Since 1946, Ten Thousand Villages has supported the work of artisans in over 30 countries including Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.  The company has grown to over 145 retail stores.  They continually strive to improve the lives of artisans in developing countries through the expansion of fair trade.  Most of its artisan partners use environmentally friendly processes, sustainable natural resources, and recycled materials for their products.

I was able to try out the Handmade Caterpillar and Butterfly Puzzle. Now, this is a tad too old for Will (who is 18 months old), but Madison (my 4 year old) seems to handle it pretty well. You can definitely tell this is a hand painted puzzle. It has the detail that you don’t normally see.  The butterfly puzzle has more pieces, but the bottom of the tray is also painted with a butterfly, so it makes it easier to figure out where the pieces go.  The catepillar is less pieces, so it is a tad easier to do.  As for materials,  this is painted albizia wood (and the paint is nontoxic).

Ten Thousand Villages has many other items to pick from also.  I focussed on the toys, but you there is really something for everyone there.  I found gifts for women, men, and even teachers!  If you are a looking for a one of a kind gift this Christmas, Ten Thousand Villages is your answer.

I love love love this tote! I am so sick of having to carry a diaper bag around.  There are no stylish diaper bags either — trust me.  When I got this tote, I instantly fell in love with it (I took this picture when I first got it, hence the tag still being on there).  The fabric of the tote is both very cool looking and and very functional too.  It is actually made from upholstery fabrics, so you know it can handle the test of children and pretty much everything else you can throw at it. This is seriously the perfect briefcase, weekend bag, carry-on, sports bag, large purse, or a diaper bag/purse (like I use it).  The tote has reinforced handles, 5 interior pockets, magnetic closure and can be made with a vinyl bottom so you don’t have to worry where you set it down.  Now, I can get 5 diapers, wipes, Desitin, a change of clothes for Will (my one year old), a couple of toys, my wallet, my cell phone, and snacks in here and still have plenty of room.  I love that I can be fashionable and still have everything I need with me.

This is the perfect gift for the moms in your life (though I am pretty sure any woman in your life would like one of these totes).  Make sure you check out Sharp Hill Designs for all the different fabrics you can choose from.  There is definitely something there for everyone.

Madison and I recently tried the Briarpatch’s I Spy Memory Game.  This game will help your child develop their memory, matching, critical thinking, reading and oral language skills.  It also teaches them to take turns, follow rules, and sharing.  The object of this game is to match pairs of cards.The great thing about this game is that you can really tailor it to the age of the child you are playing with.  The directions had several different versions depending on the age of the child you were playing with.  Right now, Madison (who is 4) struggled a tad with this.  The cards that you are trying pair are not identical.  The object itself is identical.  However, the two cards may have a different background or with different lighting.  That being said, I do like the detail on the cards.  They are great pictures.  The basic memory game is played with the blue cards.  You are able to play a riddle game with the red cards and the blue cards (this would be for an older child).  The red cards all have riddles on it like “A dish on a duck, a bow on a bell, a bird in a cage, a pearl in the shell”  Then on the bottom of the card that you should find the 4 cards that match this riddle.  Some of these riddles Madison was able to do.  This is just one version of how to play with both sets of cards.  There are a couple of other versions that can be played also.  Madison and I ended up making up our own rules and games with this which was just as fun!  We counted clocks and toys and matched colors.

I would highly recommend the I Spy Memory Game!  We had a lot of fun with it, and I can see it being a game that your children will enjoy playing as they grow older.