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Showing posts with label Best Toys for Toddler. Show all posts

Babywise Mom Recommendations

Babywise Mom Recommendations | Toy list | best toys for children | #toys

Being a seasoned mom with four children and many years of experience, I have a list of kid toys and items I would buy again and again. I have compiled it all for you into this handy Amazon list. The list is in approximate age order, with the top items being for older children and the bottom items being for babies. At the very bottom, I have my favorite parenting books.

Great Toys to Encourage Independent Playtime

Independent playtime has such value to your child. Your child will learn to focus, build a longer attention span, gain creativity, become adept at self-play, and be more orderly. It is so very worth the effort it can take to get started with independent play. You might be wondering which toys are best for your child to play independently. Are some better than others? Here is a list of my favorite toys for independent play to get the most out of the time spent. This post contains affiliate links.


Great Toys for Independent Playtime to help your child play happily | independent play | toy list | #toylist



Toys that Require Imagination 
I want my children to gain that benefit of gaining creativity, so I like toys that require some imagination. These can be building toys, like LEGOs. They can also be figurines, stuffed animals, or baby dolls. For figurines, I ideally prefer toys that are not based on a movie or television show. My children have some of those, but what I want is imagination happening. If the toys are based on something the child is familiar with, the characters and personalities are already created. Here are some good options. Click on the image to learn more about each toy:

  
 


Toys that Mimic Real Life
Another great category of toys to go for with independent playtime are toys that help the child mimic real life. This is a huge benefit of playing in general, and will really help your child gain orderly skills (as will requiring your child help clean up at the end). Dress up clothes. Toy kitchen and accessories. Doctor set. Vet set. Note on the dress up. If you hit the Halloween stores and sections at stores the day after Halloween, you can find some good deals on some dress up clothes.

  

Toys that are Hard
Some toys are difficult for the child to play with. What happens when the child plays with that toy with you around? He/she asks you to do it or to help. When the child is in independent play, he/she has to do it herself. This helps with attention span and being able to play alone. Do not overwhelm your child with difficult toys. Do not leave your child alone with toys that are too hard and not developmentally appropriate. You don't wan to to completely frustrate your child. Puzzles, magnet dolls, geomags, train sets, and nesting cups are all good examples of hard toys.




Musical Toys
I also love some musical toys going on. I am very musical and love to foster that in my children. I think it helps them with their creativity and attention span.



Books
Books are a fantastic item to have with your child during independnet play. I have a lot of posts on best books by age. Here are some. One I always loved for independent play with my little ones are the VTech books. They read to the child. I also like soft books.



Toys for Baby
When baby is doing independent play, you want toys that won't frustrate but will be entertaining. Some toys have been mentioned, such as books, nesting cups, and the music table. Be sure toy you leave with baby are safe for baby to have unsupervised. With babies who can't sit up independently, an activity gym is perfect. For babies who can sit up, they love to either empty items or fill them back up (depending on the age). A bucket of some sort full of toys that can be emptied then refilled will b be a big hit. Here are more ideas:



Conclusion
My children play independently, without me, daily. For help on getting this started with your children, see Roomtime--Your Invitation and Starting Independent Playtime Late. 

Related Posts:

12 Last-Minute Gift Ideas {Friday Finds}


Christmas is almost upon us! Are you still shopping for some people on your list? Here are some last-minute ideas for you. This post contains affiliate links.

VTech Sit-to-Stand: I am not surprised to see this listed among your favorites. We had something similar to this for all of my kids, and I see great demand for these in local classifieds. It is a great toy for little ones.



Suretrack Train Clips: If you have a train-lover in your home, these can eliminate a lot of frustration. Younger siblings can destroy a masterpiece in seconds. Just regular play can make pieces come apart. Some people choose to solve this issue by gluing the track down, but then you lose a huge benefit of train tracks: the creativity. These clips help keep them together while still allowing things to be moved.



Train
: If you are getting tracks or clips, a train to go with it is a must!




