Moving right along to part two of this well-loved toy series. We started with our favorite outdoor toys and today let’s talk toddler. Toddler toys are endless. To manage the mess and chaos, we have a toy rotation system and that works very well for us. It not only helps make clean-up easier, but keeps my daughter engaged and excited by her toys.
It helps you to get to know which toys your kid gravitates towards most, to be honest. And that is what has helped me to put together this list. The below are definitely the ones that get the most play time and keep her attention for longer periods of time. You may also notice that a lot of the stuff on the list is open-ended for the most part and I think that is a big reason why she is able to play independently and creatively for stretches of time.
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Play Kitchen & Food Items
We have this kitchen set from IKEA and it has been her #1 played with toy since. She’s always making something and in her own little world. I love to watch from far away and listen to her discuss ingredients out loud. She also says she is playing “Barefoot Contessa” because she knows mama loves to watch Ina. Haha!
To go with her kitchen, she has fruit, vegetables, pizza, ice cream, and a pasta set (came from the Target Dollar Spot). She also has pots and pans from Melissa & Doug.
Magnetic Tiles
Endless ways to play with these magnetic tiles and they keep her busy for a good chunk of time. Bonus that these are also a blast for adults.
Building Blocks
Another building activity that we all love. We have a few different kinds of blocks but her favorites are definitely these water/glitter ones, pastel ones, and this smaller set.
Baby Doll & Accessories
Her interest in babies and taking care of them grew after Fiona came along. Now she totes around whichever stuffed animal or baby doll she chooses for the day and will feed (with this set) and change them. She tucks them in for naps and takes them for a ride in their own stroller, too. It’s very sweet and is fun to watch.
Doctor Kit
Girl loves to play doctor – on me, Fiona, stuffed animals… basically anyone who steps foot into the house will receive a proper check-up.
Animal Figures
We collect animal figures in this house because she really loves them and plays with them constantly. I will usually keep one set of animals out at a time. We have aquatic, african, wilderness, and dinosaurs so far.
Puzzles
We started her on chunky puzzles when she was younger and she just keeps on moving up. We have some peg, jigsaw, some two-piece, and a large 24-piece floor puzzle that she is working her way up to. I always like to keep at least one puzzle in rotation.
Stuffie
She has a LOT of stuffed animals and she plays with nearly all of them, I swear. She usually picks or or two that she will spoil and tote around all day. But her very favorite is this panda who she treats like her own child. It’s the best.
Dress Up
We have a few different princess dresses & superhero capes right now but this is a place that I need to add to in the future. She LOVES to wear dress-up clothing.
Musical Instruments
This set from Melissa and Doug has everything you need, really. She also has a drum that she is very into and will march around the house with.
Tea Set
She’s always serving up tea to someone! She’ll set her stuffed animals up around the kitchen table for tea parties all the time. It’s great. We love this set from Green Toys.
Barn & Farm Animals
Another one of my favorite products from Green Toys is this barn. With her barn animals in tow, she will set up a whole scene.
Train Set
Her grandma passed a train set down from when Joe was a kid and she has just started getting into it a bit. Putting the track together takes time and it keeps her busy. She loves the Thomas & friends trains, too. Here’s a similar one.
Trampoline
The perfect way to get out the energy when we can’t get outside! We don’t keep this in the main area of our house – we only take it up every once in a while to keep it exciting and fresh. Whenever we do, she is VERY happy about it!
Toys that force your kid to make their own fun are my favorite. I feel like once we got rid of the toys with batteries, Willow really started to play better and was much more engaged. Can you relate? What are some of the toys that your little one loves? I’d love to hear in the comments or on Instagram. x
