Planet Happy Kids - play. learn. sustain.

2009-06-26T15:56:00.000-07:00

In June we went artsy...

Come July it's time to party!

July is almost here and we're in the party mood!

Planet Happy presents our Dress-Up Patriot Party! On Independence Day, July 4th join us from 10:30am - 5pm as we celebrate our freedom! We will be making red,white and blue top hats, bracelets and flags to wear inside or sport around town. After we create, it's time to PARTY! We will provide healthy snacks, beverages and dance music for a truely independant party experience.
Oh, and did we mention that it's FREE!

Don't forget to check out our NEW July Activity Calendar! We are hosting some amazing party-friendly activities that your little ones will love. We will be making musical instruments out of all recycled materials, constructing giant customized pinwheels, and creating your own one-of-a-kind tie-dyed t-shirt!

Summer Lovin'

We have even more exciting news to share!

As you know, we had a baby dove hatch in April, but now our finches are feeling some summer love! Housed with the doves are two male zebra finches and one female society finch, which has been sitting on FOUR eggs! Be sure to stop by our showroom soon because you might see some little baby finches!

Don't forget, we are holding NEW monthly Storytime in Mandarin!

Join us for stories and songs in Mandarin read by Polly-Glot Tots. Knowledge of the language is helpful, but not required. Held in the Planet Happy Showroom at

11 - 11:30 am on June 16th, July 21st, & August 18th.
All ages are welcome and it's FREE!

A very big thank you to those who attended our crafty June classes; we had a blast flying, searching and creating the natural way.

Be sure to check out our New July Activity Calendar for upcoming activities.

Stop by our showroom just north of U-Village and come in and play, make a button, bath salts, or just to say hi.

We're open Tuesday through Saturday from 11am - 6pm, Sundays noon - 5pm and Monday by appointment. We also host parties and group activities, but our calendar is filling up - so book early to reserve your spot!

in Seattle 206-729-0154
Toll Free 1-800-995-0154
info@planethappytoys.com

Click here for Showroom info and directions...

2009-05-27T17:07:00.000-07:00

June is coming soon...

so let's play on this sunny day!

June is almost here and we're gearing up for
creative outdoor play and eco-friendly activities!

Planet Happy presents NEW monthly Story Time in Mandarin! Join us on Tuesday, June 16th at 11:00 - 11:30am for songs and stories in Mandarin. Children of all ages are welcome and Mandarin knowledge is helpful, but not necessary. Come listen and play while learning about the Mandarin language and culture! Story Time is hosted in our PlanetHappy showroom by Polly-Glot Tots: Language Classes for Little Ones. And best of all - it's FREE!

The sun is shining and the rain is slowing which can only mean it is time to go outside and play! Check out our exciting new arrivals for your outdoor adventures including PhDisks, the high-flying crocheted disk, Sandsac, an eco-friendly decorate-your-own sand bucket, Ecotronic's adorable hand-powered flashlights and Kidzsack, the fun, recycled backpack you can customize!

When the weather calls for some rainy day play, don't fret, we've got the perfect solution. Stay inside and watch or read our new magical Fairy House books and DVDs, make an eco-friendly masterpiece with our plant-dyed Artemis Modelling Beeswax, Waldorf Beeswax Crayons or the oh-so popular soy-based Crayon Rocks. Whatever you decide to color, be sure to grab one of our 100% Recycled Sketch Pads from EcoJot. If you want to spend your indoor time - helping the outdoors, cuddle up with an organic cotton Idbids, the sustainable teaching plush dolls.

Shopping for a green gift? We've got a little something that grows! Our new line of Bloomin' Bugs recycled flowering cards are a big surprise in a little envelope. Just plant the seed-embedded paper and watch more than a dozen different wildflowers grow!

A very big thank you to those who attended our crafty May classes; we had a blast folding, gluing and creating the natural way.

Be sure to check out our New June Activity Calendar for upcoming activities.

Stop by our showroom just north of U-Village and come in and play,
make a button, bath salts, or just to say hi.

in Seattle 206-729-0154
Toll Free 1-800-995-0154
info@planethappytoys.com

Click here for Showroom info and directions...

2009-05-27T17:04:00.000-07:00

Welcoming May means

time for creative play!

Welcome to May, our inspiring month full of new activities and products that will be sure to enchant the artist in everyone!

