Try Handmade

Shopping blog featuring products made by people not factories.

Fabric Balloon Ball For Big & Little Kids

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Does your baby love balloons? Are they just spellbound by how they magically float over head. Unlike a ball, a balloon moves slowly, gently, perfect for little hands & eyes that want to bat that thing back up in the air. But there is a problem with balloons and babies. They are a choking hazard. They can pop and eject the latex into the mouth, blocking the airway.

I’m always anxious when babies & toddlers are around balloons. Of course my kids have all adored balloons to distraction. Even though I sometimes wonder if my own risk of heart attack from the stress of watching babies bite balloons is worse than the actual choking risk, I still cannot get over the fear and worry every time I see an infant bite a balloon. Makes my blood run cold!

Fortunately, there is a simple elegant solution for us all, from SDK Designs that brings balloons back into play. Fabric balloon slipcovers! These are so clever I do wish I’d thought of it myself. The balloon goes in, you blow it up, you slip the knotted end inside and you have an attractive, covered, and safe balloon for baby to bat at. Genius. It’s a neurotic mommy’s best friend and a great gift as well!

Owl and Piggy Hats from Wooly Mammoth Woolens

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In this day and age, with such an abundance of cute hats available, it should be considered a crime to put your child in a boring chapeau. There’s no risk of being charged when you put your kids in these Owl and Piggy caps from Wooly Mammoth Woolens.

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I love the slightly silly felt embroidery on these. It takes the handknitting to the next level. The fact that the pig is speaking in French and the owl is Woot-ing rather than hooting, is just priceless.

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Would that I could shrink my kids a bit to fit into these fabulous caps.

Zoo Animal Finger Puppets

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These cheery little guys are a fistful of fun, aren’t they? I am a huge fan of finger puppets and had to smile when I saw this set from With Hugs and Kisses. As the mother of a toddler I know that these portable, stuff-in-your-bag-able devices can save the day. Who can continue their grumpy tirade in the face of an adorable penguin or a shy lion?

These finger puppets would make sweet stocking stuffers. I’m especially fond of how they feature both felt and patterned cotton fabrics. Bonus points for the little tails on the back. These are the tiny details that make all the difference.

Toy Boats by Willowbaus

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Have you ever seen a more lovely toy boat than these boats by Willowbaus? Items in this shop are all earth friendly and childsafe. Boats are finished with beeswax and orange oil.

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These toy vessels seem to invite imaginary journeys to far off lands. They are just begging for an afternoon of fall sunshine and puddles to sail away to. Load them up with acorns and fairies and set them free.

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I love the selection of prints and patterns available. These would make an incredibly thoughtful birthday present. They make for beautiful room decor as well.

Pirates vs Ninjas by Goosegrease

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I feel pretty confident saying that I believe you may never find a checkers set more fabulous than this hand painted wooden “Pirates vs Ninjas” set by Goosegrease. This set even has oversized “king me” figures. That’s above and beyond if you ask me!

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I’ve been watching this seller for some time now, and covet their little wooden peg families. Last winter I even had a bit of a brief fantasy about ordering a “portrait” set of dolls made to represent our family. My plan was to take pictures of the little wooden dolly family at the typical holiday card locations (ie beach, park, in front of the hearth…) and then use it as our holiday card. This would kill two birds with one stone in that it would make a great gift for my kids and also spare me the agony of trying to get four kids to smile semi-convincingly all at once.

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Goosegrease has a sister shop, Goosegreaseundone where they sell their checkers set as DIY blanks. I wish I had the patience to paint them myself. I might be tempted to do a set of pink ninjas vs classic pirates so we could play girls vs boys. But having seen the perfection that is this original design, I don’t think I could ever come close to matching it. This is on my holiday wishlist. For me!