel. 


Wooden Grasshopper Puzzle

$45 BUY NOW

This little guy will look so adorable on your bookshelf and the kids will love putting it together again and again. 


Wooden Play Gym

$22 BUY NOW

Keep your baby busy with this fun play gym that has five hanging toys just within reach. 


Personalized Grimm's Rainbow Stacker

$55 BUY NOW

This Maple, Cherry and Walnut nesting arch set is fun and engaging for caregivers and their young children. You can even have it personalized!


Dusty Green Play Kitchen with Oven

$433 BUY NOW

We are totally enamored by this handcrafted play kitchen with oven, cupboard, cooktop, sink, water tap and drawer. Your little one will want to bake a cake in thanks for this gift and you'll love that the dusty green color blends in with your aesthetic. The seller can also customize a kitchen to your specifications and offers other colors like dusty pink and natural wood. 

Find all our favorite play kitchens here.


Wobble Board

$62 BUY NOW

You'll love all the ways the kids will play with this balance board and climber. It comes in a natural wood finish or rainbow! 


Mandala Loose Parts Kit

$43 BUY NOW

Kids can learn shapes, colors, counting, sequencing and more with this colorful kit. 


Wooden Toy Camera

$15 BUY NOW

Get your little one's name carved into their very own wooden camera. What photos will they want to take? 


Name Train

$50 BUY NOW

Isn't this just the perfect holiday gift? Get your child's name in this personalized train that includes a steam engine, caboose and personalized name letter cars. 


Wooden Heart Stacker

$44 BUY NOW

This Montessori toy will be one that the kids will use over and over. And how cute will it be on your bookshelf?


Personalized Toy Truck

$21 BUY NOW

This little wooden truck is great for toddler birthday gifts as it's the perfect keepsake. 


Very Hungry Caterpillar Lacing Toy

$30 BUY NOW

Lacing toys are great for working on fine motor skills and sequencing. You'll especially love this one that is everyone's favorite Very Hungry Caterpillar-themed! 


Grasshopper Pull Toy

$35 BUY NOW

Your tiny person will love pulling this grasshopper around your house and seeing how the legs move up and down as they go!

—Kate Loweth

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Watching your little one’s face as they unwrap a new holiday gift is a moment all parents look forward to. This year take some of the pressure off yourself and shop Oddbods. This brand new toy line based on the popular (and incredibly hilarious) animated kid’s series is sure to bring squeals of delight and a happy dance or two.

The seven Oddbods characters represent a diverse array of emotions and personalities—from feisty Fuse to sweetie pie Newt—and promote a message of celebrating uniqueness and individuality. And the new toy line includes push vehicles, a playhouse and even snuggly companions. Read on to see our top picks for the hottest new toys of the season, sure to bring a smile for the holidays.

Tinybeans reader can save 15% on their favorite Oddbods toys by using code 15ODDBEANS at checkout on Amazon!


Oddbods House Playset

This adorable little house is tricked out with all kinds of features in one compact playset: you’ll find four interior rooms, a backyard with a pool and a garden, and seven cute Oddbods figurines. The whole thing closes up with a carrying handle so it's easy to transport from playdate to porch and back again. Ages 3 and up.

$39.99 BUY NOW

Fuse’s Monster Truck

Let your little mischief-makers have fun with this push-and-play truck that launches missiles! It even comes with a little Fuse figurine that fits in the driver’s seat. Who will win the epic battle of missile vs. pizza vs. ice cream? Ages 3 and up.

$24.99 BUY NOW

Pogo’s Ice Cream Truck

We all scream for Pogo’s Ice Cream truck, or maybe we’ll scream with joy when it launches tiny ice cream blobs right from the top! Pair this with Fuse’s missile-launching Monster Truck and Zee’s Tractor for an epically adorable battle. Includes a Pogo figurine that fits in the vehicle. Ages 3 and up.

$24.99 BUY NOW

Zee’s Tractor

This toy vehicle is Green Oddbood Zee’s tractor, but it’s not just any tractor. It’s a pizza-launching tractor (because food fights are always fun!). Includes the Zee figurine that fits right in the driver’s seat. Ages 3 and up.

