10 Toys My Toddlers Love
We’ve all heard people say they had a playroom full of toys to pass down from their first child to their second, and their second child to their third, but all the kids had different interests and ways of play. Many times siblings completely ignore the toys that were the favorites of their predecessor. It’s been interesting to see what engaged my first child, and now watching what my one and a half year old prefers, even though she’s mostly just busy following her older sister around. With that said, there are a few toys that I have that I’d say ‘don’t have a shelf life’ and either transitioned well from my first child to my second, or both my kids continue to play with.
1.) Kitchen Set: I love having a kitchen set and see how the kids use it as they reach new milestones. When they first could pull up, they would grab the phone or practice open and closing the doors. When they got more strength standing, they could start pairing items, like spoons with bowls, or toast with a plate. Now that I have a three year old and one and a half year old, they both can play together ‘preparing’ meals for mommy and daddy. I have the KidKraft Vintage Kitchen and it fits perfectly in smaller spaces or awkward corners. It’s also ideal for the smaller tots, but my three year old still plays with it just fine.
2.) Shopping Cart: If you remember Supermarket Sweep, that’s how I feel when my two kids are running around the house with their shopping carts stealing not only the play food that should be put in the cart, but other household items as well. It’s really fun for the kids, and if you get a solid one, it’s helpful for the toddlers learning to walk. I’d recommend the Melissa & Doug cart, as it is really steady and doesn’t tip over when my little one loses her balance.
3.) Check-out Stand & Cash Register: My kids got the Minnie Mouse Marvelous Market for Christmas, which comes with fake food, a shopping bag and basket, and money to pay for food. As a young and older toddler, they both enjoy working and shopping, and can be distracted here for quite a while!
4.) Ball Popper Toys: From about 6 months on, both my kids got a kick out of the Playskool Busy Ball Popper and the Poppity Pop Dino. It was always fascinating watching them trying to stop the balls from escaping and then they’d have to chase them and start over again.
5.) Vanity: I have no idea why the Little Tikes Vanity continues to be such a hit with my girls but it is a really cute vanity set. My kids love to play pretend with the hair dryer that makes real sounds, brush their hair, apply lipstick, and paint their nails. The vanity also lights up and makes fun royal sounds. I got my younger daughter a more junior version for her first birthday which she loves, but she quickly advanced to the vanity.
6.) Make up Set: On a similar topic, both my girls love the Melissa & Doug pretend make-up set so much that sometimes there are battles over it! It might be time for me to get a second set so they each have their own. All make-up pieces are completely pretend, so their is no mess, and the kids can practice putting blush and eye shadow on mommy, and putting on their lipstick.
7.) Play Car (s): From just about when they started sitting up to even nearly one and a half, my babies played with the Fisher Price Activity Center Car. They love the music and the fact that they can comfortably sit on the floor and pretend to drive their car. When they got closer to eight months, they started enjoying the Step2 Pushcar that you can use outside and is perfect if you need to get fresh air and a quick walk around the block. It also has places to hold the kids drinks and snacks, and your drinks too! The other car my kids play with all the time is the Little Tikes Cozy Coupe. I actually keep this one in my house and let them drive it around the house. They take turns pushing each other and going shopping.
8.) Rollercoaster: The Step2 Rollercoaster was one of the big gifts my kids received for Christmas this past year. My one and a half year old can easily climb and ride it comfortably and my three and a half year old is a riding manic! It’s great to see I’ll be hanging on to this toy for years as my second goes through her toddler milestones. I also love that this can be placed inside or outside, so think basements, playrooms, or backyards.
9.) Outdoor Bounce House: Living in the South, we use bounce houses all year round. They are great water obstacle courses in the summer, but also something my three year old asks for just to jump on throughout winter. My one and a half year old just started being able to keep up with her sister in the bounce area.
10.) Magnetic Tiles: While magnetic type tiles are typically for three year old’s and up, my one year old likes playing alongside her sister stacking the tiles and smashing her sisters creations! It is really fun watching my three year old get creative in the type of homes, buildings, castles, and fences she likes to build. This is also a great joint gift for siblings close in age. My go-to brand is PicassoTiles, but there are many different kinds out there and a lot of them work together.
As you are shopping for your next toddler birthday gift or a joint holiday options, I hope these ideas were helpful and end up being as played with as they are for my daughters! What are your favorite toys that all your kids adored?
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Diana Lynn 
What are your thoughts??