We will be hosting a full month of five activities to get your imagination flowing: Animal Origami, Giant Mother's Day Cards, Design a Book in a Box, Build a Recycled Kite and Make & Float a Nature Boat! Along with creative activities, we now offer natural art supplies including soy-based Crayon Rocks, Modelling Beeswax, eco-friendly craft kits and so much more!

Don't forget, we offer a 10% discount for those who pay using their allowance! So save up your change and get your favorite booster pack or dolly today!

The sun is shining and the trees are budding, which can only mean it is time for Plant Amnesty's Festival of Trees! That's right, we are going to be in Magnuson Park on Mother's Day, May 10th with bundles of fun activities, eco-friendly toys and useful information to celebrate our friends, the trees. So stop on by, enjoy the festivities, sunshine and look for the green elves at the PlanetHappy booth. We're looking forward to seeing you there!

A very big thank you to those who attended our crafty April classes; we had a blast coloring, mixing and felting the natural way.

Be sure to check out our New May Activity Calendar for upcoming activities.

Stop by our showroom just north of U-Village and come in and play,
make a button, bath salts, or just to say hi.

We're open Tuesday through Saturday from 11am - 6pm, Sundays noon - 5pm and Monday by appointment. We also host parties and group activities,
but our calendar is filling up - so book yours today!

in Seattle 206-729-0154
Toll Free 1-800-995-0154
info@planethappytoys.com

Click here for Showroom info and directions...

2009-05-27T16:23:00.000-07:00

April has begun and ...

new life has sprung!

PlanetHappy presents our Name the Baby Dove Contest winner!

Our baby dove is out of the nest and pecking around just in time for her to receive a special name randomly picked from our entries. Congratulations to Emma, the lucky winner of the Name the Baby Dove Contest! Emma will receive a very special prize and gift certificate to use at our Showroom.

And the baby dove's name is... Izzy!

Be sure to stop by and say hi to Izzy, our new member of the family. Thanks to all who entered the contest; there will surely be another coming up soon. In the meantime, be sure to sign up for this month's GREEN activities before they fill up!

Get Excited over Earth Day!

Speaking of green, Earth Day is just around the corner and we have a full day of eco-friendly activities planned! Stop by our showroom on April 18th for "Color the Earth Day" to build and design your own recycled eco-house equipped with a solar panel and even a wind turbine! You get to take home your house along with other great goodies provided by PlanToys. Best of all, this activity lasts all day (10:30am - 6pm)... and did we mention it's FREE!

In honor of Earth Day and to showcase the great line of Plan Toys, we are offering a 15% discount on all Plan City toys! Plan strives to make toys that both stimulate imaginative play and are made from safe and sustainable materials. We think Plan makes wonderful toys not only because of their genius design, but because they support a socially responsible workplace, use non-toxic paints and dyes, sustainable rubber wood, and all natural materials. Now that's solar!

Dolly Days are here!

Check out our new Dolly Days sale, where all Corolle dolls and accessories are 25% off. This sale lasts only during the month of April and while supplies last, so hurry in to get your own beautiful French dolly, stock up on clothes, or accessorize the nursery. Corolle is located in the Loire Valley, the storybook region of France that is famous for its magnificent chateaux. Each Corolle doll is designed to be as real as possible while meeting the latest safety standards to be sure your child's play is safe. Corolle dolls and accessories are enjoyed by children as young as infants and up! They are also machine washable and have a hint of soothing vanilla scent for snuggling.

Stop by our showroom just north of U-Village and come in and play, make a button, bath salts, or just to say hi.

We're open Tuesday through Saturday from 11am - 6pm, Sundays noon - 5pm and Monday by appointment. We also host parties and group activities,
but our calendar is filling up - so book yours today!

in Seattle 206-729-0154 Toll Free 1-800-995-0154 info@planethappytoys.com

Click here for Showroom info and directions...

2009-05-27T15:55:00.000-07:00

Spring has Sprouted...

and we're blooming with Color!

Spring is finally here - and we have some very exciting news to share!

Join us as we celebrate the season and new life.

We have a very colorful month of activities planned: we will be making natural playdough, felting over soap eggs, decorating portable houses, and painting a birdhouse!

