There are so many pieces of furniture children are not allowed touch, why not give them a piece of their own that they can literally beat the hell out of?  This is exactly the concept behind Rip+Tatter, a pint sized cardboard chair that children can destroy at will. Durable and disposable, cardboard can take a preschool beating and come back for more. The Rip+Tatter chair by designer Pete Oyler is made from industrial cardboard, is non- toxic and best of all completely recyclable.

I’ve fully embraced Cardboard furniture for kids since first writing about Foldschool, the eclectic group that gives parents free instructions on how to create their own cardboard furniture for children. Designs include a stool, chair and even a rocker, all using recycled cardboard. Cardboard seems to be a popular material to make kid’s furniture from. Back in October 208, I featured the Eco-Crib, a cradle for newborns made of cardboard.

Most of the responses I received were very positive, “great for travel”, “economical” however, a few thought the idea barbaric and third-worldly. Any one with children however, would disagree. Connivence, durability, and recyclable are what make cardboard furniture for kids a desirable option.

We had a nice little snowstorm last night in NYC. Having missed the last one a couple weeks ago, I was excited to the city blanketed with snow once again. City adults children also seem to be enjoying the fresh snow. I saw more than a few newly built snowmen on the way into the showroom this morning. Some of my fondest memories as a child revolve around winter sports, so I love this snow monster feet idea by blogger Slow Mo Mama.Inspired by the book Snow Play, a really nifty book with all kinds of fun winter activities, Slow Mo Mama and her brood made animal footprints out of cardboard and ta da!  Baby monster snowshoes! Creative and I am sure hours of entertainment! For step by step instructions go to Slo Mo Mama’s blog post.

Thanks to Boing Boing

Totally original, totally simple, totally Todd Oldham. The book has projects inspired by mid-century designers and artists such as Charles and Ray Eames, Marimekko, Alexander Girard and Dorothy Draper.

Some really cute projects in the book. And they look fairly easy to make. The foam mobile caught our eye and the the spoon friends project is one we want to try to make with our niece!

Father Sascha White loves his child so much he decided to make a $10,000 trike for his little tot. Indulgent? Hell yea! But if your a modern parent unaffected by the economy and want to spoil your child, why not? The trike comes complete with a Brooks leather saddle, cro-moly frame, headset from Campagnolo, front hub and rear wheels from Phil Wood and front end forks fashioned from stainless steel.

Not sure you can get one before Christmas but maybe if you wrote Santa a really nice note you’d see one under the tree. Doubtful. You’d get a better shot of owning one by going to Vanilla Bicycles website.

via Born Rich

Want in on the hotness? MUB has a pair of tickets for tomorrow’s Launch Party for the 1st person to email me at shannon@modernurbanbaby.com. 

Too late notice to fit into baby’s busy social calendar? Don’t worry the parties run through December 20th (see website). See ya’ll there!

What child wouldn’t want to take an elephant ride? The Silver Riding Elephant by Zid Zid would make a lovely addition to your child’s menagerie. This big fella is made with high quality faux leather and double stitched to withstand extra hard play. He’s also an environmentally conscience animal. He’s stuffed with recycled cotton and sponge scraps that otherwise might go to landfills. The Silver Riding Elephant also features a back pocket, big enough for books or  toys. An unique adorable friend for your little boy or girl will enjoy!