Thursday, October 17, 2013

When Toymakers Retire

It's no secret that we've always loved handmade toys. They have a kind of integrity that mass-produced toys lack. The personality and values of the toymaker shows through.

Part of that integrity is what happens when a toymaker retires. They don't sell out to a bigger toy company with a marketing plan to move production overseas and start selling to Walmart. No, when a toymaker retires, they just stop making toys.

Recently, two of our favorite toymakers have retired and we'd like to take a moment to say thanks for so many years of great toys.

Mike Spikes, owner of the American Toy Company in Oregon, has been making Ping Pong Catapults and Marble Shooter Toys for us since 1999.  We've always loved his toys for their simple design, durability, and incredible play value--all powered by rubber bands. Luckily, we were able to buy his remaining stock, but they'll soon be gone.

Soon to be gone: The Ping Pong Catapult by The American Toy Company
Also retiring are the toymakers at Mossy Creek Woodworks, makers of one of our all-time favorite baby rattles, which we've also carried since 1999.  Its crazy to think about how many hundreds of babies were welcomed into this world with a gift of a Mossy Creek rattle--all from a business in rural Arkansas that never had a website, Mossy Creek was old school, harvesting wood from their land and drying it in a solar kiln. We've got lots of other wonderful wooden rattles to choose from, but we're sadly all sold out of one-of-a-kind Mossy Creek Rattles.

All gone: Mossy Creek Woodworks
Thank you to American Toy Company and Mossy Creek Woodworks for so many years of wonderful toys. We've been proud to stock them in our store.

Do you have a child who's enjoyed these either of these toys? We'd love to hear your stories!

Friday, October 11, 2013

Announcing Our Newborn Cloth Diaper Rental Program

Cloth Diaper Right From the Start! Newborns deserve cloth diapers that fit well! But newborns grow so fast, buying well-fitting quality diapers can be expensive, especially when your baby will grow our of them within a few months. We're here to help cloth diapering right from the start with our newborn cloth diaper rental program.

Our Newborn Rental Program cost $12.50/week for a premium package of well-fitting cloth diapers.

For $150 plus a refundable deposit of $150, we will provide you with a full stash of 24 brand new, adorable newborn size cloth diapers.  Use and wash the diapers for 12 weeks after your baby's birth. Then, return all the diapers in good condition and get your $150 deposit back. Or better yet, use your deposit toward the next size up diapers and we’ll give you $175 store credit.

How it Works
Diaper rental plans must be pre-ordered at least 4 weeks before your due date. We'll have them ready by 1 week before your baby's due. Then, take your diapers home, wash them, and wait for your baby!

You will have 12 weeks of rental from the day your baby is born. Then, simply drop your clean diapers at the store.  We will process your package and contact you within 48 hours to refund your deposit or arrange for store credit.

The package


We'll set you up right with all the diapers you'll need for 48 hours of day and night use:
Contents of package will be subject to change. Choose a package of boy, girl, or gender-neutral colors and we'll pick out a selection of designs and colors.


FAQs

Can I return my diapers early? The $150 rental fee is for any period up to 12 weeks.  You can return them any time after use, but we won't be able to issue a refund for unused rental time.

Will I get my full deposit back? We expect the diapers to be returned in very good used condition.  They should be  clean, dry, and hair and odor free.  Some light staining is ok.  If diapers are not sufficiently clean and we need to wash them their will be a $20 cleaning fee.  Diapers should not have any diaper cream residue.  Your deposit will not be refunded for any missing diapers.

What if I want to keep my diapers longer than 12 weeks? Some babies are tiny and newborn diapers still fit well at 12 weeks. No problem. You can continue to rent your newborn diapers as long as you need for an additional $14/week. Just email and let us know you’ll be keeping the diapers a little longer.
What if I want to keep some or all of the diapers? Again, no problem.  If you want to keep all the diapers, we will just keep your deposit and everything is even.  If you just want to keep some diapers we will adjust your deposit refund accordingly.  We can figure this out when your return your stash. Or email us and let us know what you would like to keep and we will let you know how that will affect your deposit.

What if I return the diapers late? We allot a three day leeway period on diaper returns.  After three days we will charge you the $14/week rental fee.  If you have not returned the diapers by 10 weeks after your rental period ends (22 weeks after your baby is born)  we will assume you want to keep the diapers.  At this point you will no longer be able to return the diaper for any portion of your deposit.


How do I care for my diapers? When you first pick up your new diapers, give everything a wash on warm water with an approved detergent. Do one extra rinse, then dry everything in the dryer on warm.  Your microfiber diapers are fully “prepped” at this point.  Your cotton diapers are totally OK to use at this point, but they will not reach their full absorbency till they’ve been washed a few more times. Store your soiled diapers in a DRY diaper pail—do not soak diapers.  Wash every two days, three at the most.  Breastfed poop is fine to go right in the diaper pail, if you have a formula fed baby you should use flushable liners or rinse diapers.   Dump the whole pail into the washer.  Run a complete wash with detergent on warm water.  Run a second complete wash with detergent on hot (120 degrees), add an extra rinse or two at the end until you no longer see stacking bubbles.  Hang dry or dry on warm.

Do not use chlorine bleach on diapers.  Do not use fabric softer or any detergent containing fabric softener, such as Ivory Snow or Dreft.

What about diaper cream? Use only a cloth diaper safe diaper cream—we can recommend several brands.  If you use a cream containing zinc oxide you must use flushable liners.

Any other restrictions? This program is available only to non-smoking households.

