Images from 1st Option. Found at 1st Option - look up the Kennelly house to see even more pictures
 Large French Riding Horse
Antique tin children’s toys are very popular with collectors. Some of the reasons why they are so popular are that they are colorful, usually inexpensive, and have lasted through the years. Tin toys come in many shapes, colors, and sizes. Many people use tin toys to decorate their homes and businesses. The cute shapes and fun, bright colors give any room a lift.
Small Size –
Small tin toys vary in size from about two inches to about five inches. They usually consist of toy soldiers, tiny dolls, people, or animals. To really make an impact with small tin toys it is best to have many of them and arrange them in a pattern that fits with your décor or tastes. Tin soldiers can be put into ranks, tin animals arranged around a toy barn, and other tin toys can even be collected in a clear container and displayed that way.
Medium Size –
Medium sized tin toys come in sizes between five and ten inches. These toys are usually vehicles or action toys. Things like tin banks, tin planes, and tin cars fit into this category. There are many toys of this size that have moving parts and perform different actions, so these are usually fun for collectors. They are the right size to decorate a desk or other space of limited size. Sometimes toys of this size even have a wind up action, which if it still works can be fun to play with. But be careful of over winding and breaking the spring.
Large Size –
Large tin toys are ones like Ferris Wheels and train sets. These toys vary in size from about ten inches to twenty four inches or more. They make great centerpieces to a décor theme. Because they are larger, they are usually not as inexpensive as the rest of the tin toys.
There are many different types and shapes of tin toys to choose from. Think about what size will work for your needs or if you want a particular color or shape. You can find tin toys for not a lot of money at garage sales, antique stores and flea markets.
Author Byline:
Kelsey is the editor in chief for www.findananny.net/. She loves to write article and ideas that parents & nannies would be interested in hearing. She helps society on giving information about nannies through nanny services. She is a professional writer & loves writing on anything.
The more you play with your child and talk with them in a loving way, encouraging them to learn, the earlier they will start to develop. It is important that you play games with them and read a lot with them in the early stages, but it is also important that they have games of their own. New parents are not always sure what kind of toys to get their kids. Sometimes they will settle for the latest trend or what everyone else has got, but it is important that you choose something, which will ensure the development of your child both mentally and physically.
It is difficult to get away from the latest fad where manufacturers are trying to make quick cash out of a gimmick. It is difficult to take your child shopping these days without them being drawn to toy shops, displaying a wide array of toys which are great fun, but don't do anything for their mental development.
It is possible to get a lot of enjoyment from toys, whilst improving your mental and physical power at the same time. We, as adults should be looking to do that as well. Games like trivial pursuit and card games do wonders for the brain, which needs to be worked at constantly. This doesn't stop once a child is fully developed.
There is no doubt, thinking games like Lego and puzzles are something that kids will not get bored of in a hurry and this really builds up the thinking capacity. There are many more games like these which kids can play together and sometimes this will also draw out the competitive spirit they have in them.
This is a great way to see what kind of talent or gift your child has stored up there. If you find that they have taken a keen interest in painting and drawing then you can find a kids easel and they will be able to have hours of fun here. There are easels which fold out into a way where two friends can be working together so this doesn't cut them off from society.
Physical development is also incredibly important. It's not always easy to get your kids up early and take them running around the block. There are certain exercises that kids have to do in order to strengthen various muscle groups. Luckily, there are toys that have been designed just for this where they can jump or hop, using their legs and their arms. Things like skipping ropes are not something you want to forget about because it improves co-ordination and this is extremely important. Kids can also have a huge amount of fun with skipping games.
Another thing that you may want to think of doing to help your kids with physical development is by putting a trampoline in your garden. Everyone loves a trampoline and there is no better exercise than this. Parents will start to see the fun in it. Find a good quality trampoline that is going to last, such as a TP trampoline, but make sure you do your research beforehand in order to gain the best results.
Images from Catkin Collection.
 
Vintage photo Little Boy Sits in Radio Flyer Wagon- Esty
Some toys just seem to be designed to stand the test of time. They are so timeless, in fact, that many of them are played with by generation after generation of kids. Most of them are based on simple concepts that allow children to fully explore the world of imagination.
