Author Archives: Kirsten Chapman

When I first set out to make Kleynimals stainless steel toy keys, my mission was to create baby keys that would be realistic, high quality, practical, eco-friendly and have enduring style. My biggest goal, however, was to provide parents and babies with the safest baby products I could, which meant they would be non-toxic and lead-free. Thus, after coming up with my original idea, the first thing I did was call the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission to make sure that I understood how to make my dream a reality based on the CPSC guidelines for baby product safety standards. Little did I know how this initial act put me on their radar…

Shortly after I launched my Kleynimals toy keys in 2010, I received a call from someone at the CPSC. My heart sunk into my stomach. What had I done wrong that they were already calling? The person on the other end began to inquire as to why I tested my products for lead when it was not required for stainless steel products. My reply was that I simply wanted to provide parents with safe baby toys. As a mother, I wanted to know for certain that everything I gave my children was completely non-toxic, and other parents deserved the same assurances. Thankfully, at this point I received some reassurances that they were actually calling because they were impressed that I had gone above and beyond with my safety testing, and that yes, they had been following my product development since my original call (in 2009). At this point, they invited me to testify in trials that were being held to discuss more rigorous lead testing in children’s products. I was honored to testify, but sadly was one of the only manufacturers present who was a “pro-testing” advocate.

Now with a larger line of metal baby silverware and baby toys, I continue to be committed to offering safe baby products made in the USA from American sourced stainless steel. All of my products are tested to safety standards from multiple countries for both physical safety testing as well as toxic chemicals. They are all lead-free (and free of cadmium, BPA and all the other nasties). Parents can feel confident that when they give their babies Kleynimals products, they are only giving them the very best. I hope you enjoy reading my testimony below. Thank you for supporting my small business! ~Kirsten, Mom, Founder, CEO

My Testimony:

Thank you for allowing me to present to you today. I am a mother of two young boys and a recent entrepreneur. I have been working on a toy product for two years and just recently launched my toy for sales on December 1^st 2010. The toy is a set of keys for babies six months and up that are made entirely of food grade stainless steel (stainless 304).

I want to give a little background on my motivation to create this toy prior to talking through the logistics of testing. Over the past six years, really since the birth of my first son, I have become more and more aware of the various toxins in our environment that I truly believe are leading to increased rates of illness in our population – whether that be developmental delays, autism or cancer. My evolution started with food, and then moved to cleaning supplies, skin/hair care products and eventually toys and consumer goods. I am not a scientist, so I am not here to present the facts behind how the various chemicals impact us, however, I am sure many of you have heard of the numerous studies – most recently about BPA and lead. I have become an incredibly skeptical consumer as a result, even if I don’t always have a study that proves my suspicions. What I know is that I have a friend who told me that in one week recently she learned of 6 people between the ages of newborn to mid 30’s who were diagnosed with cancer. I hear stories like this all too often and I think that we should all be alarmed enough to insist on changes.

The reality is that most kids put toys in their mouths. I was not as sensitive to this with my first son, who absolutely loved Thomas the train, but fortunately did not put them in his mouth. When many of the Thomas products were recalled because of lead in the paint, I sent all of the affected ones back to the company. But, I did not worry too much from a personal standpoint because my eldest did not put toys in his mouth. However, my second son has been a totally different story because he puts everything in his mouth. Therefore, as a consumer I find myself seeking toys that are from European companies because of the more stringent restrictions on toxic chemicals in their products (for instance, >90 PPM of lead in a solubility test). So, while I am particular about what I purchase for my kids, they also have generous grandparents who don’t specifically seek out European restrictions. In fact, they more often purchase items from discount stores that come from China and that make me cringe when I see my youngest chomping on them.

Thus, when the idea struck me that the market needed a better toy key alternative, I was committed to designing something that was absolutely safe for all kids, because in the end, it’s not just a personal thing – it’s not just my child that matters. It’s also not just about making money. It’s about providing a product that hopefully is a winning business model, but that ultimately is safe for the individual kids enjoying it. It’s a product that does not lead a parent to cringe when their child inevitably puts it in his mouth.

