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News, Parenting/Child Development & Coloring PagesSee our latest news, parenting information, and get printable coloring pages and other fun files for the kids. See Coloring Pages at bottom of page. Because We Love Ya, Returning Customers Discount! - 8/9/10That's right! To reward our loyal customers, we're giving you 10% your 2nd order, starting in August and continuing through the end of 2010. Time to start thinking about the holidays! Use the code again2010 - code is good for returning customers who have placed an order in 2010 & are returning for a 2nd time. Nico & Zoe is Opening a New Showroom! - August, 2010That's right. Once the decision was made to move our inventory to Eastern Washington, we quickly realized that the loss of our showroom had a big impact on our loyal, local fans. Sorry! So, we are opening a new showroom, starting August, 2010, to get our locals back & chatting, playing & buying toys with us again. Now, you will find Nico & Zoe Toys, and the kids too, at 601C Knight Street in Richland, in the CSA Building, on the corner of Jadwin & Knight. Locals know that this is right in the heart of the Parkway. Please, come by to play & shop!
Nico & Zoe Toys Now has a Blog...I finally got it together & got our blog up. Better late than never, right? Take a look & make a comment. We hope to have giveaways, news and other interesting info for parents & kids alike. Become our FACEBOOK Fan!Get more news and discount coupons on our Facebook page. Holiday Toy Trends 2009: Avoiding Fickle Toy TrendsIf you're hoping to avoid the heartbreak of buying forgotten-before-the-day-is-done toys for your preschooler this Christmas season, ignore most of the commercials you see on children's television, and point Santa in the direction of more traditional, less-trendy toys... Some of the best and most memorable toys on the market today were also on the market when you were a child. Search your memory for the toys you loved and enjoyed the most, and you are likely to find a toy your child will adore just as much. Read the entire story here > Nico & Zoe's Games & Puzzles >
More Love for the Soy Crayons! - 8/15/09Once again, our ever popular soy crayons are a hit. Works for us! Click on the headline and see what this mom of a toddler had to say. In case you missed it, we have Lunch Bags & Sock Monkeys! - 8/12/09
It is new order time here at Nico & Zoe. We are stocking up for the holidays! We have lunch boxes from Hoohobbers, Made in the USA. Available in 6 styles, with the option to add a child's name: We also added a new line of Sock Monkeys, Handmade in Tuscon, AZ. We have 2 styles listed, with more to come: Check out our New Arrivals section to keep up on what is new! We're adding new products every day: Thanks for visiting!
Check out this cool site! - 7/23/09I was searching for a product number, and ran across this site - check it out! Good Guide rates the safety of several toys, baby foods, clothing and their companies, looking for those nasty chemicals like mercury, lead, and arsenic. It also checks into the environmental impact of that food being created, and which companies stand out as truly green, and which do not. I found many things in my home listed and tested. Mercury in a sweetner used in strawberry Yoplait? Yeah. Good to know, don't you think? Nico & Zoe Relocates! - 7/4/09Yep, we're moving the shipping operation to the other side of the state. Stacy, one-half of Nico & Zoe, has moved to the desert side of Washington, and starting in September, we will begin to ship our toys out of Pasco, WA. Sorry, local Seattle residents, but the move was necessary, and it made the most sense for Stacy to take it with her. We'll still be around for our favorite West Seattle events though - Summer Fest, C&P's Holiday Fair, Northwest Enterprising Moms events too. If you love shopping our showroom in person, better do it now! Join us at West Seattle Summer Fest! - 6/30/09;)
For everyone in the Seattle Area... We will be at the West Seattle Summer Fest July 10-12. FREE! We are in Space 92 (near Matador, the same side of the street as Cupcake Royale & Maharaja) There is a great line up of Bands this year, including Mudhoney, Super Sonic Soul Pimps!, as well as Caspar Babypants, which is kids' music from Presidents of the Unites States' Lead Singer Chris Ballew. See more at the West Seattle Summerfest website> Become a FAN of Nico & Zoe on FACEBOOK and get a discount code to use online or at the Street fair! Those Soy Crayons are Everywhere! - 6/27/09We sent out several samples of our Rock Soy Crayons, to rave reviews! Click on the headline to read just one of our favorites, at Sage and Savvy. We are now on Facebook - 6/15/09We've joined the rest of the modern world, and set up our page on Facebook. We will post whenever we add a new product, event, or survey. Feel free to join our fan club and post about any of your Nico & Zoe toys too! Shipping to Different Addresses - 5/10/09If you are checking out WITHOUT an account AND shipping to a different address, there is a bug, and you will not be able to continue to select shipping. DIRECTIONS TO BYPASS PROBLEM: To bypass this error, check 'Check if same as Billing information' and enter your actual shipping address in the comments box. OR, create an account and you can enter a shipping address without a problem. Until the bug is fixed, this will get your order to us. Sorry about the hassle! And, thank you for your patience. We hope to have this error fixed soon. Drat, a small recall. - 4/15/09The plastic sleeve included with the Speedy Kinderharp Diatonic Harmonica has been recalled. It has been found to contain phthalates. This is only the plastic sleeve, and not the harmonica itself. Hohner Music sends its apologizes, and has tested all of its products, and found them all to be safe, except this one. Sorry for the hassle and scare. It's a first for us. :( News & Info for March - 3/25/09
It has been a busy month here at Nico & Zoe Toys. We are slowly re-ordering and restocking. If there is a particular toy you have been trying to find, send us an email and we will let you know when we will be getting it back in stock. We have a new Easter/Spring section to help you find toys for baskets in April. Here is a link to the Spring/Easter Toys Reviews & News We have had some great reviews and product spotlights. IE Mommy is a great blog that covers kids products of all kinds. They reviewed our site and reviewed out Rubbabu Fuzzy Vehicles. Mogul Baby Blog. Funky, fine and fabulous finds. Thanks for another product review of Rubbabu Fuzzy Vehicles. "Silky and durable these cars are sturdy!" Cool Mom Guide Blog. "Raise 'em righr. Avoid the fight." Review of the Rubbabu Fuzzy Animals. Her son played with the Fuzzy Worm. Small Rubbabu vehicles are now available for just $7. Get 'em before they are gone. We only hava a small selection available. These are mini version of the larger vehicles, but are still soft and squishy. I also want to give a shout out to our favorite West Seattle Coffee place C&P Coffee. This is the most comfy place to have coffee. They have really greay coffee too! In addition to Free WiFi (which I am enjoying with my coffee right now!) If you live in the West Seattle neighborhood and haven't stopped by yet, you should!
