Going Traditional in a Digital World

What's behind the resurgence of wooden toys in the screen age? First, they are sturdy enough to be passed on for generations. Second, they never go out of style. Most wooden playthings also enhance the creativity and imagination of kids and help them with numeracy, literacy, motor skills and problem solving. They are also biodegradable and some are made from sustainable timber. Last but not the least, there are lots of quality wooden toys on the market that won't leave a hole in your wallet—like this unique piece of artwork from Greek design studio Matolaki.

This beautifully-crafted push-pull toy is guaranteed plastic free, doesn't need batteries and run on pure imagination. In the box you'll find a nice hand-printed cotton pouch, tied to a plan-card of a few animal toy models. Recommended for children ages 3 and up. You can get them for about $63 on Etsy.

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The Adorable Sculptures of Yen Yen Lo

These images are from a series of wall sculptures created by Yen Yen Lo . Here you can see her intricately textured ceramic pieces, looking downright adorable. Yen Yen Lo's eye for the unique and whimsical is delightful. Apparently they are not intended for kids under 16. Fifteen-year-olds cannot be trusted with fragile stuff. Get them a Funko Pop instead.

A story about a duck who likes being different

The hilarious "Duckie Duck" by Kate Toms is one of my recommendations for kids learning to read. My son got this book from his aunt in Calgary a few years ago and since then has become one of his favorites. First of all, this is not your average duck tale. This is a story about a fowl who, candidly, seems to have missed the memo on duck protocol. Most ducks quack, but Duckie whistles. Others love to swim, but not him — Duckie likes boat rides. While other water birds fly, he enjoys floating inside a hot air balloon. The rhyming text and delightful hand-stitched illustrations make the book visually appealing to children. So, if you're looking for a book to teach your quirky little kids to read, "Duckie Duck" is just perfect.

Acorn-shaped meditation pod

Created by LFZ Studio , this giant acorn in France is a cool space to escape the digital deluge. For some, the wooden pod is a temporary escape from reality. For others, it’s a nice place to take a nap. And for a select few, it’s a nerve-wracking dive into claustrophobia. The pod blends perfectly with the forest and the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds create a natural soundtrack for meditation. In this sanctuary, time seems to slow down, allowing for a deeper connection with oneself and nature. |h/t: Design Boom |

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