“A doll is an image of a human being and is therefore the toy most suited to develop and enliven the self-image in the growing child.” Freya Jaffka (in Toymaking with Children)

There’s something really special about basic toys like wooden dolls our kids can use to role play life. Because that’s the thing; they are no longer a toy but a tool for them to use to process their lives. As our kids try to bring the big world into some sort of manageable size, doll play serves both boys and girls well. Especially for kids who have come from hard places, the tool of doll play can be empowering for them as well as for us as parents as we try to walk through hard stuff with them.

Beccijo is a local artist and natural toy maker at The Enchanted Cupboard, an award-winning and nationally recognized Etsy store. She reached out to us originally with encouragement and appreciation for what we do to support families. And, you know what, I’m appreciative of what she is doing to support families because I really think her items such as her custom doll family could be SO helpful for families like ours whose children may look a little different. They’d also be great to help prepare children for medical procedures if she made a nurse and/or doctor doll for you (wouldn’t a custom one that looks like your child’s surgeon be awesome?). I just love these. Can you tell?

The Enchanted Cupboard is one of our partners to Build the Nest this May, giving 10% of all her sales to support the work of The Sparrow Fund. And, she’s also offered to giveaway my favorite item of hers here–the custom family doll set worth $58. Wow.

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Have you discovered Barefoot Books yet? We’re big fans. Barefoot Books is a multicultural publisher of childrens’ books, offering timeless stories from around the world with stunning illustrations for kids of all ages. Their books give children the opportunity to explore other cultures, our planet, and themselves. These particular titles are ones we like, given our heart for China—Lin Yi’s Lantern, We’re Riding on a Caravan, Stories From the Silk Road, and Little Leap Forward. Check them out. I’ve heard great things about The Barefoot Books World Atlas too that actually has an app that goes along with it. Hoping to get our hands on that one—we have and like all the others. It would be a good little gift to us while Daddy’s in China this month, don’t you think?

My friend, Nicole Renee, just opened up shop to be a reseller for Barefoot Books and is partnering with us this month to Build the Nest, donating 10% of her May sales to The Sparrow Fund. AND, she’s giving away a $25 gift certificate here on the blog so that you can start your own Barefoot Books collection.

Head on over to her website to check out all of the great books there. And, as an added bonus, use the special code TWENTY13 for a one-time 20% off discount.

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13 years married today and mother of 3 boys, she indeed ruffled some feathers when she opened her little business to sew dresses, twirly skirts, and adorable little dolls. But, we’re glad she did.

Valerie is a treasured member of the Chinese adoptive community, not as an adoptive mother at this point, but as a major supporter and encourager…and seamstress of pretty things for many girlies from all over.

As one of our partners to Build the Nest for The Sparrow Fund this May, Valerie has committed to giving 10% of all her sales this month to support adoptive families through the work of The Sparrow Fund. So, head over to her site and order a few things, k?

Just to encourage you all to do that, Valerie’s giving away one of her precious Lydia Love dolls worth valued at $41 with shipping. So, enter and share about Ruffled Feathers and The Sparrow Fund and our efforts to Build the Nest! Giveaways are fun…winning is always fun…but spreading the word is the purpose. So, rally behind us and help us do that!

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