I've compiled a list of the toys that 1) my boys play with the most, 2) are highly durable (they've survived three boys!) and 3) encourage creativity, problem-solving or have great educational value. If you have kiddos in the 5-and-under set, you'll want to check out this list for Christmas gift ideas!
Classic wooden Melissa & Doug workmanship. Carrier folds flat for easy storage.
Melissa & Doug Wooden USA Map Puzzle
At first, I wasn't sure this puzzle was age-appropriate for my 4 and 3 year old boys. They proved me wrong and are able to finish this puzzle pretty fast, and they're learning the states as they put it together! My 3 year old can already identify Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Arizona by name and where they belong!
At first, I wasn't sure this puzzle was age-appropriate for my 4 and 3 year old boys. They proved me wrong and are able to finish this puzzle pretty fast, and they're learning the states as they put it together! My 3 year old can already identify Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Arizona by name and where they belong!
LeapFrog My Pal Scout
My four year old got his "Scout" for Christmas a few years ago and it's his favorite bedtime buddy. This dog sings some fun lullabies, asks questions, recites early-learner facts and you can even customize his recordings with your child's name!
My four year old got his "Scout" for Christmas a few years ago and it's his favorite bedtime buddy. This dog sings some fun lullabies, asks questions, recites early-learner facts and you can even customize his recordings with your child's name!
My boys play with Legos daily. Every. single. day. With a 10-month-old who puts everything in his mouth, I can't chance the smaller Lego sets yet, but thankfully, my older sons still love their Duplo Legos. The best creative outlet ever.
Playskool Showcam 2-in-1 Digital Camera and Projector
My 4 year old loves this camera. Like, I live with a miniature paparazzi kind of love. The sound effects are cool, the features are incredible for a kid's camera (It projects onto walls/ceilings/whatever! It has doodle features!) and it has been dropped many a time without skipping a beat. This is a new toy that I highly recommend.
My 4 year old loves this camera. Like, I live with a miniature paparazzi kind of love. The sound effects are cool, the features are incredible for a kid's camera (It projects onto walls/ceilings/whatever! It has doodle features!) and it has been dropped many a time without skipping a beat. This is a new toy that I highly recommend.
You're almost certain to find your child's favorite animal made by Schleich. They are sturdy, come in quite an array of sizes and are too much fun for pretend play.
Green Toys Tool Set, Blue
This is a great tool set, and I like that all of the tools fit nicely in the tool box. Dishwasher-safe, and free and BPA, phthalates, PVC or external coatings and made in the U.S.A... so I don't even bat an eye when my baby is teething on the hammer.
This is a great tool set, and I like that all of the tools fit nicely in the tool box. Dishwasher-safe, and free and BPA, phthalates, PVC or external coatings and made in the U.S.A... so I don't even bat an eye when my baby is teething on the hammer.
(more options here)
Stickers. Hours of fun. (aka Quiet time for mommy.)
Stickers. Hours of fun. (aka Quiet time for mommy.)
Melissa & Doug Alphabet Sound Puzzle
My 3-year-old's favorite puzzle. It sounds out each letter ("'U' is for umbrella") and Melissa & Doug makes high-quality, long-lasting puzzles.
My 3-year-old's favorite puzzle. It sounds out each letter ("'U' is for umbrella") and Melissa & Doug makes high-quality, long-lasting puzzles.
Classic Balance Bike
My four year old has been riding a big-boy bicycle since early Spring thanks to his head-start on the balance bike. Absolutely no need for training wheels and he has learned incredible balance. I highly, highly recommend starting your kiddos early on balance bikes.
My four year old has been riding a big-boy bicycle since early Spring thanks to his head-start on the balance bike. Absolutely no need for training wheels and he has learned incredible balance. I highly, highly recommend starting your kiddos early on balance bikes.
Radio Flyer Ziggle Ride On
Another favorite. Similar to the PlasmaCar, which are super popular at preschool, this Ziggle is a blast to ride. The kids have to wiggle to make it go, which translates to loads of fun and a big energy release. Win-win! Exhibit A:
Another favorite. Similar to the PlasmaCar, which are super popular at preschool, this Ziggle is a blast to ride. The kids have to wiggle to make it go, which translates to loads of fun and a big energy release. Win-win! Exhibit A:
And, here are just a few book recommendations...
Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing
Written by the author of the Jesus Storybook Bible, this is a sweet and profound daily devotional for the young set. The illustrations are beautiful, too.
Written by the author of the Jesus Storybook Bible, this is a sweet and profound daily devotional for the young set. The illustrations are beautiful, too.
The Action Bible
We just checked this Bible out at the library, and if you're into comics, you're going to love it. Totally comic-book-style. It strikes a chord with my dudes, and they enjoy simply flipping through the pages and enjoying the illustrations.
We just checked this Bible out at the library, and if you're into comics, you're going to love it. Totally comic-book-style. It strikes a chord with my dudes, and they enjoy simply flipping through the pages and enjoying the illustrations.
The Story of the Little Mole Who Went in Search of Whodunit
Do you think poop is funny? I have three boys, so I really can't take poop seriously. This book is hilarious with a capital "H". You can't help but laugh along with your kiddos as you read through this "mystery".
Do you think poop is funny? I have three boys, so I really can't take poop seriously. This book is hilarious with a capital "H". You can't help but laugh along with your kiddos as you read through this "mystery".
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