New products arriving - 2/23/09Hope every had a happy Valentine's Day! We have just received a new shipment from Plan Toys and hope to get it online this week. We are also placing an order with Kathe Kruse and getting some out of stock items in as well as some getting in some of the great new offerings they have. We have recently re-stocked Wee Gallery Jungle wall graphics and have added Jungle Graphic Art Cards to coordinate your baby's room. They are great for early child development. We are also happy to announce that we are extending our free shipping (on orders of $100 or more) through the summer. We are trying to do what we can to help ease expenses for our customers where we can. This is an average $18 to $20 savings for you! Don't forget, if you live in the greater Seattle Area, pickup is also available for free. Just choose the option at checkout and we will arrange an appointment. I am also hoping to get the homepage updated and the search function fixed soon. I'll be adding a Google search function to the site that should make searching really quick! Hope the New Year is treating you well! We look forward to finding more new toys to offer for Summer! -Pamela & Stacy, Owners
Updates to the Toy Safety Law (CPSIA) - 1/9/09Exemptions have been made to the new law going into effect 2/10/09. According to the LA Times as well as the CPSIA website, these preliminary exemptions have been made: - Allow resale companies (thrift stores, consignment stores) to resale used items that they believe to be lead free (have not been recalled). It is up to the store to verify. They will still be liable id an item is compliant. - Allow products that contain natural materials only (Cotten, Wood, etc) do not have to be tested. These changes help the handmade toy industry as well as toy resellers. Yet, more modifications still need to be made to support handmade toys. To reiterate our goal here at Nico & Zoe Toys: Find Uncommon and Artisan made toys that are safe. All of the toys we carry are either handmade with natural materials, meet European Union testing (CE) or are made in the US and meet all previous US safety standards. All our product listings show where each toy is made and the safety standards they meet. If a toy is made in the US, it already meets pre-2009 standards. Thank you for your continued support of Nico & Zoe Toys! -Pamela and Stacy, Co Owners
Save Independent Toys from Over Regulation and Extinction - 1/4/09;)
Our toy choices, and in effect your choices, may start to get very limited if something does not change in the new Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) regulations. Instead of placing regulations on toys from places who have traditionally had issue with lead and other safety issues, the CPSIA is being applied to ALL toy-makers even those in the U.S., Canada, and Europe, who already have stellar safety regulations in place. You can help speak up about the CPSP decision. You can make it known that we as parents deserve choices when it comes to toys for our kids. First of all you can sign the online petition to Save Handmade Toys in the USA from the CPSIA. You can also write to your United States Congress Person and Senator to request changes in the CPSIA to save handmade toys. Use the Handmade Toy Alliance sample letter or write your own. You can find your Congress Person here and Senator here. Learn more:
The new law is effective February 10, 1009! ANY toy made after this date will be required to to meet these new standards. Recent Sightings (NOT Sittings) in the Press and Blogs - 11/20/08With Thanksgiving on the way, the holiday shopping season is heating up. With not so deep pockets this season, there are lots of specials and hot lists hopping in the blogosophere. Here are a few lists that we have been included on this season. Check them out, a few even have special discounts listed. Babble's 2008 Holiday Gift Guide: They feature our Circus Train Set Our Australian friends at Babyology Blog: Feature our Crayon Rocks, Fettuccine & Cookies See The Safemama Safer Toy Guide Here>> Parentmap (Seattle Based Parenting Mag) Educational Gift Guide: feature Discover Rig, Balancing Monkeys, Toddler Tote Indiefixx (artisan made items) Holiday Galleria: CoolMomPicks 2008 Safer Toy Guide: Feature our Bus Sewing Kit Also, Mothering.com has a link to us somewhere on their site, I just can't find it!
Special Events - 10/26/08If you live in Seattle, you should check these out! Nico & Zoe start off the holiday shopping season with: Magnolia Mom's Shop Til You Drop for a Great Cause The Magnolia Mom's Trunk Show & Coat Drive has grown! Our 6th Annual event will feature over 30 local vendors & artists, fashions from Vixen, a raffle & silent auction--all in a new location with plenty of parking (Our Lady of Fatima Parish Hall). Northwest Enterprising Moms Fall Event Support creative, local mom-owned small businesses, like us! And, get a little shopping done too. Hope to see you there!
