But then her husband chimed in with an addition that struck me: Unless it's heirloom stuff. You know, really nice quality.
As a parent, it is difficult being on either side of the situation because we really all just want the best for our children. But often we end up wandering the toy aisles in the big box stores and opting for something that will hopefully be entertaining and fun, even if the small voice in our head is saying that it'll probably just end up discarded after a few weeks.
Which is why I love knowing that I can always turn to HABA.
Unmatched in their selection of unique, high quality toys, games, gifts and furniture, HABA offers the whimsical and innovative toys for babies, toddlers and beyond that reflect their European values of staying playful and environmentally-friendly.
While this company was founded in Germany back in 1938 and has been bringing amazing, award-winning products to children ever since, consumers here in America have mostly been relegating to finding them on the shelves of specialty toy stores.
However, this summer has changed all that with the introduction of HABAusa.com. Without needing to dig out your passport (and hope that it isn't expired), a few taps on your keyboard bring you to a site that is brightly colored, easy to navigate, and even offers sections on safety, product development, corporate philosophy, user videos and more.
It's just too easy to get lost browsing the magical world of HABA!
I love the way that the new website helps narrow down their large selection so that you can find the product that will work perfectly for your young recipient — whether you have a previous notion of what that will be or not.
From specific categories (e.g. Wooden Blocks, Pretend Play or Outdoor Toys) to shopping by age, price or manufacturer, HABAusa.com starts with a broad range and quickly works to pinpoint more than a handful of items that are sure to be immediately loved.
My girls adore just about any way that they can dress that uses their imagination, so clicking Pretend Play, narrowing it to 3 - 5-year-olds and then to Costumes resulted in options that they would definitely enjoy.
Or maybe you're on the hunt for a small item for baby to finish off the wrapping of your baby shower gift? In less than a minute I had chosen Baby > 0-12 Months > Handcrafted Wooden Toys > $0 - $10 and came up with many that would be great to put right on top of a box instead of a bow or add to a basket of must-haves for the new little one.
As much as it was hard to tear myself away from looking at all of HABA's items that are designed with creativity and incomparable durability, the arrival of their Rainbow House Pegging Game and My First Ball Track - Basic Pack gave us the ability to see the high quality and entertainment value for ourselves.
Perfect examples of why we have always loved HABA, both of these creative, interchangeable toys are made from beautiful beech wood and colored with water-based, non-toxic stains. The resulting pieces are not only vivid and bright, but are designed to provide endless play opportunities for children of all ages.
There really is no right or wrong to the Rainbow House Pegging Game (retail price $39.99) and there isn't a limit on the number of creative stacking variations that a child can build and rebuild time and time again.
Match the colors, contrast them, stack them tall, keep them short... at first glance you might think that this game wouldn't hold that much interest, but it truly does.
In the same way, the My First Ball Track - Basic Pack (retail price $69.99) gives kids young and old the ability to feel like a master builder. Each of the connecting blocks has two convenient dowel studs that easily connect to the bottom of the track pieces, therefore eliminating any frustration during the construction process or by accidentally bumping into the set and having it come crashing down.
Instead, it is simple to set or move each item into place and send the two bright balls rolling down... only to reach the finishing block at the end and give a cute ring of the bell!
While both of these toys are easily manipulated by younger children (the Rainbow House Pegging Game is designed for 2+ and the My First Ball Track - Basic Pack is made for 18 months+) they have also captured the attention of both of my kids... and, ahem, I have to admit having spent quite a bit of time being enamored with them myself.
They're so colorful, easy to use and well made that it's simple to see that both of these toys display what HABA is known for: quality, creativity and the durability to last for generations to come!
Now with the ability to purchase them right from HABAusa.com (you can also use the store locator to continue to find these products in hundreds of stores from coast to coast), it is even easier to bring home the award-winning items that will be a perfect gift or educate and inspire your own children for years to come.
Thanks to HABA's generosity, one person will also be able to enjoy the individuality, style and value that comes along with their amazing items, because...
One lucky person will win their choice of the Rainbow House Pegging Game or My First Ball Track - Basic Pack from HABA!