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Ellie's Favorite Toy of the Moment: The Boba Doll Carrier

Since she got it last week, Ellie's been wearing her Boba mini doll carrier everywhere. You never can tell which toy will connect with a child, but it's a true joy when one does. 
We also stock a similar doll carrier by Beco. 

Friday, October 4, 2013

Our October Special Returns! Free Canvas Shopping Bag with $50 Purchase

Free Reusable Canvas Bag @ Peapods
Begins today! Our canvas shopping bag is made by Plan Toys. And, like their toys, it's super sturdy. Perfect for the farmer's market, the library, groceries, or, of course, toys!

Our canvas bag giveaway is an October tradition. We've got a bunch all set to go, but they won't last long!

Offer continues while supplies last. Valid for in-store sales only. 

Saturday, September 28, 2013

Introducing YOXO: A Super Fun & Environmentally Friendly Construction Toy Made in St. Paul, Minnesota

Duncan says: This toy is awesome!
We are proud to introduce YOXO, (“yock-so”) a brand new toy that combines everything we look for in a toy! Made from recycled cardboard, YOXO is environmentally friendly. Made right here in St. Paul, YOXO is hyper-local. And, most important, YOXO is fun!

YOXO is a construction toy with huge play value. It's Y, X, and O pieces are made from dense and durable laser-cut hardboard that sturdily connect together far better than similar construction toys we've tried. And, although YOXO kits suggest designs to create, their aim is truly open-ended. They're even designed to connect to paper towel tubes and other household items that kids are encouraged to reclaim and add to their creations.

We gave the YOXOBot kit to our 8 year old son Duncan and, after an hour of play, he gave it his most glowing review ever: "That's a really cool toy!" The YOXOBot he built was super sturdy and Duncan made a sword to go with it.

YOXO kits come in two versions: The YOXOBot and the smaller YOXO To Go, which comes in a resealable bag in makes a great travel toy, too. And, both are priced just right, too! YOXO is a great idea for a birthday present.

Made by Play from Scratch, YOXO's goal is to encourage creativity and promote sustainability. We couldn't agree more!








Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Introducing Green Tones Sustainable Wooden Musical Toys by Hohner

We're always on the lookout for musical instruments that are durable and safe enough for toddlers. Young children love rhythm and music, but they also like to experiment and play with instruments in novel ways, like sending a guitar down the stairs.  So, toddlers need sturdy musical toys designed just for them.

We've had varying success filling this niche over the years, but we've recently seen several of our favorite wooden musical toys redesigned in plastic (sad panda...).



So, we're very excited to introduce Green Tones musical toys, a brand new line from Hohner Music. Made in India from sustainably-harvested rubberwood or mangowood with non-toxic glue and water-based VOC-free paint. Green Tones toys are eco-friendly, cute, durable, and fun. And, they're fully tested to the US CPSIA safety standards. Except for the stirring xylophone toy, they're all safe for under 3 years old, too. Try them out and make a joyful noise!




Green Tones 
Mama Bear Drum

Green Tones 
Baby Bear Shaker

Green Tones 
Barrel Shaker

Green Tones 
Handle Cage Bell

Green Tones 
Stirring Xylophone

Green Tones 
Side to Side Shaker

Green Tones 
Triangle Castanet

Green Tones Wooden
Egg Shaker Musical Toy

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Peapods September Newsletter: Animals on Parade & New Fall Items

Peapods Giraffe Themed Toys
 
Animals on Parade


We may have been a little overly excited about the recent birth of a baby giraffe at the Como Zoo. But then again, we've always had a soft spot for giraffes. And babies. In any case, it inspired us to display all of our giraffe-themed toys and baby goods all together. We were surprised to learn how much we have! From cloth diapers and baby blankets to Sophie and Gyffy, we've got giraffes! We've even got giraffe wrapping paper.

Investigating further, we discovered that many other animals are also very well represented: Owls, monkeys, chickens, fish, horses, pigs... We've got them all over!

And, since we're often asked to match a nursery theme or find a particular animal for a kid who really loves, say, hedgehogs, we decided to list as many as we could all in one place. So, be sure to take a look at our virtual zoo!

Twin Cities Birth & Baby Expo

Mark Your Calendars!

We are proud to sponsor the 2013 Twin Cities Birth & Baby Expo! The Expo is the best way for new and expecting parents to connect with the incredible birth and parenting resources our community has to offer.  Mark your calendar and tell your friends; we'd love to see you there! Saturday, . October 12, 10-3pm @ Burroughs School, 1601 W. 50th St. in Minneapolis.



Stonz Winter Baby BootiesFall is Here & Winter is Coming

We're stocking up on fall & winter baby gear! Be sure to keep an eye on our Facebook page, where we'll be posting new items as they arrive.  We've already received our first shipments of toasty warm & dry Stonz Booties, luscious organic Wee Dream sleepsacks, Robeez shoes, and Smartwool socks. Don't let cold weather keep you home!

(Oh, and don't forget the Nose Frida. Trust us, it's best to keep one handy this time of year.)


Finally, here's some of our favorite recent arrivals. Enjoy the autumn and thank you again for supporting our store!

Milestone Baby Photo Cards
Billonimo Wooden Animal Magnet Maze by Janod
Innobaby Stainless Steel Sippy Cup
Turn Turn Turn CD Dan Zanes & Elizabeth Mitchell
Wee Dream Organic Cotton Sleepsack from Wee Urban
Magic Forest Play Tent by Haba
My First Keys Rattle Teething Toy by Green Toys
Classic Figure 8 Wooden Train Starter Set by Brio
Gallery Puzzle Ocean 200 pieces by Djeco