The Ultimate Wooden Stacking Toy From Natural Pod

This great giveaway has now ended, see winner listed at bottom of review.

We’ve been trying to limit our use of plastic at home as much as possible. Not only does it help me towards a non toxic pregnancy and keeping Liv safe from the nasty chemicals found in plastic, limiting plastic also helps us cut down on accumulating “stuff” – all the cheap items that only seem to be a good idea at the time!

We’re also getting serious about toys.  We soon discovered that Liv appreciates the simple things and much to our relief, is happy with blocks, rocks, boxes, dolls, books and anything she can organize. We are trying to buy quality toys instead of quantity and doing our best to refrain from the impulse purchases.  This year we will continue to introduce our favorite natural toy brands to our family as a gentle suggestion of ideas for Olivia.

There are a few great toy makers that often get mentioned on green blogs, however there is another company that deserves special recognition as a terrific natural toy alternative: I have known about Natural Pod since Liv was born and as she grows we have included many items on our wish list. Of coarse it’s nice that the toys are locally made in Canada, but the handcrafted aspect with a focus on imaginative and creative play make all of Natural Pod’s toys extra special.

I was more than happy to review these Natural Pod Stacking Rings. The first thing I love about this toy is the natural handcrafted wood. The texture appeals to young fingers and each ring is beautifully and safely finished. I also really appreciate how the rings can go on in any order the child chooses. Creative, as opposed to confined is a a big detail for me! Conventional rainbow plastic rings only allow for the rings to go on in order and while I understand the “learning” quality of this, I feel it’s much more important to develop the creative & imaginative side of a child at this age by allowing them to mix up the rings as they choose.

Each stacking ring is a slightly different wood shade and they make a great natural wooden sound as they come together on the stacker. Olivia enjoyed placing the 9 rings on and off the stacker. We also had fun spinning them on the floor and building little towers with them and her other blocks. The stacking ring is sturdy and made to last a very long time. Natural Pod also has great blog with informative information about creative and natural play.

Here’s a peek at Olivia having fun with the stacking ring:

Head on over to Natural Pod and take advantage of the 10% savings on your first order until December 31,2008. Just enter GCM08 at the checkout.

‘Tis the season of giving:

Win this lightly reviewed set for your little one just in time for the holidays!

How to Win:

1. Leave a comment on this post and tell me one of your favorite items at Natural Pod.
2. For a second entry, blog or Twitter about this giveaway and make sure to leave a comment here so I know about it.

Winner will be randomly selected using Random.org. Contest runs until midnight PST on December 7, 2008

Thank yuo to everyone who took the time to enter! The following winner was randomly selected using Random.org. CONGRATULATIONS to Jacqueline who wrote that “I love the log sailing raft and kitchen. Love their products!!! Thanks!” I have contacted you by email

Tagged as: Natural Toys, Product Reviews