(Enter with the Rafflecopter form below. If you have any questions or problems entering, there is a video tutorial found here that can help.)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
A big thank you to HABA for providing a Rainbow House Pegging Game and My First Ball Track - Basic Pack for me to review as well as the choice of the two items for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.
A product that caught my eye is the Cow Carola Picture Cubes Puzzle.
ReplyDeletejanet3rdgrade@yahoo.com
The arts and crafts stuff caught my eye, especially the Springtime Butterflies Tack Zap Maxi Hammer Game
ReplyDeletecherriesjessilee at gmail dot com
I like the Ballino Rattle
ReplyDeleteI love the ball tack...my kids would love that.
ReplyDeleteArranging Game Corner to Corner
ReplyDeleteMy daughter would love the Doll Pram, White with Hearts
ReplyDeleteCarpenter Pixie Walker Wagon - amazing!
ReplyDeleteMy son would love the dress up, particularly Captain Charley!
ReplyDeletei like the On Duty Tack Zap Maxi Hammer Game
ReplyDeleteI like their Japanese Architectural Block Set.
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
I like the moover doll pram
ReplyDeleteIm a bath toy fan. I like the shape set.
ReplyDeleteWhat caught my eye was the Pretend play costumes! My 3 year old would love to pretend to be a Pirate or a Knight!
ReplyDeleteNELE Doll
ReplyDeleteI'd like to have Bambini Animal Threading Beads.
ReplyDeleteskyrobinson@yahoo.com
My niece would love the Cody Clip-Clop Pull Toy
ReplyDeletemarymichelotti(at)gmail(dot)com
the aircraft swing for babies looks awesome
ReplyDeleteI really like the ball track, and I'd also like to try the Colori Stacking Ball.
ReplyDeleteSummer Butterfly - Area Rug
ReplyDeleteMy kids would like the dress up clothes!
ReplyDeletecozycreations07 at aol dot com
I love the ball track I am not sure who would like it more my son or husband.
ReplyDeleteMarble Ball Track Building Det looked interesting. rkmarsh at aol dot com
ReplyDeletelove the dress up!
ReplyDeleteadinatm(at)aol.com
I also like the Caro Lini Play Tent - foldable.
ReplyDeletealittlepieceofheaven777(at)yahoo(dot)com
I love the Dolls Buggy.
ReplyDeleteKathy Davis
kdavis1@centurytel.net
My son would love this toy...
ReplyDeletehttp://www.habausa.com/products/preschool-toys/kids-woodworking-kits/on-duty-tack-zap-maxi-hammer-game-77-pieces.html
Love the Meadow Area Rug.
ReplyDeleteI like the doctor's suitecase
ReplyDeleteThe Cow Carola Picture Cubes Puzzle looks like a blast!
ReplyDeleteLove the Block and Tackle!
ReplyDeleteclassic duck pull toy. SO cute.
ReplyDeletetha animal upon animal game looks neat
ReplyDeleteI also like their Chef Stovetop Set.
ReplyDeletecolljerr at comcast dot net
love the Marble Ball Track Building Set (Large)
ReplyDeletebunnybx at gmail . com
I like the bouncing beetle rattle.
ReplyDeletelenz.nicole(at)gmail(dot)com
I love the Aircraft Swing!
ReplyDeletei like the baby wooden push toy, police car.
ReplyDeletethe Big Optics Workshop caught my eye! My preschoolers would love that!
ReplyDeleteI would like the Pattern Mosaic (Large) for my grandson.
ReplyDeleteThank you,
Christine Womack
womackcm@sbcglobal.net
The arranging game corner to corner caught my eye.
ReplyDeleteThe Clara doll caught my eye
ReplyDeleteI like the HABA Building Blocks
ReplyDeleteAircraft Swing
ReplyDeleteThe Pirates Lock and Sock Finger Puppets
ReplyDeletei like their bear ben mini mobile! scg00387 at yahoo dot com
ReplyDeleteI like the Bead Abacus Stacker and Sorter
ReplyDeleteTarah
livinglifeinmotion[at]gmail.com
The discovery wagon looks like an awesome toy!