Need toy advice? Great site! 9/30/08ToysAdvice contains over 70 articles written by experts who continually update and add new content. Get help deciding what kinds of toys are best for babies, toys suitable for toddlers, educational toy advice, and much more. This is a non-profit site, so they are unbiased toward a particular company. Based in the UK, just so you know. Check Out ToysAdvice's website>>
Sharing the Love... of Blogs 9/12/08
3 great blogs have some great things to say about us! Take a look and see what other recommendations they have to share! "How often do you find yourself thinking, they just don't make toys like they used to? I think it on a regular basis, so I was thrilled to discover Nico & Zoe, uncommon and artisan made toys. I love this shop!" "Soy crayon rocks- These rock-shaped crayons, pictured above, are made of soy. You get 16 per package, so you can treat your Halloween visitors with one or two per person." So why not let the kiddies play with the mess-free kind? Nico & Zoe, purveyor of uncommon and artisan made toys for kids that are educational and classic at the same time, stocks plenty of its popular Milk Carton set (shown at top left, $14.99) with an old-fashioned yet somehow modern dairy-fresh take in its online store.
Lead and Phthalates Banned in Childrens Toys - 8/14/08It has passed the House and Senate, and President W. Bush signed the bill banning lead and phthalates in toys for kids 12 and under. How long before the standards are put into effect we're not sure of, but remember that lead is already banned from paint. So, hopefully they can actually enforce the law. What a Great Deal!Check us out on Go City Kids, just click the title "What a Great Deal!" here, and find out how you can receive a discount code for 20% off your purchase. It's a limited time, so get over there now! Our WeeGallery Jungle Graphics Picked by Parneting.com 7/22/08;)
Our Wee Gallery Jungle Wall Graphics are one of Parenting/Baby Talk Magazines Gear Gallery Picks this month. I've gotta pick up the magazine and see if we are in there too! Get 'em while they are HOT!
Get Ready for West Seattle SummerFest 2008! 7/7/08If you live in the Seattle area, you need to come over to West Seattle for the annual SummerFest. There will be music, a Family Fun Zone, hands-on art for kids, food, and this year, the festival is open even later. This is our 2nd annual attendance at the festival and we are hoping to have an even better turnout than last year! It runs July 11,12,13 (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) in the Junction neighborhood. We will have most of our toys (except the large toys) there. Come over and meet us in person! Mention you read about us on our website and get an additional 10% off your in-person order.
Recent Reviews 7/1/08We've had some great reviews this summer. Here are a few below: Cool Mom Picks: "I'm getting a little tired of the heavy spaghetti and meatball dinners. How about a little summer fare, like this adorable BBQ Grill set..." Sara's Toy Box: "We recently placed an order with Nico & Zoe, and we love our new toys." Review of Ravioli, Jungle Wall Graphics, Hop Ball, and Rody. Itsabelly: "...if your sick of all of the recalls and plastic junk your kids are exposed to Nico and Zoe is definitely a place that will make you wish you were 2 years old again!" Review of Rody, Animal Suduko and Toddler Tote. Small Bites: "Smallbites teaches parents, and parents-to-be, how to make healthy, safe and sustainable food choices in a way that saves them time." Another great blog with a review of our BBQ Grill Set. SafeToy.com Read the Story Here>"...Being that all the companies Nico & Zoe work with are small and family-owned, Stacy feels her customers have less reason to worry than with large companies with ambiguous manufacturing methods..."
Our Newest Offerings! 6/9/08We have been busy here in Seattle this last month! We have been researching new art supplies and PVC free sand toys to bring to you in the next few months. We just added Soy Rock Crayons to our art supplies. These are made in the US and are really fun to color with. Their size makes them easy for young one's to grasp and older kids to develop their 'tripod grip' - essential to writing success. Find them Here> We will be getting new Sand toys from German based company, Wader. These are PVC/lead free plastic toys, made in Germany. We hope to get them in by the end of July. We also have some beautiful new wood puzzles from Kathe Kruse. These are a new offering by the German manufacturer, and are simply gorgeous! We are also happy to add Organic Clothing to our small selection of clothing. We know how important this is to our customers, so we found some bright and graphic designs that we know you will love! Check them out Here> Of course, we love to hear your suggestions and comments. Send us an email Now>
Toy Safety Regulations 6/18/08Toy safety standards starting to make their way into reality: "WASHINGTON -- The $33 billion-plus U.S. children's product industry faces increasing state efforts to regulate its products while Congress wrangles over federal rules that won't be in place in time for this year's holiday shopping season..." CoOwner Pamela is now in Cyper Print! 6/15/08I am now writing a tech Column for the Blog Mommy's Company. It is "The Online Magazine and Radio Show for Entrepreneur Moms". My monthly article is called: Tech Mama. Around the begining of each month, there will be a new article. Up Coming Events! 4/22/08Come visit us at one of these Seattle area events: C&P Coffee - Nico & Zoe Toy Testing (FREE) Wednesday, April 23 | 10-12 Enjoy some coffee and try out some of our new toys. Located in West Seattle. See their website above for directions. Green Power Baby Shower (FREE) Saturday, May 3 | 10-4 It's about Nature & Health, about caring for life. At GreenPower Baby Shower Expo you will find all the green products that you're looking for, for your little one. At the Sheraton Hotel, Downtown Seattle. Northwest Enterprising Moms Spring Event (FREE) Sunday, May 4 | 11-3 This FREE family friendly event will feature lectures, demonstrations and an exhibit hall showcasing products and services from over 25 local, mom-owned businesses. At the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall.
