Sister Sue Cloth Play Blocks

Great “darned” blocks!

Secretly I always have aspired to provide handmade toys for my kids. Unfortunately for me, and for them, I don’t have the crafty talent that is necessary for creating anything more than an oatmeal container with a hole in it. (Look, kids, it’s a … cylindrical bank!) Luckily for all of us moms who lack the skill set that includes darning, we now have Sister Sue Designs, available at Etsy.

Jen, owner of Sister Sue, has the skill and creativity for which I’ve always longed. Her cloth play block sets [$20 for 3 blocks] are well-made, unique, and available in several ultra-hip patterns. Constructed of 100% cotton and luxury fiberfill, these baby blocks are squishy enough for even the chubbiest of fingers to pick up one-handed and gnaw on, mush, or throw at one’s sibling. Each block contains a nice little jingle bell tucked inside and is encased in a crush resistant material that allows it to keep its block shape despite the fact that it is satisfyingly smushable. I love the Black/White/Red set, which accentuates the color contrasts that those very young babies adore, and the Groovy Girl set, with its swanky colors and prints, makes me wish I had a better wardrobe.

And so I have accomplished my secret desire after all: I have provided my children with quality, handmade toys. Now to take the adorable little Sister Sue tags off of them so that I can pretend they are my own creations.

Win it!
We're giving away a set of 3 play blocks (winner's choice of design)! To enter email, giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Sister Sue as your subject. Please let us know which set you'd like and where to send them if you win. Giveaway ends June 06, 2008

- Beth