Have your kids picked out what they want for Christmas already? I am sure you have started receiving the toy catalogs and promotions and they have eagerly gone through and marked what they want. They might even have their list to Santa already made up.
You had better get shopping! The Silly Goose Toy Store has all sorts of specials and deals going on right now. Check out sale prices on some of our most popular Children's Factory toys. Spend at least $20 and receive 10% off your order. Spend $50 and get 20% off your order. But, if you spend $100 or more you will enjoy free shipping!
I will keep you updated on stock levels as the news comes in!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
The Power of Play Fact Sheet
*Information adapted from, kidsource.com
- A large majority of parents (75%) believe that play is important to children's development.
- This belief proved strong in rural areas (85%) followed by urban (74%) and then suburban (71%).
- Of those surveyed, 91 percent stated that play has a positive effect on children's overall well being
- Other key aspects of childhood development positively impacted by play include:
Imagination (90%)
Self-confidence/self-esteem (90%)
Creativity (89%)
Problem solving (89%)
Cooperation (89%)
- Top activities children age 2-12 participate in outside of school:
Watching television (93%)
Watching videos (90%)
At playground (85%)
Exploring/nature (82%)
Reading (79%)
Top activities parents say have replaced play:
Video games (43%)
Television (33%)
Movies (16%)
School/academic activities (10%)
Organized sports (8%)
Top six ranked activities considered play by parents:
With toys (85%)
At playground (82%)
With action figures and with friends (both at 81%)
At friends' homes (80%)
With stuffed animals/dolls (79%)
Bottom six ranked activities considered play by parents:
Reading (25%)
Using computer to access Internet (27%)
Organized musical activities (29%)
Watching television and participating in drama (both at 33%)
Organized arts and crafts (37%)
This survey was conducted by Applied Research & Consulting, a quantitative telephone survey was conducted with a randomly selected sample of 400 parents nationwide.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
A Baby is Born to Play
A baby will respond right from birth to brightly coloured toys, bright moving objects and sounds. Introducing baby toys to the nursery right from day one will help to stimulate your newborn baby and enable him to develop more quickly.Like children, babies learn fast, they rapidly develop new skills through listening, watching and touching. Toys stimulate a baby’s desire to learn, help them learn quickly through new experiences, help them develop an imagination and recognise different sounds.
In the first few months your baby will develop his basic senses of sight, sound and touch. Choose baby toys that will provide a range of experiences including colour, shape and texture. Have a brightly coloured mobile in the nursery where your baby can see it and study it while lying in his crib.
Very quickly your baby will be able to grab things and will be looking for a whole range of new touching experiences. Go for learning toys, baby toys that will inspire your baby’s imagination, toys that will enable your baby to associate touch with sound and shape.
Baby’s just love to explore and it won’t be very long before they are a
ble to move towards objects that interest them. You can use interesting toys to grab your baby’s attention, use baby toys to encourage your baby to learn to roll, learn to crawl and eventually learn to walk.
In the first few months your baby will develop his basic senses of sight, sound and touch. Choose baby toys that will provide a range of experiences including colour, shape and texture. Have a brightly coloured mobile in the nursery where your baby can see it and study it while lying in his crib.
Very quickly your baby will be able to grab things and will be looking for a whole range of new touching experiences. Go for learning toys, baby toys that will inspire your baby’s imagination, toys that will enable your baby to associate touch with sound and shape.
Baby’s just love to explore and it won’t be very long before they are a
ble to move towards objects that interest them. You can use interesting toys to grab your baby’s attention, use baby toys to encourage your baby to learn to roll, learn to crawl and eventually learn to walk.Baby toys can keep your little one occupied for hours toys generate interest, make your baby think and will help them to learn once they come of school age. You quite often hear people moaning about how lack of stimulation has meant that they no longer learn as quick. The same goes for your baby, if your baby lacks stimulation at an early age they will develop more slowly and maybe never catch up. Baby toys will help them learn and develop all the skills they need.
In these modern times there is a baby toy for nearly every learning experience. Baby toys have been developed to help your baby learn. Take full advantage of those that have gone before you and learned what your baby will like most and let your baby enjoy trying to understand their new world through the magic of baby toys.
In these modern times there is a baby toy for nearly every learning experience. Baby toys have been developed to help your baby learn. Take full advantage of those that have gone before you and learned what your baby will like most and let your baby enjoy trying to understand their new world through the magic of baby toys.
