Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Kushies BeanstaxKushies Beanstax is a collection of 12 whimsical, vibrantly colored, multi-textured little beanbag figures that look as though they’ve popped off a Picasso canvas. What to do with the little guys? They’re meant to stimulate imagination – there are no rules, no guidelines, no right or wrong way to play – and create open-minded, flexible thinkers.
Each figure is unique, expressive and satisfying to the touch and eye. Babies will first chew on them, later progressing to explore the beanbags’ tactile properties with their fingers and toes. Beanstax can be stacked, squished, tumbled or tossed, so throw a few into the crib or scatter them on the blanket during tummy time for interest and giggles. Or create a sculpture for your little one to mush and mash.
The set is packed in a see-through vinyl storage bag with handle, which itself can be used as part of the play experience. Toddlers like piling them in, dumping them out and carrying them about. You’ll find it handy for outings too.
Excerpted from mbeans.com.

M A L L Y B I B S Your baby may be too young for a leather biker jacket, but a eather bib is definitely in order. The appliquéd leather designs are mighty cute and refreshingly modern.
Nicole Garza, founder of Mally Bibs, was inspired by her ten-month-old daughter Malia to create a durable, easy to clean, water-resistant bib. Mally bibs are made with safe, soft leather that doesn't irritate baby's skin. They don't stain either; just wipe promptly with a wet cloth and hang to dry. No more orange and green goo-encrusted cloth bibs in your laundry bin.
The bib clasp is magnetic, allowing you to adjust the size from a snug fit for babies to a more relaxed one for preschoolers. No Velcro means no ouchy hair tangles. And you can stick it to the fridge until the next mealtime. You'll always know where your Mally Bib is.
Spilling the beans: If you happen to abandon a tomato sauce splattered bib until morning, a quick scrub with a water and baking soda paste should eliminate possible staining.
Excerpted from mbeans.com.
svan mini furniture Are you raising a little modernist? It’s never too early to instill a keen sense of aesthetics. This ensemble of classic Scandinavian design, reminiscent of Alvar Aalto’s iconic stool, works in any interior. The bentwood style and natural finish meshes with the décor of the sparest loft or the most brightly-colored play space. This sturdy set includes a round table, three chairs, and a four-legged stool so an adult can sit at the table too. Its child-size proportions, ideal for kids ages 2 through 7, are perfectly suited for meals, art projects or board games. Plus, the seats stack nicely if need be.
Excerpted from mbeans.com.
BOON Potty Bench One, two, three, shoot! Potty training is hit or miss. Whether you have an overzealous boy, or a modest little girl, teaching him or her to use the toilet can be a real challenge. The Boon Potty Bench adds some whimsy to the task. This white and lime green potty cum stepstool offers a spare form that blends with modern décor in a color that appeals to kids. It features two enclosed side storage spaces for toilet paper and whatnot, and a large lid that when flipped down, transforms the potty into a wide and sturdy stepstool. (Even mom or dad can stand on it – it supports up to 300 pounds.) The design is thoughtful, with an angled seat to control overflow and a pull out drawer for easy, sanitary clean up. The bright orange shield is a fun target for little boys, albeit a bit small for those still perfecting their aim. The potty is recommended for ages 18 months and up. Boon Inc. donates 10% of its profits to children’s charities, disproving the old adage, “Waste not, want not.”
Excerpted from mbeans.com.