Online - March 24, 2005

Old School for New School

Didi's Online Toy Store

PlayStation! Power Puffs! Disney product tie-ins!

Finding yourself a bit nostalgic for the simpler toys of yore? Things that don’t require engineering degrees, media savvy, or electrical outlets?

Then DiDi’s Children’s Boutique is the place for you. The old-school emporium carries a carefully curated collection of the best toys for the newborn-to-12-years-old set — hand-painted wood and cloth toys, first blocks, train sets, folding castles, finger puppets. Everything is designed to foster creativity and imagination and help develop cognitive and motor skills.

You’ll find lots of bright colors — no neon or flashing lights in sight. (Phew.) Kitchen play sets have pretend food for your budding Jean-Georges. Matching Mom & Me totes (for hauling around more than stuffed bears and blocks) come in white canvas with leather trim (very mini MJ). DiDi’s is a one-stop shop for timeless, tasteful toys. Don’t worry. They’re also really fun to play with.

To say nothing of the relief they provide from the beeping, blinging playthings that take up far too much physical space. And so tax your mental space.

Available online at didis.com.