Monday, August 11, 2008
The Right To Play!
Below is copied directly from the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights, recognizing play as a right of every child.
Article 311.
States Parties recognize the right of the child to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child and to participate freely in cultural life and the arts.
2. States Parties shall respect and promote the right of the child to participate fully in cultural and artistic life and shall encourage the provision of appropriate and equal opportunities for cultural, artistic, recreational and leisure activity.
Play is so important to children's growth and development that it has been recognized as a basic human right. Unfortunately, that free unstructured play is dwindling for some children. We are so scheduled these days and the small amount of free time we do have with our kids is spent doing something "constructive." It is a shame to waste time.
I am so guilty of wanting everything to be scheduled and structured. As my husband and I were searching for a new daycare, we asked each one what kind of daily schedule they have for the kids. I even remember one lady saying that she didn't believe in schedules for kids. Inside I automatically ruled her daycare out. I needed to know that my son had a schedule of planned activities for the day so he wouldn't be bored.
Okay--so my son is 1 year old...the top of the milk jug entertains him. I don't know why I had such a strong need to know that he was going to be busy all day.
We have recently moved him from a large and very structured daycare facility to a rela
xed unstructured in-home daycare. I can't believe what a difference the change has made! He is much more relaxed and doesn't whine or fuss as much. He doesn't seem as exhausted when he gets home. When we are home he doesn't cling to me and look to me for entertainment all the time. He now easily plays and explores on his own. His overall attitude is just more easy going.
This weekend we stayed home and hung-out. We had no plans, just did whatever we felt like. It was fun to watch him play on his own and fun to play along with him. He loves books and singing. He also likes play catch and build with blocks. So, I don't feel like he is deprived or going to be less prepared for school than other kids. I know that he learns a great deal through his free play and doesn't feel as stressed out.
My mom was right when she said every experience can be a learning experience. Things don't have to be planned and structured to learn from them.
I hope you and your kids enjoy these last few weeks of summer before school starts back up again! Don't forget to have some free time!
Don't forget I am offering FREE SHIPPING in August!
Article 311.
States Parties recognize the right of the child to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child and to participate freely in cultural life and the arts.
2. States Parties shall respect and promote the right of the child to participate fully in cultural and artistic life and shall encourage the provision of appropriate and equal opportunities for cultural, artistic, recreational and leisure activity.
Play is so important to children's growth and development that it has been recognized as a basic human right. Unfortunately, that free unstructured play is dwindling for some children. We are so scheduled these days and the small amount of free time we do have with our kids is spent doing something "constructive." It is a shame to waste time.
I am so guilty of wanting everything to be scheduled and structured. As my husband and I were searching for a new daycare, we asked each one what kind of daily schedule they have for the kids. I even remember one lady saying that she didn't believe in schedules for kids. Inside I automatically ruled her daycare out. I needed to know that my son had a schedule of planned activities for the day so he wouldn't be bored.
Okay--so my son is 1 year old...the top of the milk jug entertains him. I don't know why I had such a strong need to know that he was going to be busy all day.
We have recently moved him from a large and very structured daycare facility to a rela
xed unstructured in-home daycare. I can't believe what a difference the change has made! He is much more relaxed and doesn't whine or fuss as much. He doesn't seem as exhausted when he gets home. When we are home he doesn't cling to me and look to me for entertainment all the time. He now easily plays and explores on his own. His overall attitude is just more easy going.This weekend we stayed home and hung-out. We had no plans, just did whatever we felt like. It was fun to watch him play on his own and fun to play along with him. He loves books and singing. He also likes play catch and build with blocks. So, I don't feel like he is deprived or going to be less prepared for school than other kids. I know that he learns a great deal through his free play and doesn't feel as stressed out.
My mom was right when she said every experience can be a learning experience. Things don't have to be planned and structured to learn from them.
I hope you and your kids enjoy these last few weeks of summer before school starts back up again! Don't forget to have some free time!
Don't forget I am offering FREE SHIPPING in August!
Monday, August 4, 2008
New to Walking
We have been waiting for this day to come, but now that it is here and our little baby son is walking, I don't know if I am ready for it. As I have stood by his side and watched him stand up and fall down and stand back up again I have started thinking a lot about myself as a parent.
