When someone asks me what they can buy for my children, I’m always at a loss for something to tell them. It’s not that they have everything {really, they don’t}, it’s just that the stuff they like is so hard to quantify or do a wish-list for. Basically, we like stuff that is one of a kind, quirky, unique, or something you just don’t find everywhere else.
Until I was introduced to Abe’s Market and found that they carry a great selection of toys that fit this description, whenever someone would ask what they would like I would just shrug and say, “honestly, I don’t know.” But, now I can direct any friends and family searching for gifts the kiddos would go crazy about right to the Abe’s Market site and let them pick something they would like to wrap up.
Note to family and friends: don’t choose the Pure Play Kids wooden cash register if you’re shopping this holiday season. We already have it, and it’s amazing.
When I first saw the wooden cash register, I knew it was perfect for the kiddos. With a rustic, handmade look to it that just calls out for you to play with it, it encourages literally hours of play. Sure, it was a bit more expensive than the plastic cash registers you find at mass retailers, but for a very good reason.
I paid the extra money for the fact that it doesn’t beep, doesn’t sound like it’s shattering when it gets knocked over, and doesn’t have drawers that stick only a day after you buy it. While you’d think that a product like this would lose marks for not having pushable buttons, dinging drawers and an attached scanner, what I love most about it is all of these things.
Instead of a built-in calculator, it has an abacus to encourage children to do the math on their own. Instead of a drawer that dings that you throw money into, it has coin-sized slots on the top to sort them by size. And, instead of being a toy that was used twice and discarded, it has ended up one of the absolute favorite toys of the year.
In the past few weeks I have witnessed my kids using it to play library, play toy shop owner, and play farmer’s market for hours on end and it’s absolutely heart-melting. Seeing this has also confirmed that my inclination was correct: they didn’t need a grocery store scanner with conveyor belt and beeping wand, they needed an open-ended toy that could spark their amazing imaginations and become anything they want it to be.
And, speaking of open-ended toys, Abe’s has the market cornered this holiday season. We’ve ordered numerous things in the past from them and every time we are beyond thrilled with the quality and the craftsmanship, but even more so with the fact that they inspire play and fun. Just look at this little wooden posable robot we got my son at Abe's Market to display on his map wall. Adorable, no?
With tons of toys available from baby on up, it is easy to find something that’s perfect for every child on your list. From baby clothing and supplies to room décor and organic and natural snacks, they could easily be a one-stop-shop for all your baby and child needs. While I could spend hours raving about all the amazing things I’ve found just perusing their pages, instead I will just suggest you head there yourself to see what you can find for all the little ones in your life.
Not to worry if you’re not shopping for kids this holiday season because Abe’s Market has a huge selection for us adults as well. I like to think of it as a farmer’s market online, minus the fresh fruit and veggies. From handcrafted artisan products to small batch cosmetics and natural products from head to toe, it really is almost as fun shopping as it is receiving your package in the mail.
Head on over to Abe’s Market and discover how easy it can be to be green. From clothing to housewares to organic living, there’s a little something for everyone this holiday season.
You're Invited: Abe's Market #NaturalLiving Twitter Party
Join me on Tuesday, October 30th from 8-9pm CST for the Abe's Market #NaturalLiving Twitter Party! We will be talking about natural living, simple changes we can make in our daily lives and our favorite Abe's Market products! You can follow along using the hashtag #NaturalLiving and the Tweetgrid for the party. RSVP below for your chance to Abe's Market gift cards! We will be giving away (2) $25, (1) $50, and a $100 Abe's Market gift card during the party. You must RSVP below to be eligible to win!
Twitter Party Details
WHEN: Tuesday, October 30th from 8-9pm EST HASHTAG: #NaturalLiving HOSTS: Follow @frugalgreenmama & @formulamom & @noisegirls CUSTOM TWEETGRID: http://tinyurl.com/8jlsoxh PRIZES: 4 Abe's Market Gift Cards: (2) $25, (1) $50, & (1) $100RSVP to win!
To be eligible to win a prize, please RSVP using the linky below (enter the URL to your Twitter profile). Winners will be chosen randomly from the RSVP list. You must be present and participating during the party to be eligible to win a prize. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Open to US residents. Prizes will be given away every 15 minutes during the 1 hour party on 10/30/12. Prizes include LIST PRIZES. The grand prize of GRAND PRIZE will be given away at the end of the party to 1 grand prize winner. All winners will be chosen using random.org from the RSVP list. Winners must be participating in the party using the hashtag #NaturalLiving at the time that they are drawn as a winner. Winners will have 5 minutes to reply to claim their prize or a new winner will be drawn.
A big thank you to Abe's Market for providing a credit for us to apply towards the cost of the cash register. As always, all opinions are 100% ours.
