Sparklz Wind Up Gear Box

What do we see in this toy that we like, you ask. We like the simplicity and the overall stripped (but still cool) look of the piece. Designed by Chico Bicalho, the toy just wanders around while making little sparks.

PRICE: $11.95 AVAILABLE: http://www.fatbraintoys.com

On Sale: Offi - YooDo large scale construction toy

Here is one set of building blocks that can be used to build an actual building (albeit a small one). The Offi YooDo large scale construction kit is made of child-safe, 100% recyclable cardboard. The set has 16 pieces in total. We love the concept and the possibilities for the young engineer.

PRICE: $29 AVAILABLE: http://www.allmodernbaby.com

Anne-Claire large crochet terrier

This adorable, 14 inch tall, 100% cotton crochet terrier is perfect for the little dog lover. Now even more adorable since its on sale at Barneys. Large toys like these are perfect for developing animal familiarity for babies and toddlers.

PRICE: $112 AVAILABLE: http://www.barneys.com

U Roll by 10 Grain at Fawn & Forest

Hey, you shouldn’t reserve all the style for yourself. We love this little cruiser’s original and practical design; with one wheel at the end the thing turns on a dime. Better than a Porsche. The cantilevered seat is said to be strong enough for mom and dad but we have our doubts–there are moms and there are dads, if you know what we mean. Anyhow, 10 points on looks and coolness for this little cruiser.

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PRICE: $175

AVAILABLE: http://www.fawnandforest.com

RipStik castor board

The 2007 Toty Award winning RipStik G is an exciting take on a skateboard and a snowboard. The device has only two wheels and a unique design that enables turning and acceleration without pushing. The perfect toy for a 6 or 7 year old (or 30?) for this summer.

Wikipedia has a nice write up on it.

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PRICE: $94.77

AVAILABLE: http://www.walmart.com

On Sale: Bike horn

The hiking and biking season is finally upon us. When you do take the kids out for the ride in the park, make you sure you have a bell on the bike. However, if you are the cool type, you can opt for this classic bike horn, on sale thanks to Restoration Hardware. This is a handlebar horn with stainless steel construction and a rubber bulb. If it weren’t for tots of 3+ years, I would get one for my bike!

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PRICE: $2.99

AVAILABLE: http://www.restorationhardware.com

Architecture playing cards

So you are the cool, swanky type. And then one day you put a card game together and invite some of your other cool, swanky types to your pad. Then you fish out the same old boring playing cards. Depressed? Don’t be, help is at hand. Thanks to the Finnish Building Center, you can impress all with these architectural playing cards that include stuff from the types of Gaudi & Le Corbusier among others. Actually, it features the top names of the 20th century architecture from top designers to famous projects. Text in English. Check out the link for more details. This you gotta buy over the pond (drop us a line if you know where to get these in the U.S.)

PRICE: £9.50 AVAILABLE: http://designmuseumshop.com

Classic cruiser silver speedster for the budding race car driver

This über cool speedster will make most dad’s drool. Winner of the Child magazine’s Best Toy of the Winner award, this retro styled, steel constructed and rubber tired speedster will keep you kid happy and heads turning for quite some time. Best of all, its on sale at BabyStyle.com

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PRICE: $58

AVAILABLE: http://www.babystyle.com

Zippy pull toy

What’s better than a pull along toy? A pull along toy with a bobbing head. These things are always a hit with the toddlers and if you have one (or more) in your life, this sure will make them happy. While it is certainly not the cheapest such toy you will find, we don’t really go for the cheap now, do we? It is cool and unusual; I mean just look at it!

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PRICE: $40

AVAILABLE: http://www.uncommongoods.com

Racing car paperclip holder

Sometimes you find an object that just makes you smile. This is one of those things. I love this chubby looking racing car, the nose like placement of the clip in the picture and the button driver. MoMa store has it on sale now. And best of all, it actually works as a toy car.

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PRICE: $19.95

AVAILABLE: http://www.momastore.org