Journal

This is the place to learn more about our products and our philosophy on parenting and child development. Join us as we introduce new products, explain complicated ones, and discuss issues in child development, parenting, and education.

Why Natural Toys? - blueottertoys

Why Natural Toys?

Natural toys, such as wooden blocks, puzzles, and stuffed animals made from natural materials, have been around for centuries and...
Your Simple, Summer Rhythm - blueottertoys

Your Simple, Summer Rhythm

Looking for a way to create some peace and calm in your summer routine? Jean, from The Art of Homeschooling,...
Create a Cozy Play Space - blueottertoys

Create a Cozy Play Space

Every playroom, and home, needs cozy spaces where children can step away from the hubbub, noise and stimulation of everyday...
Meet the Fun-Loving Team Behind TicToys! - blueottertoys

Meet the Fun-Loving Team Behind TicToys!

I exchanged emails with Matthias and asked him for a "behind-the-scenes" glimpse into what makes TicToys tick! ...what he would...
Play Script for May Day! - blueottertoys

Play Script for May Day!

Children adore simple stories told with figures, play silks and gentle voices. Cedarwood Waldorf School has graciously shared this script...
How to Celebrate May Day - blueottertoys

How to Celebrate May Day

As the earth burst with new life again, we often feel the urge to celebrate that seasonal shift; May Day...
Daffodil Tart Recipe from Sparkle Stories! - blueottertoys

Daffodil Tart Recipe from Sparkle Stories!

With spring in the air, we thought it would be the perfect time to share this delightful, lemon tart recipe...
Naturally Dyed Easter Eggs - blueottertoys

Naturally Dyed Easter Eggs

Hoping to try your hand at naturally dyed Easter eggs this year? Here's a quick cheat sheet from Deb at...
Five Ways to Embrace Mud Season! - blueottertoys

Five Ways to Embrace Mud Season!

In New England we have what is affectionately known as “mud season,” that late-winter/early-spring time of year when snow is...
Holiday Tradition: Book Advent Calendar - blueottertoys

Holiday Tradition: Book Advent Calendar

One of my favorite traditions that I started when our children were young, was the Christmas book advent calendar. You...
Create Your Own Fairy Wonderland! - blueottertoys

Create Your Own Fairy Wonderland!

We love toys that grow and evolve with your child. Our Fairy House Kit engages children from tiny tots to...
101 Things to Do with a Playsilk! - blueottertoys

101 Things to Do with a Playsilk!

Playsilks are one of the toys that we ALWAYS keep out, rather than rotating, as we do with other toys in...
Behind the Scenes at a Blue Otter Photo Shoot - blueottertoys

Behind the Scenes at a Blue Otter Photo Shoot

Did you know that the photos on our site are taken by our good friend and often feature our own...
Syrup on Snow: A Simple, Cozy, Winter Delight - blueottertoys

Syrup on Snow: A Simple, Cozy, Winter Delight

In winter's darkest days, here is a little taste of spring's hopeful sunshine, in the form of golden, maple syrup...
Three Easy Steps to a Less Cluttered Playroom - blueottertoys

Three Easy Steps to a Less Cluttered Playroom

You know it's a problem. You clean up toys half a dozen times a day. It seems they have more...