So, how did I get from that idea for a toy and commitment to safety to actually launching my product? I was lucky in that I knew I could make the product out of a safe material – something that we eat off of and cook with every day – food grade stainless steel. Honestly, the material itself was the motivating factor behind my idea. When it came to the logistics of getting the toy to market, beyond the obvious cost of manufacturing, the other costs I had to consider were testing the product for compliance and liability insurance. I never considered not testing, for that would have been a risk to my company for lawsuits and recalls. And back to individual children – it also would have meant risking their safety. I also never considered not doing the lead testing because I wanted to be able to assure parents that I was offering a completely safe product. From a consumer perspective, I know I want the assurances (again, back to my desire for European standards). When it came down to the expense of it all, the liability insurance was what nearly led me to give up on my dream of producing the keys. It was not the testing. Liability insurance for someone like me was over $8000. Testing, including additional testing for cadmium, lead and nickel, was still less than $1000, and of note, I was not required to test for any of these contaminants because I used stainless steel 304, but I wanted to go above and beyond the requirements.

Realistically, had the test results come back and were shown to have lead in the toy, I would have been rather devastated. However, I made it clear in my purchase order with the manufacturer that I wanted material certifications for the stainless steel, and specifically that it could not contain lead. This was not difficult to request, and it seems to me that all manufacturers could require material certification prior to purchasing the material used for the components of their toys.

If Europe is holding companies accountable to safeguard their citizens by having more stringent restrictions, what makes it so difficult to do here? Back to my story about Thomas the Train since that is the one that affected my family (and this is not to single them out, because I know it has happened to many companies, god forbid it happens to mine)…But, would that company not have saved money by finding out before manufacturing their product what was in the paint? Could we not take steps to ensure that components are safe before they are made into the final product? Ultimately, I have to believe that the cost of a recall – both from the practical expense of performing the recall, but also because of the detriment to the brand – has to cost more than ensuring components are safe from the beginning. And frankly, if it is a question of a company using a manufacturer who has misled them, a contract stipulating exactly what is expected as far as material should be part of the negotiations from the beginning. If the product does not meet the specified safety expectations, that contract should denote that the manufacturer needs to take the financial risk so that they are held accountable.

Why is it that we cannot offer the citizens of the US the same kind of safety protections as are afforded European citizens? I truly believe that a responsible company is one who is honest about the end result of their product on the individual – whether that be a direct impact through chemicals in the product or an indirect impact through deleterious effects on our environment (for example, water and air quality). In the end, what costs us more as a country is treating illnesses caused by the harmful effects of known toxins like lead, especially in the most vulnerable little bodies that are even more susceptible because of their small size. In the end, don’t we all want our loved ones to be safe… and isn’t everyone someone’s loved one?

Basement Ideas for Kids: How to Make the Perfect Playroom

Kirsten Chapman

Design Parenting No Comments

If you have children, you know how much space they need to run around and play with their toys. Utilizing your basement by creating a playroom made especially for kids can be the perfect place for them to learn, grow, and explore. A basement playroom is ideal for homes without a backyard, rainy days, or for parents who want to have a dedicated play area for their kids. To help you get started, we reached out to experts from Charleston, SC to Toronto, ON to hear their best basement ideas for kids. Keep reading to see what they had to say.

Establish unique spaces for activities

When creating our playroom, we knew we wanted to create a spot for reading, creativity, and play. We planned out where the play area would be, and chose calming colors for the walls and decor to keep the space feeling fun, yet relaxing and inviting. We have a rock wall and we knew it was going to be the focal point of the room, so we started there and planned around it. Having a reading corner was also super important to me. We made sure the shelves were at a height the kids could grab books, and included a few cozy pillows to get comfy to snuggle up and read. – Jennifer McNeill

Create a ‘yes space’

Tired of saying ’no’ all day? Create a ‘yes space’ in your basement by filling it with safe ways for your child to explore and participate in motor activities like climbing and jumping. Items such as foam cushions, mini trampolines, and pikler triangles can be a great way to entertain your kids when outside play isn’t an option. – Dr. Brita DeStefano, Progress Through Play

Incorporate vertical play elements and open shelving

Don’t be afraid to go vertical with an interactive play element. Whether you have limited space or shorter ceiling heights, going vertical with play elements is a great use of space in a basement playroom. For example, a climbing wall designed to look like a mountain can be a great open-ended play element that’s also a statement piece that takes up no floor space.

