Wooden Trike by Plan Toys

Plan Toys has made quite the impression on us lately. Their great line of wooden toys has become wildly popular, and I suspect that its growing fan base isn't slowing down any time soon. Check out this new trike.

Toys go green: Eco-friendly playthings are fun for kids, reassuring for parents

Industry experts say that "green toys" - toys that are eco-friendly or educate kids about the environment - are an up-and-coming trend whose appeal goes well beyond last year's high profile recalls and will last much longer than Earth Day on Tuesday.

"It's more of an overall attitude of consumers that they're looking for ways to sustain the environment," said Reyne Rice, a toy trend specialist with the Toy Industry Association, the trade organization for North American toy manufacturers.

Green toys were the talk of the American International Toy Fair in New York in February.
 

Legos turn 50

It all started 50 years ago in Denmark. That's when the real building blocks of childhood became a reality.

On Jan. 28, 1958, a man named Godtfred Kirk Christiansen patented the design of a small, plastic brick with holes in it - a concept called "stud-and-tube" that would later become legend.
Today, we call them Legos.

Even now, they remain the most simple but ingenious kind of toy, something that has not only shaped childhood culture, but also aspects of education for young people.

LEGO Universe to Pair Physical Toys With MMO

Lego’s director of business development Mark Hansen spoke with GamesIndustry.biz about its strategy to make Lego Universe stand out in the competitive MMO market. They intend to go one better than Second Life or other games that allow players to design their own projects on line. Lego intends to offer players the option of having their digital creations physically custom made and sent to them.

This is an excellent idea, that would allow you to customize your lego character into any form you desire.

Lego Universe

Lego one of the most popular childrens games will be launching a full-scale MMO (massively multiplayer online game) aimed at Lego's core audience, kids ages 8 to 12.

To redeem its former glory, Lego Universe allows players to build houses, vehicles, etc. It's also thought that what you created virtually, can then be ordered as actual Lego models.

Visit Lego Universes website for more details.

Toys for Tots to Expand Mission With Children's Literacy Campaign

For 61 years, Toys for Tots has delivered Christmas presents to millions of needy children across the nation. Now, the Virginia-based charity is opening a new chapter in its mission with the launch of a year-round children's literacy program.