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As a parent, you’re probably concerned about your child’s education and health. So every time you step into your local mass retailer to buy a toy, you wonder if the toys are really safe (lead paint, anyone?), if they’ll fall apart after a few weeks, or if they’re truly educational as the manufacturer claims.

If that describes you, let me introduce you to KoboldToys.com, a fantastic online toy store. Kobold Toys was started by Carmina Valdizan as a brick and mortar toy store in Panama. Her partner, Ana Eiras, a mom, launched the U.S. based online store in March 2008. (You can read more about their startup at the WomenHomeBusiness.com.)

In the days of toy recalls, Carmina and Ana search all over the world for toys that are high quality, safe, and have high educational value. They also carry unusual toys that are hard to find anywhere else, and are on the lookout for brands that are eco-friendly.

Toy Concierge Service?

Really! Kobold Toys Very Busy Very Thoughtful Program helps busy parents, friends and relatives pick the perfect gift for the children in their lives.

For a small fee ($10) Kobold conducts an interview to find out more about the kid(s), keeps a record (100% confidential and only for the program’s use) with names, birthdays, likes and dislikes, and how many days before the event that they want to be reminded.

When that day comes, Kobold sends out an email with links to gift recommendations. From there, they can purchase the gifts, and have them gift wrapped, and shipped to the birthday boy or girl.

Carmina started this program in Panama over four years ago, and now has over 300 clients using it. Over 70% of them are men, fathers, uncles, and grandfathers.

Like Busy Dad, I think this is a great program for all those relatives who think your 11-year-old is still in preschool, or who buy toys clearly labeled “for 10+” for your three-year-old. For more information, contact Kobold at verybusyverythoughtful@kobold.com.

The Kobold Kids Approved Program

If you’re interested in being a volunteer toy tester, you may be interested in the Kobold Kids Approved Program. Currently being developed, Kobold plans to send parents toys to test along with a feedback form to fill out. If most parents agreed on the quality and functionality, Kobold will award the toy a “Kobold Kids Approved” sticker. They also plan to share test results with manufacturers.  

Wrapping and Shipping

Kobold Toys buys their wrapping paper from Disegno, a mom-and-pop business in Germany. Spending the extra $3 will make your gifts look incredible.

Orders below $89 can be shipped by ground for a flat fee of $6.99. However, Kobold Toys offers free Ground Shipping in Continental US for most orders over $89, after all discounts, promotions and coupons are applied.

Check out KoboldToys.com today along with the Kobold Toys Blog.

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