Dot’s Toys selected the refreshed BRIO line based on play value, innovative design and unusual color combinations. Check out these details on seven of Dot’s Toys new BRIO introductions.

Squiddo
BRIO brings together a funky squid and ocean theme to magnetic push-and-pull play. BRIO’s signature beech wooden railway track is painted ocean blue for four fish to travel. Of course, the perfect place to store the fish pieces is behind the red zipper on Squiddo’s smiling face. 18 Months and up. $55.00 (more…)

The hippest, design-conscious gift givers can breathe a sigh of relief. There are toys out there they will feel good about giving this holiday season. Yes, a 125-year old company has been thinking like a kid again. It’s BRIO and Boy! are their new toys cool!

BRIO’s introductions include bold, non-traditional colors and design that will unlock a child’s desire to explore and imagine. Parents will swoon when they see the new BRIO and won’t even insist on them being shoved into a toy box when not in use. They are that good looking and evoke a playful spirit in both young and old alike. (more…)

Wide open spaces are getting to be hard-to-find these days, but you don’t need lots of land to get a taste of Mother Nature. A backyard garden, beach, neighborhood pond or local nature center could be the beginning of a lifelong relationship with living things and our planet.Here are a few tools to enhance that natural experience. All are available at Dot’s Toys (more…)

I’ll never forget the day my 5-year old twins, Sam and Corey, loudly hummed the “Indiana Jones” theme song as they rigged up their own method of rappelling down a snow-covered ravine near our home. What was so odd was that they sang at all. Once they reached the age of five they rarely hummed or sang. I don’t know why, but they just did not like to sing.

But on this day the adventure in the ravine coaxed them out of their silence. They broke into song spontaneously. And, this song became their anthem each time they went back into the woods. (more…)

Blocks
Let’s begin with the basics.  Starting as early as one year of age, children use blocks to explore fundamental aspects of design and shape and connection.  I think blocks are amazing examples of “open-ended” playthings.  The moment children start playing with blocks, they begin noticing elements of size, shape, feel and color.  They build with them and classify them.  It’s hard fro me to imagine any other plaything that does so much to enhance spatial thinking.  Blocks are fabulous…and essential for every toy chest.  (more…)