ReplyDeletefiestyred-head@live.com
I like the MOOVER Baby Truck Red.
ReplyDeleteI like the Clara doll.
ReplyDeleteI like the Click-clack Ball Track.
ReplyDeleteMy son would love the Henry Haba dress up items
ReplyDeleteI like the Blossom Sky Play Tent. Thanks.
ReplyDeletepartymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com
I really like their Food Balance Toy. dwelchert@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI love the bright colors on their toys. The photos on their website draw me in because they are so bright and vivid.
ReplyDeletethe arranging game corner to corner or the domino starter set debbie jackson,
ReplyDeletedjackson1958 at hotmail dot com
I like the Wrist Rattle Flitter Flatter
ReplyDeleteNele Doll
ReplyDeleteKims2312@verizon.net
I like the Blossom Sky Play Tent
ReplyDeleteAmong other great items I really liked Shopping Net Vegetables.
ReplyDeleteI love the pull toys! Especially cory the caterpilar!
ReplyDeleteRafflecopter:Mechele JOhnson
I like the discovery wagon.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance.
mogrill12@gmail.com
I like the bear ahoy baby pull toy
ReplyDeletedoctor case
ReplyDeletei like the discovery wagon
ReplyDeletecatherine0807 at hotmail dot com
i like the Arranging Game Corner to Corner Item Code: 2382
ReplyDeletei like the balance toy
ReplyDeleteLove the Geo Shape Tack Zap
ReplyDeleteWe like The Doctors Bag!
ReplyDeletetiffoverton77@yahoo.com
the costumes mamotts
ReplyDeleteone thing I liked was that all their toys are well made and the price is very reasonable.
ReplyDeleteJapanese Architectural Block SEt
ReplyDeleteJapanese Architectural Block SEt
ReplyDeleteI like the Marble Ball Track Building set. It's a toy that the whole family can enjoy together !!
ReplyDeleteI love the Biofino Cake Set. So cute!
ReplyDeleteConnie Gruning
CGruning at aol(dot)com
I like Paulina Suitcase Set.
ReplyDeletejanetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
I love the play food grill set
ReplyDeleteI love their A Dream of Flowers - Area Rug. It would be great in my playroom!
ReplyDeleteLeslie Galloway (LesGalloway //at// hotmail //dot// com) www.facebook.com/GallowayLeslie
I like the Click-clack Ball Track!!
ReplyDeletejofo120 at yahoo dot com
My daughter would love the: Flower Burst Doll Chair
ReplyDeletegirlygirlugh at gmail dot com
I like the Marble Ball Track Building Set (large).
ReplyDeleteI also like the First Counting Fun Threading Beads :)
ReplyDeleteOn Duty Tack Zap Maxi Hammer Game! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Suchaproudmama @ yahoo.com
I like the shopping net with veggies!
ReplyDeleteI like the Discovering Ball Paletti
ReplyDeleteI would like to get the Geo Shape Tack Zap set.
ReplyDeleteabfantom at yahoo dot com
I like the fantasy blocks.
ReplyDeleteI like the Clutching Toy Cotti Pure Nature - Organic Soft Rattle
ReplyDeletexuanthaohkus(at)yahoo(dot)com
I love all the dress up options and the doll pram!
ReplyDeleteI love their Doll Pram! The site is very easy to navigate1
ReplyDeleteThe Click-Clack Ball Track caught my eye. In addition, I am impressed by the website's vibrant colors, and how the toys seem to be designed speciically for little hands with developing motor reflexes. Very nice!
ReplyDeleteAnimal Yatzi Mini game
ReplyDeletei love the doctor's suitcase
ReplyDeletehttp://www.habausa.com/products/pretend-play/doctor-post-office-playsets/doctors-suitcase.html
jenny lloyd
The Terra Kids Assembly Kit Beetle caught my eye!
ReplyDeleteI want the Pirates Treasure Play Tent for the boys. The boys put up a "tent" made of sheets and chairs in my living room at least once a week and this would be so much easier.
ReplyDeleteLove the first blocks. Thank you
ReplyDeleteAnimal Upon Animal is an awesome game, so this looks like a blast!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.habausa.com/products/games-for-kids/family-games/animal-upon-animal-here-we-turn.html
LOVE these toys!