Our Toys Reviewed on CBS Early Show - 3/28/08CBS Early Show covers USA made toys - including Made in US Wood Toys by two companies we have here - Holgate and Maple Landmark, as well as our Lauri Toddler Tote. Nico & Zoe Featured in Seattle Magazine - 3/24/08;)
We are so excited about this month's article in Seattle's own Seattle Magazine. Pick one up if you live in Seattle! There is also an article on the hotly-debated "Fuzzy Math" hitting the Seattle School District's math curriculum. Check it out (they have it at most grocery stores in the Seattle area....) Our favorite quote from the article: "The product lineup, which has been a runaway success through their online site nicoandzoe.com, is meticulously researched for durability, green friendliness and play worthiness."
Our Exclusive Zita Zoe Pasta Reviewed - 3/11/08"Who doesn't love play food? I definitely do, and when I found the Zita Zoe fettuccine & ravioli by Nico & Zoe, I couldn't resist sharing them with you!" - Sounds good to us too!
New Toys Are Here! 2/8/07Voila - A few new toys from Voila. Unfortunately, the owners of the company decided to retire, so we were only able to get in a few items, and what we have is all there is from this company. Get these creative, nicely made, wooden toys while you can! Kathe Kruse - We are expanding our selection of baby toys and dolls with Kathe Kruse. As well as some tutus for your princess/ballerina and new, unique multi-layered wood puzzles. These should arrive any day now. Plan Toys - We have some great new selections from Plan Toys! From the ever popular parking garage play set to preschool games, we have a lot to choose from. This company continues to delight us with its quality products, cute designs, and high standards. Yellow Label Kids - Knitted play cupcakes are here! In additon to knitted rattles as well as some fun gnome pillows, all handmade with Fair Trade practices. Anne-Claire Petit - We now carry these wonderful handmade soft toys. The craftsmanship is very high quality and designs are colorful and bright. We have a ducks, monkeys, terriers, rattles and rattle balls now available. New Organic Clothing - We are adding a great line of kids shirts, onsies, and adorable "pilot" style hats. They have bright colors, are made with Fair Trade practices in India, and are super soft! These will also be available in a new product we are creating - gift baskets for new babies. Look for these in March. Plus many more surprises and re-stocks along the way. Look for some site updates: We are going to continue to offer a great selection of wooden and plush toys - US made, as well as high quality EU brands are very important to us. We research all of our toys and make sure they are safe for our kids and yours. Our kids love to help us find great toys and have tested out many of these new selections - they give their thumbs up! Thank you for your continued support, and hope to "see" you soon! Pamela & Stacy - Owners, Nico & Zoe Toys
Happy New Year with New Toys! 1/17/07We are off to a busy new year, re-ordering many of our popular toys as well as adding some new toy lines. New toy companies are: Anne-Claire Petit - Hand Croched Soft Toys and Rattles Based in the Netherlands and using Fair Trade practices. Holgate Toys - Wood Toys made in the USA. Mary's Soft Dough - Soft Play dough that does not crumble or stain carpet. Made in Portland, OR. And many more to come! In addtion, we have added in our popular "The Truth About the Easter Bunnies" back to our selection, as well as new supplies of Mossy Creek's Hopping Rabbit pull toy, and the new Wooden Grasshopper pull toy. Our Holiday Sale is still on, so take a look. We have also dropped some of our shipping charges and added free shipping for purchases over $150.00. Thanks for stopping by! -Pamela & Stacy, Owners
It Is Almost Time! 12/17/07For us, Pam and Stacy, to say Happy New Year to you! We are now wrapping up our Christmas orders, and preparing to restock after the the holiday rush. In addition, we will continue to work with D and Me Woodworkers to offer their wonderful selection of wooden trucks, tools, and push toys. However, D and Me is just a two-person operation, and all orders at this time are slated for February delivery. As we step into the new year, we will also break up our doll house and farm play sets into individual pieces for those who just need one thing or the other to complete their set. It's been a whirlwind of fun and excitment for us. We have enjoyed our growing business, though we did have some growing pains there too. :) We look forward to expanding our line of good, quality toys as we move into the new year, and perhaps, we'll even get a little rest too. Thank you for your support of Nico & Zoe Toys. We will remain open until Saturday, December 22, and then close for Christmas. You are welcome to visit us during our regular hours, starting December 28 - Friday 10 to 12, Saturday 11 to 1, and Wednesday 10 to 1 and by appointment as well. -Pam & Stacy. Holidays are Wrapping up! 12/11/07We have had a very busy holiday! As you can see, we are running low on everything! Here are some items to look for soon: Lauri toys will be arriving in the next day or so and pre-orders will go out first. So, if you would like to add yours, get your order in today! >Toddler Tote (ages 2-5) >Shape Sorter & Stacker (ages 2-5) >Number Express (ages 2-5) >Primer Pack (3-6) Baby Rattles: We are planning on re-ordering the Baby Rattle (Walnut and Cherry). We are hoping they will be here by the New Year. All other rattles are on hold right now. We will be taking pre-orders soon. Let us know which you are interested in and we will see what we can do. C&P Coffee Crafts Fair Saturday 12/15 from 9-3 We will be at the West Seattle C&P Coffee all day Saturday. We will have more Grabby Taggy Pillows, some new Wool Dolls that we are trying out, as well as several offerings from the site. Let us know if there is anything that you want us to bring! C&P Address: 5612 California Avenue SW
