T: Is for the Toy Show

Every February thousands of buyers jam the Javits Center in hopes of finding the newest child's obsession. This year was no different. I was completely excited when I was asked to work for Sarah's Silks. I have supplied many a niece and nephew with dreams nurtured under canopy's that are designed to bring you under the sea, or into a castle of your own design. Their product as you might of guessed are pure silk, a translucent feel of luxury. Hand died and sewn Sarah began her company with play silks. Squares of unlimited imagination waiting to be unlocked. She targeted the Waldorf Schools and she was a hit. Seven years later the company has expanded to a dress-up line (all a joy to the skin to put on), toys to stimulate hand eye coordination and odds and ends that spark corridors of unearthed fantasy. Many a buyer could not resist dueling with the swords that brought you into the realm of the 3 musketeers without the damage. I personally loved playing with the fairy's that lived in their own silk purse. For all you dragon and unicorn lovers wait till Halloween when these silk creations reach out their hooves at your doorstep.



Another company I was glad to see was Gifts that Bloom. These wonderful little plants came originally in cans and have expanded to bags. For all of you who's green thumbs have had bouts of brown or should I say tan this is the no brainer plant. The packaging is infectious with names like Birthday Garden, Dinosaur Garden which contains premium Metasequoia seed, Peanut Plant and Redwood Forest to name a few. These kits allow you to grow your own garden indoors! Everything is included inside: leak-proof liner cup, enriched soil mix filled with nutrients and the delectable little seeds. The joy is that you can start them indoors any time of the year. Just add water and sunlight plus a dash of love! I have always wanted a window garden so right now I am growing a sequoia and an apple tree. For those of you who have flies, why not try a Venus fly trap? Carnivorous to the last bite!

In an age of pre fab existence these gifts allow for imagination, hands on accomplishment and a sense of overall well being and that to me makes life a F.A.C.T.