1. Mr. Potato Head
For the last several generations, there’s hardly a child who hasn’t had an opportunity to play with this classic. Inventor George Lerner worked with Hasbro to make Mr. Potato Head a hit. For the first eight years of Mr. Potato Head’s history, kids had to ask their parents for a potato to push the plastic face pieces into. Then, another innovation came along: a potato shaped plastic body. The rest is history, as children have been enjoying this timeless toy ever since.
2. The See ‘n Say
When Mattel introduced the See ‘n Say in 1965, the toy was the first to let kids choose which sound they heard when they pulled the string. The Farmer Says See ‘n Say was the original, complete with various farm animal sounds. One of the marvelous qualities of the original See ‘n Says was that they did not require batteries. That meant endless hours of fun without ever having to replace batteries.
3. The Radio Flyer Wagon
This is the toy that’s always suited to adventure. The signature bright red paint is unmistakable today, but back when the first wagons were built in 1923, they were made out of wood. A few years later, stamped steel replaced the wood. Today, Radio Flyer wagons can be purchased in metal or plastic, and several different versions that are inspired by modern cars are available.
4. Play-Doh
It’s virtually impossible to find anyone who isn’t familiar with this classic. It was introduced in 1956, and was available only in off-white. Eventually, the line had expanded to five colors and the Fun Factory Playset made its debut. Today, Play-Doh comes in 50 different colors and boasts an impressively diverse line of accessories for hours of imaginative play.
5. Barbie
She’s got the best wardrobe in town and drives a snazzy convertible. No wonder she’s as popular today as she was when she was introduced in 1959. Since her introduction, Barbie has been used to represent some 125 different careers and has worn fashions designed by 70 artisans. This doll is likely to be going strong for many more years.
6. Legos
Forbes named Legos the toy of the century, and kids of all ages would probably agree. These endlessly versatile building blocks make it possible for kids to imagine they are exploring the lunar surface and the world under the sea. They can pretend to be firefighters, cowboys or knights. Legos had their beginning around World War II, and they show no sign of letting up in the modern world.
7. Monopoly
Way back in 1903, the earliest version of Monopoly was designed. It’s been reinvented several times since that time, with credit for the modern version going to the board game that was released in 1934. Kids and adults have been buying and selling property ever since.
8. Slinky
Inventor Richard James was working on a horsepower monitor for navy warships when he accidentally stumbled across the idea for this classic toy. The Slinky made its debut at the Gimbel’s Department Store just in time for Christmas in 1945, and kids have been clamoring for it ever since. This is the toy that proves that sometimes the simple toys are the best ones.
9. Easy Bake Oven
Debuting in 1963, this child sized working oven became an instant classic. Since then, 11 different models have made it on to store shelves, each one reflecting its era. The Easy Bake is still a hit today because everyone loves fresh homemade treats.
10. Etch a Sketch
This timeless toy is an inductee of the National Toy Hall of Fame. It was invented in the late 1950s, and is available today in several different models. Most adults have fond memories of playing with these, and it’s something they can easily share with their kids.
Author Bio
Katelyn Roberts is a frequent contributor for NetQin, helping couple explore vacations to keep them healthy and safe.
Antique Toys From 1st Dibs
Antique toys are not only a delight to those who desire to increase their prized collections of specific items, but they are also investments that continually increase in value. Toy collecting is one of the top five collectibles in the United States.
1. What is "antique"? In terms of toys, "antique" can mean any toys that were manufactured or created at least 25 years ago. However, archeologists have excavated clay and wooden animals and figurines dating back to prehistoric times.
2. Worth of an antique toy? That depends on how rare the item is, what company manufactured it, and what condition it is in. The price can vary greatly depending on those points.
3. Examples of antique toys? Wooden toys began appearing in the 18th century, and animals and soldiers were some that were very popular. Tinplate cars, planes, horse carriages and more arrived in the late 19th century. Die-cast toys were first made in France in the 1900s. Lionel trains were issued in the 1950s and reissued in the 1980s.
4. Character items - Extremely collectible are those items based on motion pictures, actors and actresses, comic books, cartoons and television shows. For example, jointed soldiers were popular in the 1960s, and detailed four-inch action figures were all the rage in the mid-1970s.
5. Trucks - Trucks made of cast iron and steel craft have, of course, well stood the passage of time, even if they go back to the 1920s and 1930s. Many are found in excellent condition and with their original paint, especially Mack trucks and fire trucks.
