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The Best Holiday Toys You’ve Never Heard Of
Published December 1st, 2009 in holiday, christmas, top, Collector's, list, Edition, Testers, toy, Room, Family, Parenting, Play, Toys, this!, Kids FunWe are all over-exposed to the big name toys out there, and that is just fine- nothing wrong with the classics (they are classics for a reason right?) but some of my favorite toys are from smaller companies, companies from overseas, and companies that specialize in just one type of toy. I love these "unknown" toys and I am happy to bring you a list of unique, specialty toys that are perfect for gift giving this holiday season.
1. Kid-O: I love the Bilibo (in blue but available in many colors, below). A super creative toy, this plaything really helps a child's imagination take off. It can also be played with indoors our out, as a big helmet, a chair, a rocking toy...it's all up to your child. Kid-O also makes some great wooden puzzles, and other creative toys (and simple- simple is so good!) that kids love.
2. Tolo - Tolo makes chunky toys that are great for the small (adorable) chubby hands of toddlers and preschoolers. These toys are great for children who love sounds too as the little people and animals all have a clicking sound when the joints are moved. I love the First Friends Playset beause it is just the right size for a first dollhouse, and it is very portable.
3. Djeco - A French company, Djeco makes simply beautiful toys of a very high quality. I fell in love with the classic pull-toys and my kids just love the fun and colorful games.
4. Beleduc- A Belgian toy company, Beleduc makes cute puzzles, games, and other classic toys that have beautiful artistry and high quality.
5. Sevi - Sevi is an Italian company that was founded and 1831. When a brand is around that long, you know children love them and parents love to give them as gifts. I adore the guitar- it is so colorful and fun!
6. Bruder - If huge play trucks are something you think your kids would love, Bruder is your kind of company. Not only are the trucks huge, they are super accurate and have all the bells and whistles. They also have just about every kind of truck out there.
Check out the fire engine in the video below.
Here are a couple more that are sure to please any kid who is fascinated by trucks and construction vehicles.
7. Calafant- If you have a little artist on your list, Calfant is a great company that makes cardboar models that you can paint and decorate yourself.
8. Time to Play- Every kid needs a place to themselves, and forts, tents, and playhouses give them a way to express themselves in a whole new way. I love the cafe- I can see my kids having a ball serving imaginary lattes (but hey, we live in Seattle so this isn't abnormal at all!).
9. Aquaplay - The winter months are hard on kids for many reasons, but the biggest seems to be that they can't get outside to do a lot of the things they love doing over the warmer months. Aquaplay makes some genius toys that lets you bring the water play indoors! Check out the portable sets that are expandable and fun for inside and out.
10. ZipBin- Toy storage is a problem in most homes. My kids have tons of toy storage in thier room but the toys always seem to drift out into the living room. That is why I love these great solutions by ZipBin. These storage bins unfold to become playmats and then zip together to make a portable storage bin for the toys. They also come in great themes like LEGO, Dinosaurs, Town, Unicorn, and Farm.
Happy Holiday Shopping everyone! Don't forget to keep checking our top holiday deals page for more toy deals everyday!
