We can't really let our competitors know what's coming SOON to a Target near you. But here are some hints to whet your appetite and make you giggle. What's coming? Something that glows, something that rolls, something that drives, and something that's odd.
All somethings B. as all our toys are—good for kids, all kids, and our planet.
One billion children (1 in 2 children in the world) miss out on their childhood as a result of poverty.
Those are stark, ugly numbers. They are the reason we at B. are so connected and committed to Free The Children. As sad as the thought of those children makes me, with mother's day approaching I feel a profound sorrow for their mothers. I cannot fathom the crushing feeling of not being able to feed, keep safe, or educate my kids. Or the devastating loss of not ever being able to see my beloved three thrive.
What do you want for Mother’s Day? Some peace and quiet? Flowers? Handmade cards? A new vacuum cleaner? Breakfast in bed? (I once got ALL my favorites combined onto one English muffin: cream cheese, strawberry jam, and tomato with salt and pepper — yuck! Ehem…I mean YUM, of course!).
We at B. wish all moms, grandmas, aunts, caregivers, and all who mother whatever it is THEY wish for on this special day.
But we also dare wish for something much much bigger—a more fair world, one in which all mamas get a chance to raise healthy kids…and wish a little for themselves too. We have big, medium and little ways you can help another mom far away. Today.
BIG Buy her a Mamas to Mamas goat, beehive, or training program that could completely alter the course of her life and her dreams. Baa Baa or beehive does not matter. This is a true direct gift. 100%.
MEDIUM Support her handicraft alternative income effort by buying yourself or someone you love a gorgeous, individually (and ethically) handcrafted gift from Me to We Artisans. Free The Children’s Adopt A Village sustainability model helps not just children overseas go to school and have access to clean water and health care. It also helps their mothers bring about change for their family and community through alternative income projects. With the hard work of mothers, whole families are empowered and lifted from the cycle of poverty.
Founder Roxanne Joyal, a founding member of Free The Children was inspired to found Artisans after witnessing talented Maasai beaders forced to travel daily to small tourist markets flooded with similar products, where they would sometimes sell their intricate beadwork at a loss. Today, the mamas are able to earn twice as much as before—without giving up their traditional way of life.
Gathered under acacia trees with their young children in tow, the Maasai mamas bead using art forms passed down mother-to-daughter through the generations, turning their traditional handiwork into a livelihood. By joining Artisans, each woman is empowered to build her savings and do things she never would have believed possible: improve her home, buy food and medicine for her family, send her children to school, and believe that her skills and her voice have value.
SMALL Buy a B. toy for the little person who made you or someone you love a mother in the first place. Bring some joy to a child, knowing 10 cents of your purchase goes to support the work of Free The Children, the world’s largest network of children helping children. May not sound like a lot, but as dimes add up they change the world. See for yourself how powerful you can B. in even the smallest of ways. Asante Sana (“thank you very much” in Swahili).
Little by little, the same way our babies grow, generosity can change everything. A gift from a mama to a mama, a mom to a mami, an abuela to an oma. A daddy to a mommy. No matter. Every little bit counts. We thank you from the bottoms of our hearts for what you already give by buying our toys.
A lot of the magic of holidays for little ones lies is the mystique. Dewey morning eyes light up to see an Easter basket full of goodies or a yard stocked with bright eggs peeking out from behind the begonias. Imaginations run wild wondering what color the Easter Bunny is, how high he can hop, and how fast he must run to make it to everyone's house before morning. And no matter how much guessing takes place, no one ever knows how to answer those questions for sure.
It's been quite a while since I woke up to find Easter treats waiting for me. But this year, I had the joy of joining Gisela and her family for the holiday weekend. After dinner on Saturday (and once little Rio conveniently went across the street to play video games), all the 'big kids' gathered in the living room. Mounds of candy were dumped into a humongous pile on the floor, and we got to work filling 1000 plastic eggs for the 17th annual neighborhood Easter egg hunt. (Can you believe a family would host this for 17 years straight?!) Every time I looked up to grab another egg or piece of candy, I had to marvel at our motley group. Here we were, teenagers, college kids, parents, and friends, all sitting together on a Saturday night, working toward a common goal.
Just as we were nearing the bottom of the candy pile, Gisela upended the last bag of plastic eggs onto the carpet. Almost immediately, teenage Sydney noticed small pellets of mouse poop interspersed with the eggs. While Syd screeched off to wash her hair (the bag had been emptied more or less over her shoulder), the rest of us got to work cleaning up. The plastic eggs soaked in the sink while we ate slabs of strawberry rhubarb pie laced with vanilla ice cream. Then the evening wound on a bit longer as we dried eggs one-by-one, swapping stories the whole time.
