Can I tell you a secret? I love perusing children’s toys. It’s therapeutic to me. I spend hours reading about toys, making lists of toys, and just generally “oooing and awing” at them. I think it’s because, I know the joy they bring children. There are hours of adventuring, imaginative play, building, and creating waiting to be had with toys. Oh the possibilities!
Since I love it so much I put together a gift guide for you! Did I mention everything is under $30??
I relish a good open-ended toy. I appreciate the long term value and versatility. Open-ended toys have more than one purpose or function. Children can play with them in different ways. Like blocks, legos, and costumes. We have quite a few of these in our home.
But I would be lying if I said that’s all we own. We have plenty of close-ended, or structured, toys, too. These toys typically serve one purpose. Like sorting blocks, ball drops, or puzzles. There’s a beginning, middle, and end to each of those activities.
Here’s the thing. Both types of toys have benefits.
E plays with his ball drop as much as he gravitates towards the blocks.
So, we create a curated collection of toys. We mix together both open and closed ended toys. We buy with intention; based on E’s likes and our family values.
Holidays are coming up fast. That means new gifts for your kids. To help I made you a list. I compiled some our favorite toys; ones we own, ones on our family wish list. From companies I adore and trust.
I didn’t break the toys down by age or gender. Here’s the ting. I don’t believe toys should be gender specific. I also believe children can grow into toys. A toy may be labeled 2 years but your 1 year old may be able to still us it, just in a different way than intended.
*With that being said! Please make sure to look for pieces and parts that could be considered a choking hazard. If you do buy an “older” toy for your little simply remove any pieces that they could choke on.*
Enjoy this gift guide! I hope you find something here for your littles. Something that fills them wonder and awe.
Always,
Cady
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