Wood-Like Soft Blocks
We bought these blocks when Charlie was 1 year old and they played consistently with them for years. YEARS. They are foam (but look like wood).
Gift Guides
We have spent hours rounding up our favorite finds for everyone on your list—stylish, practical, and fun gifts that’ll make the season a little brighter. Whether you’re shopping for him, her, the kids, or just something special for home, we’ve got you covered.
Jewelry Box
Jewelry boxes (or any secret boxes with a key) - most kids just like a box that only they can open that feels secret and private (same:)).
Junior Tool Box
Get them started on DIY early, folks. I love this set and how they are real (not plastic) which teaches them so much more.
Light Up Pickleball Set
Well, now we've done it. This is so fun and likely a splurgy gift we are getting them this year.
Water-Based Nail Polish
Washable, no-stress nail polish so that you can have a mani-pedi with them without ruining their clothes, your carpet, or your life.
Foam Kids Arc Playset
A splurge they can climb all over (and looks great in your family room).
Medieval Playset
Costume party: For Elliot, it was a Princess dress-up set with tiaras and for Charlie, he loved anything with shields, swords, masks, etc.
Loop Lasso Stem Toy
Both kids got these last year from grandparents and have played or months. Truly defies physics.
Magnet Building Tiles
If you have a preschooler under 5 and you don’t have magnet tiles, you are missing out. They will play with these for hours and for years.
Magnatiles
Go for a big inventory! Both our kids loved legos of course (A LOT), but these are more fun, less messy, and strangely rewarding to play with.
Disco Ball Light
Always a winner. The cheapest and easiest dance party - both our kids love.
Doctors Set
Such a classic toy. My kids loved this.
Heat & Cool Capybara
A "warmie" can be heated (microwave) to be a cozy, warm sleeping buddy. Not sure why we all don't use these.
Wooden Grocery Checkout Stand
My kids played with this until they were 5 + 7 and would play for HOURS. Imagination toys were my fav thing to play with when the kids were toddlers.
Electronic Piggy Bank ATM
I had no idea these would be a hit with my kids a few years ago but they were. It’s an ATM piggy bank with a pin number, etc, which feels so grown up.
Portable Touch Lamp
Graphic and fun (plus LED and cordless). Great for anyone, but tweens and teens love these.
Color Mixing Learning Toy
These are both pretty and so fun to play with. Even I loved to build with them at the end of the day.
Wooden Busy Board
Our kids were obsessed with these when they were toddlers.
Magnetic Chess Set
Charlie and I play chess almost every morning at breakfast, but the magnetic aspect makes it feel like a gadget (and easy to move if we don't finish).
Beat the clock stopwatch set
We bought this “stopwatch challenge” game when the kids were little – and it devoured HOURS. It’s fun, physical challenges around your house, timed.
The Murdle Riddle Book
A great screen free alternative that still feels like a risky game. Charlie LOVED this (and was way better than me - its hard, TBH).
Triangle Activity Center
Both our kids loved activity gyms or blocks (for multiple years). Definitely good for toddlers, too. Busy boards are GREAT.
Glow in the Dark Tape
We love playing Mission Impossible with this around the house! SO FUN, TRUST ME.
Loveys For Babies
Both of our kids were obsessed with these blankies - be prepared for them to have an outsized obsession with this guy and not be able to sleep without it.