6. Wind-up toys - Tinplate gears activated by a spring using a key sometimes date back to the 1890s. Even though they would wind down in two or three minutes, they were still a fascinating invention.
 Antique Toys From 1st Dibs
7. Mechanical banks - Unique construction would allow a coin placed into a plate to be deposited into the bank after a lever was pushed. One amazing find was a Punch and Judy theater with its scenery and curtain still intact. This dated back to 1884! Judy would receive the coin in her hand, Punch runs forward holding a club, but Judy quickly turns and deposits the coin.
8. Care for antique toys. Do not use water on toys or dolls because they may be damaged. Just dust with a soft cloth or brush. Do not touch up the paint because the value is in having the original mint condition. Keep the toys away from direct sunlight, heat and humidity.
To those who find antique toys intriguing as well as a worthwhile investment, there are numerous toy shows throughout the year in various locations that will warm an antique toy collector's heart!
Author Byline:
Ken Myers as an Expert Advisor on multiple household help issues to many Organizations and groups, and is a mentor for other “Mom-preneurs” seeking guidance. He is a regular contributor of “www.gonannies.com/”. You can get in touch with him at kmyers.ceo@gmail.com.
 Horse Pull Toy Olde Time Market 1871 on Ebay
Collecting antique toys is a great hobby. These toys show what children used to entertain themselves in the past, and they show how clever toymakers in the past were. These toys are often reflective of how society functioned in previous years, and children love to see what their parents and grandparents grew up with. With the Internet, antique toy collectors can find even more information about their collection.
1. Finding Information
The details of the companies that created antiques toys sometimes become lost over time. Companies fold, and information may become scare. The Internet, however, is home to dedicated archivists who find and share information about a number of companies. By learning who created certain toys and what became of these companies, toy collectors can appreciate the history of their collections.
2. Restoration Tips
Restoring antique toys requires a wide range of skills; metal toys, wood toys and plastics toys all have specific restoration techniques that must be learned, and learning these skills can be difficult. The Internet, however, is home to many who share these techniques with their readers. Some websites and forums are dedicated to compiling information about antique toys in particular.
3. Supplemental Graphics
Finding a toy in its original box is rare. Without packaging and instruction guides, some toys lack the full charm they had when they were first released. The Internet may be able to provide graphics that can be used in a toy's display. An original logo, for example, looks great when placed near a particular toy in a display case. Further, this information is often helpful for learning rules for games played with certain toys.
4. Complete A Collection
Internet auction websites form the world's most diverse marketplace. Those who are missing a particular toy may be able to find it on a major auction website. Before the Internet, antique toy collection meant calling up specialists, visiting antique stores or checking out garage sales. With Internet auctions, there is a good chance that someone is selling the exact toy that will complete the a particular collection.
5. Antique Toy Forums
Antique toy collecting is not one of the most popular hobbies. On the Internet, however, there are a number of forums where antique toy collectors meet and discuss all aspects of their hobby. From nostalgia to trivia to photographs of collections, the online antique toy collection community is vibrant and growing. Further, these forums are a great place to trade toys with other fans.
Toys are an indelible part of youth, and it is little wonder that so many enjoy collecting the toys that defined their childhood or the childhoods of their ancestors. The Internet has become home to invaluable resources, and antique toy collectors owe it to themselves to see what it has to offer.
Author Bio:
Roxanne Porter is a freelancer & a regular contributor for http://www.nannyjobs.org/ She helps in providing knowledge about nanny services & love writing on nanny related articles. She helps in giving a fair knowledge about nanny Jobs to the community. You can be in touch with her at “r.poter08ATgmail.com”.
Dutch antique doll house - Sarah Ploos van Amstel 1699-1751.
No one is ever too old for a dollhouse. For hundreds of years dollhouses of all styles and sizes have enchanted both children and adults alike, providing them with hours upon hours of fun and creative play. Although you can purchase dollhouses ready-made from a variety of materials, there's something to be said about one that's been handcrafted. A dollhouse dreamed up in the imagination and built by hand, is one with a unique charm that is sure to be appreciated for generations to come. If you'd like to build your own dollhouse, here are some tips to help you through the process.
