Green Treehouse

My preschooler has recently become fascinated by board games. Preschoolers love the challenge and entertainment board games provide. Plus, they love playing with others, especially when that person is mom, dad, or a special friend!

Whether you’re looking for a game to entertain your preschooler for hours, thinking ahead to when your baby is ready to play board games, or need a gift for a preschooler, here are five board games that are sure to please:

1. Candy Land. This classic game never goes out of style. One of the reasons Candy Land is a great game for preschoolers is because no reading is required. There’s also a DVD version.

2. Chutes and Ladders. Preschoolers and grown-ups love this game!

3. Hi Ho! Cherry-O. A great game for developing counting skills!

4. Word Chase. An eco-friendly board game that helps children get ready to read!

5. Memory. The classic matching game that children love to play for hours on end.

Next week marks the historic inauguration of the 44th United States President. Mudpuppy’s Floor Puzzle is the perfect activity for stimulating young children’s understanding about the United States.

But the value goes beyond education. The puzzle provides fun, lasting hands-on entertainment for children, which means bonus free time–maybe to catch a peek at inauguration events online or on TV–for mom or dad!

Looking for a meaningful baby shower gift that will last for years to come? Check out these favorite finds, adored by parents and children alike. These gifts will be the talk of the baby shower!

The Cloud b Twilight Lady Bug transforms a nursery or child’s bedroom into a peaceful oasis.

Why does the Cloud b Light score “green” gift points? The night light is educational, depicting actual constellations. The auto-off feature is a battery saver. This light will be enjoyed for years–so it’s not likely to end up in the landfill anytime soon.

The Halo SleepSack Swaddle is an essential for safer sleep. The SleepSack replaces loose blankets and keeps baby warm and snug.

Why does the SleepSack score “green” gift points? It’s available in organic, free of chemicals, dyes and preservatives. It’s designed with safety and the environment in mind.

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You already know your baby is an angel (okay, at least when she’s sleeping!), but with Oeuf’s absolutely gorgeous, hand knit Angel Wing Sweater you’ll finally have the proof!

What could be cuter than your little one wearing this adorable “angel wings” sweater, made of 100% eco-friendly, soft alpaca wool, in Grandma’s holiday photo?

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Hey there, eco-conscious mamas (and daddies, too), guess what? Sassy hopes to inspire you and stimulate your baby with its new line of Earth Brights wooden baby products!

Earth Brights are handcrafted from quality hardwoods, select fabrics and water-based finishes with packaging made from 100% recycled paperboard.

If you’re looking for a toy for your little one or a “green” baby shower gift, think Sassy. Here’s a look at Sassy’s beautifully crafted Sassy Wooden Trio:

And the Sassy Simply Natural Rattle:

Click here for additional Sassy gift ideas.

Until recently when my child started attending birthday parties with VIP regularity, I didn’t realize how many parents have such strong feelings about birthday goodie (a.k.a. goody) bags. For many parents, it’s not the idea of giving kids goodie bags when they leave a birthday party that stirs the pot (although for some that is the issue). It’s what’s in those bags. Like ever popular small, choking-hazard, plastic, breakable, disposable trinkets.

If you’re planning a birthday party and looking for less contentious, eco-friendly alternatives to the traditional goodie bag, check out these cool picks.

Twig Pencils. Kids adore these pencils! Find them at Willow Tree Toys.

Chunky Sidewalk Chalk. Alex makes packages of four jumbo chalks with holders to keep little hands clean.

Mini Terracotta Pots & Seeds. Find mini pots at craft stores. Give seeds or a pre-potted small plant. As a party activity, kids will have a blast decorating the planter.

Have other ideas? Leave a comment and share your Eco-Friendly Goodie Bag Alternatives here!

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Pressed for affordable gift ideas for that little one in your life?  Here are 5 great gifts for tots: 

1.  Pony or Unicorn Stick.  Sure, playing with the broom is fun, but not nearly as much fun as the real thing.

2.  Bubbles.  What kid doesn’t love bubbles and bubble accessories, like a gigantic wand or bubble mower?

3.  Planes, trains, and automobiles!  Most little guys and gals alike love playing with pint-sized toy vehicles.  Mom and dad (and grandma, too), will appreciate the entertainment value–just pack a couple of vehicles in a diaper bag and pull out when needed to keep the little one occupied!

4.  Shape Sorters.  A classic, must-have gift.  Melissa & Doug makes terrific sorting toys.  Chicco and Sassy also make educational and fun sorters.

5.  Puppets.  Kids love puppet play, especially when they get to watch a show by Mom or Dad.  Finger puppets are a sure crowd pleaser!  

If you really want to rock that breastfeeding mom’s world this holiday, I have some great ideas for you–affordable ones, too.  These gifts are sure to make her happy.  And, what she might just love even more is the message behind the gifts:  that you support her decision to breastfeed.

Scarf.  Scarves are not only trendy this season, but they double as “emergency” cover-ups while nursing in public.  Of course, she’s also bound to appreciate a true nursing cover.

Nursing Bra.  There is nothing quite like wearing a nice bra, especially when it comes to nursing bras.

Nursing Necklace.  Nursing necklaces are designed to keep babies focused while breastfeeding.  Necklaces are soothing play toys.  They also offer babies visual and tactile stimulation.

Nursing Pillow.  Nursing pillows are multi-functional–a huge hit among breastfeeding mothers.

Nursing Stool.  Nursing stools allow mom to get comfortable while nursing–something that’s not always easy to do. 

Breastfeeding compatible carrier or sling.  If there’s one product on the market that makes breastfeeding easier, it simply has to be a nursing sling–one that allows a mom to easily, and even discreetly, nurse on the go.  The secret lies in finding a quality and comfortable sling.  Of course, a hip and trendy carrier is good, too–after all, breastfeeding shouldn’t mean foregoing style!