Melissa & Doug Locks and Latches Board Wooden Educational Toy: We love these type of puzzles.



VTech Drop and Go Dump Truck: Filling, dumping, and trucks. There is a reason this is a best seller!


Pie Face Showdown: Fun game the kids will get a kick out of! We love family game time, and it can be hard with various ages of children to find a game everyone will enjoy.
 

Spirograph: My grandma had this when I was a kid and I loved it! Our kids enjoy their set.

Shopkins: Shopkins are admittedly a toy I will never understand but a toy that is popular none-the-less.



Slim Doodle: These types of things are GREAT for coloring in places you don't want to risk mess. It is also great for somewhere like the car so the pen doesn't get dropped into the abyss on a road trip.


Hot Wheels: These are a classic that can make a great gift AND great stocking stuffers.


Superhero Costume Capes: Um...enough said.



Pretend Play Makeup Set: For the little girl who wants to be just like her mommy.



Outside Toys Worth the Investment (All-Star Toys)

Outside weather is coming! It is! I know some of you will find that very hard to believe, while some of you are in it...and some of you are actually approaching winter. Despite your weather situation, let's talk outside toys. This post contains affiliate links. 

Outside Toys Worth the Investment | oudoor toys | outside play | toy list | #toys #toylist


Top Five All-Star Toys

Sidewalk Chalk
Sidewalk Chalk is very enjoyable for all children. It is also very handy for creating fun outdoor learning games. While some chalk is better quality than others, I really just go for whatever is inexpensive. Sometimes the better quality chalk is less expensive than lesser-quality. Chalk gets abused. Some kids basically sit and rub one stick over and over until it is in just a nub. Sometimes chalk gets left out and rain water or sprinkler water soaks it (and then kids decide to soak it intentionally once they realize how cool it is to write with wet chalk). The chalk gets spilled and shatters no matter what brand it is...

This doesn't mean I allow my children free-for-all or offer a never-ending supply of chalk. I plan on buying one container of chalk each spring and let them know that is what they get until the next spring. They can decide how to treat it from there.

Bubbles
Bubbles are loved by pretty much every child out there. Bubbles are great because they work as an outside toy whether you have your own yard or not. You might not be able to go draw sidewalk chalk at the park or all over the sidewalks at your apartment complex, but bubbles will work. You can even blow them inside if you want to. I buy these Bubbles and pour them into smaller bubble containers when they run out. We often buy bubble blowers (or the kids get them as birthday gifts from friends). They have all been lots of fun and a great way to save your breath, but they always break within the same season we got the blower. Just don't expect a bubble blower to last very long.

Some Sort of Bicycle
There are a lot of versions of bikes. You have the Tricycle, the Bicycle, the Balance Bike, the Scooter, the PlasmaCar... There are so many possibilities. They all have their merits and all have their time that your child will favor that particular item. Think about what your storage space capabilities are and what you think your child would like best. I keep trying to think of what is the BEST and I just can't do it. My kids really love the plasma car, and it is easy to ride on from a young age. A bicycle is a must at a certain age--probably by 3. Scooters are a big hit in our neighborhood. My neighbor lives for his balance bike (but Brinley is scared of hers).

Water Table
I did not buy a water table until Brinley's first birthday. Anyone with a water table is likely thinking "What?!?!?" I know! Once we got it, I realized what a huge hit it is with kids. It is such a fun toy. It is a great toy to have outside, especially when it is hot outside. Now, if you don't have space or means for a water table, you can easily make your own version by filling up a large bowl or tote with water and putting it outside to play in. Add some measuring cups from the dollar store and you have a party.

Sandbox
I have a love/hate relationship with our sandbox. I love it because it is an absolute favorite toy in the yard. I hate it because sand gets everywhere. There is always a trail of sand in the house. The hours of fun they have with it make the hate worth it in my life. We made our sandbox, but you can buy them for a reasonable price.