$24.99 BUY NOW

Oddbods Pogo Soft Stuffed Plush Toys

When it’s time to snuggle into bed, or maybe just cozy up on the couch to watch Oddbods episodes, the perfect companion is a plush Oddbodd. The loveable, unique stuffies double as a pillow, too. They stand around 12” tall and come in all seven characters: Bubbles, Jeff, Fuse, Newt, Pogo, Slick, and Zee.

$19.99 BUY NOW

Which Oddbod toy will you surprise the kids with this year? We love them all!

-Amber Guetebier

Santa! I know him! Modern tech is making it easier than ever to connect with Jolly Saint Nick and now you can request a personalized Cameo video to spread a little Christmas magic with your family.

Mall Santas are out and virtual Santas are in. To celebrate “Dear Santa Letter Week” Coca-Cola has partnered with Cameo to make these videos possible. Now through Nov. 16, you can visit coke.com/holiday to enter your information and ask for a Santa video in English, Spanish or French. You’ll be notified by email if you’re picked for a customized video and you’ll be able to download and save the memory to view for years to come.

But if you still want to see Santa IRL, you’re in luck. The Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan is headed on a cross-country tour for the ultimate Christmas photo opp. Starting Nov.17 the big red truck with twinkling lights will pull up in various cities for free pictures with Santa. Check back on the holiday website for the exact dates and locations!

Finally, keep an eye out for Coca-Cola’s new holiday video “Real Magic at Christmas.” This year’s piece celebrates joy and inclusion, following a boy who uses holiday spirit to bring his community together. It’s premiering Nov. 15 on TV, online and in movie theaters!

—Sarah Shebek

Featured photo: Kraken Images, Unsplash

 

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If you are looking for something to make spirits really bright this holiday season, consider adding a motorized ride-on toy to your gift list. You’ll find toddler ride-on toys in fun themes like PJ Masks and SpongeBob, along with two-seat ride-ons for older kids to take a friend along for the ride. There’s even a Frozen 2 sleigh if you’re going for the ultimate winter theme. Ride on!


Kid Trax 12V Ford Bronco Powered Ride-On

$400 BUY NOW

Your kid will ride in style with this Ford Bronco ride-on toy. This vehicle comes with a working radio, running lights, and a rechargeable battery, so the fun never has to end! Ages: 3-7


Disney’s PJ Masks Toddler Quad Ride-On Toy by Kid Trax

$40 BUY NOW

The easy push-button acceleration is simple to operate, while the Power Trax rubber traction strip tires keep the ride smooth and steady. And with a top speed of 2 MPH this ride-on toy provides the perfect blend of fun and safety. Age: 18 months-4 years


Interactive Recycling Truck Powered Ride-On from Kid Trax

$200 BUY NOW

The fun is endless with over 100 sounds and songs to choose from. Best of all, it comes with nine recyclable accessories and the truck responds when you insert an accessory into a shape sorting slot. Working lever lets you dump out the recycling haul.Age: 18 months- 4 years


Razor Miniature Dirt Rocket MX125 Electric-Powered Dirt Bike

$179 BUY NOW

Get a kick out of this speedy dirt bike that has a rechargeable battery that can get up to 8mph. This bike can go up to 5 miles on a single charge, so your kid will have lots of fun. Ages 7+


Nickelodeon SpongeBob SquarePants Toddler Ride-On Toy by Kid Trax

$60 BUY NOW

Featuring authentic SpongeBob graphics and water bubble sound effects, this ride-on toy is sure to make your little one want to go on an undersea adventure. It comes with a 6-volt rechargeable battery so the fun never has to stop for long. Age: 18 months-4 years


Rideamals Tiger Ride-On Toy by Kid Trax

$79 BUY NOW

This friendly tiger cub features multiple types of interactive play: feed, pet, walk and ride. Feed your tiger a steak and then take him for a ride down the block. He will purr when he's happy along with many other sounds. Also comes in unicorn and dinosaur versions. Age: 18 months-4 years


RollPlay Mini Cooper Countryman 6-Volt Battery Ride-On

$230 BUY NOW

With Button-activated horn and engine sounds and LED headlights, your kids will have a blast in this sleek Mini Cooper. It can get up to 2.5mph in forward and reverse speeds. Ages: 3+