Nico & Zoe at the Seattle Christmas Gift Show! - November 16-18Each year, the Washington State Convention Center hosts a HUGE Christmas Gift Show, and we're going to be there too. Friday, November 16 through Sunday, November 18 from 10 to 6, you can shop hundreds of vendors, mostly local folk, and their wares. Come on down, say hello, and get a little shopping done. We plan to do the same! The Holidays are Coming... 11/4/07With the holidays coming, many of our toys are getting overwhelming response from the media. With the interest in Toys not made in China, Nico & Zoe is poping up everywhere we look, and that means our toys are selling out quick. Parenting magazine and USA Weekend (a part of USA Today) have published info about our great Rattles (Baby Clacker and Baby Rattle) from Mossy Creek. Look for our Terrace Doll House in the December issue of Parenting Magazine. We were also a part of an interview with Seattle Based ParentMap on "Best Educational Toys For Kids - Free of Lead". They pictured two of our sock animals, as well as highlighting Zoe's Baby, co-owner Pam's doll and felt food brand. Now that November is here, be sure to place your order as soon as possible. With so many people interested in non-China made toys, our great, uncommon toys are getting snatched up - Quick! Many of our toys are already sold out for the season. The Tasty Pastries are going to have to wait until Zoe's Birthday! :( We are in the news, again! 10/18/07We recently were interviewed by our local paper, the Seattle Times. Their blog, NWSource, posted the article, and they had some nice things to say. "Artisanal toys for girls and boys. Nico & Zoe's new West Seattle showroom is stocked with authentic playthings..." More Recalls? Yes, it is True.Companies like J.C. Penny's are now beginning to test their own toys, and are finding lead. The question that keeps popping up is whether this is a recent problem of paint standards, or has lead been there all along? The trouble is, we don't really know. So, how can you ensure that the toys you put under the Christmas tree this year are safe? Some suggest you avoid China made toys, for the acceptable amount of lead is lower in this country. Others say avoid painted toys all together and go for natural wood with just a safe oil or beeswax coating. We can ensure that none of our toys are on the recall lists. Is it enough? To keep current, we advise the US Consumer Product Safety Commission website, and would suggest you do the same.
Choosing Organic Food, or Not? 10/11/07I just read this great article on making the choice between organic & conventional foods. After reading it, I am still happy with the choices I make for mainly organic foods. But, they bring up some good suggestions and reccomendations on making the best choice for your family, community and environment.
Drum set reviewed by Offsprung blog - 10/1/07Our new drumset from Plan Toys was reviewed at Offsprung (your life didn't end when you became a parent) Blog. We think it's pretty cool too!
Press Release Announcing West Seattle ShowroomOur latest press release was picked up by several news sources. You can check it out here:
Nico & Zoe Toys in the News...September was a busy month for us in the news. Take a look: Cool Mom Picks - 9/26/07 "We found a domestic log-themed toy alternative at Nico & Zoe, a great source for artisan toys...This substantial Large Logger with Logs carries six enviro-friendly dowels..." NW Source (Seattle Times) - 9/28/07 "What you believe is absolutely true: Your child is utterly unique in this world. Among many other things, that means he or she deserves unique toys to play with, and Nico & Zoe -- purveyors of "uncommon and artisan-made toys" -- will happily provide them." West Seattle Blog - 9/29/07 "Now comes word, via nwsource.com, of another opening at ActivSpace" NW Baby & Child - October Issue Pick up the October issue of NW Baby and Child and read all about how we started and where we are going. On the inside back page. We will post a link when they put the article online... Nico & Zoe Opens a Showroom! 9/14/07After many hours and many sore muscles, we have moved our operation to a showroom. Woo-hoo! What's a showroom, you may ask. Well, it's a place for Nico & Zoe to be open to the public for those who would like to see our toys before they place an order, those who would like to buy in person, and those who do order on-line to pick up and save on the shipping. In addition, we will be hosting a few little get togethers to celebrate our first year anniversary. Free free to come by, say hi, and shop in person too.
Verifying made in China - it is challenging! 9/2/07I would like to say that getting information from companies about where their toys are really manufactured has been rough. Companies sometimes start the manufacturing in the US, but then change to China to save costs. For example, when we originally started carrying George the Bouncing horse last year, it was made in Utah. We just got word from the company that it is NOW made in China. We are sincerely sorry to anyone that was looking at George as a hopeful present. We are also disappointed since he is SO cute! We removed George pending a search for a US made option, but did not find another option that was as cute or had the same quality, so we decided to add him back. Rody is made in Italy, and is very cute. We might just try him out too. Our goal is still to carry uncommon and artisan made toys, and that will still be our goal even as more people look for US made toys. If you have questions about any of our toys or purchases from our store, please contact us! We do not have a direct phone line, but are available by email and appointment. If you would like to speak to us on the phone, drop us an email with your contact information and let us know you would like to chat on the phone and we will arrange it. We love talking to our customers! Happy shopping and we look forward to hearing from you!
Confirmed: No Lead paint in Melissa & Doug Toys 8/23/07
A fellow blogger/mommy from Velveteen Mind Blog has done some in-depth research into Melissa & Doug's China made toys and lead. There has been no lead found in their paint or toys.
