“I call those years The Golden Age of Parenting,” she said.

That’s what a fellow mom told me this weekend when I told her the ages of the bulk of my children.

You know – I agree.  I already think the exact same thing.

Yes – home schooling FIVE kids is literally my day’s labor.

But these kids are just a capable, funny bunch of humans.

And I love creating magic for them because they are so readily satisfied with tiny do-dads and small treasures.

Last year for Mosely’s birthday she received our family’s first set of Calico Critters.

Have you heard of these toys?

At the time they seemed like the perfect toy for our little band.  Small enough to take on trips, adorable enough to appeal to all, not too girly to stop the boys from playing, open-ended enough to satisfy each age.

And – you know what?

They totally are.

The kids became obsessed and began asking for them for every birthday or holiday since then and have saved up their own money to add to their Calico Critter families and bring in babies and toddlers and tiny accessories and whatnot.

Several Calico Critter friends made the Little House Journey this summer and they were the perfect size to not take up any real space in our cramped vehicle.

The kids were endlessly entertained creating landscapes and home places for their little families.

I admit – I am now always on the look out for ordinary objects that would be the perfect accessory to these little toys.  It reminds me so much of the way my little brother and I played together when we were kids.

All of the Calico Critters have a world in which they live upstairs at our home when they are not out traveling the world.  Mosely has transformed her old dollhouse into a cozy abode for her families.  Piper Finnian has inherited my old dollhouse for her critters.  The three other kiddos have assembled quite a dwelling out of a cubby-style bookshelf I picked up at a junk store a few years ago.

Last weekend I pulled out some scrapbook paper and put it to good use as wall paper and carpeting for their homes.

Seriously – I was having way too much fun.

If you find yourself stumped for gift ideas for any little ones in your life – may I suggest what I think is a nearly perfect toy?

But – I am warning you – there are about two dozen families and your kids will probably want all of them!

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