Lead is scary.
Come to think of it, a lot of things seem to be getting scarier these days, especially when it comes to kid's playthings.
I'd love to be able to go back to the days of simply being afraid of little things like house spiders, heights and balloons (don't ask), instead of feeling like I have to be some sort of all-knowing high-tech toy scientist with the ability and the equipment necessary to sniff out potential toxins or other chemicals that could potentially harm my baby.
Natural Pod gets that, and features an extensive range of .... you guessed it ... 100% natural toys, accessories and woolens for play and daily living.
Among its offerings are Fagus Vehicles, which have been a huge hit at our house and my ever-busy Will considers these hefty wooden (the Latin word "fagus" means beech) haulers, fork lifts, trucks, snow plows, sweepers (shown in photo, top left) vans, carts, cranes and cars and indispensable playroom staple.
Each toy is carefully constructed without the use of nails, screws and staples (another bunch of fears eliminated) and all are dowelled and glued together for a high-quality dovetail-like fit that lasts. Meant for educational, imaginative play, I've found that the vehicles hold up well under heavy-duty, less-than-gentle toddler play, and William actually finds these way more interesting than his platic toys that light up and make sounds. CAD $22+
Go figure.
And, nappers that find comfort in a lovey or blankie might find these lightweight Organic Bamboletta Blanket Dolls (shown at right) appealing, too. 
William never showed much of an interest in a cuddly something to hug while catching forty winks, but is positively enamored with his blanket doll and sleeps with it every day. He's also lovingly dubbed it "beebee."
Must be that sweet, sleepy, serene embroidered face.
Made with soft, organic cotton and stuffed with locally sourced organic wool, each easy-to-hold doll can be washed in the gentle cycle or used for teething relief (just wet the dolls "hands" with water). CAD $25