Be Careful in your Search for US Manufactured Toys - 8/20/07;)
Since here, at Nico and Zoe, we disclose in our descriptions where our products companies are based and manufactured, I thought I would do some searching for Toys Made in the US, USA and America. I was happy with where Our toys came up on the search. However, I noticed in the Google Ads (right side of the search results) Target came up under American made Toys. Well, that peaked my curiosity. Did they suddenly acquire some toys that were made in the US? I clicked on the link. I scrolled. In their list they show a Barbie and a Cabbage Patch Doll. These toys are not made in America - the Barbie happens to have America in its name, but definitely made in China. Lesson? You have to really check! Many companies are based in the US, but are manufactured in China to save costs. The same for many European toys. Now, we're not here to bash on China-made products. We do want to make clear, however, that the companies we work with are small, family owned companies to whom we research and test. Some of our toys are made in China, by small production companies who have high standards and quality. Our point is that we want to be sure you are informed so you can make choices you feel comfortable with and we will our part to continue to disclose all we know about the companies we carry here at Nico & Zoe Toys. Come Check Out Our Handmade Goods! 8/8/07We will be at C&P Coffee in West Seattle this Saturday (Aug 11) from 9-3. A great place to check out all the local West Seattle artists!
Recalled Fischer Price/Mattel toys 8/2/07Here is a link to all the toys that were recalled due to lead paint from Chinese manufactured plastic toys. Please note that these toys are NOT for sale at Nico & Zoe Toys. I would also like to add, please observe your small children with toys that are 3+ age range - most toys for 3 and under do not have pieces that could be choked on and all pieces are secure. But, toys for +3 often contain very small parts that can be a choking hazard. Please watch your small ones. :) Yet another reason to buy local and handmade toys 8/1/07Fischer Price recalls 1 MILLON of their toys made in China due to excessive levels of lead in the paint. The story is listed on CNN.... The worldwide recall being announced Thursday involves 967,000 plastic preschool toys made by a Chinese vendor and sold in the United States between May and August. It is the latest in a wave of recalls that has heightened global concern about the safety of Chinese-made products... "Sadly, this is the most recent in a series of disturbing recalls of children's toys. While the toys may be different, they have one thing in common -- they were manufactured in China. With the current tools and resources the Consumer Product Safety Commission has, it cannot adequately protect American consumers." When I first started buying toys for Zoe, they were talking about vinyl teethers and how they leach toxins. That is when I decided that I wanted the majority of her toys to be wood, and fabric - and when possible, made locally. While not every toy of ours is made in the US, they are made by small companies with high standards of quality - ensuring that the toys are made with care. We also list where each toy is manufactured so you can make the decision for yourself.
Thanks for Visiting at West Seattle Summerfest!Thanks to everyone who stopped by! We had a great turn out and had tons of great compliments from old and new friends. Keep ypur eyes open for another Seattle event for the Holidays! -Pam Attention Seattleites! Come Visit Us!!;)
This is it. Visit us at the West Seattle Summer Fest July 13, 14, 15 This weekend is the weekend to come by and say hello and check out our new products in person. We will also have a craft table for the kids. Plus, with every purchase, you'll get a special Nico & Zoe 1" Pin. Hope to see you there!
Lots of New Products Coming!! 6/29/07We have lots of new toys arriving for summer. Educational toys from Lauri, Craft kits from Sparrowkids, Tea Sets from Rossana, Musical Jewelry Boxes from Enchantmints, Art Baby Cards from Wee Gallery, Car sets and creation kits from Montgomery Schoolhouse, New Socktopi, New Taggie pillows, and even more that I can't think of! Whew! We have been really busy looking for the most interesting finds we can get! Hope you enjoy them! Zoe featured on Apartment Therapy - 6/18/07I noticed a little while back that Apartment Therapy was having a small nursery contest. But, now that Zoe is 4 - her room didn't qualify. So, I chatted with the writers there and found out that they also feature other small rooms. So, I sent them some pictures. I love her room so much that it is nice to see other people like it as well! (sometimes when she crawls into our bed, it gets too crowed! So, i sneak off to her bed and enjoy the bed all to myself - and all her stuffed animals!)
We made it through another month! 6/5/07After some juggling, researching and running around we have some great changes coming. First. Be on the look out for some great new toys later this month! We will have some new felt food creations, educational toys, craft kits and much more! So, keep posted! Second. We are gearing up for the weekend of July 13, 14, 15. We will be at the West Seattle Summer Fest in the West Seattle Junction. This is your chance to say hi, see our great toys, and take some cool stuff home! So mark your calenders and hope to see you there! > West Seattle Summer Fest Site Third. I just found a great online magazine that just put out it's first issue. It is called SMALL. Has some great imagery, articles and information for all things small: Small kids, small toys, small companies that make things for small people. > Take A Look! Nursery - Apartment Therapy Blog Feature 5/25/07Thanks so much to Nursery of Apartment Therapy - The blog for urban families with small spaces to live in. The featured a great story about us on their site. They also recently had a great contest for the Best Small Nursery design. Thanks for checking us out!! It has been an enlightening few weeks! 5/9/07I (Pam) have been working a contract job - on site - not at home, for 3 weeks. I have definately learned I am VERY happy working at home ONLY! I don't think I will ever go back to work in a office! There is just so much I can't do when I work on site for someone: When I am not doing paid work, I can't make phone calls, I can't check email, I can't pay bills, I can't do other work. I would rather have the option to decide what I am working on when then get a consistent paycheck. And, in between all this, I also have to do freelance and keep this site in good shape! So, on that note, I have been chatting a little - in my spare time - with the owners of a new Hip Mom shopping site called Lipstick to Crayons! Their site is about to launch and we are one of their very first write ups! So, check them out. There is even a story about organic Lollipops!