And our BIG NEWS?!?!? Join us in welcoming the newest member of the Planet Happy family a BABY DOVE. That's right! Our doves hatched an egg three weeks ago and she needs a name! We want you to help us name the baby. Come by the store and put a name in the box. At the end of the month we'll draw a name. The winner gets a special prize and the baby gets a name!
How cool is that?

We are tickled to introduce some new product lines that we are sure you will enjoy - so stop by soon to check out our new Spring Arrivals.

And don't forget your Green Thumb - our Plant-A-Seed station is back!
Come in and plant organic vegetable or flower seeds of your choice for a small price and a big reward.

A very big thank you to those who attended our March classes; we had a great time building, planting and painting the eco-friendly way.

Be sure to check out our New April Activity Calendar for upcoming activities.

Stop by our showroom just north of U-Village and come in and play,
make a button, bath salts, or just to say hi.

We're open Tuesday through Saturday from 11am - 6pm, Sundays noon - 5pm and Monday by appointment. We also host parties and group activities,
our calendar is filling up - so book yours today!

in Seattle 206-729-0154
Toll Free 1-800-995-0154
info@planethappytoys.com

Click here for Showroom info and directions...

2009-05-27T15:49:00.001-07:00

March is coming up...

and we are going green!

March is just around the corner, and we are planning something very special for those rainy days ahead. To celebrate March and St. Patrick's Day, we are having a month of GREEN activies! These include teaching how recycled materials can be used for play, but also how recycling helps the environment.

A very big thank you to those who attended our February classes; we had such a blast using our amazing imaginations. Also, since the awesome art of Origami class was such a big hit, we decided to do it again!

Be sure to check out our New March Activity Calendar for upcoming classes.

Stop by our showroom just north of U-Village and come in and play, make a button, bath salts, or just to say hi. We are currently open Tuesday through Saturday from 11am to 6pm and Sunday from noon to 5pm. We also host parties and group activities, but our calendar is filling up - so book yours today!

Click here for Showroom info and directions...

2009-05-27T15:33:00.001-07:00

Spring is in the air...

and we are ready to grow!

Welcome back to Spring! We have been on mute since the holiday season as we prepared for a new chapter of Planet Happy. There is some exciting NEW news to share! When Bridgett and Hunter decided to sell the store a few months back, two neat ladies: Kelly Bell and her best friend Kaylene Burger came by the store to have a look around. They spent the afternoon chatting with all of us about Planet Happy, our mission, and the great toys we stock.
Kelly and Kaylene saw a great opportunity to pick up where they were leaving off. The match was instant and within a month, they took over the store! I am am so excited to be working at Planet Happy for such driven, passionate people. Please welcome Kelly and Kaylene to Planet Happy!
-Breah the head helper elf

A note from the new owners, Kelly and Kaylene:

Bridgett and Hunter laid a stable foundation of connecting people and planet through play. We love the regimented standards that they looked for when deciding to carry a certain brand or toy - first and foremost: kid-safe! No exceptions. How exciting it is to educate our future generation of kids on the importance of sustaining our environment! Combine those ideals with our other criteria: natural, organic, green, socially responsible, fairly traded - and what you find at Planet Happy are toys that make a difference in the lives of our children and the health of our planet.

We are very excited to carry on the mission of Planet Happy and look forward to meeting you! Stop by our showroom just north of U-Village and come in and play, make a button, bath salts, or just to say hi. We are currently open Tuesday through Saturday from 11am to 6pm and Sunday from noon to 5pm. We also host parties and group activities, but our 2009 calendar is filling up - so book yours today!

Join us as we bid a fond farewell to Bridgett and Hunter as they embark on their next adventure! Have fun, stay safe, and keep in touch!

Click here for Showroom info and directions...

2008-07-07T16:39:00.000-07:00

A Planet Happy Kids Fairy Garden Party

A fairy garden party is a great way to celebrate with family and friends! However, you don't necessarily need a big group to create a place for your little friends. If you've got a big jar hanging around the house you’re halfway there, and many of the items we use to embellish our gardens can be found right outside your front door.

Quick Tip: We find all kinds of fantastic containers in various shapes and sizes at the Goodwill, many of which just were under a buck!

To begin...grab your favorite glass container; fill the bottom with a few rocks for drainage, sprinkle in some charcoal (to soak up any extra moister), fill with dirt halfway up, and add in one or two little plants. Embellish your little garden with twigs, shells, gems, dried flowers, feathers, and a few pats of moss. Sprinkle with love and water as needed :)

In Seattle? Learn more about our fairy garden parties.