ReplyDeletelove the ball tracks!
ReplyDeleteAntiquity Architectual Blocks
ReplyDeleteZippy Scooters Domino Game
ReplyDeleteI love the colorfulness of all their toys and that you can search specificallly for outdoor toys.
ReplyDeleteI love the my first ball track-my 7 month old would love it! All of their stuff is so colorful!
ReplyDeleteI love the Carpenter Pixie Walker Wagon. My little guy would love it as well.
ReplyDeletejtmagmom73(at)gmail(dot)com
I love the Carpenter Pixie Walker Wagon
ReplyDeleteLove the Cow Carola Picture Cubes Puzzle! sonyadmorris@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThe Butterfly Dream soft cattle caught my eye.
ReplyDeletejcarrturq5@yahoo.com
I like the Ballino Rattle
ReplyDeleteI love the Moover Baby Walker Natural.
ReplyDeleteI love that you can find not only details about what materials they use, but also where they source them!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.habausa.com/materials/
I really like the doll buggy.
ReplyDeleteI like their Japanese Architectural Block Set.
ReplyDeleteThe Carpenter Pixie Walker Wagon caught my eye.
ReplyDeleteowen.darlene@gmail.com
The Animal Bingo Game & The Squirter Crab w/ Water Funnel
ReplyDeleteArranging Game Corner to Corner
ReplyDeleteI love the Nele Doll.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.habausa.com/products/dolls-and-accessories-for-toddlers-1/soft-doll-nele.html
I like a lot of their blocks. I also like the color pegs color picture.
ReplyDeleteI like the Stickerworld Princess. Thanks.
ReplyDeletesweet_soul_sistermi@yahoo.com
Terra Kids Assembly Kit Beetle - my niece would love this.
ReplyDeleteI really like the Marble Ball Track Building Set
ReplyDeletecc_girly(at)yahoo(dot)com
I really like the Marble Ball Track Building Set
ReplyDeletecc_girly(at)yahoo(dot)com
I really like the Marble Ball Track Building Set
ReplyDeletecc_girly(at)yahoo(dot)com
I like the Annie Doll
ReplyDeleteowen.darlene@gmail.com
I like the Cozy Chicken - Reversible Egg
ReplyDeleteThey have been inventing toys for over 70 years now
ReplyDeleteI like the Geomix wooden puzzle
ReplyDeleteI like the flower burst doll bed.
ReplyDeleteI like Mermaid Bath Book with Mermaid Squirter
ReplyDeleteMOOVER Rocking Horse Red.
ReplyDeleteMarble Ball Track Building Set (Large) (Nancy Partin)
ReplyDeletethe Doll Pram would be great for my granddaughter
ReplyDeleteCow Carola Picture Cubes Puzzle
ReplyDeleteI like the Nele Doll she is so cute
ReplyDeletehttp://www.habausa.com/products/soft-doll-nele.html
the hammer game or aircraft swing =]
ReplyDeleteBasic Building Blocks (Starter Set)
ReplyDeleteLove the Allez Hopp Rattle
ReplyDeleterjwhiggins@aol.com
I like the Arranging Game Corner to Corner.
ReplyDeletenicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com
I like the duck duck rattle, as my youngest son would love it. He seems to enjoy chewing on wooden toys.
ReplyDeleteLike the Magic ABC Duel it seems like a good educational game for a child.
ReplyDeleteI love the Diego Dragon Pull toy-so adorable!
ReplyDeleteSusan Chester
The "Animal upon Animal" balancing game looks educational and fun. Their products are very well-made!
ReplyDeleteI like the Arranging Game Corner to Corner, overall I really like the bright colors. Eye catching and modern.
ReplyDeleteI like the A Dream of Flowers Area Rug
ReplyDelete(jen487@Hotmail.com)
I love the HABA dolls!
ReplyDeleteorangestar17(at)hotmail(dot)com
The Nele doll is cute
ReplyDeleteI like the flowers rug
ReplyDeleteLove the dress up!
ReplyDeleteLove the shopping net with wooden vegetables!
