We have  represented Chelona here  in the USA for almost 10 years.  In that time I have been impressed with a number of aspects of their toys.  One thing in particular  that stands out is the graphics and  subtle twists that they give ordinary games to make them  more interesting.

They have 2 Lotto games are excellent examples of this. The first is based on the theme "Have A Nice Day" which depicts four scenes from a child’s day.  The other (Four Seasons) depicts scenes from each season.

The game is played in the same way that lotto or bingo would be played.  Distribute the 4 wooden boards among up to 4 players.  Turn all the tiles upside-down and mix them up.  A designated player selects a wooden tile which should be matched with an object on one player’s board.

Instead of matching a picture on the board with the identical image on a tile, the player must match the object on the board with something from the picture tile.  In the image to the left, you can see that the sun matches the tile with the blonde boy and the sun outside.  When the board is filled it creates a complete picture.   The first person to collect all 6 tiles for their board wins.

So, is that all?  Of course, not.  These games can be played in many ways.  If a child isn’t ready for the lotto game they can work one card at at time to fill the board by recognizing the common object between the board and tiles.

It is also possible to simply use this game as a set of 4 puzzles…with illustrative hints (pictures on the boards) to help as necessary.

This item is Made In Greece.  It is available at online and offline across the country.  You can also purchase it on our retail website.

The recent controversy over the effectiveness of baby videos lead me to write a posting about my views on these videos.  One of my main arguments against them was that young children learn best by interaction with others, not by passively sitting in front of the television.

These flashcards by TJ Whitneys’ Toys are a wonderful example of an educational activity that parent and child can play together.  These cards combine vintage images from the 1950s as a visual reminder of each letter, with a complete sentence
using the key word for that letter. The reverse side shows the bold capital letter on a neutral background.

These cards can be used for more than regular flash card letter identification.  Turn the cards over to the letter-only side to create words, or to put the alphabet in order.  Or read the cards together, since the sentences are appropriate for early learners.

The cards are made from recycled inner "grayboard" and new outer paper and come in a nicely decorated gift box.   The cards are  6 3/4 x 5 1/4" .  They are available in toy stores, gift stores, and in many online stores.  They are also available from our website www.challengeandfun.com.

(Mouse, Pig, Rabbit, Dog, Bear)

Sometimes a full size teddy bear or other stuffed animal is a little too much for a young toddler.  Usually they need a little friend more their size. 

These 10" stuffed animals are just the right size be carried around the house, snuggled with at nap time, and played with during playtime. 

They contain small rattles in their body to added sensory and rhythmic development.  They are made in Germany by home workers and each doll is inspected, and the faces lovingly finished, by Brigitte Schultz herself (owner of Kallisto).  The cotton is 100% organic, and the bodies are colored with color grown cotton.  Dyes used for the heads, hands, and feet are certified for use with organic products to ensure the cleanest possible product.

We have identified one possible problem with this range of animal rattles—how to choose between the available styles!  If you can figure out which one (or two) you like best, you can order online today.

The Toy Memories Match by TJ Whitneys’ Toys is a great addition to any toy collection.  It is one my son’s favorite toys to play as a family.  He is not quite 4 years old so he is still learning the rules and learning patience with other players finding matching pairs that he would like; in any case it is a game that he enjoys and will learn to appreciate more as he gets a little older (it is rated for 4+).

Winner of a Creative Child Magazine Award
in 2005, this game comes with 48 2" carded tiles (24 matching pairs).  The cards are made with grayboard which  is a recycled product (the paper is new).  The 24 pairs are illustrations of classic toys, by Canadian artist Carrie Kendall, such as a baby doll, ABC Blocks, a spinning top, a fire truck, a play cash register, and more.

The Toy Memories Match game can be played in the classic manner, by turning the pieces upside down and taking turns to turn over 2 pieces to see if they match.  If they do, the player can keep them—and go again— if not, the player turns them back over and another player chooses 2 tiles to turn over.  However there are other ways to approach this game.  It can be used as a teaching tool in many ways such as simply finding the matching pairs (without playing the game), or matching toys of the same color, or discussing each toy, or sorting by favorite toy, etc.  The important thing is that parents or caregivers are interacting and having a discussion with the child, and using the toy as a teaching tool.

The game is attractively packaged in decorative box (10 1/4” x 9” x 2”) and makes a wonderful gift.  It is available on our website and in stores and websites across the country.