Large All-Star Toys

Swing Set
Outside Toys Worth the Investment | oudoor toys | outside play | toy list | #toys #toylistA swing set is a very fun object to have in the yard. It is a worthy investment. We purchased ours from Swing Kingdom. We have had it for almost six years and we have loved it! We have never regretted it. A fun thing is that they are sturdy enough that adults can use them. There are a lot of nice swing sets out there. Before we got our nice one, we had a basic swing set left behind at the house we bought and that worked great for our kids while they were smaller.

Trampoline
I know a lot of people worry about having a trampoline. My husband was one and I went along with it for many years. When I was pregnant with Brinley, however, I put my foot down and declared we would be purchasing a trampoline. I was about to have a new baby and McKenna was going to be home without siblings and I wanted something I knew would keep her busy and get exercise at the same time. We have loved having it. We got one similar to this.

Our Current All-Star Toys

Basketball Hoop
Last year, we put a basketball hoop in our backyard. This is currently Brayden's favorite thing to play with outside (age 9). This is where he spends most of his time. It is my favorite, also.





Jump Rope
A few years ago, we found several of these jump ropes at a garage sale for less than a dollar a piece. These are awesome jump ropes. Jump rope is what Kaitlyn does most outside right now (age 7). A good jump rope makes all the difference in whether or not the child will be interested in using it. Cheap dollar store jump ropes won't cut it.


Rollerblades
Hands down, McKenna's favorite thing to do outside is rollerblading (age 5). She is in love with it. She wants to do it at every opportunity. Decent roller blades help in the child's enjoyment. McKenna got these rollerblades for Christmas and they have been awesome. I didn't think she would be able to wear them for months since we live in Norther Utah, but I knew they would be her favorite gift, so I got them. We have had a very mild winter so she has been able to use them quite a bit!

Cozy Coupe
Wondering about Brinley (age 2)? She really has a very varied "favorite." She loves to draw with chalk. She loves bubbles. She enjoys plasma cars. The water table would be loved if it wasn't winter (she does ask for it, though). The sandbox is covered for winter, but it is a favorite when it is out. She loves to swing and jump on the trampoline. The thing in addition to what I have talked about that she loves to do is drive in her Cozy Coupe.


What are your all-star outdoor toys? Anything I missed? Anything I need to try out? Today is the BFBN Pinterest day, so check out our Pinterest page. Check out the other ladies for their fun ideas today, too!



Favorite New Finds

We have had some new fun finds in the past month with Christmas and all. I wanted to share them with you now!  This post contains affiliate links. 

Books
Legend Series
Legend, by Marie Lu, is a series that was recommended to me by a friend. I love dystopian novels and I am all about the Young Adult novels. I really enjoyed this series. It had me crying a river of tears at the end--don't let that scare you! It was good. I cried a contact right out! And right now the first book, Kindle, is on sale for 1.99, so check it out!



Fancy Nancy Chapter Books
McKenna is getting older and is interested in chapter books and not just picture books. We do have a lot of chapter books in our house appropriate for a Kindergartner, but while Brayden is into science fiction and mystery and Kaitlyn is into animal books, McKenna is my girl into princesses and girly things. We don't have girly chapter books. I went into Barnes and Noble and perused. I came across this Fancy Nancy: Nancy Clancy's Tres Charming Chapter Book Box Set. McKenna adores Fancy Nancy, so I knew this would be a win. 

Ladybug Girl Board Books
It has always been my policy that my children will each get a book every Christmas, Easter, and Birthdays (as a base policy--I am not above getting them more often than that!). I love books and I want them to love books. This year, however, I had resigned myself to just not getting one for Brinley for Christmas. At this point in our parenting lives, we have a TON of books for little ones. Tons people. Years of buying books had really filled us. She loves Sandra Boynton, but we own almost all of them. I also felt like she is really at the point of being ready to move on to picture book type of stories, but I don't like her alone with a paper picture book yet. I still like the board book for her. I had looked through book lists I had made, wish lists on Amazon, and I really hadn't found anything that struck my fancy. So no book it was.

