I know we don’t often discuss toys here, but this is important and a major green issue, something we do discuss here often.
Please head over to Tree Hugging Family today, to learn about the new Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) laws on toy making. These new laws will make it nearly impossible for parents and children to have access to green and handmade toys.
If you want green or handmade toy options available for your children you need to get involved.

When I’ve visited Posh Tots in the past (for a baby blog I write), I’ve seen some pretty amazing and luxurious furniture for both baby and child. However, I recently realized that beyond beauty and delicate rich patterns, Posh Tots carries some amazingly offbeat furniture. Perfect for offbeat kiddos.
For example, the Boom Cabinet, of which I’ve seen items like, but never its exact equal. What kid wouldn’t be thrilled to have this – and by the way the exploding parts attach to the wall and do actually work as drawers.

So cool; no? Want to see more?

Barbara Butler is somewhat of a genius company. So far as offbeat, unique, and lovely pint-sized structures go, I’d be surprised if you could find better than these. This company creates beautiful treehouses, play forts, small play house, adventure spaces, and garden sheds in child-sized versions.
If you visit the company site, you’ll be there forever, because everything is worth seeing, and completly amazing. The thought given to the small details is outstanding, and any child would love to have one of these structure to call their own.
I like all the structures but my favorite is maybe the custom built Wizards …read more

If you’ve been reading Offbeat Homes for any decent amount of time, you’ll note that I have many favorite architect and design blogs. I tend to talk about and link to my faves pretty incessantly. One such blog is Inhabitat. I’ve been a huge fan of Inhabitat for a long time, and I know some of you are as well.
Well the news is that they’ve just launched a brand new blog! and there’s more…

We haven’t had a good old offbeat furniture post in a while. I haven’t seen too many adult oddball pieces lately, but I did recently find this crazy amazing table set for the kiddos:

[Toadstool Table and Toadstool Set available at Karma Kiss]
How come when I was a kid I never had such a cool table set? Sadness. Still, this is an awesome and unique set. It would look really cute outside too.
Next up is the unique Trioli, designed by Eero Aarnio. This toddler chair was designed for the multiple interpretations of a child’s mind. That’s so very cool.

[Trioli at …read more

If you’re a big ol’ fan of unique design, then it’s likely that typical ABC posters full of pastel bunnies, kittens, and bugs for your little one, make you cringe. I know I don’t like them.
If you have a little one on the way, or a toddler, this ABC poster I saw at Core77 is a must have. Of course, kids aren’t required. You could hang this in your own adult living space as well.

So awesome! I went to check out the above Alphabet of design classics at Blue Art Studio and found another ABC poster that I love even …read more

This is some totally random treehouse room I found a long time ago; and really this site is selling cool wall murals for children’s spaces, not truly homes of any sort. Still, it’s worth a look. I keep wondering which lucky kid on the planet owns this room. I’d have loved this as a kid – well maybe not the overly vibrant blur chair set and curtains, but you know what I mean.

See more wall mural creations at Leland’s.
[image via Leland's]

This month at Offbeat, I’m introducing you to some of my neighboring blogs via the Lifestyles Channel Three Doors Down event. Last week we looked at Psycho for Love. This week, something a little less psycho, and more fun; Play Library. Play Library covers the best of the best in playtime fun for kids and families. I’m pretty happy to showcase Play Library, because that means I get to do a kid-oriented post here, which is always fun. At the end of this post you can learn a little more about what’s cool and happening at Play Library.
In honor of …read more

I’ve thought this was a cool idea for some time, so, it’s about time to share…
This is the Maritime Youth House. Two clients own it (or did when arcspace reported on it). A sailing club and youth house are housed here, of course with different needs. Need one – boat parking spaces, need two – kid fun. I think they accomplished both.

This house was designed by the former PLOT architects – who I’m a fan of in most cases. This is such a great idea because it combines the elements needed seamlessly. You can see more great photos at …read more

If you have super speed shipping some of these could even technically pan out as holiday gifts. Honestly, I wanted to do a huge gift post earlier but just wasn’t feeling it. This is the abbreviated version.
How To See
This book is a gem. It looks like something only a select few might enjoy; but really Nelson’s, ‘there you go’ speaking manner and his insight into the designs that swirl in the world all around us make this a book to hunt out and love.

Mint Hug Salt and Pepper Set
A nice stocking stuffer. Great design and it’s functional. Plus come on; …read more