Another tip is to ensure you buy or build some open shelving to store toys so children know what’s available and can make their own decision on what to play with. It also means they won’t be dumping boxes full of toys all over the ground to find what they want. It definitely helps any parents’ sanity when it comes to cleanup time. – Big Living Little Footprint

Calm chaos white furniture

When it comes to basement ideas for kids and designing a playroom, my number 1 tip is to always lean towards high gloss white lacquer furniture for a playroom. It looks nice and it is kid-friendly. A white palette is good for furniture and storage in a playroom too because toys are so many different colors. Having a clean neutral base with your furniture and storage in a playroom gives the room a sense of cohesiveness and calm. – Home Taylored

Decorate with DIY artwork

It is recommended to use children’s DIY artworks instead of store-bought decorations. On one hand, incorporating these DIY artworks into the playroom can add color to the play space; on the other hand, the play space can become a showroom for the children’s works and record their growth. – Huale Toys

Get creative with paint and storage solutions

Paint and storage are key to a happy playroom basement. Bring in the fun with a paint color that enhances your space – stay light if your basement doesn’t get natural light but go bold if it does. Next, storage – it’s absolutely necessary when you have a playroom, but built-ins may not be something you’re ready to invest in for the long term. Consider other flexible options like baskets that will make clean-up a breeze. – Costner Studio

Let your child take the lead

From what I have learned, “how to assemble the perfect playroom” and “how to really love your child” might as well be the same question. From what color to paint the room (narrow it down to 2-3 colors you like and let your child/children choose) to what toy set-up to include, let your child take the lead. What has been most popular in our household has been setting up play that is multi-functional. For example, a “stand” can be a grocery store, an ice cream shop, or a tea parlor. One toy will get old fast, but setting up multi-functional toys and tools will let your child‘s imagination take shape.- Poppie Lady

Let the space grow with the kids

Make a space that will grow with the kids as their needs and interests change. Invest in a few key pieces that will work for kids when they are little, and also when they are bigger kids and teens. I suggest picking good seating, like comfy bean bag chairs and functional storage pieces to store toys, board games, and video game devices. Lastly, get the kids involved in creating the space as they will be spending the most time in the basement. – Coffee, Pancakes & Dreams

Create a system for toys

Only leave out as many toys as your child can independently clean up. Store the rest away, and switch them out weekly or when needed. This will make the toys feel new and your child will be inspired. Second, give every toy a space – no toy boxes allowed. Every toy can be displayed in a specific spot on a shelf (use a tray or small basket if needed) and return the item to the same place when done. This creates an instant minimalist vibe, helps your child not get overwhelmed by toy clutter, and helps to build concentration. Finally, create think zones – mount a swing from the ceiling for gross motor skills, create an art center, a reading nook, a building area or maker space, anything to divide up the space. – Stella Nova Montessori

Design a safe space for kids to play

The best playroom is one that your kids can spend time in safely. While playmats are a great option to protect your kids from a grimy basement floor, you need to make sure your playmat is nontoxic. Choose a playmat that does not use toxic materials like flame retardants or vinyl foam. Safe options should be clearly labeled “non-toxic.” It is also wise to have an air purifier and dehumidifier in your basement to ensure that the air your kids are breathing is as safe as possible. – Kleynimals

Tailor decor to your child’s interests

When creating a playroom two words come to mind – fun and organized. Although these two words may not sound like they go together, they definitely can. Start with a fun color scheme, maybe you have kids who love the ocean and want to add shades of blue, or you have nature lovers and want a mural, or princess lovers who want a beautiful canopy. There are so many fun options – most importantly you want it to reflect their interests. Another way we love to showcase our kid’s interests is through artwork on the walls, Minted is a favorite of ours with their amazing collection. Lastly, you must have storage. That’s the organizational piece to this puzzle. Storage bins, cupboards, shelves, you name it – just have places to store all of the toys so at the end of the day it can all be put away. – Beijos Events

Complete the space with a mini-trampoline

No basement playroom should be without a mini-trampoline. During long winters or hot summers, jumping on the trampoline will burn off excess energy, provide great exercise, strengthen your child’s neurological system, and elevate your child’s mood. Trampolines offer many benefits for your child while taking up very little space. – Smart Homeschooler

