The History of Traditional Toys

Traditional toys that replicate the people, places, and things that children see everyday are wonderful educational toys and provide hours of fun. Real life miniatures are appealing to boys and girls, as well as adults, and have been a part of civilization for thousands of years. The very first blocks, crudely carved dolls, and even miniature dolls houses have been discovered from nearly 5,000 years ago in the tombs and pyramids of ancient Egypt.

These primitive dolls houses suggest different purposes than the traditional toys of more modern times. Featuring miniature furniture, as well as people and animals, Egyptian dolls houses were very lifelike, portraying servants, livestock, and other common possessions. Many believe these toys were actually statues and figurines intended for religious ceremonies rather than play.

Several thousand years later, during the 16th century, talented German craftsman constructed intricate, detailed dolls houses with lavish décor and handmade furnishings. These traditional toys were often custom made as collectible gifts for the affluent and were also popular play things for wealthy children. These miniatures were so popular that, after the Industrial Revolution and the introduction of mass production practices, dolls houses and their accessories were found in children’s bedrooms throughout Europe.

Between the 1500’s and the 1800’s, dolls houses were manufactured by a number of German and English companies, including:

Moritz Reichel

Christian Hacker

Evans & Cartwright

Siber & Fleming

And Lines Brothers, later known as Tri-ang.

During this time, the carefully detailed, handmade dolls houses of Germany seen a decrease in interest, at least in the European market. Miniatures from fine companies like Marklin and Rock & Garner were being imported to collectors in the United States, though they did retain some popularity in Great Britain. Dolls houses were not manufactured in the United States until the end of the 1800’s. The Bliss Manufacturing Company was the first American company to produce these traditional toys. Soon after, in 1917, The TynieToy Company began to make miniature replicas of majestic, historic US homes and many other companies followed with their own dolls house ideas. Designs based on the first German miniatures were manufactured by Japanese companies during the early 20th century.

Around the middle of the 1900’s, a variety of new materials became available for production and dolls houses made of plastic, and even sheet metal, were introduced. Through the years, these traditional toys have seen many changes in details, design, and accessories, but miniatures have continued to enchant children of all ages, while warming the hearts of adults everywhere.

Today, dolls houses are still loved by little girls and boys and are adored by collectors. Most wooden dolls houses have been replaced by less costly plastic construction but some classic toy makers still manufacture classic wooden miniatures with intensely detailed accessories. After hundreds of years, these traditional toys are still considered childhood necessities.

Author: Robert

Wonderful Webkinz: Toys for Kids

The Webkinz are coming! Like hundreds of other fad toys before them, parents are hearing more about Webkinz these days, not from the news, but from their kids on the playground. Webkinz are yet another, not especially cute, plush animal.

They come in all varieties, including ponies, pandas, monkeys, unicorns, and dogs. Manufactured by Ganz, the Webkinz retail for around $14-$15, when you can find them. What makes them different though is their “secret code” ID that is imprinted on their collar tag.

The ID gives the owner a free year of access to Webkinz World, a site created just for kids. Webkinz World has games, contests and a virtual version of the their real stuffed animal. It also includes a “social networking” functionality that is safe for kids because they are limited to pre-set phrases to communicate.

Much like a Tamagochi, the hit toy a few years back for high tech kids, the online Webkinz pets use artificial intelligence to simulate living creatures. Kids actually report back that the pets are “kind of alive.” If you had or have a tamagochi in the house, you probably wondered whether it was good for the child, when you weren’t scheming how to end its endless beep-beeping.

Is a Webkinz like a pet? Should you let your child get in on this phenomenon?

Pros

• The Webkinz fluffy animal is not a real pet and doesn’t shed, eat food, bite, bark, wet, need a walk, or inconveniently die.

• Webkinz world may be more attractive than “shoot ‘em up” computer games

Cons

• The child’s imagination and creativity is limited by the software.

• Danger of online community taking the place of face-to-face play date interaction.

• Commercialization – Webkinz is a commercial toy, as you would expect.

• The parent should be aware that the purchase of the toy only includes a one year access to the site.

All things considered, dad may find this to be a fairly safe way to teach basic computer involvement to a small child and relatively harmless. At the same time, dads should make sure they feel comfortable with the Webkinz stories and that they are aligned with the family’s values.

There’s nothing that says that game play is better or worse when done on a computer versus on the floor with a board game.

Author: Paul Banas

8 Important Tips Buying Furniture Online

The World Wide Web has changed the way people shop for furniture. Today furniture can be bought for the home or office from online stores, auction sites, as well as websites selling antiques and second hand furniture.

Furniture shopping online changes shopping and gives a wide range of choices as well as the best deals. Among the most popular online shops for furniture are: the Conran Store, Crate and Barrel, Design Within Reach, Highbrow Furniture, and Horchow. There are online websites that deal with antiques as well as designer furniture. Many retail furniture stores also have online sales channels.

