Business Highlight
This blog post is sponsored and I have been compensated for my time and work put into this piece, the opinions are honest and true to my beliefs.
If you follow me on Instagram you have probably seen Modern Rascals mentioned in my posts, stories, highlights, and IGTV videos. My relationship with Jana and this amazing local business that she owns is on a customer basis, personal basis (we have commonality and passion about business and all things early development) and business. Jana trusted me only a few months ago to take over her Modern Rascals Instagram account and speak to her audience and customers all about my beliefs and expertise with open ended toys and loose parts in regards to early learning and development.
When I decided it was time to start growing Amadeo’s, Grimm’s ( https://modernrascals.ca/collections/grimms ) and Grapat ( https://modernrascals.ca/collections/grapat ) collection, I wanted to purchase from a Canadian Business, Run by a (bad ass) Woman with ecological and humanitarian ethics behind the brand. Jana- Modern Rascals, checked off all criteria and then some!
I asked Jana if she would be willing to share with us her “why”, one of the biggest reasons I rally and support this brand the way I do in this community is Jana herself. She is a kind and caring human being with high standards with the brands she carries from clothing to toys taking into account from the salaries and conditions the makers who creates these beautiful products are in, all the way to how these products will impact and add value for us, her consumers, in a positive way. I’ll never forget she had a question box in her Instagram stories, of ask me anything, while she was passing the time during a tattoo session and I asked, “What do you love most about the products you sell”, to which she responded, “That the workers are making a living wage and the bright rainbow colours make me happy”.
I Absolutely Love that! I’m more then happy to invest in quality toys for my child and support a Canadian business owner who genuinely cares about the impact her company is making on the world the way that Jana does!
Here is Jana’s “Why”
When my firstborn was little, I cobbled together happy colourful clothes from a variety of big stores. As he got bigger the choices got more gendered and the colours and prints were limited. I wanted clothes to be open-ended (or at the very least not inherently limiting) and so off I went on many late-night google searches. I eventually found bright happy prints in Scandinavian brands like DUNS Sweden and Maxomorra.
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To this date Amadeo’s Wooden toy and open-ended toy collection includes these amazing brands purchased from modern rascals:
Grimms : https://modernrascals.ca/collections/grimms
Grapat : https://modernrascals.ca/collections/grapat
Folkmanis : https://modernrascals.ca/collections/folkmanis
Holztiger : https://modernrascals.ca/collections/holztiger
Papoose: https://modernrascals.ca/collections/papoose
Way To Play : https://modernrascals.ca/collections/waytoplay
Wobbel : https://modernrascals.ca/collections/wobbel
Erzi : https://modernrascals.ca/collections/erzi
When I’m looking at what to purchase in regards to toys for Amadeo, I consider these three things…..
1.Safety : This touches on what quality of materials the toys was made out of. Where the toy was produced and what their safety standards and practices are in regards to production of the finale product. Age suitability, I’m a huge believer in more mature play and exposure to toys that may be suitable for older children however safety is always a top priority when thinking of the toys you’d like to offer to your child unsupervised.
2. Life Span : If I’m purchasing a toy especially, at a higher price point, you best believe it will be open-ended and my child will be playing, exploring and discovering new ways to interact and create with the materials over many years. Spending $120.00 on a Grimms Rainbow that can be played with from birth to 12 years old ( at least) ends up costing you only $10.00 a year! The investment is essentially in the amount of years it will be enjoyed.
3.Will this help my child evolve: Children’s most important work in their early learning and development is accomplished through play. Investing in open-ended toys will help support your child explore the world, through play. With play that emphasizes the process or experience rather than the final product children will be able to build on who they are as a person and what interests and makes them happy. This to me is worth ever penny I invest in Amadeo’s Toy collection.
For more on open-ended play and toys visit : https://mylittlelamb.ca/2020/03/28/open-ended-play/
When I go through the beautifully designed and incredibly user ( mom brain ) friendly website that is https://modernrascals.ca/ , all of the toys that Jana sources hit my top three credentials of what I look at when I purchase toys, resources and materials either for Amadeo, for my programs or parent and child classes.