Create a free play area with no restrictions

If the children are toddlers I would hang some large silks or tapestry to lower the ceiling height in the designated area. If they are a bit older, I would make a snuggly reading nook for a comfortable reclining reading area. Books should be color-coded for easy return. The art area should have flooring, tables, counters, that can be washed (always keep in mind, this is a ‘yes’ area so it can get messy). Finally, always have a written or colored format for clean-up time like putting everything back in its station, basket, or container. – Live Love Organized

Incorporate versatile furniture

The more versatile the furniture, the more options you have for renewal of the children’s room without actually buying new furniture. What could be more exciting than to get several different furniture pieces in disguise of one – multi-functional furniture grows with your child. – Adensen Furniture

Utilize toy rotation and accessible shelving

A toy rotation is a great way to start turning the basement into a play area. A toy rotation requires child-accessible shelving and a small number of toys as this encourages more thoughtful play. Don’t be scared to bring in some color through the toys or through art above the shelves. – Color Me Monti

Originally published on Redfin.com

If you are looking for the perfect non-toxic, heirloom-quality American made baby gift, this is it! Kleynimals Baby Flatware Set.

Kirsten Chapman

Parenting Safety No Comments

This is NOT a paid or sponsored post; there are just a handful of items that I absolutely LOVE to gift to the babies in my life – and this is one of them!

This is one of my favorite products out there and, if you have been reading my blog for a while you know I don’t give this kind of praise lightly. The quality and design of this baby flatware set is excellent, and I trust this brand 100%. [Full XRF test results are below if you are interested!] When I first learned of Kleynimals’ products I approached them (not the other way around) and asked them to sponsor my website — because I thought their products and their company were amazing, and something I could wholly endorse!

Kirsten, the owner of Kleynimals, was able to support my advocacy work and website by becoming a sponsor in May of 2019. [Sadly, Kleynimals is currently no longer able to financially support my advocacy work (in large part due to the impacts of the pandemic) — but I STILL LOVE THEIR PRODUCTS!] Now, during these wild times we are all in – I want to return the favor and make sure to share with my readers about how much I love these products and hopefully encourage y’all to purchase one or two or five!!!! – one for each of the babies in your life! [I just sent the flatware pictured here to my favorite cousin in Germany who has a baby – I am excited to see what he (the baby!) thinks of them!]

Did you know that many antique silver baby spoons may have unsafe levels of Lead?

The Kleynimals baby flatware set is a must-have alternative to some of the antique silver baby spoons you may have in your life — because a lot of those antique silver baby spoons actually have unsafe levels of Lead! You can read more about that here on this link:

If you do buy one of Kirsten’s products (and the baby flatware is just one of the very thoughtful, non-toxic, stainless steel baby things she makes and sells), you are not only buying something saferfor the babies in your life, but you are also supporting a small, woman-owned business during a very difficult time – a business that is also committed to making products right here at home in the United States. If you are a mom, or an auntie with a bunch of older kids in your life (like me!) and expect to be a grandma or great-aunt soon – please consider helping to keep Kleynimals in business in 2021 by buying multiple sets of their baby flatware (and rattles too!), so you can set them aside and have them on hand to give to each of the new babies when they are born in to your family!

I love their products because, not only are they high quality stainless steel, they are very well made, sturdy and truly heirloom quality products (and let’s not forget cute, super cute!) If you buy them for your grandkids now, I expect they will be handed down for generations.

For more information from Tamara Rubin, child health advocate and environmental activist, please look at her website: tamararubin.com

We love the US Postal Service! But, with the election less than a week away, make sure you bring your ballot to a dropbox instead of mailing it starting today.

Kirsten Chapman

Uncategorized No Comments

Voting has never been more important. We hope you have made a plan to vote! If you requested a mail-in ballot and you still have it in hand, please make sure to bring it to your polling site or put it in a dropbox. With the election less than a week away, your ballot may not arrive in time if you send it via USPS. Since recent federal changes have been made, on-time mailing rates are lower than expected. Please don’t risk your vote not being counted!

The USPS is an amazing service!

The USPS does a lot more than just deliver letters, says Michael Pignone, a doctor in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Texas’s Dell Medical School. It allows for the delivery of prescription medication and helps doctors do testing and notify patients—it’s part of the healthcare system, Pignone says, and not only is the mail system crucial at present, but its healthcare roles have the potential to be expanded as America’s population ages and the pandemic rages on.

