I've had a few people ask about our boys' toys, and I've been meaning to share about them for quite some time! Ever since I found out that I was pregnant with Emmet I have been researching (specifically into montessori), DIYing (see a list of my DIY's below), and shopping for the best kid's toys. I LOVE it. I get told that I am too picky , perhaps even a little snobbish, but I would rather have fewer, quality kids toys for our kiddos that a) they love to play with, b) teaches them something while they play or encourages imagination, c) last a long time, and d) look good even when scattered all over our house. We really only buy the boys toys at Christmas time and for their birthdays (with a few other toys scattered throughout the year). We've also been really lucky to receive some awesome toys as gifts! We are so grateful to everyone who loves our boys (and also to those who give them things too). Our main "rules": -Natural Materials if possible. Wood, Fabric, etc. Silicone is an iffy one. But preferably, limited amounts of brightly colored plastic (unless they are from green toys, which are made from recycled plastic!) -Preferably no batteries (we have a few things). I'm cruel I know. But they break. or kids swallow batteries. or they just make god awful sounds all the time and turn their little brains to mush. no thanks. -Little to no character toys or short term interest toys. I catch myself on this one ALL THE TIME. Emmet went through a big incredibles phase and I found myself eyeing the action figures of them at the store more than once. OR sesame street, or frozen, moana, etc. Unless they love it so much that they are going to love it for a really long time, like truly obsessed with it, It will probably just get played with for a short amount of time and then thrown out. -Avoid having TOO many. If we already have one of something, I try to assess if we actually NEED an additional one. For instance, I've found a few shape puzzles that I love, but we already have a shape sorter and shape flash cards, so they aren't necessary as they won't teach them anything new. Or if we already have a set of blocks or stackers, we don't need another set (even if they are cuter). My goal is to avoid expansion packs for things. Wish us luck when we hit the lego stage. Below I've made a list of all of our favorite toys, brands, and places to shop. I even put a few of our wishlist things on here too (for more ideas for you!) What are your favorite kids toys? Our Favorite Toys For Baby: (have)
Stacking, Sorting, & Puzzles: (have)
Things that Move (or help them move!): (have)
Pretend Play: (have)
Building: (have)
Dress Up: I love the idea of having a large basket of dress up clothes for the boys' minds to run wild with! We have a few items so far and we plan to build it up slowly. We have found a few hats already at local thrift shops and we hit them up again around halloween time for more ideas. (have)
Outside Play: (have)
Bathtime: a tip, avoid ANYTHING that water can get trapped in. Squirty toys, foam, etc. Mold is a huge problem no matter how diligent you are. Plastic is your friend here. (have) (we also love...)
Music: (have)
Other: (have)
Finding the right toy can sometimes be a trick! For Christmas or birthdays, or when Emmet reaches a new milestone and is ready for a new toy OR when he gets a new interest, I usually start by looking at some of my brands or at some of my favorite stores. I typically look around until I find a few options and then narrow down when I find my favorite one (and for a decent price too!) Our Favorite Brands:
Places to Shop:
Looking for more ideas? I keep the boy's wishlists updated on my pinterest page! Come pin with me!
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Hi, I'm Leah
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