Event: Come visit us at Celebrate Mama 4/12/07Join us Saturday, May 5 from 11-4 at Factoria Mall - In Bellevue, WA - for Celebrate Mama. We will have a mothers day art project for the kids to do while there! Here is some more info about the event: We Celebrate Mama!™ every year with an expo that brings together everything for and about mamas in one place... just in time for Mother's Day! Each Celebration is FREE to the public and benefits local communities and mama-centric organizations by showcasing products, services, and information for mamas of all ages and stages. Celebrate Mama!™ events are a unique, fun way for you to celebrate motherhood and find everything for and about the mama in your life. We also celebrate the Mamas that can't attend our event by collecting on-site donations for local women's shelters. I have been looking for something interesting... 4/6/07I have been on the lookout for something compelling to post. But, all I found was the same ole things: Blogs complaining about that 'American Idol' show, how the cool old Tonka trucks are getting harder to find, and other miscellaneous thoughts. So, I am going to add to the chaos of it all. I am going to tell you about my week... Month, in a nutshell: 1 month ago yesterday, my husband needed to quit his job, and he did. Then the looking over bills, looking at savings, cutting bills, cutting trips to the local coffee shop... every day... canceling our Dish Network, cutting retirement payments, blah, blah, blah. So, making the money was all on me now... I get to wear the pants for a while. So, that was cool. I hunkered down: kept my clients happy, found some new ones, went on some interviews, had zoe home from pre-pre-school for a week, sent dad & z out to the zoo, kids museum, play date. All was going well. in the midst of all this, my car dies - yet again (we bought the reliable car new and it wouldn't start when we were driving it off the lot - should have seen that coming!) Zoe gets accepted to an expensive private pre-school/elementary school (which we now can't attend). I get a second interview for an amazing company - for a full time job (with telecommuting opportunities). Phew! Now, 3 weeks later, husband gets a job. Now, this is no ordinary job: He gets to set his hours, telecommute, decide his fate... He worked, at the office setting up, from 9:30-7:30 today. This is bad. I hope this is not another sign of things to come. He says it is not. I hope he is right. I have another interview - 3rd, next week. If I get this job, I hope one of us can stay flexible. The plan was to not put zoe in full time daycare. It will stay that way. The money looks good, but I am not willing to sacrifice our time with zoe. That is it, as nutshell as I can get it. And I still need to cancel one interview, call the school and say we won't make it, pick up my supposedly fixed car (we'll see if it starts in a month) and... file taxes. And it is now Friday. Happy Happy, Joy Joy! -pam News: Indie of the Week 3/15/07Wow! We are so excited that the website Wickedly Chic added us to their featured Indie of the Week section! Liz, of Wickedly Chic, did a great review of our site and of our SockadoodleDo Sock Elephant! Wickedly Chic is a great resource for independently designed clothes and all things Chic! Thanks Liz for the great support! We appreciate the Love! News: What is Wrong with Self Esteem? 2/28/07Back to the story I posted about to Praise or Not to Praise. Seattle's NPR Station KUOW, has a show called "The Conversation". They just did a great show about this broadcast: "A new study out this week indicates college students have elevated levels of narcissism. The reason? Misguided efforts to heap praise on kids to bolster their self–esteem." This show definitely makes me think of how I will praise Zoe in the future. She already has a great sense of empathy, so I don't want to discourage that. News: Kicking the Sweet Reward Habit with your Child 2/28/07Are you stuck in the rut of rewarding you child with desert after they eat all their dinner? It is VERY easy to get in the habit. And breaking that habit is often a battle. Here is a great article about the pros & cons of a reward system and alternatives. As well as ways of curbing junk food and treats. Here is an excerpt (from page 2): "The study's authors concluded that restricting access to certain foods may encourage kids to eat more of them. The lesson? Give your kids limited but reasonable access to sweets and junk and they'll learn to make good choices. Avoid teaching your child to reward herself with food, because you won't always be around to help her make decisions." See the entire article at Cookie Magazine's Blog.
News: Product featured in Baby Gadget 2/21/07Baby Gadget wrote a great feature on our Felt Sugar Cookies! They have many reviews of cool things for the family, including us, of course.
Article: To Praise or Not Praise Your ChildrenI am supposed to be updating the home page, sewing - anything but continuing my never ending search for ways to promote Nico & Zoe. While clicking through yet another site, I came across the blog for Cookie Magazine. Then, discovered a great article about giving praise to children may actually be doing harm to their self confidence! Here is an excerpt: "According to a survey conducted by Columbia University, 85 percent of American parents think it’s important to tell their kids that they’re smart. In and around the New York area, according to my own (admittedly nonscientific) poll, the number is more like 100 percent. Everyone does it, habitually. The constant praise is meant to be an angel on the shoulder, ensuring that children do not sell their talents short. But a growing body of research—and a new study from the trenches of the New York public-school system—strongly suggests it might be the other way around. Giving kids the label of “smart” does not prevent them from underperforming. It might actually be causing it." Now, I am not saying this is THE way to go. But, it does give you something to think about. Balanced diet, balanced discipline and balanced praise - not to much and not too little. -pam
Update: Check out process is easier!We have updated the way you checkout - and it is SO easy!! Just choose credit card at Checkout and enter all your info - all on one page. And that is it. Thank you for being patient with us. You can still checkout using your PayPal account as well. Happy Shopping -Pam
News: Story Published in Seattle Metroblogging 1/22/07We are thrilled to have a story about Nico & Zoe on the Seattle Metroblogging site. Read more about how our business started and future plans! Thank you Zee for interviewing us and writing such a nice story!