“You can think of the post office as just this incredibly well-distributed last-mile logistics network,” Pignone says. “There are all kinds of possibilities of what the postal service can do.”

While you might associate the post with mail from elderly relatives and regular fliers, the post office already plays important roles in the health system, especially in rural areas. 80 percent of prescriptions filled to veterans by the Department of Veterans Affairs are delivered by USPS, according to a recent letter sent to Postmaster Louis DeJoy by a number of concerned United States Senators, serving more than 300,000 patients.

Since restrictions slowed the movement of mail, “we have received many troubling reports from veterans waiting weeks for their prescriptions to arrive due to delays at USPS,” the letter reads. Prescriptions expected to arrive in three to five days are taking weeks. Some of the most common medications dispensed by the Veteran’s Affairs pharmacies, according to a 2013 government study, are intended to treat chronic conditions and should not be taken erratically. For example, Clopidogrel reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke in high-risk patients, and Gabapentin, an anticonvulsant, is used to treat nerve pain and PTSD. Then there’s Metformin to treat Type 2 diabetes, and Tramadol, an opioid pain medication. If these prescription drugs arrive late, or even not at all, it puts patients’ health at risk.

In the general population, 20 percent of US residents over the age of 40 get prescriptions delivered by mail. They are also seeing delays because of mail slowdowns, reports National Nurses United, the largest union and professional association of registered nurses in the U.S. The American College of Physicians has also expressed concern about these delays, noting in a press release that mail-order prescriptions are particularly important during the pandemic for people with chronic conditions like diabetes or asthma, who are already disproportionately vulnerable to COVID-19.

“Any prescription medication can only be as effective as a patient’s ability to access it. We need to ensure that patients can continue to rely on the U.S. Postal Service to receive their critical medications,” the ACP release states.

The postal service also sends and returns numerous medical testing kits for many deadly conditions each year. In a recent opinion article, Pignone highlighted his institution’s use of mailed fecal immunochemical tests for colorectal cancer. Mailing these tests increases efficiency all around—it decreases the use of nurse and doctor time for routine screenings as well as reduces travel needs for treatment, which is particularly important for rural patients, he writes. And because of the USPS’s high penetration of the country and the relatively low cost of sending and receiving tests via this national body, it’s far preferable to using private couriers, he says.

Similar initiatives exist elsewhere in the country, usually focusing on fecal tests. The FDA has also designed a protocol for mail-in COVID-19 tests.

But beyond these interactions with the health system, the USPS also plays a role in shaping the social determinants of health. A recent brief from the Institute for Policy Studies identifies that 14.5 million people living in rural areas don’t have access to broadband internet, which seriously limits their ability to communicate without the mail. “This suggests that rural residents make up a disproportionate share of the estimated 18 percent of all Americans who pay their bills by the mail,” the IPS writes.

If people can’t receive and pay bills on time because of delays in the mail service, access to essential resources like housing, electricity, and telephones becomes unstable. Cuts to the mail service “[threaten] the public with more stress,” says Jean Ross, president of National Nurses United, “which leaves them a sitting duck for illness.”

Rather than defunding the Post Office, we should focus on what new roles it can play, says Pignone—for aging Americans, those suffering from chronic conditions or getting tested for COVID-19, and for better serving the rural U.S. “This is a really rich resource that we need to preserve.”

Written by Kat Eschner for Popular Science and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.

I hope you saw our earlier posts about USPS. I have been using the USPS since I launched my business 10 years ago. They have been incredibly good to me. As a small business owner, I can not afford to use UPS or FedEx. Please make sure to advocate for and defend the USPS to friends, family, and your local representative. It is critical to our nation. XO, Kirsten

Montessori-Style Toys Foster Independence and Imagination

Kirsten Chapman

Learning Toys No Comments

You’ve likely heard about Montessori education, which was developed by Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator. This alternative education approach builds on the natural tendencies of children.

Montessori features readily available realistic play materials that are designed to help children relate to and process the world around them.

