{"title":"Emily's Picks The Met","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"met-tree-of-life-play-mat","title":"Met Tree of Life Play Mat","description":"Introduce baby to the world of art and sensory discovery with the Hape x The Met Tree of Life Tummy Time Infant Mat. Inspired by the intricate details of a 17th-century British tapestry depicting the Tree of Life in The Met collection, this high-contrast playmat offers visual stimulation and multi-sensory engagement for infants 0–12 months.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFeaturing a baby-safe mirror, teether, crinkly flaps, sensory ribbons, and a hidden squeaker, it’s designed to support early development through touch, sight, and sound. Lie it flat for tummy time or fold it into a standing mirror for seated play. A photo pocket adds a personalized touch to your baby’s artistic journey.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLightweight and foldable, this mat is easy to bring on the go and makes a perfect newborn gift. Thoughtfully developed by Hape’s childhood experts in collaboration with The Met, it merges artistic heritage with expert-backed developmental design—bringing the Museum experience into everyday moments of learning and discovery.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFeatures\u003cbr\u003eOFFICIAL MET LICENSED TOY: Features details from a tapestry depicting the Tree of Life from The Met collection, blending culture and early childhood development in one beautiful play experience.\u003cbr\u003eMULTI-SENSORY ENGAGEMENT: Includes mirror, teether, crinkle flaps, textured ribbons, and squeaker to stimulate sight, touch, and hearing.\u003cbr\u003eHIGH-CONTRAST VISUALS: Black-and-white details support early visual tracking and cognitive focus for babies 0–12 months.\u003cbr\u003eTWO WAYS TO PLAY: Use as a flat tummy-time mat or fold into a standing mirror for seated interaction.\u003cbr\u003ePERSONALIZED TOUCH: Photo pocket lets parents add a loved one’s image to promote bonding and recognition.\u003cbr\u003ePORTABLE AND GIFTABLE: Folds easily for travel or nursery storage; a thoughtful gift for newborns and baby showers.\u003cbr\u003eDEVELOPED WITH EXPERTS: Designed by Hape’s early-childhood team in collaboration with The Metropolitan Museum of Art.","brand":"Hape","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43006361108593,"sku":"070-E0141","price":42.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0625\/4195\/5185\/files\/Met-Tree-of-Life-Play-Mat-070-E0141.jpg?v=1772053656"},{"product_id":"met-william-stacker","title":"Met William Stacker","description":"Introduce baby to ancient art and early motor development with the Hape x The Met William® the Hippo Baby Stacker. Inspired by the world-famous blue faience hippo in The Met’s Egyptian Art collection, this stacker is a playful nod to one of the Museum’s most beloved treasures.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith rounded, easy-to-grasp pieces and a soft blue palette echoing William®’s glaze, this baby stacker encourages hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and tactile discovery. Babies will love stacking the smooth rings, placing the hippo topper, and knocking it all down again.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCrafted in collaboration with Hape’s early-childhood experts and The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the stacker shares the story of William®—connecting your child’s play with timeless creativity and culture.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerfect as a first learning toy, nursery décor, or baby shower gift, William® the Hippo makes art a part of everyday play.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFeatures\u003cbr\u003eOFFICIAL THE MET LICENSED TOY: Inspired by William® the hippo, the iconic Egyptian faience figure from The Met collection.\u003cbr\u003eSTACK, PLAY, LEARN: Includes soft-hued stacking rings and a hippo topper to build fine motor and problem-solving skills.\u003cbr\u003eARTFUL DETAILS: Subtle lotus patterning and blue tones evoke William®’s ancient symbolism of rebirth and renewal.\u003cbr\u003eBABY-FRIENDLY DESIGN: Rounded, safe materials for small hands; perfect for ages 10-24M.\u003cbr\u003eDEVELOPED WITH EXPERTS: Designed by early-childhood specialists in collaboration with The Metropolitan Museum of Art.\u003cbr\u003eGIFTABLE \u0026amp; EDUCATIONAL: A beautiful baby gift blending artistic heritage with hands-on learning.","brand":"Hape","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43006361141361,"sku":"070-E0142","price":44.