Toys

Two highly recommended educational toys that have won multi-awards are Magna-Tiles and Wedgits. They encourage critical thinking and concentration. Magna-Tiles come in clear or standard colors and are fun for ages 3 and up. To find a store nearest you, go to the Magna-Tiles website by Valtech, and click on Store Locator.

There are Wee Wedgits for 1-3 year olds, Wedgits for 2-10 year olds, and Mini Wedget Building Blocks for 5-12 year olds. Cards are included with colorful configurations that will challenge your child. My son doesn't get tired of spending half an hour on them daily because there are so many fun designs for him to create. They're colorful and rewarding. Find it at Toys "R" Us, Amazon.com, or on the Wedgits website.

Fun to Go!

My almost 4 year old is in love with his new toy, only $10.99 at Toys "R" Us. I love it too because it's portable! The toys encourage imagination and creative play, alone or with friends. There are a variety of themes, such as farm animals, dolls, and police.

Melissa & Doug

I am a BIG fan of Melissa & Doug toys. During the past two decades, this company has produced a variety of SAFE, EDUCATIONAL and FUN toys for babies and toddlers! These toys are known to promote hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, plus early shape matching, color recognition and sequencing skills.. not to mention VOCABULARY!

They are well known for their colorful wooden puzzles such as:

this FARM CHUNKY PUZZLE

and

the CONSTRUCTION CHUNKY PUZZLE
They also have a TON of wooden toys like this STACKING TRAIN:

and

PLAY FOOD


Other fun and creative toys:

BUG CATCHING MAGNETIC PUZZLE GAME



LACE AND TRACE SHAPES

ABBY & EMMA MAGNETIC DRESS-UP

As you can see, they have a HUGE selection.. you are sure to find something that your little one will enjoy! You can find their products at most toy and department stores such as Target, Toys R Us & Nordstrom.

Toy Swap

One of the BEST ways to save money is to do a "toy swap" with family members, friends and/or neighbors you trust.

My girlfriend and I have been swapping toys about every other month since the beginning of this year and it has been a lot of fun! Our kiddos love it whenever we bring home "new" toys.. and we don't feel bad or guilty at all if they get tired of them after a few days (some times after a few minutes!). It has also been a great way for me to figure out what toys I can/should invest $ in.

You can also save a TON of money by swapping clothes! These are all things our kids grow out of and tired of SO QUICKLY! So save money by SWAPPING!

Tub Toys

Bath toys are great for your little ones when they graduate from the infant tub and make a transition to the "big tub". Bath toys are especially handy if your child is not a fan of taking a bath. They usually like:

-Something that sticks.

RUB A DUB ABC & 123

BOON BATH GOODS

-Something that squirts.

MUNCHKIN TOWER OF SQUIRTERS

-Something that stacks and pours.

MUNCHKIN CATERPILLAR SPILLERS

-And put all of these items into something that organizes and keeps them sanitary.

SKIP HOP TUBBY BATH TOY ORGANIZER

BOON FROG POD