westcoast finds
Tegu Explorer Magnetic Wooden Building Blocks Perfect for Montessori kids at home, these sustainably and ethically-made wooden blocks from Honduras have magnets embedded in each block to help children set their imaginations free! Ages 3+. Available in Jungle, Natural and Tints colour schemes. $110 for 40-piece set at Knotty Toys. www.knottytoys.com
24 Carrot Diamond by Charlotte Diamond The latest CD from long-time local children’s entertainer and educator Charlotte Diamond is a celebration of Diamond’s 24 best-known songs, including Leave the World a Little Better, Four Hugs a Day, Each of Us is a Flower and many more! Ages 2 to 8. SRP $15. Find it at BC Playthings, Creative Children and Kidsbooks. www.charlottediamond.com
Walrooz Connectable Sleds Hit the slopes with the whole family on these colourful and connectable sleds that let Mom and Dad join in on the fun with the kids. Small sleds, $7.95; large sleds $11.95. Check website for local retailers. www.oyaco.com
Melissa & Doug Geometric Stacker In the finest Montessori tradition, the three rods hold rings, octagons and rectangles that can be stacked on top of each other or lined up to compare by shape, size and colour. Ages 2+. $23.99 at Boomers and Echoes. www.boomersandechoes.com
editor’s pick
Measure Up! Balance With this see-through bucket scale and set of hexagram weights, your child can balance fun and learning. Measure Up! Activity Guide invites your child to identify, sort, match and weigh a variety of familiar household objects. Scale and 54 colourful, plastic-coated weights come with sturdy storage case. Ages 4+. $37.50 online at Discovery Toys.
www.discoverytoys.com
12 WestCoastFamilies.com
Moll Adjustable Furniture New to Canada, these German-made desks and chairs are just like your kids—they start small and grow tall. Height adjustable, with tiltable desktops, knee and lower leg protection, plus tons of built-in features like book holders, tape dispensers and pencil sharpeners. Chairs start at $465; desk at $1,110. Find online at www.bluecony.com.