I love giving gifts! I especially love to give a gift that I know will stand the test of time. As a mom of two kids, I crave that magical moment when a toy captures their attention. I have listed here gift ideas that have done that for my kids over the years.
TRAINS
Brio is pricey, but it is so beautifully made and perfect for that once a year gift. It is completely non toxic and made of natural beechwood so it is totally safe for mouthing babes. They have lots of sets so that you can build your kid's collection slowly. It's a great combined gift if you are looking to gift a bunch of kids!
I love the charming little sets that Brio makes, they hold up really well, it takes years before these start to look even a little worn.
This train table is my favorite because it has storage space plus it provides a blueprint for your child to build his little train town without your help. Because I know you want to finish that coffee in peace.
2. BUILDING TOYS
Kids at this age start to become interested in building structures. These are the building toys my son plays with on the daily.
Magnet tiles - they make so many interesting sets for boys and for girls and have sturdy tiles held together by little metal ringlets so you don't have to worry about the little magnets falling out.
Connetix is also a great magnet tile company, they have super strong magnets for really tall and sturdy structures.
Duplo - Need I say more? This is my son's favorite set from our huge collection.
Plus Plus - My son, who is not a sitter by any means has sat and played with these little things for 45 minutes straight. There is something about the way they click together that it just makes for a very fun gift. My daughter loves the jumbo sized ones too.
They have a bigger version that is safe for babies, and my son enjoys building with these too.
Building on Resources - These toys are so versatile and fun to play with, they mimic the different aspects of nature so they fit perfectly with animals or people play.
Tegu Tiles - These magentic wooden tiles are so innovative and fun to build with. I would say they are more for 4 to 5 year old than a 3 year old since it can be a bit tricky to fully grasp how to use them properly.
3. MOVEMENT TOYS - If you know 4 year olds you know that they are big movement seekers. Anything they can jump, climb or roll off on that isn't your expensive couch can be an awesome gift to give.
Wheely Ride On - This little ride on toy is so fun that even older kids love to scoot around in it. Plus it's so cute it can match any kids room decor.
Pikler - I know, I know, you've seen thePikler everywhere. But here's why its amazing, kids of all ages can use it, there are so many configurations and fun activities to do (I reccomend sliding into a pile of pillows, that's my kids' favorite.) I like this one in particular because it is foldable and has rasied edges on the sides of the slide to keep kids contained.
Bilibo - This sitting spinning rocker is a must have for those sensory seekers, it is super fun to spin in it or climb on it or wear it as a hat!
Stepping Stones - Ok, so if I could buy 100 stepping stones I would, they are just super fun for adults as well! Whenever kids come over these are always a hit!
Micro Air Hopper - OK this thing is just amazing, I saw this at a friend's house and just wow. If you are going to get a gift that lasts the test of time, this is it! I even fit on it and it's just so much fun to zip around on this thing, my kids never wanted to get off!
Trampoline - If you have the space, a trampoline is a must! Such a good way for kids to get out all of those wiggles before bedtime, or after school or before school...basically anytime!
3. MUSIC TOYS - If you have a kiddo thats super into music, these are some great gift ideas that can encourage them further into the musical world.
Musical Marble Run - This marble run is awesome as a marble run but the best part is the little ding the ball makes each time it hits an xylophone peice!
Guitar - Your kids first electric guitar! He or she is going to love strumming this thing. It's perfectly sized and easy to hold, the best part is that it comes with easy to follow instructions and stickers to help with finger placement.
Kareoke Player + Mike - There are lots of such mikes out there but I like this one since it can work with a mp3 plug in and not just bluetooth, which isn't the safest option for kids!
Beginner Piano Guide - I LOVE this toy, it is perfect to help YOU teach your toddler to play the most popular nursery rhymes. Because let's face it, you can buy your kids the fanciest piano, someone is still going to have to teach him how to play that thing. Each page has musical notes, but also numbers that are right on the keys, so it's really simple for anyone to figure it out! Even you!
There are many reasons why this toy is great, one of them being that your kiddo can be the composer and the conducter of this fun toy orchestra. They can add the musical instruments to the middle of the "stage"and that instrument's real sound starts playing! Add a few instruments and a they have a whole symphony going. It's really great for teaching instrument names too.
5. SMALL WORLD PLAY - Small world play looks different for every kid, but it basically means regular everyday type of play in a mini version. And you know that kids this age love small things. Here are a couple of my kids' favorites
Cars - Duh, which kid doesn't love cars? The car gift I got my son for this year is this multi level play garage that just looked so awesome and the reviews were so good. The ramps are built better than other cheaper brands, so they don't break or shake as your kid zooms cars down them. I can't wait to see my son's face when he opens this one!
These are our favorite cars because they mimic real life cars and they have a nice weight to them as well
This one goes out of stock a lot, but keep checking it'll come back.
Dollhouses and Dollhouse Furniture - - I'm pretty sure playing dollhouse was my favorite thing to do as a kid, here are the ones that stand the test of time
Hape has my heart, from their non toxic materials to their stunning design, the toys they design last years in perfect condition. Anything we have from them is still in beautiful condition despite lots of play!
Tender Leaf toys are also non-toxic and stunning, but it's a bit of a splurge item.
Dolls - Some of our favorite figurines for small world play
And that's it! I hope you foudn something that you think your kiddo will enjoy for years to come!
Comments