Kids' Corner Wish List
Morningside Shelter
Roughly 40 children called Morningside Shelter "home" last year. As part of Project: Re-Vamp Morningside Shelter, we have set an ambitious goal to transform the kids' corner for the holiday season! All items will be tucked safely away from prying eyes, until Christmas Eve when a few volunteers will work their magic to create an unforgettable and most magical Christmas morning display!
We are reaching out to the community, relying on a collective effort to bring our vision to fruition. Please consider passing along a pre-loved item, buying a new toy, or even hand-crafting one! In keeping with our campaign to "DESIGN FOR DIGNITY", we are striving to provide high-quality, non-toxic, and developmentally appropriate toys centered around a Woodland Theme. Simple, natural toys that are battery-free and open-ended foster sustained attention, active engagement and allow for creativity and imagination. We are limited to the following list of carefully selected items given our space constraints. Thank you for helping us to realize our goal of creating a thoughtfully prepared environment for all children!
All Melissa and Doug products can be found at Love it Twice, a local children's consignment shop. The owner, Leigh-Ann Cwikowski, recently became a certified dealer. Melissa and Doug offer affordable, high quality (wooden) toys that are developmentally appropriate and use non-toxic paints. All products are available in the store for an additional 10% off for this cause. Many items are currently in stock, but anything else can be ordered & shipped in 3-5 business days at no extra cost. Love it Twice is located at 74 Black Mountain Road, (802)490-2160.
Whippersnappers is the other local kids' consignment shop in town. Owners Amy Nelson & husband Tom have a constantly rotating selection of pack-n-plays, high chairs, and potty chairs. They also carry the full line of non-toxic art supplies by Melissa and Doug. Whippersnappers is located at Aubuchon Plaza, 642 Putney Road, (802) 275-5176.
All items may be dropped off at the shelter at your convenience. The office is staffed from 8am-11pm. You might ask for Anna or Libby as they would love to thank you in person! If you would like a tax receipt, or to be added to our mailing list, you can contact Libby at lbennett@morningsideshelter.org or 802.257.0066 x101. You can also check the website, http://www.morningsideshelter.org/ for additional contact information.
On behalf of all the children at Morningside - THANK YOU!!!
Be sure to check out revampmorningside.blogspot.com for before and after pictures!
A perfect addition for our woodland-inspired kids' corner!
Must be durable, easy to clean, and collapsible for easy storage, like this Schylling tent for $41.99 at Amazon.
If you're feeling ambitious, check out this tutorial for a DIY A-Frame Tent, http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/2011/05/free-pattern-month-day-11-cakies-a.html#delighted
Any aspiring crafters out there? All you need is a (short) tree stump, padding, and fabric. Perfect for our woodland theme!
*A 5 gallon bucket or drum painted or upholstered to mimic a tree stump would work just as well, as would a small round stool.
Start with an apothecary jar, kitchen canister, or even a mason jar. Capture the spirit of the woodlands by adding some stones, moss, ferns, whatever inspires you. Create a whimsical miniature scene and add some toadstools, fairies, or other such objects if you like.
made out of milk crates!
to reach the bathroom sink
$30.88 at Amazon, significantly cheaper at local consignment shops!
$12.94 on Amazon
Any color
Size: small
www.amazon.com/Plastics-101-6B-BLUE-Foldz-Step-Stool/dp/B000ETK5ES/ref=pd_sim_auto_1
Green color to simulate a forest floor for our woodland theme (Please call to color coordinate with design). Made to withstand heavy traffic, easy to clean, and sustainably-focused! $19/tile
can help regulate body temperature, and is naturally water resistant and anti-bacterial
Must have a removable, machine-washable slipcover or a wipe-clean, waterproof cover. Prefer green, brown, or gray to complement woodland theme.
for our new woodland-themed Flannel Board!
Prefer people or animals to tie in with the woodland theme.
Even better, make your own!
$52.69 or $37.45 respectively at Amazon
*Available locally at Love it Twice for a discounted price.
Simple, natural, and small enough to store on a bookshelf; or try your hand at making one!
hats, scarves, wigs, glasses, clothes with buttons, zippers, & snaps
Handmade is even better!
$26.95 on Amazon for Baby Stella
Love it Twice carries homemade soft babies for $15
various sizes, you might even consider adding a bell inside
$13.84 on Amazon
3+ months
A good first sensory toy for babies to work on grasping and holding.
$14.26 on Amazon
*Available locally at Love it Twice for a discounted price.
ages 12+ months
"Encourages color and shape recognition and fine motor development. Stimulates basic learning skills such as visual tracking and eye-hand coordination."
www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-Deluxe-First-Bead/dp/B000SONEQA/ref=pd_sim_t_10
$7.99 on Amazon
*Available locally at Love it Twice for a discounted price.
ages 6+ months
$27.99 at Amazon
"strengthen reasoning, fine-motor and hand-eye coordination skills"
Promotes open-ended, imaginative play. Beautiful to look at as well!
$77.89 on Amazon
$17.06 on Amazon
Ages 2+
"Each wooden piece can be stacked to form different kinds of trees. Helps develop vision, intelligence and eye-hand coordination. Helps to realize the importance of nature." Remember the woodland theme??!!
www.amazon.com/Plan-Toys-0514900-Stacking-Tree/dp/B001CMC41I/ref=pd_sim_ba_3
$47.99 on Amazon
www.amazon.com/Vibrant-Rainbow-Square-Camden-Rose/dp/B00795DU0G/ref=pd_sim_sbs_t_4
$9.97 on Amazon
to pair with a wooden bowl full of polished stones and crystals
Agway carries smaller metal ones that are very durable.
