I try to keep clutter down in my home, it keeps my mind at ease and I also feel like it helps my toddler keep from being overstimulated and overwhelmed too. So I have always kept toys at a minumum. When choosing toys I 1.) try to get things that my toddler can continue to use as she grows 2.) try to keep toys that don’t make a lot of noise 3.) lean towards toys that can be used in pretend play. My little one’s birthday is right around the holidays so I try to be intentional about what I put on her wish list. I honestly rather her family members opt to do an activity with her instead of getting her a toy. BUT if they do decide on a physical gifts this is the wishlist I have put together.
- Magnetic Tiles– These are so fun! I even enjoy to play with them myself. I think they have a little more versatility than traditional blocks. They are also compact when stacked so they don’t have to take a ton of room when being stored.
- Yoto– This one is a bit of a splurge. I was looking for screen time alternatives especially as she’s getting older. I was between the Yoto and a Tonie and ultimately decided on a yoto after multiple people said they felt like it was still used a-lot even as their toddlers became school aged. We have used this a ton already since she got it for her birthday.
- My First Flash Cards– I am home with my daughter M-F so I wanted to make sure I started to incorporate educational subjects into her days. She actually grabs for these cards as much as her other toys.
- Fisher Price Indoor Trampoline– She recieved this one before her birthday from one of ther grandparents.It is a great way to burn up some energy espcially when the weather isn’t ideal for being outside. We also have it set up next to her nugget couch so she plays on it a bit like an obstalace course at times. .
- Ice Cream Puzzle– We LOVE puzzzles. Wooden puzzles are especially a fan favorite beacuse they are easy to pick up. We have a a handful of melissa and doug puzzles. They are great quality. I like this one in particular because not only is it a puzzle but you can also pretend play with it.
- Toddler Kitchen Tools– My daughter loves to help in the kitchen. She got a toddler tower a while ago (I have a love hate relationship with the thing). So as soon as she sees I’m doing anything in the kitchen she is dragging her tower to be by my side to help me. I wanted her to start being even more hands on and start to practice her skills safely. This may be one of the things I am most excited about, just because it is something we will use daily together.
- Fisher Price Farm– When we first got this it was HUGE hit. I think we got it around the time my little was 18 months. It is something she still plays with frequently. I love seeing her pretend play and making the animals sounds.
- Magnetic Drawing Board– We do a lot of arts and crafts. We also are a paint household, because kids are washable. However, if you are a parent who prefers to keep the mess to a minimum this would be a good alternative. We often bring this along for car rides and to restaurants. It also comes with legs so you can set it up like a little table/tablet.
sproutlywhit.com 