Women at work and their tips, challenges, advice, complaints, and experiences

Two weeks ago I posted a list for Thursday Thirteen that gave you some ideas for great gifts for babies and toddlers - just a few of my picks from the Rosie Hippo catalog.  Today I'd like to share some picks for older kids from another wonderful company, Nova Natural Toys & Crafts.  Whether your gift-giving list includes children of your own or a gaggle of nieces and nephews or grandkids to find treats for, something on here may be of interest.  Imagination required; no batteries or electronics necessary.

1. Daniela Drescher's fantasy world books, In the Land of Elves, In the Land of Fairies, and/or In the Land of Merfolk.  ($14.00 each, or splurge on the whole set.)
2. Wooden Water Warbler ($9.90) - this one's a great stocking stuffer or simple gift for an acquaintance's child.
3. Heavy Hauler truck ($49.90) - this lovely wooden "rig" is also available with a set of 46 blocks to haul around ($64.90).
4. Wooden Train ($79.90) - another splurge, but it's a lovely train, with no cartoon-y characters involved.
5. 60-piece Rainbow Blocks set ($59.90) - finished with non-toxic, water-based stains, this set also comes in a smaller 30-piece set for only $29.90.
6. Kusi Doll (boy or girl, $59.90 each) - these 9" Waldorf-style dolls are just adorable and they are perfect for tucking in with a younger child or toddler.  four-piece clothing sets are available for under $20.
7. Full size Waldorf dolls (boy or girl, $109.90 and $99.90 respectively) - this may seem like a lot for a doll, but having made a Waldorf doll from a kit myself, I can vouch for the fact that buying one is often the better way to go.  Let's just say my daughter's doll is still bald. 
8. Doll Stroller: If your child already has a baby doll to love, a child-friendly stroller may be just the ticket.  This one is made of maple with a pretty cotton seat.  Just as much fun as those plastic ones you can pick up at the Kmart and probably a lot sturdier!
9. Lucy's Kitchen - I covet this puppy every time I see the Nova catalog.  At $234 it's a huge gift, but it'll keep on giving for years, as the saying goes.  Lucy's Kitchen is made to fit kids up to around 8 years old, and it's made of wood so it'll stand up to the use as well.  An oven, cupboard, sink, stove top, and shelves leave plenty of room for "groceries" and their imaginations.
10. Kitchen Accessories: Just turn to page 48 in the catalog and pick about anything on it.  They're all lovely and range from $5.90 up to $38.90. 
11. Dust Pan & Brush Set ($12.90) - Kids love to help around the house; why not let 'em?  Also high on the list: the Child's Rainbow Broom ($16.90) and the Child's Mop (12.90).
12. Knight's Silk Armor ($27.90) and Knight's Helmet ($19.90) - King Arthur's got nothing on the kid in this get-up!
13. Play Trucks That Work: this is a whole category in itself; as with the kitchen accessories, just go to pages 70-72 and pick something - or several somethings.  The forklift ($65.90) and Jeep ($69.90) are my top picks, but the Zippie, Speedie, and Truckie cars ($19.90 each) are wonderful if you're not ready to spend quite that much on one toy.

(For more Thursday Thirteen lists, click here.)