The Montessori Method of Teaching

Montessori education involves playful hands-on learning — children teach themselves through active exploration. The approach is:

Child-centric: Children are eager to learn and absorb the world around them. They are encouraged to play with age-appropriate items to help them learn from their environment and grow in independence.
Present tense: Children may repeat an activity over and over. A child is welcome to continue an activity for as long as they wish. In this way, the Montessori environment prioritizes the present and doesn’t look to the future or the clock to determine what comes next.
Reality-based: In the Montessori environment, you rarely find fantasy-oriented play. Instead, children are encouraged to use age-appropriate items that have a real-life purpose. For example, they have access to plastic knives to cut real bananas and feed themselves (versus feeding fake bananas to a stuffed animal).
Freely chosen: The Montessori setting offers a variety of materials for children to choose from (but not so many that they feel overwhelmed by the clutter). Children select activities that make them happy and keep their attention. Once they disengage from their selected activity, they choose another and work with it for as long as they wish.

Montessori Toys for Babies and Toddlers

Baby trying to open a door with a toy key

As a parent, I think it’s important to foster a Montessori approach from day one. We don’t have to wait for kids to enter preschool to help them develop their:
· Independence
· Imagination
· Self-discipline
· Love of learning

All you need are a handful of appropriate toys and daily interactions with your baby! At Kleynimals, we’ve designed several of our toys to mesh with the Montessori philosophy (and other holistic-education philosophies like Steiner and slow-learning):
· Flatware: In the Montessori environment, children feed themselves from a very young age. Self-feeding helps foster independence and fine motor skills. We designed our flatware to fit perfectly in baby’s hands.
· Keys: Babies love to play with metal keys. At first, it might be the sound or cool touch that interests them. Eventually, they may put them to use to “unlock” things around the house. We designed our clean key animals to stimulate the imagination and improve gross and fine motor skills.
· Rattles: As with our keys, the sound and cool touch of our stainless steel rattles will capture your baby’s imagination. Your child can wear the jangles around their wrist, so they feel like they’re wearing the jewelry mom does (Tip: You can also wear them as a bracelet when your child isn’t using it…no one will know!).

While my kids enjoy Kleynimals toys (obviously!), I know we aren’t the only company out there making Montessori-inspired baby toys and learning toys for toddlers. We make our toys from non-toxic, dishwasher-safe stainless steel, but other safe options include wooden puzzles, stackers and activity boxes. I also love wooden brushes with natural bristles.

Shop the Kleynimals lineup of Montessori toys. And give them as gifts whenever you can — I guarantee they will bring joy to the recipient over many years.

Christening Keepsakes Fit for a Prince

Kirsten Chapman

Baby Gifts No Comments

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s baby, Archie, was christened earlier this month. Archie’s baptism made headline news, as it should be for every baby — what a milestone!

A christening, which usually occurs alongside a baptism, offers the infant a Christian name. This ceremony is a momentous occasion for many faiths because it symbolizes the child’s admission into the Christian faith.

Baby Christening Gifts

What we didn’t hear about with Archie’s christening were the gifts he received; I can only imagine the grandeur. If you’ve been invited to witness or partake in a christening ceremony, you’ll want to bring a gift that is as meaningful as the occasion. You can do a google search for ideas including books, artwork or stuffed bears.

I believe a christening is an occasion that calls for the timeless allure of silver. It is so appealing and so meaningful, but it’s also unrealistic because you have to keep it polished. And, let’s face it, rare is the parent that allows their child to manhandle silver.

So when I say a baby christening is worthy of silver, I mean something that looks and feels like silver — but without the drawbacks.

Baby Christening Gift Ideas

Below are my top three baby christening gift ideas. They are all things babies love to play with and enjoy. How can I be so confident? Because I make them!

I designed these Kleynimals to be “practical” christening keepsakes that stimulate a baby’s sense of sight, touch and sound:

1. Kleynimals Clean Key Animals

These non-toxic stainless steel toy keys have no sharp edges. They are dishwasher safe, making it easy for you to keep them germ-free. As a bonus, you can order them with personalization, which is perfect christening gift for a baby boy or baby girl.

2. Kleynimals Flatware Sets

Our flatware is the perfect size for baby’s hands and helps them master the art of self-feeding. Babies know when you’re using metal, but they’re using plastic; our utensils make them feel like the big deal they are.

3. Kleynimals Stainless Steel Rattle

Remember the polished silver rattle you received as a christening keepsake? Probably not, because your parents tucked it away in a box on the shelf. But babies will remember their heirloom-quality Kleynimals rattle.