In the beginning I jumped to pick him up every time he fell down. I jumped to save him from skinning that knee or stubbing that toe. But after all this happened nearly 20 times in the matter of 5 minutes, I had to ask myself, am I helping him by always picking him up? What will happen when he falls and I am not there? Will he get back up? Or, will he sit there until someone comes along to help him? Am I dooming him to a life of helplessness by constantly picking him up after he falls?
As I lay in bed that night...my back HURT! It was so sore from bending and stooping all day placing him back on his feet. It was then and there that I decided it was okay for him to fall, skin his knee, stub his toe, and struggle to get back up. It is all about learning to walk and steady yourself on your own two feet.
He is now really good at pushing toys around and doesn't need me as much anymore. I just stand back and cheer him on as he takes his 14th lap down the driveway.
Letting go.
In the beginning I jumped to pick him up every time he fell down. I jumped to save him from skinning that knee or stubbing that toe. But after all this happened nearly 20 times in the matter of 5 minutes, I had to ask myself, am I helping him by always picking him up? What will happen when he falls and I am not there? Will he get back up? Or, will he sit there until someone comes along to help him? Am I dooming him to a life of helplessness by constantly picking him up after he falls?
As I lay in bed that night...my back HURT! It was so sore from bending and stooping all day placing him back on his feet. It was then and there that I decided it was okay for him to fall, skin his knee, stub his toe, and struggle to get back up. It is all about learning to walk and steady yourself on your own two feet.
He is now really good at pushing toys around and doesn't need me as much anymore. I just stand back and cheer him on as he takes his 14th lap down the driveway.
Letting go.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Getting Ready for Back to School...already
The days of summer and kids out of school are ticking away. Around here some of the year round schools are getting ready to start next week. Like me you are all probably wondering, "where did the summer go?"
I found this funny poem by Ken Nesbitt about buying school supplies. Thought I would post it on the blog for all of you to reflect upon as you begin your back to school shopping.
School Supplies
Backpack.
Fruit snack.
Waterbottle too.
Calculator.
French Translator.
Pink eraser.
Glue.
Notebooks.
Workbooks.
Poster paper.
Pens.
Dictionary.
Stationery.
Presents for my friends.
Lunchbox.
Tube socks.
Watercolors.
Tape.
Yellow pencils.
Plastic stencils.
One for every shape.
Wristwatch.
Stopwatch.
Cell phone.
DVD.
New computer.
Motorscooter.
Giant screen T.V.
That's my
list of
all I need to buy.
I never knew
a shopping list
could make my mother cry.
--Kenn Nesbitt
I found this funny poem by Ken Nesbitt about buying school supplies. Thought I would post it on the blog for all of you to reflect upon as you begin your back to school shopping.
School Supplies
Backpack.
Fruit snack.
Waterbottle too.
Calculator.
French Translator.
Pink eraser.
Glue.
Notebooks.
Workbooks.
Poster paper.
Pens.
Dictionary.
Stationery.
Presents for my friends.
Lunchbox.
Tube socks.
Watercolors.
Tape.
Yellow pencils.
Plastic stencils.
One for every shape.
Wristwatch.
Stopwatch.
Cell phone.
DVD.
New computer.
Motorscooter.
Giant screen T.V.
That's my
list of
all I need to buy.
I never knew
a shopping list
could make my mother cry.
--Kenn Nesbitt
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
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Monday, July 14, 2008
The Purple Softy
As I was sitting at the computer trying to decide what to blog about this week, I heard my son start to cry over the baby monitor. He had a 3 hour afternoon nap so I am guessing it is going to be a long night for me trying to get him to bed. But, as I was holding him and he was snuggling with his purple softy he gave me an idea of what to write about.
Isn't is funny the toys or objects kids latch onto?
When I was a kid we went to the circus and I got this cheap little gray elephant and named him Petty. I called him petty because I liked to pet him a lot. I loved that elephant! Why--I don't know he wasn't soft, cuddly or cute. But, he was my Petty and I loved him.
When my son was born he got an aromatherapy dog named Lavender Lab. Lavender Lab is stuffed with lavender and is supposed to help calm kids so they can sleep better. Little Lavender was holding a purple silk blanket. I guess that was more cuddly than the dog because my son pulled it out of Lavender's paws and sleeps with it every night. At first I thought it was because it smelled good but it has now been washed several times and he still loves it. We call it his purple softy. In the past we made the mistake of not traveling with the softy and didn't get any sleep. Now every time we travel so does purple softy. If you want my son to lay his head on your shoulder just sling purple softy over your shoulder and his head will quickly follow.
