A cuddly doll - GIVEAWAY!

Maplerose is a brick-and-mortar and online shop based in Nelson, BC. It was established with the goal of being a Canadian source for Waldorf supplies and toys. I'm not very familiar with the Waldorf education system, as there are no Waldorf schools here in Manitoba, but what I do know is that there's a strong emphasis on developing a child's imagination in this system. Waldorf toys that I've seen often are very basic but multi-purpose, leaving a lot of the details to the child. Maplerose sources many products locally and also makes some themselves. Waldorf toys are designed to suit a child's age and real developmental needs, while being aware of how they affect the growing child.

Daniel received a Waldorf cuddle doll, and this doll is no exception to the Waldorf principles. This doll is suitable for babies on up. Made of cotton velour and stuffed with wool, it's beautifully soft and cuddly. Since Daniel has started sleeping in a toddler bed, he insists on "baby" being their with him. Wool dolls are known to absorb scents, and are often used as bonding or comforting dolls, and I wonder if this appeals to Daniel as well. As you can see, the face has little detail, allowing children to imagine facial expressions etc and to fit the doll into different situations.  The Waldorf cuddle dolls are made by a group of mothers and grandmothers in Argentina to benefit a local Waldorf school. I like the idea of supporting a Canadian business, and also supporting a group trying to help the children in their community.

Daniel's doll has been loved rather aggressively for a few months now, and it has held up well. The hat knot has been sucked or chewed on, and looks a little grungy, but he doesn't mind. It survived a bath the other day with no adverse effects - Daniel decided to wash baby in the sink while I was on the phone! :) I just hung it up on the line to dry, as the wool stuffing can't be dried in the machine, and baby was good to go again by sleep time.

Maplerose carries a good selection of other Waldorf-based toys for a variety of age ranges and other items including arts and crafting supplies and books. The toys and other supplies are great for any child and would make a great, lasting gift, even if they're not enrolled in a Waldorf school.

WIN IT!

Maplerose is offering one reader a Waldorf cuddle doll just like Daniel received. In order to enter the contest, please become a fan of Maplerose on Facebook.

EXTRA ENTRIES - Please leave an additional comment for each extra entry.

• Visit Maplerose and comment on another product that intrigues or interests you.
• Grab our button
• Subscribe to our blog/feed
• Follow our blog
• Become a fan of Glimpse on Facebook
• Blog about this giveaway and leave the link in your comment (2 entries, leave 2 separate comments)

Contest open to Canadians only and ends on September 8, 2010. Please view our giveaway rules for more info.

**Disclaimer: The product/s mentioned above have been given free of charge from the company or PR firm in exchange for being featured on Glimpse.  The product features expressed in this post are those of Glimpse and have not been influenced in any other way.  Please see the full Terms of use.