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0625\/4195\/5185\/files\/Met-William-Stacker-070-E0142.jpg?v=1772053629"},{"product_id":"met-tree-of-life-maze-puzzle","title":"Met Tree of Life Maze Puzzle","description":"Bring centuries of creativity to life with the Hape x The Met Tree of Life Maze Puzzle. Inspired by a detailed 17th-century British embroidery in The Met’s collection, this magnetic puzzle features stylized trees filled with birds and animals, celebrating nature, artistry, and imaginative play.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eChildren use the magnetic stylus to move colorful beads through the maze’s twisting branches, helping develop hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and early problem-solving. The detailed design is a playful tribute to historic needlework once found in Tudor and Stuart homes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCreated in collaboration with early childhood experts and The Metropolitan Museum of Art, this puzzle offers a rich blend of artistic heritage and hands-on learning. Ideal for children ages 2 and up, the Tree of Life Maze brings timeless design to everyday discovery.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFeatures\u003cbr\u003eINSPIRED BY FAMOUS WORKS OF ART: Inspired by The Tree of Life, a 17th-century British embroidery from The Met’s collection.\u003cbr\u003eTRACE, GUIDE, LEARN: Use the magnetic stylus to move beads through winding branches—building coordination and early problem-solving skills.\u003cbr\u003eARTFUL DESIGN: Lush trees and charming animals reflect the textile’s original hand-stitched beauty.\u003cbr\u003eCHILD-FRIENDLY BUILD: Durable and safe, with enclosed pieces and a smooth magnetic stylus—ideal for ages 2+.\u003cbr\u003eDESIGNED WITH EXPERTS: Developed by early childhood specialists in partnership with The Metropolitan Museum of Art.\u003cbr\u003eMEANINGFUL PLAY: A beautifully crafted gift that blends artistic inspiration with interactive exploration.","brand":"Hape","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43006361174129,"sku":"070-E0534","price":49.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0625\/4195\/5185\/files\/Met-Tree-of-Life-Maze-Puzzle-070-E0534.jpg?v=1772053605"},{"product_id":"met-william-pull-along-toy","title":"Met William Pull-Along Toy","description":"Bring ancient Egypt into your toddler’s world with Hape x The Met William Pull-Along Toy, a toy inspired by the iconic hippopotamus statuette affectionately known as William® in The Met’s Egyptian Art collection.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOriginally crafted in faience nearly 4,000 years ago, the original William features lotus designs that reflect the hippo’s river home. This toddler-friendly version brings that historic figure into motion—with a twist! As children pull the toy along, William’s belly spins, turning every step into a sensory surprise.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith durable wheels, an easy-grip string, and rounded edges for little hands, Walk with William supports balance, coordination, and tactile exploration. It’s a playful way to introduce cultural heritage through everyday movement and fun.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDeveloped in collaboration with early-childhood specialists and The Metropolitan Museum of Art, this pull toy makes history part of every journey—perfect for first steps and thoughtful gifting.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFeatures\u003cbr\u003eOFFICIAL THE MET LICENSED TOY: Inspired by William®, the iconic Egyptian faience hippo in The Met collection.\u003cbr\u003eWALK, ROLL \u0026amp; SPIN: Toddlers pull the toy along to make William’s belly spin, adding motion and sensory engagement to early walking.\u003cbr\u003e HISTORICALLY INSPIRED: Lotus designs and a vibrant blue finish echo the original statuette’s rich symbolism and materials.\u003cbr\u003eTODDLER-FRIENDLY DESIGN: Safe, smooth construction with sturdy wheels and a soft pull cord, perfect for ages 12M+.\u003cbr\u003eEXPERTLY DEVELOPED: Created with early-childhood experts in collaboration with The Metropolitan Museum of Art.\u003cbr\u003eEDUCATIONAL \u0026amp; ENGAGING: Encourages movement, balance, and curiosity through beautifully designed, Museum-inspired play.","brand":"Hape","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43006361206897,"sku":"070-E0535","price":34.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0625\/4195\/5185\/files\/Met-William-Pull-Along-Toy-070-E0535.jpg?v=1772053579"},{"product_id":"met-van-gogh-building-set","title":"Met Van Gogh Building Set","description":"Transform a beloved painting into a hands-on experience with the Hape x The Met Wheat Field with Cypresses Building Block Set. Inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s vivid 1889 landscape in The Met collection, this set invites children to engage with color, texture, and design as they build their own interpretation of the iconic image.