ReplyDeleteI love the My First Ball Track
ReplyDeleteI like this tent:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.habausa.com/products/blossom-sky-play-tent-free-freight.html
Thank you
Shopping net vegetables
ReplyDeleteI like the Animal Den Play Ball
ReplyDeleteMy son would love Ball Track - Supply Pipe!
ReplyDeleteVery cute!
ReplyDeletei like their sand & water outdoor toy
ReplyDeleteI like the Click-clack Ball Track.
ReplyDeletehiwendyhi at yahoo dot com
I liked the Airplane Infant swingy.
ReplyDeletei liked the aircraft swing,that was neat!!!
ReplyDeleteHORTON111@AOL.COM
ReplyDeleteI LIKE THE Marble Ball Track Building Set (Large
American Indian Horse Lanu
ReplyDeleteThe Baroque Architectural Blocks look fun!
ReplyDeletePaula Michele Hafner
i like the Shopping Net Vegetables
ReplyDeleteI know my daughter would LOVE the American Indian Horse Lanu
ReplyDelete1001 Nights Magnetic Arranging Game
ReplyDeletevmkids3 at msn dot com
love the Marrakesh Room Tent
ReplyDeletemybeachylife at gmail dot com
Carpenter Pixie Walker Wagon
ReplyDeletelowville04@yahoo.com
I love the launch tower for the marble track
ReplyDeleteSorting Game On the Farm
ReplyDeleteWe like the Doctor's Suitcase
ReplyDeleteltlbit1@hotmail dot com
Arranging Game Corner to Corner
ReplyDelete1000 and One Treasures
ReplyDeleteThe costumes are darling!
ReplyDeleteThe Bead Abacus Stacker and Sorter look like fun for my youngest son!
ReplyDeleteLove the Bead Abacus Stacker and Sorter
ReplyDeleteI like the Colored Building Blocks Set.
ReplyDeletejweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com
Bead Abacus Stacker and Sorter
ReplyDeleteMOOVER Rocking Horse Natura> it reminds me of something back in the day when I was a kid
ReplyDeletesibabe64 at ptd dot net
Carpenter Pixie Walker Wagon! Thanks so much for the fantastic giveaway!
ReplyDeleteReneewalters3@yahoo.com
I love all of the play food my kids would love to play with these they look pretty real!
ReplyDeleteI learned that for over 70 years HABA has been inventing high quality toys which reveal a world of fun and learning!
ReplyDeleteI really like the Doc HABA kit, its adorable :)
ReplyDeletefb: Rab pom
I like the Fantasy Blocks.
ReplyDeletemy family would enjoy the 1001 nights magnetic arranging game
ReplyDeletesusansmoaks at gmail dot com
I love their costumes!
ReplyDeletelanalbradstream(at)yahoo(dot)com
The Carpenter Pixie Walker Wagon caught my eye!
ReplyDeleteMy preschooler would like the Magnetic Arranging Game Zoolino
ReplyDeletekerrie@mayansfamily.com
i like the drs bag
ReplyDeleteamy16323(at)gmail(dot)com
I like the Ghostly ABC Learning Game
ReplyDeleteschueler.jessica@yahoo.com
I love: http://www.habausa.com/products/aircraft-swing.html
ReplyDeletemichelle riebeek
I love the Terra Kids - Multifunctional Backpack
ReplyDeleteI like the marble ball track.
ReplyDeleteThe Carpenter Pixie Walker Wagon.
ReplyDeleteAmy C.
amybabya79 at yahoo.com
My daughters would love the Doll Buggy.
ReplyDeletei like the first blocks set....super fun!!
ReplyDeletebergiejrfhe at yahoo dot com
My Very First Games - Shapes & Colors looks fun for my 6 month old
ReplyDeletesarahyurga@yahoo.com
I really like the Marble Ball Track Building Set.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter would love the MOOVER Rocking Horse Natural. Super cute! tylerpants(at)gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI think my son would love the Discovery Wagon.
ReplyDeleteI love the Paulina Plush Horse!
ReplyDeletewant their Starter Set with Water Seesaw
ReplyDeleteardy22 at earthlink dot net