Check it. This dollhouse is made from recycled cardboard (= biodegradable) and has a handle for easy moving. Plus, it's $35, which is entirely affordable considering Barbie's Dream House costs at least three times that and hurts your eyes if you look at it too long.

"The first take-away home for kids on the move. For girls AND boys. MobileHome is blue outside and red inside. Easy to install. Easy to carry. With 8 secret rooms, stair openings and spy holes. And an attic for storage. For knights, pirates and princesses. For Japanese figurines and little dolls. Design, creativity, durability and play lie at the heart of the toys of Kidsonroom. For on the road, when staying over, for a day in the park, at home, or on holidays. Easy-to-assemble for hours of play. Easy-to-store: it folds down flat in its box. Earth-friendly: made from 100% recycled cardboard and is 100% biodegradable!"

Dimension: 8.75W x 14D x 18H

[posted by katie]

Based on characters and stories by Mr. Clement when he was 15 (in 1995), there is now a set of the figurines and (now out of print) graphic novels available in limited edition.

"The poseable figures come with a knife and an envelope. The Gourgeous Habour is Mr. Clement's latest work, featuring an "astro lapin" and touching on love in a rapidly changing world. Some mature themes."

[posted by kris]

Man, kid's furniture is a lot cooler now than it was in my day, and the stuff by Nume shown here proves it.

bed1: "This dreamy canopy bed can also be used as a sofa or play area."
Birch ply, water-based finish; Mattress filling: pure English wool; Sides: felt wool; Canopy: natural cotton
Size1: 60" x 48.5" x 51.25", $1999.00
Size2: 80" x 48.5" x 59", $2499.00
Buy it here.

Washing Machine & Stove: cardboard,
12" x 12" x 18", each $38.00
Buy it here.

pouf1: "This charming, soft play stool is filled with kapok, a natural vegetable fiber. Upholstered in cotton or wool, and available in three different patchwork color combinations as well as in several solids."
23.5" dia., $329.00
Buy it here.

table3: "Gorgeous and simple, this rectangular table with a contrasting drawer is enough to inspire the De Stijlist in all of us."
pink or blue top.
27.5" x 15.75" x 19.75", $419.00
Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

I went to a Montessori school when I was growing up and I remember loving the pink tower and the way the wood sounded as the blocks clinked together on the shiny pink lacquer. I also remember how someone would always steal top block. If you do have kids, the pink tower is used for introducing children to concepts of three dimensional size variance, weight differential and intricate stacking. Whether you have kids or not, it's a pretty cool looking sculptural object.

I like how this toy box allows a child to utilize the niche in the front of the box, as either display space for a favorite toy, or for books. It's also built responsibly of highly durable Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified sustainable birch wood with a 100% non-toxic, water-based finish. Comes wth slow closing safety lid. * Dimensions: 15.5" deep x 40" wide x 15.5" high * Interior Compartment: 12" deep x 27" wide x 14" high * JPMA Certified * Includes wood runners and locking casters * Slow closing safety hinge prevents lid from slapping shut * Available in five colors: birch, cherry, red maple, walnut, and white * Cushions available in orange, blue, and brown * Allow two to three weeks for delivery

Instead of getting a kid an x-box, don't you want to be the type of aunt or uncle that gives the brainy gifts that are also really fun to play with? "As irresistible to adults as it is to children, MUJI's New York in a Bag comes with nine wooden city structures and six wooden cars. Included are New York City icons such as the Chrysler Building, the Statue of Liberty, the Guggenheim Museum, and MoMA's original 1939 building. The wood is from sustainable forests. Recommended for ages 4 and up."

Increase your I.Q.! Well, not really, but it might help your memory skills...who doesn't remember playing the memory game? Such fun can be had again with this set of Maharam's nicely patterned cards. Talk about a great gift for anyone, young or old... 72 Cards, 2.5" square Heavy card stock.