What are my Top toy recommendations per age that Modern Rascals sells you ask ……
I created some graphics for when I took over Modern Rascals Instagram account and here they are, keep in mind almost all of these toys, because they open ended will be played with for many years to come not just exclusively for that month.
I put my HUGE stamp of approval on all things Modern Rascals and recommend taking some time to visit their site ( https://modernrascals.ca/ ) to explore their beautiful clothing, reusable’s and extraordinary open ended toy collection!
Because Jana is so amazing she has offered the My Little Lamb community a 10% your entire first toy order with code : MYLITTLELAMB ( this is not affiliated)
Thank you Jana for all that you do in regards to your business!
Vanessa Ravalico 
Love these toys! I would live to get Tessa one of the Grimms rainbows or stacking pyramids!
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LOVE all these toys! I would absolutely love to add the rainbow stacker 🌈 to our collection!
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So incredibly helpful! We’ve had our eyes on so much stuff but especially the holztiger animals (how can I pick?!), and the Grimms rainbow house!
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I feel the exact same that’s why I bought two mystery boxes I couldn’t choose the animals and I LOVED and Amadeo LOVED the ones Jana picked for us
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Super informative blog — especially love the month to month breakdown! I am very interested in open ended play and loose parts but need to understand it a bit better (would LOVE to take one of your classes!). I also want fewer, more versatile and higher quality toys so will definitely be checking out their website! I for sure want to get G the rainbow, the blocks, and eventually the wobble board! Thanks for doing what you do ladies!
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Aww thank you so so much for saying that! I LOVE teaching them! Def would recommend environmental focus and all about toys classes ❤️
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Thanks for all the great info on these products! I will absolutely buy some of their products. For the contest I would love to get a wood rainbow! 🌈 Thanks for the opportunity to win! Elisha
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Would LOVE the Wobbel board for our very busy 1 and 4 year old!
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The way to play toys track is super cool and versatile! I love the idea and will definitely be checking out these toys! 😍
I spent a lot of money on Lovevery and it was really great but these are super cool and I love that this is NOT a subscription but so educational and useful.
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It’s so so true, actually I’m reviewing the lovevery subscriptions and really impressed with their products and info attached , you’ll hear from that and maybe it will make you feel good about that , the only thing I would say is some items are very much for those stages and if you have a background or attend some of my parent classes you wouldn’t need those “milestone” toys you could just invest in open ended toys.
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I love the loose parts! Would love these for my 3 boys 5 years and under 💙💙💙
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Pretty sure Gray would love any of these toys! He loves rainbows and wood toys! Keep up the amazing blogs!!!
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I’m always drooling over your toys! My twins would absolutely love any of these! More specifically, I was thinking the wooden pyramid tower, the tracks, stacking pebbles, etc.,
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Oh my gosh love all of this!
Her collection is so beautiful!
All of the Grimm’s toys are on my list, but specifically the large rainbow and stacking pebbles! And I love the Holtztiger collection as well!
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Love the Grimm’s toys. Next on my list is the semi circles to go with the rainbow, or the pebbles for my two littles to play with
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I am an ece and momma! And now I am obsessed with this business! That speedway set would be right up my sons ally
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I would love the Grimms stacking rainbow!! We’re working on fine motor and colours with my son and he would absolutely love this toy!
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These are amazing ! I would love the Large Rainbow for my 7 month old, he would love it so much.
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I have been browsing the Modern Rascals webpage for some time now and am in love with the Grimm’s brand. I found this blog to be very helpful and would love the rainbow stacker/semi-circles or blocks 💗
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I have a long wish list thanks to what you share! First up is definitely a Grimm’s rainbow because it seems to be the most versatile. High up on the list is a Wobble Board, and wooden animals. But really, I want it all!
(I’m trying this a second time, I’m not sure if my first attempt worked)
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As an Early Childhood Educator natural and colourful toys are my definite go to and to know they are local is a bonus! The balls and bowl set is one I’ve had my eye on, perfect for fine motor, counting and sorting!