Disney Minnie Mouse Happy Helpers Scooter with Sidecar by Kid Trax

$89 BUY NOW

This too-cute ride on toy in pink is the perfect way to transport your Minnie Mouse around the block. Pop your friend into the attached sidecar and you are on your way! Age: 18 months-4 years


Segway Ninebot S Kids

$500 BUY NOW

This segway is a sleek, safe ride for your kid with non-slip tires, three riding modes, and a low battery reminder. Your kid will love this ride-on toy! Ages: 8+


Ride-On Bumper Car from KidZone

$200 BUY NOW

With 10 colors to choose from, you can pick your favorite and get ready to ride this fun bumper car. Soft bumpers let you bump along and make 360-degree turns. Turn on your lights for added night-time fun. Ages: 18 months-6 years


Disney/Pixar Incredibles 2 Elasticycle Ride-On by Huffy

$88 BUY NOW

This Elasticycle-inspired design is just one incredibly fun ride! To begin, simply press the easy-push button on the handlebar’s grip. Sturdy training wheels provide balance and control. Age: 3-7


GT Coupe Ride-On Toy by Kid Trax

$149 BUY NOW

Grab your shades and shift playtime into gear with this fun ride-on car that's built for two! Working headlights, sound effects, FM radio and MP3 input all add to the playtime fun; while real foot pedal acceleration creates a lifelike driving experience.Age: 3-7


Disney Frozen Sleigh

$249 BUY NOW

You don't have to travel to Arendelle Castle to go for a ride on this fun Frozen 2 sleigh. You can play a tune while you glide around the neighborhood with a friend in tow. Age: 3-7


Monster Jam Grave Digger Ride-On

$398 BUY NOW

Designed with oversized wheels and quick handling, this 24-volt Grave Digger ride-on has two seats so kids can share in the fun. Functioning lights, horn and start sound make it all the more realistic for little riders. Age: 3-7


Kid Motorz Two-Seater Hummer

$199 BUY NOW

You can go forward and reverse in style in this Hummer that's built for two. Store your gear in the back and go up to 5 MPH around the neighborhood. Ages: 3-7


Fisher-Price Power Wheels Dune Racer Extreme Ride-on

$269 BUY NOW

This battery-powered ride-on vehicle features extra-wide tires, sturdy steel frame and a low profile design with an open cockpit that's roomy enough for two riders. Age: 3-7


Cyberquad for Kids

$1,900 BUY NOW

Inspired by the Cybertruck, the Cyberquad is an all-electric ride-on toy with adjustable suspension and LED light bars. The lithium-ion battery lasts for 15 miles and the top speed is 10 mph. Age: 8+

—Taylor Clifton & Kate Loweth

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It’s party time! There’s so much to do, but don’t stress—we have the gift covered! The LEGO® DUPLO® Alphabet Truck is filled to the brim with fun. Through imaginative play, little ones will work on fine motor skills, teamwork and spelling! Be sure to take a break from your party prep, relax and enjoy celebrating your tinybean’s birthday milestone, with LEGO DUPLOIt all adds up to a Happy Little Human!

Can you believe it?! It’s your little one’s birthday! There is so much to celebrate and we have just want they want to open on their big day! Make this birthday the best yet by giving them exactly what tiny hands crave—something to keep them busy! The LEGO® DUPLO® Truck & Tracked Excavator Set will keep your little digger engaged in action, adventure and imaginative play as they build and explore a world all their own—it all adds up to a Happy Little Human!

 

5 Bedtime Books for Sweet Dreams

Bedtime with kids can be stressful, but the perfect bedtime story can make your night, sending your kiddos off to dreamland with ease. There’s also no better way to bond and decompress from the day than sharing a story you both will enjoy. We’ve rounded up a few stand-out bedtime stories to make your nighttime routine dreamy. Cuddle up, and read on!

 

1. Everybody in the Red Brick Building, by Anne Wynter

Here is our favorite new read for night-night time that will be a repeat story for many bedtimes to come: Everybody in the Red Brick Building is a new modern classic bedtime story for ages 4-8 from debut author Anne Wynter and award-winning illustrator Oge Mora. It offers a fresh, urban take on bedtime stories. Everybody in the Red Brick Building celebrates our differences and the multitude of sounds that lull city children to sleep.