1. Look through home shopping and design books and get a clear idea of the kind of furniture you want. Consider size, durability, design, as well as your personal choice and the interiors.

2. In case you are the hands on kind go to local malls and stores and view the models you are considering.

3. Visit more than three online stores that stock your models of furniture and check out the deals. Be sure to ask about return policy, shipping, transit damage insurance, and warranties.

4. Use online CAD tools to arrange the furniture you wish to purchase in the rooms and view the effect and color balance virtually. This will help you make a decision.

5. Look for online discount sales, discount coupons, special offers, and free shipping offers and so on before buying online. Very often you could get high end furniture at an affordable price.

6. Make sure the online furniture dealer is trustworthy and has been in business for considerable time. Avoid buying things like furniture from small fly by night operators.

7. When buying furniture online you need to ask whether what you see in the picture is what you are paying for. Many stores window dress the furniture and only ship the basics.

8. Be sure of what you are investing in and try and buy only reputed brands.Buying furniture online is a convenience but only useful if you know how to protect your interests and not get fooled by advertisements and what seem like great offers.

The World Wide Web is a great information highway with articles and tips written by architects, furniture designers, and interior decorators. There are websites that give tips on how to choose furniture and have a home that is stylish.

Author: Timothy Rudon

Different Types of Kids Beds

There are a large variety of kids beds available on the market with different names and recommended age restrictions and the choice can be overwhelming. The following advice is aimed at making choosing a kids bed a little bit easier.

Standard bunk beds - there are a number of different types of bunk bed. A standard bunk bed will have two beds the same stacked one on top of the other. A single over double bunk bed has a single bed stacked above a double bed.

A futon bunk is arranged like a standard bunk bed but with a futon bed underneath. An L shaped bunk arranges the beds so that they appear in an L shape. The top bed of a bunk bed arrangement is only suitable for children age 6 and over.

These beds are great for children who share a bedroom or children who have friends who sleepover.

Midi or Cabin Beds - are excellent kids beds for rooms with limited space. Midi beds usually have built in drawers and cupboards underneath the bed unit and often incorporate a pull out desk.

Some Midi beds have under-bed curtains and leave the space underneath the bed free to be used as a play tent for children or as storage space for larger toys. Midi beds are lower than bunk beds and high sleepers and are suitable for younger children.

Toddler Beds - If your child is making the transition from cot to toddler bed you will probably want to look for a bed that sits low to the ground and incorporates features such as curved corners and scratch-proof coatings. Cot/Beds are also available, when your child has finished with the cot it can be adapted easily into a first time toddler bed.

High Sleepers - are a great idea for older children where space in their bedroom is at a premium. Many high sleepers have wardrobes, computer desks, drawers or seating areas underneath them. High Sleepers are available in a variety of materials, colours and configurations.

Single Beds - the range of single beds available is also huge. With metal beds, wooden beds, beds which come in plain colours or beds which are themed such as racer car beds, Thomas the Tank Engine Beds and nautical themed kids beds.

There is a fantastic choice available in Children's bedroom furniture and armed with the right facts and figures choosing should be a simpler task.

http://www.sleepyheadbeds.co.uk

By Peter Brady

5 Easy Steps to Assembling Children's Furniture

Step 1: Sort Out Your Materials

Most of your materials should be included with your flat pack furniture. The furniture should come with an instruction manual that will contain a list of all of the materials. These materials may be coded for later use. Identify all of the included pieces and sort them by putting the same pieces together and determining the special code that is associated with them.

In addition, if you need any extra tools, be certain you have them gathered before you get started. Included tools are often smaller than normal, more difficult to work with, and are meant to be throw-away tools. You may wan to invest in a set of tools to help you complete the assembly faster. You can choose from hand tools or power tools. A good power tool set will have various size bits for a screwdriver, drill bits, sockets, and allen wrenches. If you don't already have a complete power tool set, you may prefer to hire a professional over buying new tools.

Step 2: Read Through the Directions

Before you begin the assembly process, read through the directions one time to make certain you understand them. Some of the instructions will become clearer as you get to that step in the process, but having a good idea of what is coming with the instructions will help you in the process.

This is also a good time to pull out each piece and lay them out so you can find everything. Pieces are usually marked with a letter or number so make sure you can see the markings. Sort like items together. Hardware like screws, nuts, bolts, and nails should all be kept together. If you lose a few hardware pieces, you may not be able to complete the project.

Step 3: Follow the Directions

Resist the temptation to jump right into the project or to skip steps. The directions were written in the order provided for a reason. Follow that order to make sure you do not accidentally miss a step along the way.

Step 4: Don't Do Anything Permanent Right Away

When it comes to tightening bolts or other hardware, it is generally best to loosely put them in place until you are certain you have assembled the furniture correctly. This way, it will be easier to undo if you find that you have made a mistake. Once you are certain everything is in place, you can tighten the bolts and other hardware in place.

