Why Imaginative Play Is Important for Kids
Imaginative play not only helps kids learn to express themselves, it also builds other lifelong skills like problem solving and negotiation.
Toys
World Map Activities for Curious Kids
13 Kids World Map Activities to Inspire Global Curiosity If world map activities bring up bad memories of memorizing country capitals, or if your only thought about maps is your GPS, then it’s time to take another look. Immerse yourself in world map activities with a child and you’ll soon be imagining far away places …
Mind Expanded With Joy
Sparking curiosity is easy. Kids need the time and encouragement so that their mind expanded with joy, they explore their environment, likes and dislikes, interests and ideas. More play. A few simple tools and kids will dive in.
From Traveler to Toymaker: Our Founder Featured in Forbes
Forbes Features our Founder! Laura Barta became a toy entrepreneur to continue giving her kids immersive cultural experiences, even after returning from nearly 10 years overseas. Forbes shares the inspiration and motivation for inventing toys which immerse kids in world cultures. Why do it? And, how? Read it here: Expat Experience Turns Mom Into Multicultural-Toy Entrepreneur
Plan an Around the World Play Date in 4 Simple Steps
WHAT’S EASIER THAN FAMILY WORLD TRAVEL?AN AROUND THE WORLD PLAY DATE! Long, leisurely play dates are one of those summertime perks you just don’t think about. But having all afternoon to indulge curious kids is exactly what’s needed to take your cutie and her buds on a virtual globetrotting adventure. It leaves plenty of time …
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A Girl, a Photo and an Earthquake: An Astonishing Connection Over 20+ Years
CONNECT WITH THE WORLD AND THE RESULTS MAY ASTOUND YOU This month I made a very surprising connection. Someone I met for a moment more than 20 years ago asked me for a favor. It’s the kind of connection that makes you see your place in the world a little more clearly. After the Nepal …
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What College Students Want Parents of Young Children to Know About Study Abroad
HOW IMPACTFUL IS STUDY ABROAD? VERY. This heartfelt endorsement of study abroad popped up on my personal Facebook page. It’s written by Liam Hulse, a Pennsylvania college student. “Studying abroad and traveling in Europe has been the craziest adventure and there was no getting ready for the amount I would learn and grow along the …
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15 Best Toys for Easy Summer Armchair Travel
Travel toys! This is a guest post I wrote for Ann Belle over at Kids Travel Books: Today I have a special guest post from Laura Barta of Whole Wide World Toys. Before I turn this over to her, I just want to take a moment to say how much I love what Laura is …
Cool Toys for Families Who Have Adopted From China
If you’ve adopted from China you probably hope to keep a connection to Chinese culture for your child. In your mind, you’re planning themed dinners for every Chinese holiday, taking weekend trips to the nearest Chinatown, and studying Mandarin together every single day. But, you get busy. It’s not easy. And, you don’t need anything …
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Indie, Artisan, Craft, or Boutique? Are Small Toy Companies Hip Enough?
What do you see in your mind’s eye when you compare a blockbuster movie and an indie film, packaged bread vs. artisan focaccia, or a conference hotel compared to a boutique hotel? What are the colors? The furniture? How are people dressed? How do you feel in each scenario? You can imagine it, I know …
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