If and when you need a baby christening gift — for boys or girls — consider Kleynimals. You can shop on our website. I’m tempted to send Kleynimals to little Archie so he has a gift he can actually enjoy. (I’m betting most of the offerings got tucked away in a royal closet.)

Autism Toys Help Kids (and Adults) Regulate Behaviors

Kirsten Chapman

Toys No Comments

As of 2018, the prevalence of autism was one in 59 children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s reporting. A majority of people on the autism disorder spectrum have some level of a sensory processing disorder that makes it difficult to process sensory inputs like sights, sounds or touch.

If you’re the parent of an autistic child, you probably know that an autistic person’s brain receives and processes stimuli differently. Autism can make it difficult for your child to respond to stimuli the way a person who isn’t on the spectrum would.

Early intervention for autism using sensory toys

Early intervention with sensory integration therapy is remarkably effective at helping the autistic population handle everyday stimuli. Sensory toys that are fun and exciting help motivate kids (and adults) to engage in the world around them. Therapists use sensory toys for a variety of needs:

Occupational therapists use sensory toys, such as fidget toys, to develop fine motor skills, gross motor skills and social skills.
Applied behavior analysis therapists use autism toys for pretend play and to teach cause and effect.
Speech therapists use autism chew toys to encourage communication and for oral stimulation.

Fidget and spinning toys motivate autistic kids to modify behavior

Parents of autistic kids can use fidget toys or spinning toys to capture their child’s attention and deepen their relationship. They serve as a great reward when your child performs a task or modifies their behavior to be more desirable.

One prominent study showed that, after sensory integration therapy, kids ages 6 to 12 exhibited decreased autistic mannerisms, such as:

Avoiding eye contact
Repeating words or phrases
Being easily startled
Repetitive movements, like hand flapping or jumping

What makes Kleynimals products among the best toys for kids with autism?

Kleynimals Jangles®, Keys and Rattles are the ultimate toys for autistic children because they serve many needs — bracelet, rattle, chew toy and fidget toy. The interplay of the stainless steel materials is unexpected and delightful. As a result, with a single toy your child is processing multiple sensory inputs: Sound, sight and touch.

Helping people with developmental disabilities, like autism, is a core part of the Kleynimals mission. Since 2011, we have relied on the support of developmentally disabled adults at The Providence Center to help us prepare our product for retail.

If you are looking for autism toys, you can shop on our website. BTW, Kleynimals aren’t just for kids on the autism spectrum — they also make a great gift for adults on the spectrum. (For that matter, they’re great for any kid or adult who likes to fidget!)

Stainless Steel: A Modern Spin on Traditional Baby Shower Gifts

Kirsten Chapman

Baby Gifts No Comments

We’re in the thick of fulfilling orders for baby shower gifts right now — it got me wondering how baby showers came to be. Through a little research, it seems celebrations of mom- and baby-to-be have been building steam for millennia.

Baby Shower Gifts: How Did They Originate?

In ancient times, people honored moms with a meal on the tenth day following the birth of their baby. But they gave gifts to a ‘Birth Goddess,’ rather than to the mother. It was during the Renaissance period that new moms began to be honored with gifts such as food, clothing and paintings.

Food played a more prominent role during the colonial times when birthing parties were held in the home of the expectant mother. Guests would feast on ‘Groaning Cakes’ (the scent of it baking allegedly eased labor pains) and ‘Groaning Ale’ as a show of sympathy for what the mother-to-be was enduring.

Fast forward to the Victorian era: During this time new moms were honored during a tea after the baby was born (a welcome change, I’m sure, to hosting family and friends while in labor). By the early 1900’s the baby shower as we know it began to take shape. New moms received handmade gifts and grandparents would typically offer gifts of silver.

Timeless Gift Ideas for a Baby Shower

Today, the baby shower can be as simple as a few friends over for tea, or it can be an elaborate affair for the mom-to-be’s closest 400 friends. Food is rarely in short supply, but clever, unique gift ideas are harder to come by. Many shower-goers fear their gift might be outgrown before a baby even gets to wear it.

I find most people want to give a gift that will be cherished, without being untouchable (ahem, sitting on a shelf or behind glass doors). There is still an allure to silver, but it’s not as desirable a baby gift as it once was. At Kleynimals we honor the tradition with stainless steel jangles, rattles, keys and baby silverware.

And babies love metal items — they are shiny, they make noise when banged together or on a table and they are cool to the touch (a real treat for teething babies with sore gums).

