Mama May I

I am absolutely giddy about this latest find.  I can’t stop looking through all the beautifully colored handmade wooden toys that make up the online shop Mama May I. The whole store is eye candy.  I wrote Jessica (founder and principle designer of Mama May I) to tell her just how much I was in love with her shop and she in turn graciously sent a couple of pieces for us to review and share with you. (I am not being compensated in any other way for this post by the way). 

I tend to be particular about what we acquire for toys.  I much prefer homemade toys, sensory play, arts & crafts, and learning toys like the Montessori and Waldorf inspired toys that you will find on MamaMayiShop.com. I must confess I’ve spent far too much time perusing all of her handmade goodies trying to decide what to get. I really don’t think you could go wrong with anything.

The two toys we were sent for review were these Sorting Eggs.

Both sets came in their own little drawstring bags making them perfect not only for play at home but great for throwing in the diaper bag for travel.

The Sorting Eggs are by far the biggest hit if you ask Mister C.  I personally think he likes the way the eggs feel and fit in his little (almost) two year old hands. He loves to just carry them around. While he’s able and willing to do the matching this toy suggests, his favorite use of it is one I would have never guessed. He loves to build and stack with it. Gotta admit I didn’t see that one coming. He’s building “towbers” he says 🙂

I’m so glad Jessica sent the Sorting Eggs because in all honesty I probably would not have bought them. I was actually leaning towards these. He gets excited every time I bring this set out though. Just look at that little face! If I were buying a gift for a toddler his age these would certainly be my pick now after seeing him enjoy them so much.

The other set we were sent was the Colored Cups and Balls. This is one of my personal favorites from her shop. I love the vibrant colors of her toys. They are just so inviting. (Talk about an invitation to play) C likes this set too, but he always seems to look at it as though his wheels are turning as to how he wants to play with it and then ultimately he ends up throwing the little balls all around our hardwood floor. It’s safe to say he likes to watch them roll, but I tend to think he also likes to watch Mommy freak out and run around frantically trying to chase said balls and catch them before they roll under the couch or various other pieces of furniture so as not to loose track of them. Its such a beautiful set. I’d like to keep in in tact for when he’s more ready to sit and play with it!

Mister C is turning two next month and he’s getting this Make a Match Dinosaur Set since he loves all things dinosaurs right now and he loves to match.  I think these Little Big People would be great for Little E to lug around and it doesn’t get much cuter than this Pocket Place toy.

The thing I love most about Jessica’s creations are that they promote very open ended play. It’s all up to the imagination. There are so many ways to incorporate her pieces into play. In the short time we’ve had them we’ve already used a lot of these pieces in our sensory bins. Mister C loves filling all the various cups with rice using the little scoop.  I would just recommend not getting them wet since they are hand painted.

Really, if you haven’t already,  I would highly recommend checking out her shop. It’s fun to browse. I know it’s the middle of summer and no one probably dares think about the holidays but all I can think of when I see these adorable little toys all snug in their bags is what great stocking stuffers they will make.

I’m so in love with this shop and I know you will be too! Jessica has graciously extended an offer of $5 off any order of $35.00 or more until the end of July for Plain Vanilla Mom readers. Yay! Just use coupon code PLAINVANILLA at check out. If I were you I would follow her on facebook too to stay on top of her latest creations and offers 😉

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