I also have became a bit anti-technology for kids...at least until they hit school age. (that is a whole other article and subject I could get rolling on about, but I will digress). You won't find any tablets, i-phones, or leappads in this post!
So, without further rambling, here is my suggestions for a magical and useful gift giving season.
There are Amazon affiliate links in this article.
1. TOMY Little Chirpers
These may look like a mess waiting to happen to you, but trust me, they are awesome. The bottoms of these eggs have shapes on them and your toddler will need to match it to the same shape on the carton. My twins love these! They loved just putting the tops on and squeaking the eggs at first, but have gotten into sorting the shapes and telling The colors of each chick.
2. Skoolzy Peg Board set
Ok, I know...small pieces...mess.... Bear with me here. These are phenomenal learning toys; stacking, coloring sorting, counting, hand-eye coordination, etc. Bonus points for me, multiple kids can use at the same time. Mine came with a bag to put them in, which helps us keep it all together!
3. Radio Flyer Red Rider Trike
This has to be the epitome of toddler-hood right?!?!? This is a perfect under the tree gift-if you catch my drift. These bad boys are extremely durable and are a great grow into toy.
4. Dear Zoo-Lift the Flap Book
This is a classic that children still love. I'm a firm believer in the philosophy of one can never have too many books.
I also suggest picking up The Polar Express and reading it every year as a family tradition. Also, I'm not sure about other areas, but I know North Carolina and Tennessee have some Polar Express Train rides you can enjoy. It's a great time.
5. Leap Frog Count Along Cash Register
This is so cute and fun, but it also teaches a good deal. My girls love the songs. (They may drive you, the parent, nuts though) They love playing with the Cash Register and their play kitchen (see below) together. They pretend to go to the store. It's cute.
If you happen to be feeling extremely brave and want to teach the money values this is a great set! (Suggest for preschool age)
6. Little Tikes Super Chef Kitchen
I don't know about you, but I did not want a ginormous play kitchen. This was a happy medium for our family. It does make cooking sounds when turned on. This is also another great under the tree (HO HO HO) gift.
I would suggest buying a play food set as well, as this only comes with a few dishes.
Also, do yourself a favor and pick-up something to store this in. The food will be EVERYWHERE if you do not!
7. Train Table + Trains
Some of you with girls might be thinking, nah....but, most of the girls I know really enjoy playing trains. They may not become obsessed with the show and characters the way my oldest son did, but they do like them. My girls love loading the freight cars with treasures and making the trains crash. They also make wooden Cars and tractors that work on these tracks! We have also used the table for Legos and put away the train stuff when we need a change.
8. Step2 playhouse
This is the exact one that my twins have. I really like it because it is large enough that both my girls (and sometimes my 9 year old) can fit in there! We use it outside on our deck, but if would be great in a gameroom as well....we have just ran out of room!! My girls love "painting" their house and washing it when it's warm. And, they like to play house with their stuffed animals in there as well. It's been well worth the money.
9. Step2 Art Easel + paints
I chose this particular easel because it is double sided and has clips on both sides, so my girls can be painting/drawing at the same time. It also has good size trays to hold paint, chalk, brushes, etc. in. Also, it has a magnetic expo board on one side and a chalk board on the other. When purchasing, do not forget to buy the extra paint because this does not include any art supplies.
10. B Dr. Doctor
This is a great kit, especially if you're not into the McStuffins variety! Do yourself a favor and hide the play scissors though!!!
(Bonus)11. Fisher Price Think & Learn Caterpillar
This is the one item we do not personally have, but I think it's going to be a huge hit! The only complaint I have noticed is it needs more of the pieces....but, Fisher Price does sell the expansion packs.
Hopefully, this list helped you out! Any must-have toys I forgot?
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