Walk down the game aisle, or look around the game store, and you will see a Spiel des Jahres emblem. But, what is the Spiel des Jahres Award? Why is it important? And how is it that a German Game Award became so prestigious worldwide? To me… the emblem means that the game is perfect for my family! What is…
Category: Games and Toys
What is Indiaca? A backyard sport fun for the Whole Family!
Several years ago in Germany, we were introduced to a fun game called Indiaca. The corner of Germany where my family lives, Indiaca is kind of a big deal… the local team made it to the World Championships! But what is Indiaca? This hybrid of Volleyball and Badminton is played with a giant shuttlecock (sort of a flat ball…
The Simple Pleasure of a Strickliesel , the German Spool Knitter
If you didn’t grow up in Germany, you may wonder “What is a Strickliesel?”Many German Girls were given their introduction to the all-important (and not always loved) concept of Handarbeit with a Strickliesel. (Handarbeit literally means hand work or handicraft, but in this instance it means needlework/sewing or embroidery). These sweetly painted spool looms taught the basics of knitting by turning…
Ravensburger Games & Puzzles for the Whole Family!
The first game that Ravensburger produced was “Weltreise“ (Journey Around the World), and it was one of my favorite games ever. I played it over and over… and learned geography along the way. Like most Ravensburger products, the game was engaging, well constructed and built to last. And our game closet was loaded with Ravensburger products because when my mom…
How to play the Stadt Land Fluss Game
When I was a kid, we would often play the Stadt Land Fluss Game (City Country River). Saturday Morning German School meant a half hour drive in each direction. This is a long time to kill for a kid in the back seat in the days before iphones. Luckily, we would carpool with other kids, so we kept busy playing…
Kathe Kruse Dolls- Over 100 years of Special Dolls
When my daughter was born, my aunt sent her a soft little doll that we named Maya. This sweet faced dolly is colorful, and perfect for cuddling. Käthe Kruse dolls weren’t familiar to me at the time, but now (two more kids and two more dolls later) I know what wonderful toys they make, and how long they last.…
Steiff Stuffed Animals – Toys to Love for a Lifetime
Like so many German kids, I was lucky enough to have a few stuffed Steiff Stuffed Animals & Plush toys. A small Dog with a blue collar and a bell, an Owl, and a Goldfish. One very memorable Christmas, I found a Steiff Bear sitting in the branches of our Christmas Tree. The Owl is still with me today, it…
Berg Pedal Karts – German Pedal Cars for ALL Ages!
Berg Pedal Karts are so much fun! When we were in Germany a few years ago our family was introduced to these large Pedal Cars that can be used by people of all ages. Kids in the area we visited were riding them on walking paths, sidewalks and bike trails. Adults were even using them pick up groceries and to…