Even for us adults, it can be tricky to express how we are feeling at times. It is no wonder that when toddlers, who are only just learning to talk, try to explain how they feel it can often come out in the form of a tantrum. How wonderful would it be if toddlers first vocabulary could include words to help them express how they feel? And what's better than learning how to do this through play?

One of the first Tender Leaf Toys we designed was the 'What's Up' game. It is perfect for encouraging social and emotional play and teaching your child about feelings. Children will be able to build lots of emotions, using the wooden face and magnetic facial parts. From sleepy eyes to rosy cheeks, they'll have loads of fun swapping the features around without realising that they are also developing a language to help them express their own feelings.

If you are looking for activities to do right now along this theme, the wonderful blog, “But First, Joy” has a post, packed with ideas for toddlers and preschoolers.

For example, there’s a memory jar, where you and your child can make note of the things you are thankful for, how to make an Emoji Stress Ball and lots of free print outs to get you started today. Check all 13 ideas below and more details about our 'What’s Up?' Game:\n

\n\nhttps://tenderleaftoys.co.uk/products/whats-up \n

\n\n

https://butfirstjoy.com/emotions-activities-for-toddlers/

","talking-emotions-through-play","gid://shopify/Article/611678945595","image",{"_13":273,"_274":-5,"_21":275,"_276":277,"_278":279},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/284662923579","altText","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0009/4083/4867/articles/Screenshot_2021-10-27_at_18.31.42.png?v=1723723244","width",1100,"height",1300,"publishedAt","2021-10-27T17:35:19Z","Talking Emotions Through Play",{"_255":256},{"_264":285,"_267":286,"_255":287,"_13":288,"_271":289,"_280":294,"_36":295,"_252":296},{"_15":266},"\n

Out of this world space toys!

We were thrilled to see that our Tender Leaf Galaxy Magblocks had recently been featured in the mom-to-mom inspirational Motherly! The Galaxy Magblocks are one of 28 spaced themed toys selected alongside some pretty cosmic wall art and bedding.

Space themed children’s decor follows the trend to move away from pastel florals more commonly found in children’s rooms and what better way to inspire little ones to dream as big as the universe?

The Galaxy Magblocks are a set of 12 space themed magnetic blocks, made from sustainable rubberwood with concealed multi-directional magnets ensuring there is always a positive attraction and no repelling. Plus it all tidies away into a colourful drawstring bag!

Check out the links below to find out more about our Galaxy Magblocks and to read the full list of Space Toys on the Motherly guide:

https://tenderleaftoys.co.uk/.../products/galaxy-magblocs

https://www.mother.ly/shop/space-themed-room/

If you are desperate to get some cosmic decor in your bedroom this weekend check out our free printable craft where you can cut out and make a Space Race mobile here:

https://tenderleaftoys.co.uk/products/space-race

","out-of-this-world-space-toys","gid://shopify/Article/611678978363",{"_13":290,"_274":-5,"_21":291,"_276":292,"_278":293},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/284662956347","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0009/4083/4867/articles/TL8612-7.jpg?v=1723723245",1500,2032,"2021-11-22T12:37:21Z","Out of this world space toys!",{"_255":256},{"_264":298,"_267":299,"_255":300,"_13":301,"_271":302,"_280":307,"_36":308,"_252":309},{"_15":266},"

We’ve created a mini Christmas tree for you to make with beautiful illustrations from our Stacking Fir Tree Toy.

It’s a super simple craft and all your need to do to make yours is print out the free template from below,

$\"xmas$

then grab the following items:

Toilet Roll

Chocolate Coin Wrappers

Glue

Scissors

Plain card

Brown paint or brown pen

First, you will need to carefully cut out the tree from the printout and stick it onto the plain card.

Next, colour your toilet roll with brown paint or pen and once dry, cut two slits into the top part of the toilet roll about 2cm deep. You can now slot your tree into your tree stand and start decorating!

We used chocolate coin wrappers to create some miniature baubles for our tree, but you could use sequins or leave it plain. Now all you need are some miniature presents to put under your tree! Check out our blog posts from last Christmas for how to make dolls house presents and lots more fun, festive crafts.

$\"\"$ $\"\"$

","make-a-mini-christmas-tree","gid://shopify/Article/611679043899",{"_13":303,"_274":-5,"_21":304,"_276":305,"_278":306},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/284663021883","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0009/4083/4867/articles/IMG_1959_c8f1c854-346a-48e0-b5d4-72e60bb39734.jpg?v=1723723247",960,1280,"2021-12-10T09:09:53Z","Make a mini Christmas Tree!",{"_255":256},{"_264":311,"_267":312,"_255":313,"_13":314,"_271":315,"_280":318,"_36":319,"_252":320},{"_15":266},"\n

It’s just 3 days to go until Christmas but there’s still time to make a decoration to pop on your tree or to give as a gift. We’ve created a printout below showing you how to make a miniature angel from nothing else but an egg carton and a paper clip!

$\"\"$

Once you have your printout, carefully cut around the angel’s head. Next, unfold a paper clip so it’s a long line and stick it onto the back of the angel’s head. If your angel head hasn’t been printed onto card you might want to reinforce it with some card now. Put this to one side whilst you cut out the centre piece of your egg cup to create the angel’s dress (as shown in our photos). You will also need to cut 2 wings from the egg holder part of the carton, (please example).

Stick the two wings together, then stick the wings onto the dress. Finally, make a hole in the top part of the dress with the end of the paper clip and slide the head onto it to create your angel!

\n $\"\"$ $\"\"$ $\"\"$ $\"\"$ \n

We have shown you how to make one angel but if you can collect more egg cartons why not make lots to give out to friends and family? On our print out you will find a variety of faces you can use for your angels with space to create your own too! These angels can be now used as cute table decorations on Christmas Day or even pop them onto the top of the tree!

We’d love to see any you make and hope you have a wonderful Christmas from all of us at Tender Leaf Toys! We can’t wait to show you all the new and exciting things we have in store for 2022!

","make-a-christmas-angel","gid://shopify/Article/611679076667",{"_13":316,"_274":-5,"_21":317,"_276":305,"_278":306},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/284663054651","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0009/4083/4867/articles/IMG_3402_f1b7be1e-2132-478c-8920-7ebeff3a0dff.jpg?v=1723723247","2021-12-23T21:20:23Z","MAKE A CHRISTMAS ANGEL",{"_255":256},"pageInfo",{"_323":324,"_325":324,"_326":327,"_328":329},"hasPreviousPage",true,"hasNextPage","endCursor","eyJsYXN0X2lkIjo2MTE2NzkwNzY2NjcsImxhc3RfdmFsdWUiOjYxMTY3OTA3NjY2Nywib2Zmc2V0Ijo4N30=","startCursor","eyJsYXN0X2lkIjo2MTE2Nzg5NDU1OTUsImxhc3RfdmFsdWUiOjYxMTY3ODk0NTU5NSwib2Zmc2V0Ijo4NH0=","actionData","errors"]

Notebook

Talking Emotions Through Play

Out of this world space toys!

Make a mini Christmas Tree!

MAKE A CHRISTMAS ANGEL