Whether you’re an expectant mom, a mom drowning in toys, or everything in between, this post is for you!
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As I write this post, Nugget is 5 and Peanut is weeks away from turning 4. We have officially reached the “drowning” level of toy ownership, LOL. That being said, if I could narrow it down, here are my top 10 awesome toys for kids:
**UPDATE: Nugget is 7 and Peanut is a month away from turning 6. Time is flying by!
1. A ball
So simple, so basic, but so much fun!!
This was a favorite in our house when Peanut and Nugget were toddlers:
Bright Starts Oball Rollin' Rainstick Rattle Easy-Grasp Toy, Ages 3 Months +
Now we have graduated to the following (most to be played with outdoors or in the basement, LOL):
2. Something to stack or build with
Legos and wooden blocks come to mind but honestly…my kids love stacking anything! Boxes, caps, tupperware…you get the idea.
Legos, blocks, magnetic tiles are all great because they allow for open ended play and the possibilities are endless. These are our personal favorites:
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Cardboard boxes, lids, recycling materials all work too!
3. Something to care for
Baby dolls, stuffed animals, “lovies”…anything to take care of. Children learn through play and imitating life (family, school, doctor’s office, restaurant, etc.) is one of the most popular themes!
Corolle Mon Premier Poupon Bebe Calin Maria Toy Baby Doll, Pink
4. Something to write with and write on
It’s debatable on whether or not these are “toys”…but I’m lumping them in with the list because every child should have something to write with and write on!
These are our favorites currently:
Ticonderoga Wood-Cased Pencils, Pre-Sharpened, 2 HB Soft, Yellow, 72 Count
Crayola Erasable Colored Pencils (24ct), Kids Colored Pencils for School, Back to School Supplies for Kids, Coloring Pencils, 6+
LOVE LOVE LOVE Ticonderoga and Crayola!
5. Something to READ
Ok, so technically not a “toy” per se, but BOOKS!! Tons and tons of books. Nowadays, we love to hit up our local library but in the early days, I was definitely a sucker for board books! Here are a few of our faves:
6. Something with wheels
Little cars, trucks, that telephone pull toy on wheels…kids love things with wheels. Cars to ride on, toy cars, shopping carts, strollers, things to drag/pull…the possibilities are endless.
A few of our favorites:
Kiddieland My First Minnie Ride On, Large
B. toys- Happy Cruisers- 6 Mini Vehicles Sports, Police, Pickup, Roadster, Taxi, 4x4 Classic Toys for Toddlers, Kids 1 Year +
Fisher-Price Toddler Pull Toy Chatter Telephone Pretend Phone with Rotary Dial and Wheels for Walking Play Ages 1+ years
7. Something to squish, shape, and mold
Back in my day (the ’80s, to be exact), we had playdough. Now…there are SO MANY options!! My kiddos’ favorite: KINETIC SAND. I’ll admit, I was terrified at first but it is too darn cool not to have in the house! Nugget and Peanut will literally play with this every single day.
Kinetic Sand Scents, Ice Cream Treats Playset with 3 Colors of All-Natural Scented Play Sand and 6 Serving Tools, Sensory Toys for Kids Ages 3 and up
Other fun options:
**SPOILER ALERT: Be prepared to vacuum.
8. Something to climb into/onto
Honestly, one of my kids’ FAVORITE toys is…a cardboard box! The possibilities are endless. They LOVE getting inside and pretending it is a boat/car/house. Best part? It’s free!
Looking for something a bit fancier? Try this:
Pickler Pikler Triangle Set Climber 3 Piece Climbing Gym, woodandhearts Montessori Climbing Set Toys Play Structure Jungle Gym Slide,Indoor Wooden Climbing Arch Toy Climb for Toddlers Baby Kids Infant
9. Something to sit under
Again, one of my kids’ favorite places to be is…under the table! (Or under the bed…or under a blanket fort…you get the idea.) Again, this can be totally free.
Or not!
Kids Tent Indoor & Outdoor Toddler Tent Kids Play Tent Large Kids Playhouse Tent Toys with Pennant Banners Razee
10. Something that they can “imitate life” with
Toy pots and pans, a shopping cart, a play sink, a toy kitchen, a pretend store…honestly, these can even be created with cardboard and whatever materials you have laying around your house. (Truly, real items are even better than pretend!) But my kiddos LOVE these:
KidKraft Red Vintage Wooden Play Kitchen with Stainless Steel-Look Trim, Play Phone
Battat- Play Circle- Shopping Cart Toy Food Play Kitchen For Toddlers- Pretend Play- Shopping Day Grocery Cart- 2 years +
CUTE STONE Color Changing Kitchen Sink Toys, Children Electric Dishwasher Playing Toy with Running Water, Upgraded Faucet, Automatic Water Cycle System Play House Pretend Role Play Toys for Boys Girls
Did I miss anything? Again, the idea is not to buy buy buy but rather, to have/give our kids ample opportunities to explore, play, and learn through their world.
Can’t get enough of my lists?!! Check out the ultimate outdoor toddler toy list.
Until next time!
