Hi there, we’re the Barons. Welcome to Marley & Moose!

Marley & Moose is a sustainability focused children's store. We were founded in 2021 by Brittany Baron, an early childhood development and education expert of 20+ years and mother of four. Our parenting and development philosophy are influenced by Maria Montessori, Waldorf, and Reggio Emilia, but we don't pretend one method is right for everyone. At the store and at home we are inspired by nature and learning more about different cultures.

The purpose of our blog is to share some of our tips and tricks, lessons learned, and to share any exciting news at the store. We started our digital journey as a travel blog so you may find content inspired by nature and culture ranging from child development to education to lifestyle including travel tips or info on places we've been and love. You can also follow us on Instagram or Facebook to see where we are headed next!

Child Development, Lifestyle

The Future of Fun: Sustainable and Educational Toys

From plastic dolls to battery-powered gadgets, up to 80 percent of plastic toys end up in landfills and contribute to pollution and climate change. As parents become more environmentally conscious, they are seeking alternative options for their children’s playtime. They also want toys that go beyond occupying their children and contribute to child development as well.

This is where sustainable and educational toys come into play. Most sustainable toys toys are designed with the environment as well as children’s development in mind, making them a more responsible and beneficial choice for playtime. But what exactly are sustainable toys? And why do they matter? This article will explore the importance of sustainable and educational toys in today’s world, and how they can make a positive impact on our children and the planet.

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Child Development, Gift Guides, Lifestyle

Cherishing Tradition: Heirloom Baby’s First Christmas Gifts

The holiday season is a magical time for families, and it becomes even more enchanting when celebrating your baby’s first Christmas. While your little one might not fully grasp the festivities, the joy and heart warming feeling of giving and receiving gifts will be cherished for years to come. When choosing the perfect presents for your baby’s first Christmas, we are here to help you select items that are not only adorable but also enriching. And of course, built to last. Here are our best loved gift ideas to make this special occasion even more memorable. If your little one is a bit older we also have a guide for toddler Christmas gifts.

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Open-Ended Play
Child Development, Education

Sustainable Open-Ended Play Activities for Toddlers

Nurturing Sustainable Practices from the Start

As parents, we play a pivotal role in shaping our children’s lives. The early years are especially crucial, as they set the foundation for a child’s physical, cognitive, and emotional development. Integrating open-ended play activities into your toddler’s routine not only promotes their growth but also aligns with the values of sustainable and green parenting. In this article, we’ll explore open-ended play activities for toddlers that not only foster your child’s development but also contribute to a more eco-friendly future.

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Eco-Friendly Parenting
Child Development, Education

Eco-Friendly Toys: A Parent’s Guide to Greener Living

As parents, we want the best for our children, including toys that are safe, durable, and fun to play with. But have you ever thought about the impact that toys have on the environment? From the materials used to make them to the packaging they come in, toys can have a significant environmental impact. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of eco-friendly toys and offer tips on how you can make more sustainable choices for your family.

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Open-Ended Play with Blocks
Education, Lifestyle

What is open-ended play?

Open-ended play refers to a type of play where there are no predetermined rules, fixed outcomes, or specific instructions. It is characterized by allowing children to explore and interact with objects, materials, or environments in a creative and unrestricted manner. During open-ended play, children use their imagination and problem-solving skills to come up with their own scenarios, stories, and activities.

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Family Friendly Hikes near boulder
Lifestyle

The 7 best family friendly hikes near Boulder, Colorado

Boulder, Colorado is a gateway to the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Hiking is a way of life for most locals, but with so many options it’s hard to narrow down the most amazing family friendly hikes near Boulder.

Below are the best of the best. We prioritize hikes based on activities spanning age ranges, meaning easy enough terrain for the toddler, rocks or streams to climb or play for the older kids, and stunning beauty for all.

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Gift Guides, Lifestyle

Essential Guide for Creating a Multi-Store Baby Registry

Congratulations! On the journey of preparing for parenthood setting up your baby registry is one of the incredibly fun milestone events. And lucky you, the days of multiple registries or committing to one big box children’s store are over. Here are the days where expecting parents can use a one-stop multi-store baby registry that pulls from large box stores AND support small and local businesses and makers (like us!).

Keep reading for our quick guide on how to choose a platform for your baby registry. If you are looking for a more detailed guide on what to add you your registry, check back for our soon to be published “Complete Baby Registry Guide”.

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Child Development, Education

The Importance of Developing Language Skills in a One-Year-Old

As parents, we want to give our children the best possible start in life. One of the most important ways to do this is by helping them develop strong language skills. Children who have strong language and communication skills are more likely to succeed in school, have better relationships with others, and have better job prospects later in life. And you don’t need to be a language expert, child development pro, or find magical extra hours in the day to make a lasting impact. Parenting is hard we are here to help make it feel a little so with practical tips, advice, and mom-of-four-tested best practices and research for your real life.

So, how can we help a one-year-old develop strong language skills? In this post, we will go over the practical and easy-to-apply tips to get you started.

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Child Development, Education, Gift Guides

Share your love of books this Valentine’s Day

Celebrating a day of love by sharing your love of books with the little ones in your life? Absolutely! Books are an easy answer to filling in your love-themed gift basket, an alternative to plastic toys and candy, and won’t end up in the trash in a week. Just a few reasons we love books as gifts.

As a former early literacy program director and mom of four, I’ve hand-picked our absolute favorite board books and picture books for celebrating love and kindness with babies, toddlers, and little kids. Check them out below!

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