It’s amazing how much stuff one little person can own.  We’ve graduated from bouncy seats and rainforest jumpers to princesses, dress up, dolls, building creations, books, puzzles, games and arts and crafts galore. I try to be super careful selecting my daughter’s toys since I’m not so interested in sharing my limited NYC space with bright colored, plastic monstrosities with never ending lights and sounds.

During the last four years, we’ve amassed quite a collection of B. toys (Critter Clinic, Alphaberry, Spinaroos, Stackadoos, Meowsic, Parum Pum Pum, Pop-Arty!) so I was very excited when they asked me to take a peek at their 2013 Holiday Collection. Aside from being pretty indestructible and entertaining, I love that B. toys feature muted unisex colors and volume controls.  I also love that B. toys come in eco-friendly packaging and help support philanthropic causes like Free The Children.

Today I’m sharing my review of the Global Glowball which is a globe, nightlight, music player and ball all rolled up in one pretty package. In play mode, push the continents to hear 39 different cultural songs and authentic music (Jazz, Rock and Roll, Bluegrass, Blues, Polka, Samba, Tango, Salsa, Celtic, Flamenco and more).  In lights mode, the globe turns into an illuminating nightlight.  In lights and music mode, you’ll enjoy 20-minutes of tunes from around the world and a glowing nightlight and music mode is just that.  The tunes are short and catchy and my daughter was very intrigued by the many varied sounds and rhythms (like rainforest, nature and animal sounds and instrumentals).

It was fun to discuss the different types of music and talk about the countries in each continent.  She’s just starting to learn geography (Madeline lives in Paris and the Lion King lives in Africa) and different languages (the goodbye song in her school features a bunch) so the Global Glowball gave me a chance to show her the places she’s been learning about.  Since she can’t read yet, it really didn’t matter that the countries weren’t labeled but she now recognizes the continents by color and shape (Africa is the big orange one).

I think this is a great toy that will really grow with a child.  I love the idea of the music and nightlight for a baby (great baby shower gift and nursery decoration). Toddlers will enjoy rolling it around and dancing to the different tunes while preschool and elementary school kids will enjoy learning about geography and musical styles.

Best of all, it’s pretty, fairly compact, educational and features a volume control and easy to find off button. B. toys can be found at all Target stores, online and at specialty toy shops throughout the United States and Canada. To find a store near you visit the B. Toy store locator.

I was not compensated for this post but I did receive the Global Glowball for review purposes. All opinions are my own.