As the impending holiday season nears and thoughts turn to gift giving, designers are going minimalist with pared down, well-designed toys for both adults and children alike. They’re getting back to the basics sleek, child size 1950’s style toy cars to bamboo rocking horses and stripped down and recycled mechanical toys that channel a certain nostalgia for adults and call upon the vivid imaginations of children. Not only that, all are made from either biodegradable or recycled material so these are the kind of gifts that keep on giving.
Race to pick up all the cool wooden toys at Scandinavian design studio, Playsam, where the look of old toy cars are reinvented with a sleek new contemporary look. Playsam makes everything from their wooden Racer F1, a timeless take on a toy racecar, to their Roadster Saab, which is a four wheeled toy car suitable for children over three to take their first spin. With rocking wooden rabbits to classic rocking horses, these toys have something for everyone and while the toys aren’t cheap at around $180 for some pieces they sure beat video games and could make a stylish decorative and fun addition to any room. But, if you’re looking for the real deal check out this Indy Zoom Zoom vintage 1960’s toy racecar from Dione Herself or the BMW Isetta child pedal car from La Tropical De Luxe.
If rocking horses are still you’re thing try this unusual looking bamboo rocking horse from HaPe International Ltd., which was created as part of a project in which 15 students from a toy design course at Shenkar college in Israel who were invited to China to develop toys with HaPe. Not only are the toys interesting and unusual new takes on classic toys, the use of bamboo is also environmentally friendly by avoiding the high levels of lead in toy paint, which have been the cause of several toy recalls in recent years. With tonka trucks to domino sets and bicycles they offer toys for all ages. They’re simplistic but quirky look makes them look fresh and exciting in a modern context.
However, offbeat takes on classic toys isn’t exactly new. Take this Creative Playthings children’s rocker, which dates back to the 1950’s from 20C design, which could be behind any glass case of a contemporary museum. This one is for the grown ups though at $1,800.
For those lucky few with even deeper pockets this holiday season, check out designer Cathy McLure’s whimsical collection called Remains. McClure’s humorous collection of stripped down motorized stuffed animals that are disassembled and cast in bronze cost a pretty penny at around $11,000 but they make for a fabulous statement piece. Plus, these animals can still walk and talk albeit a bit eerily. Chances are you won’t be letting your child near this one, but perhaps you’d let them gaze from afar if you’re truly in the holiday spirit.
Nevertheless, whether it’s a cheeky, decorative design feature for a room or for a child’s entertainment, designers are thinking with the young and the young at heart in mind.
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This article was written by Paige Reddinger. Paige Reddinger is a freelance writer based in New York. Prior to venturing out onto her own to do freelance she worked as a writer at TIME Magazine’s Style & Design issue under Kate Betts for two years. Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama she graduated from Penn State University with a BA in English and French in 2005. Four the past four years she has resided in New York’s East Village.
About the Author:
Talis joined VandM.com in March of 2009 and is responsible for overseeing the company’s marketing, advertising and business development strategies.
Before joining VandM.com, Talis led the account management department at The Creative Directors, Inc., a boutique advertising agency held by VandM’s parent company, EUE/Screen Gems. As Vice President, he managed new business as well as the company’s retail, financial and pharmaceutical accounts, including Office Depot, Silvercrest Asset Management, Wyeth and Schering-Plough.
Prior to The Creative Directors, Talis was at the advertising agencies McCann Erickson New York and Campbell Mithun in Minneapolis. Some of his accounts included Weight Watchers and several Unilever brands.
Talis started his career as a television producer, working on network news shows such as The Today Show, Dateline, CNN, and Good Morning America; reality shows such as Joe Millionaire and Big Brother; sporting events such as the NBA Playoffs and NHL All-Star Game; and documentaries such as Intervention on A&E.
Talis received a BS in advertising from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.
Inside info: Talis climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, ran the NYC Marathon, and can eat fire.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Tomorrow’s Yesteryear Toys
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