Stainless steel Kleynimals give all the benefits of silver, including the timeless feel, without the impracticality, like endless polishing. Because you can personalize many of our Kleynimals with engraving, they make a treasured gift that will last a lifetime. And they are versatile: They make a great baby shower gift for boys or girls.

The Best Gifts for Baby Showers Come With a Stamp of Safety

I learned early on in this venture that not all stainless steel is created equal. Most stainless steel is made overseas (usually in Asia). Since babies and toddlers touch and mouth their Kleynimals all day long, I wanted to be sure I sourced safe steel from the USA.

Safety is important not only to me, but to the gift giver and to the parents-to-be receiving them. You’ll know you’re getting an authentic Kleynimal because we stamp them with our fun characters: Eli the Elephant, Gus the Giraffe, Leo the Lion, Pippi the Polar Bear, Scout the Snowshoe Hare, and Otto the Snowy Owl.

For your next shower, feel confident that, with Kleynimals, you’re bringing a safe, heirloom-quality gift.

You might also consider bringing a Groaning Cake for a good laugh. I found this recipe online, and I’m dying to try it (with or without the ale)!

Personalized Baby Gifts— Timeless and Classy

Kirsten Chapman

Baby Gifts No Comments

Spring — it’s a season of birth and renewal. Tree buds are ready to pop, birds are chirping, and flowers are starting to shower us with fragrance and beauty. With spring we look forward to Easter, Mother’s Day, Earth Day…and babies!

Personalized baby keepsakes don’t need to be ordinary

Spring babies are blessed with sweet dispositions (what baby isn’t?). One study showed springtime babies are more likely to be optimistic and creative. We like to think our personalized newborn baby gifts are a perfect fit for those characteristics.

Kleynimals are a unique choice for your next baby gift. Why? For starters, they are not another:

Embroidered baby blanket
Personalized puzzle or step stool
Set of booties (you get so many of these that babies only get to wear them once)

Instead, Kleynimals are something babies will want with them ALL THE TIME. Babies love the clinking sound and the cool feel of the smooth metal on their tongue and gums. Caregivers love that they are:

Non-toxic
Dishwasher safe
Durable
Not plastic

Engraved baby gifts aren’t a relic

In the good old days, baby gifts were cherished mementos: engraved baby rattles or silver cups. They were loved from afar while they sat on the shelf out of baby’s reach. And, frankly, a little annoying because without a regular polishing, they’d turn an ugly shade of brown. Those heartfelt baby gifts often ended up in a box in the attic.

Out with the old, in with the new: engravable, personalized Kleynimals made from USA-sourced 100% stainless steel. We can engrave your baby gift with up to 12 characters per line. For a more classic feel, we offer a traditional script monogram. A big plus, they’ll never tarnish — pop them in the dishwasher to clean them.

Kleynimals: Unique baby gifts with a personal touch

When shopping for that perfect baby gift, we know you want options. Our line of unique keepsake gifts is continually growing. Right now, you can choose from these Kleynimals baby gifts:

Flatware sets: A fork and two spoons in two different designs
Key toys: The practical keepsake gift with no sharp edges
Rattles:The sweet jingling sound keeps babies enthralled (note: we also have wearable bracelets for you that double as a rattle, they just aren’t engravable)

If you can’t decide, we offer four gift sets to choose from. But keep in mind, if you want your personalized baby gift to arrive “on time,“ (whether baby does or not) you’ll need to plan ahead. Engraved Kleynimals can take up to three weeks to appear on the doorstep since we work with a family-owned business to engrave our products.

Gender-neutral gift options for babies

Is it a boy? Is it a girl? It’s rare that the baby’s gender is a total surprise until birth day. But if you’re shopping for the unknown, Kleynimals are a great choice because they work for both genders. If you want it engraved, we recommend using the surname (which also makes it easily identifiable should they get dropped).

Personalized baby gifts are great for the second (third, fourth, fifth) baby. These babies sometimes get cheated out of personalized gifts because, well, they aren’t the novelty the first baby was. Regardless, if you buy Kleynimals for baby #1, you can rest assured the product will withstand years of use and abuse from any siblings (of any gender) that follow.

If you’re ready to shop, order online or check our retail locations. Need more info? Read our story and find out how Kleynimals came to be.