As I mentioned on Tuesday, a toy website called ebeanstalk has a group of child experts that help select great learning toysand toys for kids of all ages, from baby toys, toys for 1 year olds, toys for 2 year olds, etc. I received the Activity Bus from Plan Toys, a company I wasn’t previously familiar with, who make green developmental toys.
I was already a huge fan of wood toys because I just feel like they are of higher quality, stand the test of time and encourage better imaginative play than plastic toys with a bunch of bells and whistles. This particular toy is made from natural, chemical free recycled rubberwood and finished with non-toxic water based dye. How refreshing is that in the world of “made in China” oh and possibly tainted with lead toys.
This is a really smart toy. Upon initial inspection it looks simply like a wooden bus that kids can vroom around. 
But when you open up the bus, it turns into a little school house. And my little girls LOVE playing school. There are little desks, chairs, a teacher, students and books. Perfect for little imaginations. And perfect if you are in the mood to hear “The Wheels on the Bus” over and over and over. 
Isn’t it the cutest? And although I typically hate toys that have a lot of little parts, I appreciate that everything just goes right back into the bus easily before you close it up. Clearly though it does have small pieces so keep it away from the littlest ones. I am glad though that when baby #3 hits his inevitable “all things cars” phase I will have at least one toy that is safe for him to play with but offers a little more than just an object with wheels.
What is it you love this week? I’d love for you to join us in our little carnival. Please make sure to mention this blog and send a link back here and then go visit the other participants. All other guidelines can be found here. Thanks as always for playing along!!
Just to be clear although I did not receive any monetary compensation for this post, I was provided a toy to review from eBeanstalk.
Kara
says:
That is the cutest! My kids would love how it opens up into a schoolroom! That may be a likely candidate to replace our aging Little People bus…
Kara´s last blog ..Things I Love Thursday: It Melts in Your Mouth…Homemade Butter
[Reply]
August 19th, 2009 at 11:51 pm
Melissa
says:
That is such a cute toy; my Jaden would love that! I love how it folds up with everything inside; now that is nice.:)
Melissa´s last blog ..Things I Love Thursday: Library
[Reply]
August 20th, 2009 at 12:44 am
Candice
says:
That is adorable! My son would love that
Candice´s last blog ..Things I Love Thursday
[Reply]
August 20th, 2009 at 10:29 am
Jane Anne
Twitter: gravityofmotion
says:
That is such a fun bus! I liked it before I saw that it opened up. What a wonderful find!
Jane Anne´s last blog ..Thursday Thanks Tank #101
[Reply]
August 21st, 2009 at 12:04 am
Diann @ The Thrifty Groove
says:
What an awesome little toy. I would have never thought it opened up and had fun stuff inside. And I really like how its made and what it is made with.
Diann @ The Thrifty Groove´s last blog ..Thrifty Fun – Rainy Day Box
[Reply]
August 21st, 2009 at 2:42 am