Rocky, A New Modern Rocking Horse for Kids by Marc Newson For Magis Me Too.

I love it when designers re-imagine classic childhood toys and Marc Newson's latest take on the classic ride-on horsey for Magis is a perfect example.




Rocky simplifies the horse silhouette by moulding it from one piece of polyethylene with the exception of the rope reigns which hang in the mouth of the horse.





The parallelogram motion mimics the movement of a traditional rocking horse. The material, rotationally moulded polyethylene, was chosen for both its durability and recyclability.

Rocky was introduced at this year's Salone Del Mobile for Magis' children's brand, Me Too.

Other Re-Imagined Rocking Horses:

above: check out these stunning Modernist Rocking Horses by Frederik Roijé


above: An adult version of the Rocking Horse by Peter Jakubik

Huggalos Offer The Comfort Of A Parents' Presence In Cute Cozy Characters.

There's no better way to ease your child's anxiety than to let them carry you around with them wherever they go. But chances are you're a busy parent who, sadly, cannot fit into their pocket. However, you can fit a photo of yourself and any loved one into an adorable plush character called a Huggalo.




Available in nine lovable styles, these cozy fleece dolls are outfitted with a protective pocket into which you can place a photo of your choice (or a drawing or love letter), giving your child the comfort of your presence without actually being there.



Created in the likenesses of Ballerinas, Superheroes, Monkeys, Mermaids, Pirates, Ninjas, DIY dolls (for autographs and doodles), even male and female War Heroes, Huggalos will undoubtedly become your child's best friend.

Huggsley (front and back):

Huggabelle (front and back):

Camo Joe (front and back):

close-up of Camo Joe:


Camo Flo (front and back):

High Seas Harry (front and back):

Mermaid (front and back):

Monkey (front and back):

Ninja (front and back):

The Autograph (or Doodle Doll) allows you to customize it:



Huggalos Give Back!


Want to donate a Huggalo? When you donate a Doodle Doll to Children's Hospital Los Angeles, you are giving a patient undergoing treatment their very own therapeutic doll. Doodle Dolls help patients keep a photo of their family close by. Kids can draw doodles and make connections with their doctors and visitors by collecting signatures and good wishes on their very own doll.



Purchasing a Huggalo doll also supports our soldiers. REDORB has been supporting the Soldier’s Project since its founding. For every Brave Little Trooper you buy REDORB will donate 20% to the Soldiers Project.

Who's behind Huggalo?



The keepsake from RedOrb Concepts was invented by Donna Broder (shown above) to help her son, Noah, who was less than thrilled at the idea of pre-school. After what should have been first day jitters extended to weeks, Donna knew she had to get creative. Donna was inspired to create a product that would help Noah through this transition and help her leave the pre-school yard without both of them in tears. Donna gave Noah a photo to take with him to school, but the photo was soon torn. She thought, why not create something soft and huggable that you can take along to school or a play date? Thus the first Huggalo was born! Donna told Noah, missing someone you love is hard, but a Huggalo makes it a little softer.


Buy or donate a Huggalo here.

Toy Boarders - A Peaceful Twist On Toy Soldiers For A New Generation.

Move over green Army Men, now we've got green thrashers to play with. AJ's original Toy Boarders are skate, surf and snowboard inspired plastic action figures that - like little classic toy soldiers, are plastic, green and ignite the imagination - but unlike toy soldiers, do not promote violence.





Allowing your child to turn your the outdoors, your home or any object within it, into a skate park, the 8 differently posed boarders are true to form and nicely detailed - although there's not a single female in the bunch. ToyBoarders poses include Pushing, Nose Grab, Smith, Cruising 1, Cruising 2, Nose Manual, Tail Grab, and Ollie and come 24 pieces to a package for only about $5.









above individual and detailed images courtesy of Plastic and Plush



You can even use them as cake and cupcake decorations.



AJ's also sponsors video contests monthly. Make a Movie like the one shown below using your AJ's TOY BOARDERS. Every month AJ's will feature your video on their site & the winner will receive a free skate deck. Submit your Videos to them contest@ToyBoarders.com


above: the above video was shot within 4 hours in ProMerch Flagship Store by Shaiful Yahya using AJ's Original toyBoarders. Music: Lupe Fiasco - Kick Push


AJ's Toy Boarders 24pc Skateboard Figures



A special thanks to Sean Alvarez for tipping me off to these!

Modern Modular Eco-Friendly Indoor and Outdoor Playhouses for Kids.

Play Modern designs indoor and outdoor easy-to-assemble modular playhouses for children. Made of FSC Certified wood, the outdoor models are made from high quality, weather-resistant, marine-grade plywood and the indoor models are made of Baltic Birch plywood.









The finishes are non toxic and the products comply with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) standards, which are among the most stringent in the country for indoor air quality.








Even the railings are made from aluminum that is 100% recyclable and has a high recycled content.



above: Custom House letters, aluminum hanging boxes and magnetic chalkboards are available as accessories.


above: the Cuba in Baltic Birch requires no hardware to assemble


• Modern, modular playhouses with limitless possibilities
• Environmentally friendly materials
• Made in USA
• Outdoor and indoor modules available
• One or two story
• Quick, easy assembly with minimal tools
• Expandable to grow with your child
• Ships flat; Stores compact


Learn more and/or purchase here.