Random Observation/Comment #663: It’s been long enough that “now” is the new normal and “then” was the “good ole days.”
Why this List?
We’re trying not to just plop our 2-year-old in front of a TV (see 30 Non-TV Toddler Activities). We also tried to keep a manageable-size toy chest by leveraging everyday stuff as toys (see 30 Random Toys for Evie). We did buy some main baby gadget must-haves, but we’re tired. We totally caved into buying these so they’re good for a few hours/days of peace and quiet.
Note: I am not paid to sponsor any of these toys. These are just the ones we bought or got as a gift.
Since these are all toys on Amazon, here’s a shared list: List of 30 Toddler Toys
- Magna-tiles – She loves these from daycare
- Lego blocks – These larger blocks are great for stacking
- Dry erase board – Great for drawing and tracing + Markers – We write our schedule on one and do tracing activities
- Large foam blocks – Thought this would be overkill, but a nice replacement for Little Gym
- Wooden train track set – A must-have that’s also fun for the parent if you have the floor space
- Cardboard barn – We draw all over it. Mostly for hide and seek.
- Sticker workbooks – These are awesome. At least 45 minutes (although 1-time use)
- Big activity marker workbook – This is a little advanced, but we circle things
- Child’s jigsaw puzzles – Wooden ones with a reference picture. She’s able to do one in 15 minutes.
- Floor jigsaw puzzle – Slightly harder and needs more room
- Steer and stroll tricycle – Helps with learning how to pedal
- Chiapet – A bit of a fail because the seeds just molded
- Ballpit set – Definitely overkill, but so much fun. Probably a germ pool.
- Balls for ballpit – Don’t forget to buy this or else you just get a mesh pit
- Washable paint – She loves doing some arts and crafts. We paint some of the rocks we pick up from walks.
- Craft pom poms – With some glue and paper plates, this is an awesome 30 min activity
- Slide playset – Fun for a 30 min outside since parks are closed
- Let’s go Fishing game – Super annoying that it needs a 1.5V battery, but it’s fun without it. I taught her grouping by color and counting sets.
- Stickers – We have stickers everywhere. Need to make a sticker book of parchment paper so she can collect the ones she likes.
- Art kit – Lots of markers. Make sure to get construction paper to go with this.
- Toddler soccer ball – Kick the ball around in the backyard. So happy she’s finally old enough to do this.
- Uke – Good for just strumming and you can learn some chords too. We actually have a keyboard back at the apartment.
- Kid’s stroller toy – She loves pushing this around with her stuffed animal inside
- Foldable canvas teepee – She loves this teepee. Thanks, Uncle Angus and Auntie Kayla!
- Bubble toy gun – Pretty entertaining for the summer
- Bubble pack – Necessary ammo for above
- Magnet drawing board – Not really necessary, but novel toy for a short amount of time
- Kid’s kitchen set – Good for learning names of different foods and having tea parties
- Kid’s all terrain red wagon – Really easy to pull and great for getting the outdoor exercise
- Kid’s Bath bombs – Recommended for bath time!
Yes, we now have too many toys. At the end of the day though, you can do a lot with a little creativity and free play. Invest in the tools for building new things and make sure you donate it forward!
~See Lemons Buy Toys
