Items tagged “Children (4-7 years)”

Central Vermont, home to Maple Landmark Woodcraft, has a long and proud history of crafting wooden products. Over two hundred years ago, most Vermont towns had several individuals who made functional items from wood. Mike Rainville, the founder of Maple Landmark, is proudly part of this continuing tradition. Since the business began, customers have responded with enthusiasm to the cars and trucks; games including checkers, chess and dominos; train whistles; fairy wands; and scores of other finely crafted items and “Made by Me” construction kits that encourage kids to build creatively.

LIVE IN UNITY, GIVE BACK, ACCEPT DIVERSITY, BE AWARE, TRUTH, FORGIVE: They’re noble thoughts, each and every one, and worthy to be written across the sky in letters. They’re just as meritorious doodled on a kid’s notebook, displayed as bumper stickers on the family car, or even selectively tattooed on the breast of the person who embraces the concepts and cares enough to wear one permanently over the heart! The good people at Good Work(s) Make a Difference choose to render them in more-versatile media: beautifully inscribed leather bracelets to grace the wrist of man, woman, or child.

Many American companies find that manufacturing in the U.S. helps them do a better job of maintaining quality control and reliable delivery. While big retailers can afford to keep buyers abroad or send executives across the Pacific to check on suppliers, this doesn’t make sense for smaller companies. Made in the U.S.A. brands provide goods buyers want, made to their precise specifications, and delivered on time. These brands are just a few good examples of American-made pride: Petites Frites, Noli, Noli, Funkie Baby, and Fleming Clothing.

Lots of toys children want are all about electronic games or gadgets. While these are certainly fun, there’s also an interest for playthings less stimulating. Even several dolls and action figures tend to be geared for a worldly child — the child who has one foot in the adult world. Even as children are attracted to these things, more parents are asking if these are really the kinds of toys their youngsters should be having. More importantly, they are looking for a kinder, gentler toy. The Happy Nappers are an answer for soft, nostalgic fun.

Children need to have innovative outlets, and they need to have their own work (and play) appreciated to build confidence. There’s no better way to do this than through crafts. Recent studies have shown that crafts help relieve stress –– something that everyone can appreciate. Clayzee by Aliquantum-International, Creations by You, Sandtastik, and the Chenille Kraft Company all provide pleasurable, safe crafting materials that delight the senses while allowing children’s personalized artwork to be shared with an appreciative audience.