Until I went to Barnes and Noble. Then I came across this gem. Ladybug girl board books?!?! This is the perfect in between for my little girl. Bigger girl stories, simplified, and in toddler-safe form. Little Box of Ladybug Girl is one book set she got for Christmas (but from my mother-in-law, reasons below...). She loves these books. And she now dresses up like Ladybug girl basically daily.

Nursery Rhyme Book
Okay, I will admit it. Barnes & Noble is a dangerous place for me to be. While there, I also came across this book. While we have a few nursery rhymes books, Brinley hadn't ever latched on to one. I am a huge believer in the Read Aloud Handbook and according to that book, nursery rhymes are powerful for building literacy. McKenna  had one by Lucy Cousins that she just loved and wore thin. I had looked around, but hadn't found one that struck me for Brinley. Until I came across this one! It is simply titled Nursery Rhymes. Brinley loves it. Loves. The thing that makes this her nursery rhyme book is that it has textured pages. The pictures are cute and look like they have been hand-stitched on with felt. It isn't a touch and feel book, but there is texture to each page and she is very tactile. A huge selling point for this book is the CD it comes with, though we haven't actually even gotten it out to listen to it! So I can't tell you the quality there. 

Toys
Melissa  & Doug Water Books
As we were preparing for our trip to Southern California, I searched for things that could be done in the car. I came across these Melissa & Doug Water Wow Books. I thought they would be something Brinley would like and purchased them. I never did pull them out (at this point, yes I know that was dumb, but I didn't want to show my hand all up front and she was good without them). I decided to save them for a Christmas present. Then I didn't even open them for her until a week ago. I know! Oh she was in love. Straight into obsessed. These are seriously amazing. You have a water pen like with an aquadoodle. You "paint" with the water and a whole scene comes to life! She was so obsessed with these that the next day when it was bath time, she did not want to take a bath. It would delay her playing with her new books. So like any rational toddler, she opted for a time out. Not just any time out. A 20 minute time out. She happily sat in time out trying to outlast me and win the fight against the bath. She lost, and learned a great lesson in the process, but it really demonstrates her extreme obsession for these books. They have more that what is shown here. 

TY Beanie Boos
Beanie Boos are a completely adorable type of TY Beanie Babies. My two stuffed animal lovers, Kaitlyn and Brinley, love them. They have a lot of animal types. They also have a variety of size, from little ones like you would expect up to quite a bit bigger, so pay attention to the size if purchasing online. I have no doubt any stuffed animal lover would not love these.


LEGO Technic
LEGO Technic is the next level in building LEGO creations. They are a bit more challenging. They also are a step up--the final product is a bit more realistic than regular LEGOs are. Many can also add a motor to move. Brayden has loved these. They have offered him some challenge and taken him more time than 20 minutes to put together. 


LEGO Architecture
While at LEGOLAND, we were all impressed with the LEGO creations built that depict actual buildings. In the gift shop, I saw they have this whole LEGO Architecture series. While it doesn't look as exciting as some bulldozer or excavator, I thought it would offer Brayden a great challenge. It did! Granted it is rated for 12 and older, but it is intricate and it creates something impressive. He was very excited about this. They have a lot of buildings available. If you have a child needing some challenge or a child interested in engineering or architecture, this is a great set.

LEGO Animals
Younger children are always impacted by what their older siblings are interested in. As such, all of my children love LEGOs. Not to say there isn't great reason to love LEGOs, but they are hands down Brayden's favorite and he has passed that enthusiasm on to his sisters. I saw this in the LEGOLAND gift shop. They have a whole bunch of LEGO Creator animals. Kaitlyn got this LEGO Creator Furry Creatures. This is really fun for the animal lover.

Cat's Cradle
When I was a little girl, I remember loving Cat's Cradle. My friends and I played for hours at a time. I don't remember much, so I got this Klutz Cat's Cradle Book Kit for Kaitlyn for Christmas. In the meantime, she had a friend start teaching it to her, and she became as obsessed with it as I was as a kid. One day she asked me if I had heard of it, I told her I loved it as a kid, and she asked my why I hadn't ever taught it to her then! Little did she know. She was so thrilled to get this for Christmas. 

