I was going through all our toys, clearing out and making piles of items to donate. I always appreciate toys that have lasted through all three girls, ones that they all have loved and continue to use. It got me thinking about some of their favorites—ones that I haven't made or that weren't made for them by friends, but actually purchased.
These were all given to them as gifts over the years by various family members and friends. There are some pretty awesome toys out there, which makes me so happy. I love looking at old baby books of mine and seeing photo of toys I used to love (like my Animal muppet or my Fisher Price Woodsey Squirrel House, which I still have.) so part of why I am writing this is to document what they are playing with right now, so they can remember them when they see this post in 10 years. There are so many more than these they love, but here's a few.
Candy Matching Memory
This Candy Memory game is very well made (super thick chip board pieces!) and makes us get a crazy sweet tooth. Delia is a ringer at this, her sight memory is uncanny. She also has the most cavities in the family.
This game is really fun. You spin to win different figures and items and then you tell a story at the end that incorporates all the items/characters you have chosen. It's really creative and the stories the girls come up with are often long and very funny.
The Sleeping Beauty Ballet Theatre
This ballet theater/cd/booklet set is one of the most popular toys we own. The girls love listening to the music, changing the scenes, and playing with the figures. The figures fit in the stage with straws, so they don't move around. I thought this would frustrate them and limit their play, but it doesn't at all. They are thrilled because everything stands up so nicely—which is a huge issue with them.
Rosie Flo's Kitchen Colouring Book
All these coloring books (you fill in each picture) are very fun. They love them. My only complaint is they can go through them in an afternoon.
Moomin: The Complete Tove Jansson Comic Strip
Moomin! Sadie loves this comic and the other girls are warming to it as well. I love it dearly. It's a big book, very pleaseing wonderful artwork, of course.
Prof. Noggin's Reptiles and Amphibians
There are a ton of different sets of these and we play them all the time, especially if they go along with a topic we are learning about. This one was given to them last year and we have been hooked on them ever since. They work with both both readers and non readers. And I am learning a ton from them!
Okay, so I guess this is topical because it's cyber monday and all. Or is it black monday? Whatever they are calling it. I am always curious about what toys are popular with kids, so I hope this is helpful if you are stumped this holiday season. Of course, all kids are different, so who the heck knows. I've included links here, but you can try your local toy shop, too. Most of these are pretty easy to find, I think.
