Once a kid, always a kid. Well, maybe no one said that, but I wish I could still have recess and playtime – not to mention a huge, overflowing toy box. If given the opportunity to have my own “Big” moment, here’s what I’d be wishing for – and what the little ones in my family will likely end up with for the holidays.

1. Random House Little Critter® Complete Collection
Yes, I was the kid who snuck books under my covers with a flashlight when it was past my bedtime, and these Mercer Mayer titles made an appearance more than once.

2. Dexton Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse Ride-On Car
I definitely would have been the coolest kid in school (or maybe the neighborhood) puttering around in this lifelike Mercedes.

3. Guidecraft All in One Play Kitchen
There’s a solid chance my cooking skills today would be much improved had my parents decided to let me have one of these – and an Easy-Bake Oven.

4. Zoobies® Corduroy™ Storytime Pal
What kid doesn’t love the story of Corduroy? And this blanket-that-doubles-as-a-stuffed-animal would have made story time (and naptime) a whole lot more fun.

5. Guidecraft Deluxe Art Center
My parents’ kitchen table still (to their dismay) bears marks of hours spent crafting, glue-gunning, and painting. With this all-in-one craft center, budding artists can draw, paint, and create to their hearts’ content – without making a mess all over the room.

Give the kids what they want in our Ready. Set. Toys: The Playroom’s Greatest Hits Boutique, open on Tuesday, October 30, at 11AM ET.

By Melissa Mann, Staff Writer

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Move over, Shark Week – it’s International Dinosaur Month, and we’re ready to celebrate.

Even eons later, the world’s still just as into dinosaurs as it was 251,000,000 years ago. In fact, there are countless ways to get the kids (and/or yourself) even more in touch with these beloved prehistoric pals, this side of the Stone Age.

1) Re-rent Jurassic Park. While the once-groundbreaking “special effects” may be lost on the Pixar generation, there’s no denying that that velociraptor scene (the one in the kitchen) was downright terrifying. They’ll respect it. We promise.

2) If a natural history museum is within reach, pack a lunch and spend a Saturday there. Larger-than-life skeletons will put the dino’s grandeur in full perspective.

3) Rotate dinosaur eggs into snack time. (The kids don’t have to know they’re healthy…)

4) Dress your little one as a dinosaur for Halloween. Millions-of-years-old reptiles always get more candy.

5) Archeologists in training can hone their skills by digging for dino bones online.

6) If this dinosaur expert doesn’t have all the kids’ questions (“Why are dinosaurs so big?”) answered, this video from National Geographic surely will.

7) Shop our Little Rue Celebrates International Dinosaur Month Boutique! It’s packed with dinosaur-inspired toys, books, and more, sure to keep any budding paleontologist blissfully occupied for hours.

Our Little Rue Celebrates International Dinosaur Month Boutique opens Wednesday, October 17, at 11AM ET.

By Sarah Stanley, Staff Writer

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Even though in my mid-20s I’ve now swapped story time for browsing through magazines, I still remember nights spent looking forward to bedtime stories (The Giving Tree was a personal fave). So, in honor of Rue’s Story Time: Kids’ Classic Books Boutique, I’ve asked a few fellow Rue associates to reminisce with me and share their cherished childhood reads. Oh, the good old days.

Make Way For Ducklings by Robert McCloskey
“It satisfied my love of adorable baby animals and my even-early-on attraction to Boston (and look where I wound up – go figure).”
– Jess H., Copyeditor

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
“We had versions in English, Spanish, and French and my dad would rotate which one he would read to us at night.”
– Jackie J., Junior Designer

Yo! Yes? By Chris Raschka
“It’s a book about making a friend. It features two children of color, and I read it to my son who is Korean. My rule for kids’ books has always been to pick ones you love reading. Because you can’t fake it!”
– Rachel S., Associate Creative Director

The Berenstain Bears Trick or Treat by Stan & Jan Berenstain
“I loved reading it in the fall – it always got me so excited for Halloween! Sister Bear was my fave and I loved how Papa Bear was such a goof! And of course, Mamma Bear always knew best.”
– Tess M., Public Relations Manager

Good Dog Carl by Alexandra Day
“While the parents are out on the town, Carl the Rottweiler sneaks Madeleine out of her crib for an adventure. It’s basically a kid’s dream come true.”
– Julia I., Junior Copywriter

The Little Red Hen by Little Golden Books
“The lesson in the book… about reaping what you sow… is one I use all the time as a parent and as a business person.”
– Mike D., VP, Audience Development and Syndication

Our Story Time: Kids’ Classic Books Boutique opens Thursday, October 11, at 11AM ET.