Envision Your Dream Dollhouse
Sit quietly for a moment and envision what you'd like your dollhouse to look like. What style of dollhouse is your favorite? What would you like your dollhouse to be made out of? What scale and size do you want your dollhouse to be? Check out different dollhouses online or in books for ideas--and if you're just a beginner, consider using a pattern, building plan, or even a kit for a dollhouse that closely resembles what you had in mind.
Think about Scale
Scale is a very important thing to think about when you're building a dollhouse. One of the most common scales is 1/12. If you use a 1/12 scale, it means that when compared to real-life size, one inch is equivalent to one foot. While a great deal of dollhouse furnishings are available for a 1/12 scale, you are not limited to it. The size of the dolls that you are making the dollhouse for are what you should base the scale on.
Sketch Your Design
If you opt to use a design of your own invention, make a sketch of it. Once you're satisfied with your overall design, you can re-draw each part of the dollhouse according to scale in order to make pattern pieces. While you draw each pattern piece, don't forget to leave openings for windows and doors--on paper, they can be easy to overlook.
Read Instructions before Building
When using a pre-made building plan or a kit, read all instructions over completely before you begin building or assembling your dollhouse. That way you can ask any questions ahead of time, make sure you have everything you need to start, and you'll be less likely to waste materials due to errors.
Choose Materials and Supplies Carefully
If you're using a pattern or building plan that's not your own, it will probably include a material list so that you'll know exactly what to purchase. If you're using your own design, however, you'll have to select materials on your own. Hobby stores, online dollhouse building forums, and books on the subject of building dollhouses are great resources you can refer to if you have questions about what types of wood, shingles, windows, doors, glue, and other materials and supplies you should buy.
Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help
If you've never built anything before, don't be afraid to ask someone to help you with your first dollhouse project. A family member or friend with even just a little bit of building experience could be a big help--and the time spent constructing a dollhouse together might make for some very treasured memories.
Paint Nooks and Crannies as You Build
More often than not, the final sanding and painting of the dollhouse occurs after the dollhouse is completely built. If you find, though, that your design is one that will make it hard to see or reach into the corners of each room, you may want to sand and paint them along with any other hard-to-reach nooks and crannies before you put everything together.
Try a Dollhouse Kit
If you're able to find a dollhouse kit that you really like, you may want to build your first dollhouse that way. A kit will come with materials, instructions, and trouble-shooting tips, and if you purchase one from a hobby or craft store--you'll probably find that they stock additional materials, decorative items, and furnishings designed for use with your kit.
Have fun and enjoy the time spent building your own dollhouse. You never know--the process may fuel a passion for the hobby that could last a lifetime. And best of all, a dollhouse that you built yourself will be a special, well-loved piece that will be cherished for years to come.
Guest post from Riley Finnigan. Riley writes for Credit Score.net
For collectors of antique toys, having a child play with them is usually not an issue. However, sometimes even the best intentions will go awry. If you have small children in your house or even children just visiting, there are some dangers you may want to be aware of. Just because they are toys, does not mean they are safe for children. Here are five dangers to watch out for:
1. Lead paint –Many antique toys are still coated with flaking lead-based paint. This paint could prove to be quiet harmful to children if ingested. There are also many antique toys that have lead-based metals as a part of their design.
2. Small parts – A choking hazard is just one of the many ways small parts of antique toys can become dangerous for children. They can not only choke on them but ingest them and get them stuck up their nose!
3. Sharp parts –Many antique toys have sharp corners and other parts that can cut or stab children. They can also get their fingers caught in the movable parts, which can lead to a hospital visit.
4. Broken parts –Many antique toys have parts that have become broken over time. These broken bits can be sharp, small, or expose children to chemicals and hazardous materials.
5. Flammable –Some of the old toys were extremely flammable. Old chemistry sets and even ‘spark’ guns can easily be misused by a child.
Just remember that when you have children around antique toys, they will want to play with them. Never let them do so without supervision. In fact, it is probably best that small children do not play with them at all. If you know a small child will soon visit, or if you have small children in your home, keep the antique toys where they can’t reach or even hidden. That way the temptation to play with them will not be there. Just because toys were once thought to be safe for kids does not mean they should still be played with. Be aware of the dangers and keep kids safe.
Author Bio:
Paul and his wife Julie both spend quite a bit of time coming up with ideas, blogging, and researching all things related to childcare. They take care of all the necessary information related to “ sitters”. He personally think his blog will help finding information on all things related to a babysitter.
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