Classic Toys - Swings

When I discovered the over the top Money No Object Monday play sets I couldn't help but think of what always was in my back yard growing up - plain old swings.  Yup, that's me above.  I  was introduced early to the joy of swinging back and forth for hours.  I loved it.  Loved it when I was little and loved it even more as I got bigger.  In High School we all met at the swings at lunch. Swings at a High School?  Our school included grades 1 - 12.  Back and forth on the swings was acceptable because we were "hanging out" and visiting as well.  

My favorite swing set was made by my Dad.  He had a lot of two inch iron pipes that came out of a defunct water well on the ranch and he welded them together into a very tall "A" frame that held two basic board swings. We all spent a great deal of time swinging. The only photo I could find of the Best Swing Set Ever is below:

It looks like a pose of my brother in his baseball uniform but look in the back ground - right by the fence.  That slim bit of work was a fantastic swing set and it didn't cost anything but some of Dad's valuable time, a welding rod or two chain to hold the swing seats (which were made of some left overs) and some cement to anchor the set.  You could swing so high that the set would tip over.  It took a couple of tries to get enough weight to anchor it down.  

Any one else have home made swings or play equipment?

Fantsy Childrens Toys

I suppose this would count as a toy, though a big one!  It seems to me that we (American civilization we) are more likely to spend big bucks on creating a room for our child than buying very expensive toys.  This might count as an outdoor room. 

Imagine your back yard being the place where your tots could plot and play all day.

Heck, I'd spend the night here - often.  It even has a built in bed.

Everything is just amazing!  Look at this door.

Called "Red Beards Revenge" it could be yours here for a mere $52,000 plus shipping. 

Maybe you're handy enough to build something like it for less?

Childrens Toys Fit for Royalty

One of the few movies I've seen lately that is up for an Academy Award is "The Kings Speech". Great movie, but did you notice the scenes with the Princess, Elizabeth and Margret?  They were always in amazing playrooms.  I especially noticed them combing the long tails (real horse hair I'm sure) on their beautiful hobby horses. Most children I know have rooms full of toys but it made me think:  If money was no object, would you consider some high end children's playthings? I've seen some amazing, but pricey, toys.  Are they too expensive for grubby little  hands? What would you pay for your little prince or princess to enjoy? All below are available to buy, just click on the links.

Riding toys seem to command top prices. This one is amazing.  My babes were all so tall that I wonder how long they could have used this.

Airflow Red Baron Pedal Bi-Plane - $579

 I love this, but the BL Baby boy is driving a truck to school and work that cost way less. Are movie stars children the royal kids of today? 

Hardwood Rocking Motorcycle -  $3,500

My grandmother had a green depression ware childs tea set that my sister and I remember playing with when we visited her.  I'm sure it was much less expensive than this, but note that this artist customizes her sets.  This one is a beauty.  Would you let a child play with this art piece?

Custom  Tea Set - $370

 Dolls can be sky high expensive but usually aren't for children. (Kind of sad, right.) There are some pricey but wonderful Waldorf type dolls out there that are for kids. Most of them I've found come from Europe or Israel. This maker ships from Russia and the dolls have exquisite clothes - handmade sweaters, beautiful underthings.  My mother made  me a wardrobe for an 18 inch Bride doll I loved that would have cost a fortune.  I played with it for years and my youngest sister inherited the remnants and still has them.

Waldorf Doll By Eljbeta -$270

Many parents will spend several hundred dollars on video game systems and games for their children.  These we know will be out of date in a couple of years.  Wonderful, sturdy, hand made toys can be passed on to many children so they could be a much better value. Would it be good or bad for our kiddlets?