By Keriann Coffey, Associate Blog Editor

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Blow up the balloons and get that noisemaker ready because, believe it or not, it’s Little Rue’s first birthday. Hip. Hip. Hooray. Since I was lucky enough to sneak down to the studio and join in the festivities (cupcakes and all), I thought it was only fair to share some beyond adorable snapshots. For the Member who wants to recreate the scene at home, all that’s required is a trip down to the local party store for a tinsel curtain, balloons, birthday banners, and lots of confetti.

Little Rue is One: The Celebration Boutique opens today, September 20, at 11AM ET.

By Marissa Dubin, Staff Writer

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President Jimmy Carter declared Grandparents Day a national holiday back in 1978 – and we’ve been honoring Gram and Gramps annually ever since. This year, we’re toasting them with a slew of nostalgic, classic toys – a testament to the fact that sometimes, the simple stuff is best.

1. Made for little ones learning the basics, this wooden guitar will carry them from their first chord to the day they graduate to a Gibson. (Expect plenty of sing-alongs along the way.)

2. Nothing says classic like a set of blocks, and this one – emblazoned with numbers, letters, and sweet little objects – is meant to be passed down from generation to generation.

3. With chrome accents, a working steering column, and rubber wheels, this metal race car is pure nostalgia on wheels. Best of all? There’s no need to box it up once playing’s done. Unlike modern-day plastic cars, it’s ready – and eager – for front-and-center display.

Our Schylling Classic Toys Boutique opens Sunday, September 9, at 11AM ET.

By Joanna Berliner, Editor 

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Forget the latest gizmos and gadgets, the charm and appeal of these childhood classics never go out of style. Simple, safe, and sustainable, these traditional wooden toys let a child’s imagination run wild. And not only are they eco-friendly, they have an heirloom quality that translates from generation to generation. (Hey, decorating that dollhouse still sounds like a good time to me).

I am (somewhat unfortunately) not a kid anymore, but nothing brings out my inner child quite like the atmosphere of a toy store, and this spot is a legendary landmark for all things fun and games. As FAO Schwarz continues to celebrate its 150th anniversary, here’s a look at its colorful history – including a toy cameo in Tom Hanks’s “BIG.” Now, who wants to go play on the piano with me?

Our FAO Schwarz Kids’ Toys Boutique opens Tuesday, August 14, at 11AM ET.

By Melissa Mann, Staff Writer

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It is, after all, the girl that makes the dress (and not the other way around). Whether your little lady opts for footballs over Barbie dolls, or coloring books over back issues of Vogue, there’s a frock out there that’s just her style.

The Fashionista
If she asks for ikat by name, and dismisses anything that doesn’t flatter her waist with a, “why even bother?” then trust us – this is your mini sophisticate’s dream dress.

The Girly Girl
The little lady who’s had the tea party down to a science since before she could even eat solids? This A-line frock will ensure her standing as hostess extraordinaire.

The Tomboy
If getting your tough gal out of her tee-ball uniform and into a dress means negotiations NATO-like in scale, try this printed shift – roomy, uncomplicated, and without a “girly” bow in sight.

The Free Spirit
With rounds of make-believe clocking in at full days, your little girl is happiest in her own little world – and this breezy frock fits right into it.

Our Kids’ Sunday Night Styleathon Boutique opens Sunday, July 29, at 8PM ET.

By Sarah Stanley, Staff Writer

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Whether your all-American boys and girls prefer setting out on the sea in a sunfish or taking a leisurely stroll on the boardwalk, these easy-to-follow steps teach them how to make the adorable sailboats featured in our Little Rue Goes Sailing preview. Click here for instructions. Ahoy!

Our Little Rue Goes Sailing Boutique is now open.

By Marissa Dubin, Staff Writer 

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While we generally advise against our little ones playing with their food, this time around we’re making a delicious exception. Perfect for rainy summer days (drumroll, please): the graham-cracker canvas. Here are five steps for getting your little Rembrandt or Rothko started:

1. Snap a graham cracker in half.
2. Layer it with frosting (there’s no need to be stingy).
3. Inspire their inner artist with a medley of bulk-bin candy (strawberry licorice, MIKE AND IKEs, Swedish Fish, M&M’S…).
4. Download the picture frames below and print them out.
5. Place their masterpiece in the frame, and voilà!

Download here

Have other ideas for kid-friendly projects? Tweet us @ruelala.

-By Marissa Dubin, Staff Writer 

Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now.