2008-03-06T10:24:00.000-08:00

Holy Hobbit! A real life Shire House...

Learn more about this amazing low impact dwelling at http://www.simondale.net/house/index.htm.

2008-02-28T10:19:00.000-08:00

New Press! Seattle Post-Intelligencer - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2008

At Planet Happy Kids, it's all about fun and saving the world

Isabella Faget, 3, tries out the hammock at Planet Happy Kids in Ravenna on Friday with the help of Hannah Kohrmann, 10. The showroom for the larger online company sells fair-trade, organic, socially responsible, natural and green products for children.

At Planet Happy Kids, it's all about fun and saving the world
By PAUL NYHAN P-I REPORTER

The first thing you need to know about Planet Happy Kids is that it's not a toy store.

Sure, you can buy dollhouses, toy monkeys, play train sets and children's books at the Ravenna spot. But owner Bridgett Brown created Planet Happy in April as a showroom for her far larger online operation that sells natural and socially responsible toys.

Part of Brown's design is that Planet Happy lacks many defining traits of a modern toy store. There is virtually no plastic and no rows of shelves spilling over with toys and electronic gadgets.
Instead, the store resembles a boutique you might stumble upon in a posh London neighborhood, with lots of open floor and wall space, natural wooden trucks, organic stuffed rabbits and fair-trade flutes.

This is a place to play and shop, with a button-making station up front, a working hammock near the cash register, a child-sized couch in back, and lots of spots for children to check out toys or read.
And a live hedgehog sleeping in a refurbished television set by the front door.

Brown opened the shop with two themes in mind.

"We wanted it to be like a house," Brown said. "I designed it like a woman's boutique."

She also wanted it to be different because Brown is another member of Seattle's new generation of tattooed toy traders, hip types who are opening independent stores, such as Izilla's on Capitol Hill, with an alternative tinge that connects with mainstream parents.

Inside the one-time garden store, parents and their children are not pressured to buy.

"Feel free to play around, read a book or just hang out in the swing," a sign at the entrance says.

Or they can check out finches and doves flying around an antique cooler-turned-birdcage, and Littlefoot the hedgehog.

With its live animals and eclectic inventory, Brown's outlet may appear more passionate than practical. But the laid-back showroom is only an extension of her online eco-friendly toy business that was doing well even before the holiday recall panic a few months ago.

During the panic, Planet Happy drew notice from NBC's "Today" show for its focus on sustainable toys.

Flip over the price tag on a stuffed hedgehog -- which are all over the store -- and you will learn if it was made naturally with organic, fairly traded, recycled, green or multiuse materials in a socially responsible way.

You won't find any Elmos, Big Birds or SpongeBobs because those toys didn't make the Planet Happy cut.

But there are boxes of popular German-made Haba toys, play airports made of recycled rubber trees, wooden play kitchens, grow-your-own mushroom kits and plenty of books.

"I kind of look for odd ducks, so when someone comes in to get a gift it's not the same thing" they would find elsewhere, Brown said.

Brown also is not trying to overtake Amazon.com or Toys "R" Us.

"We want to kind of scale it down a little so the items we do carry are more unique," Brown said.

The business's first ad ever, which ran in the Utne Reader, summed up Brown's philosophy: "What if toy stores had no plastics, TV characters or toy guns?"

Even dollhouses are equipped with solar panels and toy trucks are labeled biodiesel.

"How can we take those toys and really teach kids about sustainability?" Brown said.

Even much of the store is recycled. The flooring used to sit in a Weyerhaeuser showroom, and branches holding lighting came from a tree that was cut down nearby.

And the store dog, Willow, was rescued from a shelter and nursed back to health.

The toy selection favors girls, though Brown is trying to add more inventory for boys, and items children can build themselves, such as terrariums and buttons. Most weekends, the store hosts $5 classes on topics such as meditation for children, celebrating seasons and terrarium building.

You might not find everything you are looking for at Planet Happy Kids, but you should find something that won't make you think about recalls and landfills.

IF YOU GO

Planet Happy Kids
2914 N.E. 55th St., Seattle
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (Sunday by appointment.)
www.planethappykids.com