5 toys that are actually worth it
My news feed is constantly flooded with the next best toy. YouTube shows my kids new thing after new thing. I cannot begin to tell you the amount of money I have wasted trying to keep my kids entertained.
But it's a lot.
So take it from me, someone with 5 kids and A LOT of toys. Some that have been played with once, and left to collect dust. Some that have stood the test of time and have been passed down kid-to-kid.
Here's my list of 5 of our absolute favorite toys that actually do what they're supposed to do- entertain and teach our kids. The toys I have included have worked for all my kids from age 10 on down, they truly seem ageless.
1. Foam Climbing Blocks
Starting off the list with an item more expensive than the others on the list, but worth every friggin penny. It's hard to even begin to list all the different ways to use these toys, for all different ages. The slide on our foam blocks gets used multiple times a day, even by older kids. And it's not just for human bodies to throw themselves down, cars and balls and every Spiderman loves that slide in our house. They use the blocks to build forts and houses. They stack them like towers and push them over to scream with excitement. They use them to jump off of. They've even used them as desks and tables to eat off. My older daughter regularly uses them to build imaginative worlds like vets offices or restaurants or book stores. Even as babies my kids just loves pulling themselves up on them or pushing them around. Though it's on the pricier end, it's a longevity toy that is going to get you through a lot of long afternoons.
2. Kinetic Sand
Look, is it a little messy? Yes. But will it give you tons of uninterrupted playtime? Also yes. This stuff is gold, and I prefer is SO MUCH to its older and grosser sibling; play dough. And in all honestly, I like to play with it too! It's cool! And usually seems to have a calming affect on my kids. There's also so many different kinds, you can find a style for all of your kids! My younger toddlers mostly like to dig and squish and make a mess. Older kids can create whole worlds with their toys, or with accessories that come with certain kits. It's great for sensory and imaginative play. You can find a kinetic sand for every kid.
Ice cream kit
Construction kit
Different colors
Unicorn Kingdom
Fun tools
Dino digging
Zen garden
This one will not come as a shock, but it needed to be included because they're just that good. Open ended, endless possibilities. I have never had a kid not love these. Small babies up to my 9-year-old. Build houses and castles. Make patterns. Learn shapes and colors. Stick them to a cookie sheet or your fridge or garage door. Stack them tall, lay them out long and flat. Use them to create a board game. I'm telling you, they're a must have in your home. And right now this link on Amazon is 15% off with addition 10% when you apply the promo code. So now you don't even have an excuse!
Here's my favorite "on the go' toy. Sister has gymnastics and gotta bring little brother along? Throw this in your bag. Want to stroll Target aisles in peace, throw the kid in the cart and (nicely) throw this at him. Third grader need to practice cursive? Long drive and 4-year-old is complaining? So many different times and options when it comes to this toy. My kids also think they are super cool and have their own tablet even though they definitely don't. I have found this as a great learning tool too. Draw shapes, letters, numbers, sight words, etc. and work with your kids. Spelling is way more fun when you practice on a tablet. There's so many option for both joint and independent play!
5. Toy Kitchen
Listen this isn't news, guys. Every house needs a toy kitchen! So much imaginative play. My kids love to pretend they're cooking dinner at the same time as me. We've had many Saturdays where a whole restaurant is set up. It's always one of the first places my babies begin using their imagination. Before making toys talk, my babies are pretending to eat food. Sticking toy dishes in the little toy microwave and pretending to push buttons. It's the cutest. This is truly a toy that will grow and change with kids, and well worth the investment.
This is the tip of the iceberg in my toy advice, but I felt it was the best way to start a series
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