So, I had him all snuggled up on my shoulder with purple softy and all of the sudden this little tiny 21 pound boy let a huge fart! I couldn't help myself I just started laughing. When he saw and heard me laughing then he started laughing. Now I have gotten him all wound up and ready to go.
Looks like we won't be sleeping now for a while.
Isn't is funny the toys or objects kids latch onto?
When I was a kid we went to the circus and I got this cheap little gray elephant and named him Petty. I called him petty because I liked to pet him a lot. I loved that elephant! Why--I don't know he wasn't soft, cuddly or cute. But, he was my Petty and I loved him.
When my son was born he got an aromatherapy dog named Lavender Lab. Lavender Lab is stuffed with lavender and is supposed to help calm kids so they can sleep better. Little Lavender was holding a purple silk blanket. I guess that was more cuddly than the dog because my son pulled it out of Lavender's paws and sleeps with it every night. At first I thought it was because it smelled good but it has now been washed several times and he still loves it. We call it his purple softy. In the past we made the mistake of not traveling with the softy and didn't get any sleep. Now every time we travel so does purple softy. If you want my son to lay his head on your shoulder just sling purple softy over your shoulder and his head will quickly follow.
So, I had him all snuggled up on my shoulder with purple softy and all of the sudden this little tiny 21 pound boy let a huge fart! I couldn't help myself I just started laughing. When he saw and heard me laughing then he started laughing. Now I have gotten him all wound up and ready to go.
Looks like we won't be sleeping now for a while.
Monday, July 7, 2008
What is the deal with the prices?
Seems like the price of everything is going up these days. So, to keep up with the rising price of materials toy companies have begun to raise their prices. You will start to see an increase in the price of toys across the board starting in August. The price increase is not only effecting the small internet stores, like myself, but the large retailers as well. You will see anywhere from a 5% to 30% increase.
But-- the fun must continue! We can't stop playing!
The economy always has and always will have its highs and lows. Right now we are in a low but we will circle back around and once again be in the black.
Until then, be thoughtful about what you buy and who you buy it from. Look for good quality products that will last longer or have multiple uses. If you can, support those small local businesses that really feel the strain when the economy is low.
So, hold on and we will all get through this low time!
Be sure to sign up for my newsletter! http://thesillygoosetoystore.com
Monday, June 23, 2008
A Chair of his Own
We spent Father's Day in the mountains at a friends cabin on the river. It was so nice to beat the heat! Although, we did work up a sweat chasing around a toddler who wanted to eat every pine needle, rock, ant, and grass that he could get his hands on. We were really looking forward to camping this summer but after our day at the cabin on the river with a crawling toddler we are starting to re-think that idea.
Our saving grace that day was a chair of his own! We had recently purchased Ernest the Elephant folding chair made by Pacific Play Tents from http://www.thesillygoosetoystore.com/ . He had a chair of his own--his size to sit in. Even if it was for only seconds at a time those were seconds that we were able to sit in our own adult size chairs. There is even a handy cup holder for his sippy cup. The chair folds up into its own little bag with a place to put your name. As I am finding out with kids it is important to put their names on everything!
Monday, June 16, 2008
Summer is here!
Here in Idaho we thought summer would never come. We had more snow and colder temperatures here than we have had in a long time! Now we can't wait to get out our bikes, golf clubs, wagons, tents.... Seems like we have every weekend already planned for an outdoor adventure.
We went to a music festival a couple weekends ago. There was not only good music and great food but a huge variety of arts and crafts to purchase. My one year old wasn't real interested in looking around and needed some shade from the hot sun. I noticed some other festival goers had brought their Ultimate Family Wagon by Radio Flyer.
What
a great idea!
a great idea! The wagon has a canopy for cover, seats for the kids, storage space for the crafts that you might buy, and drink holders for kids and adults. What a perfect way to take your kids shopping at an outdoor festival. We sale this wagon at http://www.thesillygoosetoystore.com/ for $219.90!
This wagon will last you a very long time and can be used not only to pull kids around in but the seats fold down and the canopy detaches to make this a flatbed wagon for hauling. So, after the kids have decided they are too big to be hauled around in the wagon, kids can load it up and haul their toys around.
Thanks for stopping by! Keep checking back and don't forget to shop www.thesillygoosetoystore.com.
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