Chickyboom from Blue Orange Games

We’re pretty psyched – we’ve been waiting for the newest preschool game from Blue Orange to be released since we saw it at Toy Fair in New York in February … and it’s finally here! Chicky Boom is a great game for ages 4+, with tricky balancing, cute chickens and satisfying crashes. Check out our short video to see how to play.

Boochie – a great family game for inside or out

Our friends at Gamewright made this great little video to show off one of their newest games, Boochie. Boochie is an active, get-up-off-the-couch family game for ages 8+. You can play inside or out! We heart it.

Drum Circle for kids at East to West Gifts in Staunton

We’re always on the lookout for fun, kid-friendly events to tell our customers about. That’s why I wanted to share this email update I just got from our friends the Terry family, who own East to West Gifts here in Staunton. They’re hosting several events on Saturday, May 9, in celebration of World Fair Trade Day — including a drum circle for kids! Doesn’t that sound fun? Here’s what their email says:

The Big Bang!

Bang the Drums for Fair Trade in a DRUM CIRCLE with Chip Heyd. Play our drums or bring your own, or do both! Children are especially invited to participate. 11:00-1:00.

For more details, and to find out about the other events they’ll be hosting on World Fair Trade Day, please do contact East to West Gifts.

Bad, Bad Bunnies, part 2

Name: Chester
Accused of: Carrot theft
Bond set at: $12.99

Chester is a bad, bad bunny, but we’re confident he can be reformed. All he needs is a stable home, some kids to play with, and a plentiful supply of crunchy veg.

Bad, Bad Bunnies, part 1

Name: Bunzo
Accused of: Hopping uncontrollably
Bond set at: $24.99

You can set this bad, bad bunny free! Bunzo promises he’ll be better-behaved at your house than he is at Pufferbellies. Wouldn’t he look smashing in your Easter basket?

Oppenheim Toy Portfolio blog

If you haven’t had a chance yet, I highly recommend that you visit and subscribe to Stephanie Oppenheim’s toy blog. Stephanie is one of the founders of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, a well-respected organization that rates and ranks all kinds of toys. Her blog is a fun way to get inside her thought process a little bit — what makes a toy a good value? what should you be looking for when you shop? — and learn about new toys at the same time.  (Also, I kind of enjoy that Stephanie seems to have limited tolerance for the gratuitous discussion of bodily functions in children’s books. I’m with her!)