The noises of neighbors, pets and sirens maybe not be the sounds that your kid listens to as their head hits the pillow, but they resonate with all kids and provide fun opportunities for chiming as the story sweetly unfolds. This new classic bedtime book has a rhythm so perfect it’s an irresistible read-aloud. As noisy as the story becomes, by the end everyone in the red brick building is asleep… and hopefully soon you will be, too.

Add Everybody in the Red Brick Building to your shelf today!

1. The Nice Dream Truck, by Beth Ferry & Brigette Barrager

When bedtime is near, you might be in luck. You might get a visit from the Nice Dream Truck!

Sample your choice of sweet dreams—from astronaut to making-the-shot and more—all served by a truck that flies on moonbeams. You may choose to swim; you may want to fly, there’s an endless assortment of flavors to try!

The Nice Dream Truck is sure to add a fun twist to your bedtime routine and reminds us that there are as many ways to dream as ice cream flavors to taste.

Get it here.

3. Looking for a Jumbie, by Tracey Baptiste

New York Times bestselling author Tracey Baptiste and acclaimed illustrator Amber Ren take readers on a romp through a forest filled with creatures from Caribbean folklore. "I’m looking for a jumbie, I’m going to find a scary one." But Mama says jumbies exist only in stories. So Naya sets out on a nighttime adventure to find out for herself. No such thing, say the friends she makes along the way. But Naya is sure that jumbies are real. Some have big mouths. Or thick fur. Or glowing skin. Or sharp teeth. Kind of like her new friends.…

Looking for a Jumbie is a gentle, bouncy, and creepily fun read-aloud inspired by traditional Caribbean tales.

Get it here.

4. Pete the Cat & the Bedtime Blues, by James  and Kimberly Dean

This award-winning series is just plain fun—even for bedtime! Pete the Cat and his friends are having so much fun playing and surfing in the sun, they don't want the day to end. Pete has an idea—how about a sleepover? Groovy! As the night gets later, it's time for bed. This cool cat needs to catch some ZZZs, but Pete's friends aren't ready to go to sleep just yet. Then Pete has another idea—a bedtime story! But will it work? The musical text and comforting repetition are perfect for drifting off to sleep. Freebie alert: Free door hanger included!

Get it here.

5. Goodnight Moon, by Margaret Wise Brown

This one is a classic and for good reason. Reading its poetic words and taking in its sweet illustrations are the ultimate bedtime vibe: In a great green room, tucked away in bed, is a little bunny. "Goodnight room, goodnight moon." And to all the familiar things in the softly lit room—to the picture of the three little bears sitting on chairs, to the clocks and his socks, to the mittens and the kittens, to everything one by one—the little bunny says goodnight.

Get yours here.

Get a copy of our favorite bedtime read, Everybody in the Red Brick Building, today!

 

Wishing you all sweet dreams!

 

—Jamie Aderski

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ahh, the kiddie birthday party circuit. Year after year it runs the gamut from bouncy houses to a crowded table at some entertainment center with lots of noise and people. If you’re looking for something a little different, consider having unique party entertainment come to you. Whether it’s a petting zoo or the most bubbles you’ve ever seen, this will be the year your guests remember. We’ve found our favorite mobile birthday parties in Dallas-Fort Worth, so keep reading to see them all.

Gabby Cullen

The Bubble Truck 

You’ll get one hour of the most amazing bubble fun to be had. Colored bubbles, games, and, for an extra price, unicorn bubble squirt guns! 

Find out more: bubbletruck.com

Kona Ice

Ideal for a hot summer or fall day, have the Kona Ice truck come to your bash! Kids can choose from 10 flavors and mixing is a must! 

Find out more: kona-ice.com

Oba Farms Petting Zoo

Have the farm delivered to you! They have plenty of different packages, but no matter what, you’ll get 10 animals for kids to pet and feed. 

Find out more: mobile-petting-zoo.weebly.com

Courtesy Camp Crafty

Camp Crafty 

Dallas native and owner Lilly Neubauer will bring everything you need for fun and creative crafts like name bracelets, rock painting, sunglasses or even embroidery for tweens.