As I pulled pink and green and yellow eggs out of the soapy water, it was clear that the magic of the holiday doesn't fade as you get older. It does, however, shift. When you're little, the Easter Bunny gives you something to look forward to, something to talk to your friends about. And each time he pays a visit to your house, it stokes the ever-churning furnace of your kid curiosity. As the years pass, Easter (like many other holidays) becomes a great excuse to spend time with people you care about, and planning the festivities gives you something to talk about with your friends. On top of that, if you're lucky enough to have little ones in your life, you might just have the chance to play Easter Bunny. And I can't think of anything more magical than that.
There’s nothing quite like Valentine’s Day in grade school. Friends exchange small gifts and there are classroom parties with festive decorations. One of the first holidays since late December, it’s an excuse to let people know you care. And maybe eat a candy heart or five.
The B.ig day is only a week away. Are you still searching for creative ideas about what your wee ones can bring to school on February 14? If so, you’re in luck! We’ve combed the internet to come up with these suggestions just for you.
For many, Valentine’s Day is all about candy. The options are endless: there are heart-shaped boxes full of chocolate, lollipops wrapped in red, and conversation hearts printed with sweet sayings.
Personalized matchboxes from inchmark are adorable—and hold a perfectly petite portion of your favorite sweet treat.
Gabrielle Blair, better known as Design Mom, always has ingenious Valentine’s ideas. We’re blown away by these portraits-turned-lollipop-holders. (Bet they’d work with pencils too!)
These See-Through Valentines (made by Kelli Wilson) are elegant enough to bring to a big kid’s party—or gift to your sweetheart.
Maybe you prefer to think outside the (candy) box? Lots of schools have started enforcing sugar-free celebrations. We love the idea of Valentines that last a little longer than a candy stash.
Mer Mag’s color theory cards make our designer hearts sing. We’re considering making a set for every holiday this year.
Simply wrapped, bouncy balls become a unique and very boy-friendly treat. Thanks to Super Mom Moments for the super idea.
These beautiful painted rocks from Aesthetic Outburst are a fun craft and a sweet memento. There’s no better way to say ‘you rock!’
Do you have a drawer full of crayon nubs? Cottoncandycastle’s heart-shaped mishmash crayons look soooo cool, are fun to use, and can teach a valuable lesson in recycling.
Little ones will feel like the head zookeeper with these wild cards from Design Mom. Don’t miss the free printable!
Food coloring and shaving cream come together to make these awesomely crafty cards from Modern Parents Messy Kids. Our recommendation? Put the kids on shaving cream duty, keep the food coloring in adult hands, and have a camera close by!
Valentine’s Day can also be the perfect time to teach your little ones about the importance of helping others. What better way to show your compassion than by providing opportunities to people who might not have them otherwise?
Me to We has many Artisan-made gifts that would be just right to give to your loved ones. Our favorite? The mood elevator!
Bee mine? A gift of honey bees via Free The Children can be life changing for families in need. If you ask us, that’s sweeter than any box of chocolates.
And if you’re looking for a gift for the loved ones in your life who have graduated from the days of pencil cases and milk in mini cartons, we suggest sharing the wisdom of your wee ones with our online quote maker. Quotes can be downloaded, emailed, tweeted, printed, and framed. The incredible insight of the most precious little people in your life is truly one of the greatest gifts around.
—Carly
PS- This year I’m sending Valentines from tattly—makers of awesomely design-y temporary tattoos—to my friends near and far. You’re never too old for a little treat!
B. is all in the family and we take any opportunity to share and make merry with kids. And to dress up our logo.
My little sister, Miss Kristine, celebrated Groundhog Day with her students yesterday—and B. was invited to the party. A box full of crayons and seventeen B. stencils got the students in her 2nd grade class skipping down B.eauty-color Avenue to dress up Punxsutawney Phil and his shadow. How wonderfully unique all of our B. stencils became : )
This year Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, which means we should expect six more weeks of winter. Maybe it’s time to cross our fingers for a little snow this year, and prepare six weeks of winter activities? Here are a few to get you started: Watch your children bundle dive outside and make snow angels. Go out and make one with them—and don’t forget to get it on camera! Have an acorn hunt. Make maple syrup popsicles. Decorate a snowman/snowgal with Pop-Arty! beads.
Embrace it now because Spring is just around the corner and any white, sparkling snow we get will melt just like ice-cream does on a hot summer’s day.
