by Jolly Mom
Today's mom is looking to the past when it comes to toys for their kids. More and more, we are foregoing the battery operated toys in favor of classic toys. Not only do they encourage kids to be creative and actually use their imaginations, but often times they are higher quality and never go out of style. Classic is forever. Brands like HABA, Melissa & Doug, and Alex Toys have not only become very well known, but they are very popular brands that us moms trust to do right by our kids. Finding all of those brands and others like them under one roof {or virtual roof} can be tough though. That's why I do a happy dance every time I find a store that does take the time to research the toys they sell. Will they promote learning? Creativity? Are they safe? That's exactly what a toy store called Gummy Lump does. They sell toys that parents can feel good about buying. They sell awesome brands--like HABA, Automoblox, Melissa & Doug, Alex Toys, Crocodile Creek, Gund & Baby Gund, Schylling, and many more! All of the toys sold at Gummy Lump meet or exceed both US and European safety standards. They sell great toys.
Here's what Gummy Lump has to say about what makes a great toy great:
A great toy doesn’t just captivate, it helps to shape lifelong interests, leads to careers, and focuses passions.
A great toy is not instant gratification; it has staying power, helps build attention spans.
A great toy usually comes complete - required add ons are the exception.
A great toy does not glamorize or reflect the destructive aspects of society.
A great toy does not offer answers but stimulates questions and creativity.
A great toy can be played with in many ways--it challenges a child to do, think, and feel.
A great toy looks attractive and is well made.
A great toy is fun for the child- fits the child’s talents, interests, and abilities.
A great toy fits into your price range and is a value for the money.
And, of course, a great toy is safe!
Yep. I love it when a company gets it.
Gummy Lump very graciously sent Lucas the
Melissa & Doug Easel for me to review and experience firsthand the types of toys they sell.
Truth is--I already loved Melissa & Doug and the Easel does not disappoint. It is a very well made, sturdy wooden easel that looks great in the home. It has a place for everything--paint, chalk, paper, etc. One side is a dry erase board and the other is a chalk board. Of course, like I mentioned earlier--it does have a spot for a paper roll as well. The best part is that Lucas loves it. This kid is crafty. He loves to paint and draw and just make stuff. This easel has allowed him to do just that and it contains all of his art supplies in one spot. You can even get an accessory kit to go with it, which comes with paper, chalk, paint, paint cups, eraser, dry erase marker, and more. We purchased it for Lucas and I highly recommend it!
The bottom line is that Gummy Lump is an awesome place to shop--for your kids, birthdays, holidays, and anytime you need to buy a child a toy. And, their prices are great too--just take a look around their site and compare to other stores--you'll see that they are right on with their prices. They truly take the guess work out of toy shopping!