Now Miss Marnie is 16 months old I really feel like she is ‘playing’ and engaging with her toys more. She will sit for longish periods of time playing – say 5-10 minutes (longer if I play too!)
And, you can really see the delight in her face when something pops, sings or moves – I guess I should enjoy this time before the want of computer games takes over.
Why not add to fun to your toddlers playtime? With my pick (along with a little help from my fellow mama friends) of the best buys for tiny, inquisitive hands…
1. Push Along Shape Sorter Bus from Fun Time at Amazon – This is the version Miss Marnie has – but there are lots of other style (Early Learning centre do a great one.) Great for motor skills and offers lots of fun although Miss M gets a little frustrated when she can’t lift open the back to get all the shapes out! The joys of toddlerhood…
2. Duplo Toddler Starter Building Set from Lego – I loved Lego as a child (I mean what kid of the Eighties didn’t?). But, for some reason I hadn’t thought to get Miss Marnie started with it until a mama friend brought her this starter set for Christmas. She loves it – and I especially like the large style bricks (not as easy to lose or get hoovered up!) and the box lid acts as a Lego building plate.
3. Little People Fun Sounds Farm from Fisher Price – Really I don’t think you can go wrong with the Little People collection – there is something to please every little boy or girl. In lovely bright, durable plastic, with cute sized animal’s/people and many with sound and music these really other hours of entertainment. Miss Marnie has a house and a zoo and they are always her first choice at playtime.
4. Classic ABC blocks from Uncle Goose at Toyella – This isn’t the first time I have talked about these Uncle Goose bricks – and for good reason – they’re gorgeous. The basswood blocks have rounded colours, beautiful vintage style painted sides and you can also buy a set in a drawstring bag for easy storage.
5. Duck Push & Pull from Hape at Amazon – To help with balance and coordination this wooden duck flaps its wings when pushed along. A classic must-have toy for little walkers.
6. First Steps Baby Walker from VTech – A sturdy baby walker will help encourage and support those first milestone steps – the activity panel on this one can be detached for extra sit-down fun. Miss Marnie was lucky enough to be handed down one of these from an older cousin and she still loves it now (minus the phone – why is this the bit that always goes missing?)
** Did you miss Part 1? Classic toys for newborns – 6 months then take a look HERE or, maybe your baby is 6-12months then you might want to go HERE
