I've known of Amy Turn Sharp's wooden toy shop Little Alouette for quite awhile now, but it wasn't until this summer that I got to see her handiwork firsthand. Thanks to a discount in the Social Luxe Lounge giftbag during BlogHer, I ordered a bunch of toys for my 1-year-old niece. And then even though maple egg shakers might seem like a baby or toddler toy, I think my school-aged sons will get a kick out of finding a couple in their stockings this Christmas.
Heck, even I'd like to have a little shaker to hold once in awhile; the smooth wood is comforting, and tossing it up and down or between hands can be a great "fiddle activity" or stress-reliever. There, you heard it from me: adults love baby toys. (No joke, I'm also seriously considering getting a cashmere chime ball because it seems like something cool to play with.)
Better yet is if you do have young children. Little Alouette has a variety of different toys that serve both sensory and creative needs, from teethers to play sets. This isn't mass-produced stuff, nor does it have those various coatings that might wreak havoc on little tummies or tiny hands.
Plus, I just learned that Little Alouette is one of the eight finalists for Martha Stewart's holiday craft sale. How exciting! (Yes, you can cast your vote to help this fabulous shop win.)
I definitely anticipate shopping at Little Alouette again (and again.) It is the perfect place to find well-crafted, beautiful, functional, and safe toys.
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Disclaimer: I received a dicount on Little Alouette toys through the Social Luxe Lounge party at BlogHer. (I paid my own money to complete the order.) The hope was of course that bloggers would become familiar with the shop and pass the word along, but there was no requirement to post, nor was there any sort of compensation/incentive to do so. I will receive no commission should any of you purchase excellent toys from Little Alouette, nor if you vote for Amy Turn Sharp in the craft sale