Find out more: campcraftyparties.com

DFW Ice Cream 

An ice cream truck that’s just for your party? Yes, please! It doesn’t matter if you pick a cart of the classic truck, you’ll be able to treat your guests to classic ice cream bars and treats. 

Find out more: dfwicecream.com

Game Truck Party

This fun party truck is a gamer’s dream. Choose between laser lag or a video game theater that arrives right in your driveway. 

Find out more: gametruckparty.com/north-dallas, gametruckparty.com/north-tarrant-county 

Pamper Me Cute

If your kiddo wants a spa party, Pamper Me Cute is the way to go! You can choose to have a spa party or a glitz and glam party, and they even do sleepovers! 

Find out more: pampermecute.com

Ready or not, Christmas shopping is right around the corner! Target has just released the annual Bullseye’s Top Toys list for your making-a-list inspiration. This year features the most exclusives ever, with new 22 toys and games you can only buy at the massively popular retailer.

You’ll find 50 top toys to choose from and Target has even broken it down into categories like “Inspiring New Stories” and “Inspiring Active Play” to make shopping easier. Top brands Disney, LEGO, FAO Schwarz and L.O.L. Surprise! all have exclusive Target offerings for the holiday season. Better yet, many are available to buy now!

Some of the exclusive Target products to look for:

Prices start at $19.99 and Red Card holders can get 5% off Top Toys purchases all through the holiday season. Need it fast? Take advantage of the same-day fulfillment options like Drive Up or Pick Up in store!

––Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Daniel O’Donnell, Unsplash

 

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Most parents agree that a silver lining of the pandemic was it brought over-the-top birthday parties in check. In keeping with our new-found love of the toned-down birthday bash, we’re serving up our favorite mobile birthday party outfitters that will bring the party to you. Keep reading for our favorite ideas—from backyard pizza kitchens to inflatable bull riding in the neighborhood park—below.

GameTruck Video Game Theaters & Laser Tag Arenas

GameTruck via Yelp

Whether you want a Video Game Party or your own LaserTag Arena, GameTruck’s unique mobile video gaming theaters and arenas can make your ultimate party wishes come true. GameTruck@HOME offers contactless video game rentals, delivering the equipment—sanitized, safe, and secure—to your front door. GameTruck LaserTag will turn your yard, playground, or park into a custom laser tag arena for up to 12 players.

866-253-3191
Online: gametruckparty.com

Big Thinkers

iStock

For your budding scientists, Big Thinkers brings the lab to your location and leads your party-goers in experiments, from making rainbow glasses and slime to launching rockets and creating bubbling potions. The 45-minute show—best for ages 4 and older—is sure to please, especially when guests learn how to make their own cotton candy, or leave with their own home-made batch of slime.

678-392-1500
Online: bigthinkersscience.com

A-1 Movie Screen & Party Rentals

iStock

Having a blockbuster of a party is easy when you roll out the red carpet and screen your kid’s favorite film from a giant inflatable movie screen. While there are many local outdoor movie rentals in Atlanta, we like that A-1 offers a FM stereo transmitter for drive-in movie theater action, plus cool LED outdoor furniture you can rent.  All screen rentals come with a free popcorn machine, too, so winner winner.

770-458-7740
Online: aonerentals.com

Fun Bus

Stacey L. via Yelp

Park it almost anywhere, and two Fun Bus instructors will lead up to 15 children (party size may be affected by Covid conditions) at a time, ages 18mo-7yrs, for one hour (or more - depending on your package) of Fitness FUN. Tumble, bounce, slide, and swing along the bus' obstacle course in this climate-controlled environment.

770-569-7529
Online: funbuses.com

Atlanta Pizza Truck

Atlanta Pizza Truck via Yelp

For a good old-fashioned pizza party without heading to the parlor, Atlanta Pizza Truck will bring the brick oven (and all the toppings) to you! Guests can select among pizzas on an inventive menu or create their own, and the brownie dessert pizza will be talked about for years to come.

470-317-4992
Online: atlantapizzatruck.com

—Shelley Massey

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