I am always at a loss for what to buy as birthday gifts for other children who are not the same age as mine. A few days ago as I was purging toys, I thought of a few things that we have MORE THAN gotten our money out of and thought I would pass them on. I probably should have done something like this at Christmas rather than this time of year, but if I don't do it now I'll likely forget.
For the record, I am a bit of a toy snob. I don't like things made out of cheap plastic or with numerous (or small) parts. Clutter makes me grumpy. I like solidly made, imagination-inducing toys that will be enjoyed for a long time. We have very few 'character' toys. I prefer blocks, books, balls, art supplies and dress-up clothes. Somehow we still end up with plenty of junk that I am constantly sneaking out of the house. (I say all this just so you'll know my bias from the start.)
One more disclaimer: I do not advertise through this site. The following is absolutely my opinion and experience only. I also failed to research the lowest price for the links I chose. I just googled the toy and pulled the first site I found.
One year old: The Laugh & Learn Learning Home was perfect for my children from 12-36 months. They played with it every single day and it was in excellent condition when I passed it on. It was educational, safe, challenging and they could all three play on it simultaneously. It passed the triplet test by having no breakage in the two years we enjoyed it.
Two years old: Our Step 2 Kitchen was a gift from Santa when the children were 17 months old. They have played with it daily ever since. One tip we learned, don't get the extra sets of food or serving pieces. What it comes with is enough. Except maybe the ice cream set. That is a huge hit around here! That Christmas the children also received a wonderful wooden play cube that is still occasionally enjoyed as we approach four years old.
The two Christmas gifts from this year that have been played with every day since are pop-up tents and R's baseball set. The pop up tents (yes, there are three) would be difficult if not for our big empty room, but they have provided hours of fun...and personal space for my little ones who spend their life flanked by other kids. A couple of times a week I peak inside and am amazed at all the treasures that are being stored in there!
The Better Batter Baseball Set has been revolutionary for my R. He loves baseball and this has truly improved his swing immensely. The design is so much better than other tee-ball sets we have tried. It is sturdy and he can do it all completely without assistance. (The cheering in the background when he makes a hit is a nice touch too!)
Clearly, the BEST toy under $10 ever is a travel Magna-Doodle. There are versions with more bells and whistles for three times the price, but these were purchased for a trip 2 years ago and have saved the day in the car, in waiting rooms and while dinner was cooking dozens of times since then. I love that the pen is attached. These things have taken a serious lickin' and are still going strong. The simpler the toy the better!
Now it's your turn, what toys are on your favorite things list?
6 comments:
I am buying a few toys for preschoolers right now, to have on hand when we baby sit; so I appreciate these suggestions.
I will be interested to see if you somehow escape the "Fashion Polly" phase with K. Polly comes with LOTS and LOTS of tiny clothes and shoes; but her travel cases are so very handy for take along fun.
Our toy requirements are pretty much like yours and have several of the ones you listed. There are just too many of us to have little toys around. Some other big hits around here are Thomas train pieces that we built a table floor that slides under the beds. We are constantly adding pieces for birthdays or Christmas. Another favorite are the plastic Mega blocks which prove safe even for the littlest one. :) I can't wait to read what other post. You know I'm always looking for new ideas.
Have you heard of Plan Toys? They are fabulous toys made of rubberwood...we have really enjoyed their dollhouse and all of the furniture... Groovy Girls are another favorite. Lego of course hits the top of the list as well on all counts.Playmobile is a tough plastic and there is such variety in the themes. So many favorites!!
Jackson also has the better batter baseball set and LOVES it. I love it that he can do it all by himself!! I also love the Step 2 Kangaroo Climber (slide/climber)...it is fantastic! My kids (both) play on it constantly and have since we received it 2 years ago. They play on it everyday. During summer it is outside and during winter its right in the middle of our living room! http://www.step2.com/product.cfm?product_id=1305
I love the legos/duplos blocks.
Disney Cars cars and balls are a huge hit with my two (boy and girl) as well as an orange tunnel I got from Target. It is about 8 feet long but folds up about 2 inches wide. They play in that forever and roll around in it and then I can fold it flat and store it in seconds! I love it!
The Wii...I must say I am NOT a fan of video games, but my husband is a video game junkie...and thus, my son (now 2.5) has been playing since he was 14 months old. He LOVES it and is REALLY GOOD at it now. It is priceless to watch him play and he is really really (too) good at controlling the remote (hand eye coordination...oh I try to make it sound better :))
Grocery cart/shopping cart made of really nice plastic virtually indestructible...she loves it (16 months)
Thank you so much for these, I've put several on our list. The toy that's gotten the most playtime over here is the wooden Thomas the Train. It's one of the few that we'll save in the attic. It's great for multiple ages to play together. They come up with all sorts of imaginative scenerios, and will play for a long,long time. That's always a good thing!
My girls have loved the "My First Dollhouse" by Fisher Price. We've had it for 2+ years and they still play with it often. I would also suggest that you DO NOT pay $275 for Butterscotch the pony to decorate your playroom--no matter how much your child begs you for it!!!!!!
Post a Comment