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Fantastic info and toys❤️ we would love a wobble board ! Giant rainbow and king of the road. Everything is so precious 😍
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Oooooo I love this store! I am dying to get my hands on some of those wooden stacking animals, or a wobble board! 😍
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Wonderful post. All natural and open ended. BRB while I go fill my cart.
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With two little boys, Way to Play has been on my list of things to get for awhile! Since they’re also getting into marble runs a second large grimms rainbow and some coloured wooden balls are also on my wishlist
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Great story! I love these products and I love all the colours and care put in to them. The large rainbow, peg people and balance board are on my dream list 😍
Keep showing us all the beautiful products!
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My wish list for sure has the stacking pebbles and the rainbow 😍
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I really enjoyed this post! I love supporting Canadian companies and if we won this giveaway I’m sure my two year old would love the nins – Carla!!
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Would love some of the wooden animals 🤗
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I would love to grab the Wobbel Boards I think my little guys would love it!
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We love how bright these modern rascal toys are!
Our number one item on our wish list is the wobble board!
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I love these kinds of toys, and love how long children are drawn to them for, I think it might be crazy but the stones are something I want so badly!
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I would love to win the wobble board! It would be a perfect thing to help my 1 year old use up some energy. Thanks for the entries into the contest
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Really loving the Pastel Rainbow! Well all of them really, but especially the pastel😍
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I would LOVE to add some building blocks or animals. We only have a few Grimms pieces as they’re a pricey addition!
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I love all of these toys! I love the breakdown by age! Can’t wait to buy the stacking moons! They’re all so beautiful! 😍
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I would definitely buy both Building Set Shapes and Colours . I think my son would love these for sure!!!
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Beautiful ! Montessori mom here with one year old twins and a 4 almost 5 year old. Grimms rainbow is on our list 🥰❤️
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Oh I love them all! I love the Rainbow wooden set and little wooden people! Those are on my wish list! 🤩
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The Grimm’s large stepped pyramid has been top of my wish list for a while now!
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The wooden animals & Grimms rainbow are on our wishlist, my boys would love them!
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Absolutely love all of the grimms toys!!! The rainbow has been on my wishlist since before my little babe was born! Weve added it to her first birthday wishlist for this coming June 🙂
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I absolutely adore these aesthetically pleasing gorgeous toys !! Perfect for any age and will never run out of ideas how to play with them. I would ADORE to win the contest and my favourite item would really anything however if I had to choose would be the wooden rainbow or the pegs. Perfect for my kindergarten class !!
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My girls are obessed with animals. And I been wanting to buy them some wooden animals. So I would say my favorite is the wooden animals by Holztiger:)
Well done blog post . So informative 🥰
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Would love to get the grimms rainbow for my son I think he would absolutely love it! Such an amazing store with sustainable toys that will last both of my boys for years!
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I love this. My daughter plays with something similar to the grapat pieces at preschool, and I would love to order a set for her!! She absolutely loves them. Love seeing all your modern rascal posts
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These are such great toys!!
I would love to add some of the Holztiger wooden animals (Especially the Fox and moose)
As well as a Grimm’a rainbow.
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Love all these toys! Would love to have the large rainbow or wobble board for the kiddies.
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This is great! I love Modern Rascals! Bad ass feminist mother owned businesses are such an amazing thing to support! I love all my Dena products and holztiger animals from Modern Rascals but right now I have my eye on the Forest mushroom pretend play set as well the Lola grapat set 🙂 my big goal for 2020 is to purchase a rainbow for my practices!
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I would loveee a wobble board. So much fun to be had.
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Thank you for all of this info! The links and graphics are so helpful, especially to send to family members who wish to buy my daughter child powered toys ❤
I’ve been dreaming of the Grimms rainbow for my daughter for so long. She’s 7 months old & I know if we could add the rainbow to her shelf she’d have YEARS of fun open ended play.
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You have been such an inspiration for playroom planning! I have my eye on so many toys from modern rascals including the blocks pyramids, different lose parts, wooden animals and the Waytoplay roads! 😍 Keep up the awesome content! Thank you!!
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Wow! Too many to choose from that would be wonderful additions to my kindergarten class. But I would definitely choose a wobble board for my busy little toddler!
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