News: Kids need dolls (toys) that look age-appropriate - 1/9/07While searching online today looking for future venues, I came across this great article from the Seattle Times. I think too many people get stuck thinking they need to buy every toy their child asks for. They don't think about how the toy might affect their child in the future. I am not perfect in my toy buying practices, but this story reminds me that I need to think more about what I buy for Zoe. Read the story and decide for yourself. (We need a Blog!) Here is an excerpt: "If you find a certain toy, doll or game repulsive or demeaning, don't buy it. Beginning at about 12 months of age, children reference their parents to see how they feel about objects, people and events. For many years, your child will look to you to accept or reject various influences and offer explanations with respect to your opinion..." >Read More A Nice Poem for the New Year - 1/4/07I was looking up quotes for the homepage, I came across this great poem. It made me remember that they are little for such a short time! Work, dinner, cleaning - will always be there. Our babies won't. Remember why we wanted to be parents. Happy New Year. -Pam News: Nico & Zoe is an Editors Pick!;)
Nico & Zoe has been selected by Bust Magazine as an editor's pick in the Girl Wide Web, bringing many links to our website. Thank you Bust! News: Featured Article - Dec 06, 2006;)
Melissa from What-You-Make-It Blog, did a great feature story on us. Here is some of what she had to say: "This in not your run of the mill toy store! This is a store for your smart parents who want to instill a sense of imagination and individual creativity in their little ones. My favorite finds here are the great wood toys, kinda like the ones some of us remember from the late 70s and early 80s. Today you may find these treasures at a thrift store here and there if you're lucky. But guess what? Visit Nico and Zoe and you'll find a whole bunch of the stuff." Thank you so much Melissa for such a great review! News: ThisNext Recommends Nico & Zoe!On November 23, ThisNext featured our Hopping Bunny and had this to say: "Great company and very unique wooden toys!" Thank you!
News: Featured Article - Nov 21, 2006Elton and Natalie of the Baby Fashion Blog, did a great write up on our store and toys. Here is an excerpt: "We've just discovered a darling website that specializes in handmade artisan and uncommon toys. If you are looking for a toy that says something a little extra special, take a look at be sure to check out Nico & Zoe's uncommon selection of wood, plush, learning toys and more!" We are very proud to have a feature on their website. Many thanks to the Baby Fashion Blog!
Event: Our First!
Nico & Zoe Toys participated in our first community event on November 4, 2006: West Seattle Megawatt Small Business/Community Third Annual Gathering of Neighbors. Here is our booth, where we joined other West Seattle businesses in displaying our store. We met and enjoyed talking with members of the community, and hope to return next year!
News: The Benefits of Doll PlayPretend play, of which dolls are a part, benefits all areas of development. By dressing and feeding dolls, children enhance fine-motor skills. By assuming roles and interacting with other children, they practice language and social skills, including sharing, cooperation, helping, and problem solving. They learn the different roles people play and begin to see their own place in the world. Children have a fundamental need to bring the large, loud world into manageable size, according to Jerome Singer, psychology professor at Yale University (1994). Pretend play gives a child “a miniature world of downsized objects and people where she is the giantess and the trucks, cars and airplanes are easily manipulable. She can reshape her own bedtime or feeding experience with the help of some props we adults can offer—dolls, toy beds, or toy kitchen tables. She can come to grips with what are often major crises, such as a battle over feeding or messy toileting, but ‘writing’ the scenarios herself and putting dolls into the now miniaturized situations and experiencing the power of watching them suffer as she pretends to be Momma.” Doll play allows children to work through strong emotions. Hallie Speranza, who teaches at the Priscilla Pond Flawn Child and Family Laboratory, the University of Texas at Austin, says doll play can be therapeutic. Sometimes children “do mean things” with dolls, such as “putting a baby in the oven.” Such behavior allows children to release tension, rather than keeping it bottled up. Children often use dolls to “work through things that may be going on in their family,” says Dawn Leach, director of the Austin Community College Children’s Lab School. “They may do and say things with dolls they wouldn’t dare do or say with their families.”
News: How to Create an Educational Playroom Ages 3-5By Rosalee Dotson (from Parent Map) Is your home an endless sea of toys that seemingly only you are able to pick up? Do you daydream of an organized play area that inspires your little ones to learn and explore? It's all possible when you create an educational environment in your home.
Coloring Pages & Coloring LinksHere are some great coloring pages and activities: Websites with Coloring Pages & Other Activities Beatrix Potter Pages > Peter Rabbit Coloring Page Other Coloring Pages > Dartmoor Ponies Coloring Pages (this is for my husband, who is ready to go back to Dartmoor UK) Montessori Pintables > Movable Alphabet Template |
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