$16 on Amazon
*Available locally at Love it Twice for a discounted price
$26 on Amazon
ages 3+ years
good for fine motor and visual thinking skills
conveniently stored in a sturdy, wood carrying case
$9.99 at Amazon
*Available locally at Love it Twice for a discounted price.
ages 2-4
Helps to give a sense of home while feeling and seeing the difference between graduated sizes of the same shape.
www.forsmallhands.com/games-activities/puzzles/house-wooden-layer-puzzle
$9.99 on Amazon
*Available locally at Love it Twice for a discounted price
$11.99 at Amazon
*Available locally at Love it Twice for a discounted price.
Or else try Smethport, Imaginarium, Lakeshore Learning brands, etc.
The designated space is pretty tight, approximately 37" wide.
The DIY kitchen pictured here costs less than $30 to make using Ikea parts in case you're feeling handy...
Amber Paris of Bubba Pickles Market sells locally and on Etsy.
Love it Twice carries very affordable felt food made by Rebecca Johnson. Plus they're machine-washable.
Or better yet, make your own, using felt or old food containers!
Fake flowers and durable vase for flower arranging (and decoration!)
Come share your favorite book!
Contact Anna Gouznova, AmeriCorps Services Coordinator agouznova@morningsideshelter.org
(802) 257-0066 x110
crayons, markers, non-toxic paints, brushes, glue sticks, scissors, construction paper, pipe cleaners, etc...
*Whippersnappers carries the full line of art supplies by Melissa & Doug. Support local!
Have an idea for a kid-friendly art project? Come and share it with the children at Morningside!
Contact Anna Gouznova, AmeriCorps Services Coordinator agouznova@morningsideshelter.org
(802) 257-0066 x110
Have a musical talent? Volunteer your time sharing your love of music by offering a one-time or ongoing class.
Contact Anna Gouznova, AmeriCorps Services Coordinator agouznova@morningsideshelter.org
(802) 257-0066 x110
Contact Anna Gouznova, AmeriCorps Services Coordinator agouznova@morningsideshelter.org
(802) 257-0066 x110
Must be able to fold for storage.
$56.79 on Amazon
*Available locally at Love it Twice for a discounted price.
Would love to have it color-coordinate, or at least not clash, with the red wooden kitchen that was just gifted to us!
Melissa & Doug set is available locally at Love it Twice for a discounted price.
Also available at Montessori Services.
$17.55 on Amazon
*Available locally at Love it Twice for a discounted price.
$28.99 on Amazon for Melissa & Doug Stainless Steel set
*Available locally at Love it Twice for discounted price
Wooden cook set by Melissa & Doug is also available.
$24.99 on Amazon for Melissa & Doug Band in a Box
*Available locally at Love it Twice for a discounted price
glockenspiel, drum, rhythm sticks, triangle
$23.95 at Montessori Services
If you choose to buy new, keep it local with Green River Aprons or Booba Ruba!
$104.99 on Amazon
Feeling crafty? Upcycle some large adult shirts, or sew your own.
rolling pins, scissors, etc.
$29.95 from Montessori Services
$22.99 at Amazon
*Check out Whippersnappers or Love it Twice for pre-loved items!
$32.95 at Amazon
*Check out Whippersnappers or Love it Twice for pre-loved items!
$50 on Amazon
*Check out Whippersnappers or Love it Twice for pre-loved items!
www.amazon.com/Inglesina-2013-Table-Chair-Ibisco/dp/B006JV4HFS/ref=pd_sim_ba_4
$51.99 on Amazon
space-saver, slim fold for compact storage
*Check out Whippersnappers or Love it Twice for pre-loved items!
www.amazon.com/Evenflo-Compact-Fold-Chair-Covington/dp/B00AJSJ1AI/ref=pd_cp_ba_0
for kids' toys, athletic equipment, gardening tools, etc.
durable, metal hand tools for helping in the garden
metal preferred for durability sake
Also easy enough to make if you are so inclined. You might even think about leading a hula hoop making/decorating activity! Or share your hooping skills with a delighted audience and foster a love for this fun and healthy physical activity.
The snow is beginning to fly, and the kids want to help!
Gift cards to local kids' consignment shops will help us to meet specific needs of homeless families and their children throughout the year.
waterproof, easy to clean, safety belt
machine washable, durable
(organic) 100% cotton
for storing colored pencils
Handy with a sewing machine? This would certainly make for a lovely addition to our woodland theme!
Looking for an excuse to cull your kids' collections? We have an idea to create a welcome basket for families transitioning into the shelter, and thought a cuddly friend of each child's choosing would send an important message of welcome and love!
$79.99 at Amazon
*Check out Whippersnappers or Love it Twice for pre-loved items!
Keep it local! Cat Powers of Booba Ruba uses colorful and whimsical fabrics to make the most adorable napkins.
For storing dress-up clothes & accessories
Needs a hinged lid to serve the dual function as a seat
Approximately 15" d x 2'w or less
Of course it can be handmade!
Our original plan fell through, but we love the idea of having one.
This also makes for an easy DIY project!
We have wall space for up to 2' w x 3' l.
Prefer a light earth tone such as gray, celery green, or light blue background. A frame adds a nice touch.
The perfect inspirational art to hang on the wall in honor of our woodland theme!
Just discovered this creative, not to mention theme-related, 'real' toy in support of the "Slow Toy Movement".
If you live at a distance, or simply prefer to donate money, we will put it towards an item(s) on this list. Donations can be made via Paypal on our website.