Bristle Blocks
Where have I been for the last 10 years? I really thought we had about every toy worth having for a toddler. It makes it hard to shop for Brinley. Someone mentioned Battat Bristle Blocks. Bristle Blocks? What is that? How did I miss a building toy for my builder-obsessed son?!? I was sure I was aware of them all. Nope. I decided to give this a try for Brinley for Christmas. Winner! McKenna graduated from Duplos up to regular LEGOs this Christmas, so Brinley inherited the Duplos. She has always loved the Duplos. However, at this age, she pulls out her Bristle Blocks more than Duplos. Really a great toy.

Parent Stuff
Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer
Mary Kay used to make this stuff for lips that was like chapstick but colored like lipstick. I loved it because I could put it on without a mirror and had no risk of looking like crazy lipstick lady. I loved the texture. For some unknown reason, they stopped making them, but luckily not until after I had totally stocked up. But I am on my last tube and have been searching for a suitable replacement. It is an item I really don't want to be without. I have had my eye on these Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer for a long time. Been on my Wish List on Amazon forever. But I haven't ever taken the plunge to buy. I was at Cracker Barrel one day and somehow found myself wandering the gift shop (really, waiting for women to use the rest room). In my wanderings, I stopped at the Burt's Bees section. They were having a buy one, get one half off AND things were already on sale. I thought it over long and hard, and in the way I walked away with the Burt's Bees Kissable Color Warm Collection and a cool collection I can't find on Amazon (but I haven't opened it yet since it is winter and all). I LOVE it! My two favorite colors for me are Fig and Rhubarb. I have found my winner! It is 100% natural but it does not have any funky texture. Seriously love. 

Sanuks
This goes for men or women. I was on a walk one day with my neighbor ladies. We got talking about shoes. Ever since I hurt my ankle a year ago, I am in need of very sensible shoes, but that doesn't mean I want ugly shoes, right? I am also into cute shoes. But they need to be sensible and comfortable. I had heard of Bobs and had been considering them (guys, I think a lot about anything I spend my money on). My concern, despite the love out there, was that my feet might be too wide and/or high arch for it to be comfortable. My neighbor told me about her Sanuks. She loved them. They were so comfortable and cute and she was sure I would love them. A couple of weeks later, I saw a nurse at the doctors office wearing them. I figured any shoe a nurse is willing to wear must be comfortable. I asked her about them. She raved. She owns at least five pairs. So I perused Amazon. I added a bunch to my wish list that I liked. But they are expensive and I couldn't spend that much money on something I wasn't sure I would love! Then one day, one pair I had on my wish list went on sale for $15.00 (these Coral Sanuk Shoes). Well come on! That is a price I can risk! And everyone is right. They are very comfortable. 

Here is the tricky thing. The sizing. They don't usually come in half sizes. That can be tricky for those who are ideally in a half size! The nurse told me you want a size smaller than you usually wear. I bought a pair for my husband for our California trip and he said if he got another pair, he would want them a size smaller. They are fine in his normal size, but he thinks smaller would be best. He has skinny feet. My neighbor has wide feet and high arches and she buys her normal size. That is what I did. I went with my usual size and I have been happy with that decision. I will update you if I ever change my mind. 

And I am 100% buying some red Sanuks as soon as they drop to a price I am happy with. And I might still try Bobs. 

NFL Jacket
My anniversary gift from Nate was this Kansas City Chiefs Jacket. I love it! It is warm and flattering. They have them for other teams, too, so if you love football, you can find your favorite.












Pearl Earrings
I was sent these pearl earrings to review from Pearl & Clasp. They are very nice! And at $24.00, inexpensive. McKenna is in love with these earrings. They are her favorite earrings I own.








Do you have any fun new finds from Christmas?