Nesting Dolls

While entertaining my inner child at the museum the other night, I could not tear myself away from a collection of nesting dolls. I remember liking them when I was young, but I think my appreciation has steadily increased over the past couple of decades! As a teacher, I have come to recognize and admire good quality, authentic, educational toys.

Seriously, I liked them so much that I asked the curator where I could buy ones similar to what the museum had (wild animal nesting dolls, like these). Without hesitation, she said "Canal Street." (For you non-New Yorkers, Canal Street is a notoriously touristy street in lower Manhattan, laden with row after row of street vendors selling things like fake Louis Vuitton handbags, over-sized plastic sunglasses, colorful scarves, costume jewelry, greasy food, and (apparently), nesting dolls. I usually steer clear, but I think I may have to put on a brave face and spend an afternoon scouring sometime soon. I definitely want a couple of sets for my classroom and at least one for me :-)