Rave - American Made Artificial Christmas Trees

This is something I never even thought about, where is your Christmas Tree from? I'm talking the artificial kind. When I was a kid we always put up the same artificial Christmas Tree and I'm sure back then it was American Made. And now that I have a family of my own we also have a artificial Christmas Tree only ours is the aluminum kind. As I have bad allergies artificial trees are a must for me, not to mention I have a problem cutting down a perfectly good tree just for my enjoyment. To me when someone's says they are getting a live tree I correct them and say you are getting a dead or dying tree. Because in reality that is what it is. This year we will pull our aluminum tree out but probably next year we will be getting a real artificial tree. And I will be checking where those trees are made. As with this Christmas next year will also be a China Free Holiday.

If you are in need of a new Christmas Tree click on the Christmas Depot Banner to the right under the Buy American section.

Rave - Izilla Toys has "Not Made in China Dolls"

Run don't walk to Izilla Toys in Seattle. They have the Petitcollin baby dolls from France along with dolls for older children and they have Vinyl Dolls by Kathe Kruse from Germany.

Rave - More not made in China

Today I took a spin to Top Ten Toys here in Seattle. I wanted to see if I could find something for Baby Girl for Christmas. So far the only thing I had was my Vinyl Baby Doll made in France for her. Making your way around a toy store is not easy when one has a 16 month old in a stroller when all she wants to do is get out. After making my way around the store once I reluctantly let her out of the stroller.

While she was looking at the toy cars I was checking out the magnetic letters. She loves to play with the magnets on our fridge and I thought it might be a good stocking stuffer for her. But I could not find letter that were not made in China. But I did notice a display stand with magnetic play sets. They are called "Create a Scene" by Smethport and they are MADE IN USA. Some of the playsets they had were, Rainforest, Africian Adventure, Pirate Adventure, Doll House, Bugs & Farm. There were others but I can't remember them right now.



The ages are for 3+ but I thought since she likes our magnets so much as long as we play with it together it shouldn't be a problem.

Doing a quick search I found a few places that sell this toy.
Super Dairy Boy
Farm Goods For Kids


I also found another baby doll not made in China. It is the Diana Collection from The Doll Factory. Top Ten Toys had a white, black and asian baby doll. I did not get the chance to really look this doll over but from looking at their web site it looks like the babies are anatomically-correct. I called the number listed on their website and the woman told me that all of their anatomically-correct dolls are made in Spain. But before you buy check for yourself.

Rave - Dolls Made In America

Hold onto your hats, I found a vinyl doll manufacturer right here in the good old USA! The name is Apple Valley Doll Works! They sell doll kits that you put together. You pick out the head of your choice from 36 heads, 3 skin colors, 6 eye colors, 6 different body styles and 11 hair styles in various colors to make a 22" doll.

They also have a 12" elf kit on sale for 39.95.

Oh and if you clink on the Find a Dealer tab you can find a list of resellers of Apple Valley Dolls. There are other sizes of dolls but only the 22" and 12" elf are available directly from Apple Valley.

Rave - Baby Dolls

Well I received the vinyl dolls from Live and Learn and I must say they are fabulous! It seems there are other parents out there like me who do not want to take chances with toys for their children, because Live and Learn are sold out of the Petitcollin 10" Vinyl Baby Doll. I've been looking around for another website that carries this little beauty but so far I've only found European websites that are not in English. For those wanting to try to look for it themselves the name on the box is Ref. 622565 Leo 25cm " A La Creche".


The Corolle Vinyl Toddler Doll Ambre is adorable also and it seems Live and Learn are out of her too. But I did find her at a few other sites. But I would contact these sites BEFORE purchasing just to make sure the doll they have is made in Spain.


The Playful Penguin
Kazoo Toys
The Silly Wagon
Master Mind Toys

Rave - The first snow of the year.

So today is my 10 yr wedding anniversary and what better way to celebrate than with snow!

Rave - Vinyl Baby Dolls NOT MADE IN CHINA

I have been on the look out for a vinyl baby doll for my 15 month old. I was specifically looking for one with molded hair that we could change into pajamas at night time, we are trying to teach going to bed. Knowing she still puts things in her mouth I wanted a doll not made in China. Do you know how hard that is? It is just about impossible. I was ready to give up when I found this site. Live and Learn

They carry Petitcollin Dolls that are made in France. I ordered a very sweet 10" vinyl baby doll. They have a white and black baby doll. And the best part at under 28.00 it won't break your bank account.

I also ordered the Ambre Toddler Doll by Corolle Dolls made in Spain. This one I will wait till baby girl's 2 birthday or even Christmas of next year. It all depends on how she is with her dolls. But with this doll being made in Spain I had to snap it up before production of this little beauty is moved to China.