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFeaturing custom-shaped blocks in swirling patterns and painterly hues, the set echoes Van Gogh’s bold brushstrokes, rolling hills, and towering cypress trees. It encourages open-ended construction and imaginative storytelling while nurturing early spatial reasoning and fine motor development.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis block set blends timeless art with the joy of creative exploration. A unique gift for budding artists, young builders, and future museum-goers.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFeatures\u003cbr\u003eOFFICIAL THE MET LICENSED TOY: Inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s Wheat Field with Cypresses.\u003cbr\u003eBUILD, STACK, CREATE: Encourages hands-on creativity, shape recognition, and storytelling through open-ended construction.\u003cbr\u003eARTFUL DESIGN: The color palette and sculptural forms reflect Van Gogh’s vibrant, textured brushwork.\u003cbr\u003eCHILD-FRIENDLY MATERIALS: Durable, smooth blocks designed for ages 2+ with safe edges and easy handling.\u003cbr\u003eDEVELOPED WITH EXPERTS: Created with early-childhood specialists in collaboration with The Metropolitan Museum of Art.\u003cbr\u003eINSPIRED PLAY: A meaningful way to introduce children to fine art, movement, and emotional expression through building.","brand":"Hape","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43006361272433,"sku":"070-E0536","price":62.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0625\/4195\/5185\/files\/Met-Van-Gogh-Building-Set-070-E0536.jpg?v=1772053555"},{"product_id":"met-hokusai-great-wave-blocks","title":"Met Hokusai Great Wave Blocks","description":"Introduce your child to creativity, culture, and hands-on learning with the Hape x The Met Hokusai Great Wave Building Block Set, a beautifully designed toy inspired by one of the world’s most iconic artworks: Under the Wave off Kanagawa by Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlso known as The Great Wave, this 19th-century woodblock print is famous for its bold movement, swirling lines, and striking use of blues. This building block set transforms that powerful image into a playful, buildable experience for kids—inviting them to explore the shapes and rhythms of the sea.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThoughtfully crafted for children ages 2 and up, the set encourages open-ended play and early engineering through stacking, balancing, and problem-solving. Kids can create their own wave-inspired structures while developing fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and storytelling abilities.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDeveloped in collaboration with early-childhood experts and The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Great Wave Building Block Set is more than just a toy—it’s a way to bring beauty, culture, and creativity into your child’s everyday play.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhether you're looking for a meaningful gift, a screen-free activity, or a way to introduce art and design at an early age, this set delivers a rich, imaginative experience for growing minds.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFeatures\u003cbr\u003eOFFICIAL THE MET LICENSED TOY: Inspired by Under the Wave off Kanagawa, part of the celebrated Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji series by Katsushika Hokusai.\u003cbr\u003eBUILD \u0026amp; BALANCE: A wave-themed block set that encourages open-ended design, motion-rich play, and early engineering skills.\u003cbr\u003eARTISTIC PALETTE: Includes shapes and colors that echo the flowing lines and blue tones of Hokusai’s iconic woodblock print.\u003cbr\u003eCHILD-FRIENDLY MATERIALS: Smooth, durable wooden blocks designed for safe stacking and creativity—ideal for ages 2+.\u003cbr\u003eDEVELOPED WITH EXPERTS: Created in partnership with early-childhood specialists and The Metropolitan Museum of Art.\u003cbr\u003eINSPIRED PLAY: A hands-on way to explore cultural heritage, artistic composition, and emotional expression through play.","brand":"Hape","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43006361337969,"sku":"070-E0537","price":49.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0625\/4195\/5185\/files\/Met-Hokusai-Great-Wave-Blocks-070-E0537.png?v=1772053530"}],"url":"https:\/\/scholarschoice.ca\/collections\/emilys-picks-the-met.oembed","provider":"Scholar's Choice","version":"1.0","type":"link"}