Step 5: Check it Over

Before you let your children use the furniture, be certain to check it over for safety and security. After all, you don't want your child to get harmed by the furniture because you did something incorrectly. Make sure nothing is sticking out that could harm your child and check the furniture for stability to be certain it will be able to properly support your child.

By following these five simple steps, you will find the process of assembling your child's furniture to be less frustrating - and, you will be a hero with your child when the furniture is complete!
If you're going back and forth about whether to hire a flat pack assembler or do it yourself, read the Top 5 Reasons to Hire a Flat Pack Assembler

By Jennifer Gregory

A Butterfly Chair - Seating for Kids' Rooms

When you're looking for fun seating for your kids' rooms, consider adding a butterfly chair. Kids love the fun design of the chair and the chair won't take up valuable play space in the room. You can even purchase folding butterfly chairs so that the kids can put them up or down depending on their needs.

Butterfly chairs have a metal or wood frame with a piece of fabric draped across the frame to sit in. People often use them as beach or outdoor chairs because of their durability and portability. They have also been used in modern design because of their sleek, unencumbered look and feel.

Argentinean architect Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy invented the butterfly chair in 1938. Soon, it had become a symbol of modern furniture due to its minimalist design and attention to form. The chair could be found in decorating magazines and pictures during the 1950s and 1960s as an example of modernism.

Today, the lower cost and fun look of the butterfly chair appeal to many kids, who want to put one in their bedroom or have in the house for watching TV. The fabric on the chair comes in a wide variety of patterns, including those that have cartoon figures on them.

Teenagers will love having a chair in a fun pattern or color to add style to their room. As they don't take up much space and can be stored in a folded position, they also make a great choice for small bedrooms or for seating when your child has friend's over.

Parents should be aware that the butterfly chair won't do much for your child's posture, however. The sling design encourages a slouched position that some parents like to avoid in their kids. Most kids, though, will like the relaxed position that it gives them even if the support isn't what you'd like it to be.

The chair was designed to elevate form over function and many individuals who loved it back in the mid twentieth century have trouble getting in and out of the design today because of decreased mobility from aging. For most kids, this won't be a problem though.

A butterfly chair can be a fun addition to any child's room, giving him or her a place to sit that doesn't take up a lot of space. The chairs are also easy to move from room to room or to take with you into the back yard.

Their durability means that even the toughest kid will have trouble doing too much damage to the chair. Consider getting one for your kids' rooms today!
MyChairPro.com is one of the leading chair information resources online. We discuss everything from your office chair base to ergonomic office chairs.

By Patrick Slater

Easy Tips To Decorate The Children's Room

Are you looking forward to decorating your child's bedroom? The children's room is, perhaps, one of the few areas of the house on which people actually like to work upon regularly to make it better. Parents want to make their kid love his room and thus try to make the room as lively as possible. Moreover, the fact that they can go back into their childhood while decorating their kid's room also spurs many into frenzied action.

Children love to pick up many trinkets and toys from every area of the house and collect them in their own room. Of course, what seems trivial to the mature eyes of the parents may be extremely important for the tiny tots. The point is that you will not be able to get rid of much of clutter from your kid's room without breaking his heart.

Why do that when a little creativity and planning can solve the issue? Since space is such an important issue for the children's bedroom, try to avoid adding unnecessary furniture. Use chairs and tables that are of correct size for the kids. The point is to not make the furniture in the bedroom so large as to not leave space for the kids to play. Also, you can try to purchase a bed that has extra drawers and other storage spaces to allow all the belongings of the kids to be kept. Moreover, you will have to clean the children's room very frequently and you do not want it to be chock-a-block with huge and heavy furniture.

Any children's furniture should be very sturdy. The beds must be made of very durable material and must have a lifetime guarantee. You can buy many types of beds for your little one. Avoid huge platform beds that take up space and offer little storage space. Bunk beds, Canopy beds and beds in various themes are perfect for the children. These days, beds are built around many cartoon characters or other favorite activities of kids. There are Cinderella beds for the little princesses and race car beds for the tiny dare devil. You can select the theme your kid loves best and choose a bedroom set accordingly.

There are many ideas to make a kid's room bright and colorful. You could use wallpapers with flowers or cartoon characters drawn on it. Check out the furniture store to find furnishings that follow a particular theme like Mickey Mouse, fishes, cars, fairy tale and many more. If your child likes to create his own graffiti on the walls, you can leave the walls empty of any wallpaper and instead use washable paint, so that you can clean all his scribbles easily.

Thus, while decorating your kid's room, look for pieces that brighten the room. If you have more than one kid, you can also buy bunk beds and use twin sets of furniture. In fact, there is no dearth of choices for kid's room furniture and your imagination is the only limit!

The author recently bought new kids furniture at whole prices from GoWFB. The furniture is strong and beautiful. They have a vast collection of bunk beds.

By Sarika Kabra