in anticipation of our next car trip, i finally gave in to temptation and bought some tegu blocks for the happy baby. i’ve been eyeing them ever since i heard about them last year sometime and i’m so glad i finally got them and here’s why:
1. the company that makes them is possibly one of the most responsible, planet and world-community friendly companies i know. someone wise once told me (or maybe i read it in some magazine) that no matter how much we talk about wanting to save the planet and wanting to support small business and wanting to make sure we’re buying products from companies that pay their employees fair wages, we vote with our dollars. i’m not saying that i’ve never bought some cheap plastic toy made in china in a factory where the workers are vastly undervalued, but i’m so happy to have the opportunity to support a company that does the opposite that despite this toy’s steep price tag, i think it’s totally worth it.
2. the blocks themselves are pleasing to the senses–smooth, a size that fits nicely in your hand–and the magnets inside make them fascinating for all ages. the click they make when they snap together with other blocks is a very satisfying little sound.
3. i was actually able to find them at a small local toy store for less than the large discount website/rainforest was charging–bonus! supporting local small business! avoiding having to wait for shipping times! getting to play with the toy before i purchased it!
4. my favorite reason* is that my boy, who is rather enjoying seeing how far he can throw various objects right now, sat and played with this toy for at least 20 minutes straight before trying to chuck the pieces across the room.
Gabriel gets a new toy from carissaabc on Vimeo.
i just hope he’s as interested in them on our car trip…
*i feel that i should note here that for some reason tegu says their blocks are not appropriate for children under the age of 3, but honestly–if your kid can swallow one of these pieces, i’d be impressed all the way to the emergency room.
