How To Buy Toys With Confidence and Make Informed Choices

I've been thinking about writing this post for a while now, and today's the day!  Ever since I started building The Ark's Youtube channel, I've been struck with all types of inspiration on how to keep shoppers informed about what's out there in toy land. 

While it's true that you can find nearly everything online, including in-depth toy reviews, that doesn't mean the content you're reading is credible and aimed at helping you make those informed toy purchases.  Yes, there are a lot of fake reviews out there.  In fact, last year Yelp and a slew of other companies (about 18 others) were dinged for publishing fake product reviews.  Not only does this harm the credibility of consumer review sites, but it leaves honest online shoppers with an uneasy feeling about the information they're reading.

 

However Google has been trying to do their part to gradually rid the web of spammy pages aimed at misleading web surfers, which opens the door for legitimate toy connoisseurs, passionate toy bloggers, and reviewers for their credible content to be seen. 

Luckily for us Arkians, we're oozing with toy suggestions, honest info, and the type of enthusiasm customers appreciate and need.  One of our goals online is to deliver that same customer service experience to parents and shoppers from across the globe.  We know not everyone can have that small toy store experience as more and more independent toy stores disappear, but social media gives us a chance to create our unique atmosphere right online for everyone to enjoy.

As mentioned earlier, one of the inspirations for writing this post came from the new Youtube channel I've been working on for the store.  In addition to making playlists linking to some of The Ark's favorite toymaker videos, I've also been creating and uploading the store's very own toy demo videos.  Youtube videos may have to be one of the best ways to make an informed decision about a toy, as there's nothing quite like seeing it in action to cement a decision.

Another great asset for confident toy buying is understanding the labels on the back of the box.  Just like food items, toys also have their own unique set of "nutritional facts."  When customers inquire about the quality of a product, I often talk about a company's attention to manufacture oversight (if it's being produced overseas) and I always point out that big CE logo.

 

So what does this "CE" logo actually stand for?  When a toy has this special marking, it means it has passed all European standards for toy design, manufacture and safety.  A toy can absolutely be made oversees in China and still qualify for this "quality seal of approval" if the manufacture oversight is exemplary and conforms to European toy standards.  In fact, a toy can't be sold in Europe without this "CE" qualification, making Europe's standards a definite authority concerning safety, material quality and toy design.  

The next time you stroll into a toy store looking for top quality gifts, remember to check out helpful YouTube channels and look out for special labeling that assures safety and quality.

Mommy Blogs You Should Be Reading Right Now

Okay Moms ROCK!  Not only are they fabulous customers, but Moms have some of the best suggestions, tips, and insight when it comes to kids toys.  As a toy store sales associate and blogger, their honest opinions and suggestions have helped diversify our toy selection and give us new angles to consider.

From the specifics of fine motor skill development to how kids truly react to certain toys, the feedback we've received from Moms have been invaluable to our lil' toy company.

Some of the most honest, useful, and even funny advice and parenting stories come from today's mom bloggers.  There's really too much to count, and we're always discovering new mom bloggers every week, so we wanted to introduce you all to some of our current favs of the moment.

So without further ado, we bring you Mommy Blogs that we love!

1.  Not Your Average Mom is pretty amazing.  Definitely not average and one of the funniest mom bloggers out there today.  While she has an awesome knack for infusing that signature humor into her writing, her work is also very insightful and profound, giving us a lot to think about on child raising and life in general actually.  You don't have to be a Mom to read and enjoy mommy blogs; in fact, some of the most enjoyable writing can be found on today's top mommy blogs.  This particular blog post is brilliant, and you can see why she made our list. 

2.  First Time Mom and Dad is a seriously wonderful blog that follows new parents, April and "first time dad" a.k.a FTD, on their exciting daily journey with their toddler.  Talk about a courtship that's made for the movies!  You can read all about how they met on their about page (trust me, it's a pretty awesome story!)  Since then, they've become one of the most enjoyable, stand-out Mommy AND Daddy blogs.  Providing everything from humor, to real talk, to parenting tips you can actually use, First Time Mom and Dad is a super great read.

Stay tuned for our next batch of Mommy Blogs we love to read!

Back To School Toy Guide For Teachers!

Back to school season is officially here!  And while kids nationwide aren't throwing any back to school parades anytime soon, teachers can prepare for that exciting first day with charming educational technology and toys to fill their classrooms.

Educational games like eeBoo's Spanish and French Bingo features whimsical illustrations that appeal to young children.  This inspires them to learn the basic Spanish and French vocabulary, while playing a fun, challenging game with their friends.

Magnetic wooden responsibility charts are a fun, interactive way to instill good work ethic in children, which crosses over into their at-home responsibilities as well; like doing their homework, washing the dishes, cleaning their rooms, and helping out the neighbors.

Preschool teachers have a lot of great PreK educational toys from wooden toy makers, Plan Toys, Hape, and Melissa & Doug.  It's always good to have imaginative toys on hand for recess or play time; play food sets like the basic four food groups, pizza party food, sandwich making kits, and popular cutting food sets are great for bringing kids together and inspiring creative ideas and storytelling!

Adding both colorful wooden block sets, as well as plain all-natural wood building blocks, to a preschool classroom can really motivate kids to explore early architectural ideas, creative planning, and their own imaginative ideas.  Natural wooden pieces are a signature part of any Waldorf Education inspired classroom too, as well as Waldorf-style soft dolls, brilliant imaginative play silks, and European made art supplies; such as all-natural modeling beeswax, crayons, and poster paints by Stockmar.


Any of these educational toys also make wonderful presents to give that favorite school teacher in your life.

And not so fast teachers, we have another blog post on the horizon about the benefits of cooperative games too.  So stay tuned for more!

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How Toys Are Made: Watch Your Favorite Toy Makers At Work!

It's SO much fun watching toys being made.  It conjures up all that Santa's Workshop sentiment, along with an appreciation for trade, craftsmanship and creativity.  That's what's so great about the show How It's Made and all those great tutorial videos on YouTube.  Watching familiar, everyday objects like chalkboards, neon signs, and crayons being made from step one is really mesmerizing to watch.  These videos are great for kids because it helps develop a real appreciation and curiosity for making things.

Take it away!



Made in Germany, Haba Toys are known worldwide for their superior wood craftsmanship, as well as introducing a variety of important concepts aimed at improving logical thinking, dexterity, creativity, and problem solving, just to name a few.  This is one of our favorite toy videos.  Enjoy!




A CBS profile of San Francisco toy makers, The Original Green Toy Company.  We love this brand!  Not only are their toys made right in San Francisco, but they're made from 100% recycled plastic.  You can take them to the beach, camping, school, you name it.



A look at how Play-doh is made!  Every step has to be precise to get the right consistency and scent.



Does LEGO need an introduction?  This video is pretty cool.  Take a look at the "robot" factory behind your kid's favorite building toys.