A few weeks ago I posted Ten Best Baby Buys For The First Year, today I’ve decided to carry on the mini series with our favourites from Caterpillar’s first birthday onwards.
Despite these already getting a mention in Favourite Books for Toddlers, I simply had to include them again because we spent so, so long reading them when Caterpillar was slightly younger. There are dozens of titles in the series to choose from now and he was completely fascinated by the different fabrics and textures (as is any adult reading with him to be honest).
Crayola Twistables
I love these Crayola crayons because they are completely encased in plastic, meaning it isn’t a big deal if your little one decides they would rather chew it than draw with it.
These fabulous, chunky blocks bridge the gap during the time your child isn’t yet strong or dexterous enough for Lego Duplo. Caterpillar had this First Builders table and it was great for him to cruise around too.
Traditional Wooden Blocks
More blocks I know, but again we had hours of fun stacking and knocking down this classic toy – all great fine motor skill practice too.
Play House
After seeing how obsessed Caterpillar was with a friend’s house we buckled to pressure and bought him his own. Most people seem to go for the Little Tikes version but this farmhouse we found in Argos was really decent quality. He loves using it for imaginary games and still heads straight for them at nursery and preschool too.
CBeebies
Knowing what a fan I am of allowing my child to watch TV, I simply have to include our favourite channel. I love that, since it’s BBC, there are no annoying toy adverts plus most programmes have an educational element.
Of all the baby & toddler classes we’ve tried and loved it’s Talking Tots that has kept us coming back. Classes include a really great combination of turn-taking tasks, speech activities, singing and storytelling. You can find out about all our favourite baby & toddler classes here.
Paddling Pool
What child isn’t obsessed by water in Summer? A simple paddling pool keeps them occupied longer than any toy and it’s a whole lot easier once they become steadier on their feet (Caterpillar was not a fan as a smaller baby).
Any kind of shape sorter
Again, a classic toy but a classic for a reason I think. Caterpillar had several but this basic wooden type was his favourite. Again, brilliant for shape recognition and fine motor skills.
Organix Snacks
We’re huge Organix fans as Caterpillar consumed truckloads of their snacks before he discovered what real crisps and chocolate taste like! I’ve reviewed a whole host of their products here.
This is absolutely perfect if you have a child who loves to paint but you don’t have the energy to constantly deal with the mess! Only water is required to bring all the rainbow covers to life then you simply allow to dry before using all over again. Ours was put away at least a year ago but has recently made a comeback after Caterpillar fell back in love with it at a friend’s house.
I hope this has given you a little bit of Christmas list inspiration and I’ll be back soon with Caterpillar’s favourites from this year.
Ooh love these. We are huge fans of aquadoodle and or Organix and we have a bazillion blocks in our house. I like those crayola twistables! #bloggerclubuk
Notmyyearoff recently posted…Now you are 1 – Happy Birthday Baby E
Oh I love the idea of an Aquadoodle – never come across it before. NC is just one and I am struggling to find things that ‘amuse’ him (i.e. don’t make him scream with frustration or put them straight in his mouth). Thank you 😉 #BloggerClubUK
Yeah that can be a tough age as they get frustrated v easily. That phase will pass soon though xx Thanks for reading x
I love the crayola twistables too. We use them a lot in our home. Sylvia loves art.
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I love the crayola twistables too. We use them a lot in our home. Sylvia loves art.
Angela recently posted…My Relaxing Spa Experience At Volair Spa in Knowsley
Ohh i definitely agree with this list! We have yet to try the aquadoodle but it’s definitely on our list! x #coolmumclub
Claire recently posted…5 more things I love in my 30s (my 20yr old self would be horrified by)
Those twisty crayons are awesome! Apart from when they are wanged on the floor and break that way, the no-sharpening is a winner in my books! #StayClassyMama
Ooh these are great – my little girl is one soon and I feel I need to give the toy box a bit of an update! #coolmumclub
Thanks!
Fab gift ideas, it’s odd how quickly you forget. My eldest is no almost 3 but I have a new baby and I cannot think what A used to play with at 1 haha. #coolmumclub
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I know what you mean, I had to stretch my mind back to compile this list but it was fun to reminisce
Love all of these things – we have already got Mega Bloks on the christmas list, and have considered an aquadoodle as well. Alfie loves his paddling pool and shape sorter, and we never leave the house without a pack of Organix snacks! #coolmumclub
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I love this, I am forever looking for new toys to keep my pair interested!
#stayclassymama
The Tale of Mummyhood recently posted…Guilt Free Parenting
love all these things. Just discovered twistables a few weeks, amazing. Definitely all on The Girls birthday and christmas lists.
#coolmumclub
They’re really handy, aren’t they? Thanks for reading xx
Some great ideas for the mouses 2nd birthday net month – Thanks! Also some bits in here I need to dig out of Tigs toy cupboard that she’d love – like the aquadoodle! On it…
Thanks so much for linking up to #coolmumclub
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Thanks for sharing – I’m looking for new toys for the Popple now that she’s outgrown most of her baby ones. She’s a big fan of her shape sorter and Mega Box, but I hadn’t heard of these crayons, which sound amazing. #stayclassymama
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Great post!
We love the Aquadoodle in our house – me included!
These are all classics, and have been much loved by both of our girls.
Have you seen the adult version of the “That’s not my…” series?!
big love, L
xxx
#coolmumclub
No I haven’t lol! I’ll have to look that up
I love all of your ideas. We have a ton of blocks in our house, both mega blocks and wooden blocks. Thank you for the idea of the twistable crayons. My daughter likes to break or eat the regular crayons she uses but she is a very good artist for a two year old.
Nicole
Love aquadoodle and the crayons, some fab choices! #PoCoLo
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I love the “That’s Not My” books and will be sharing them with Poppy for definite. Aqua doodle is great too. My eldest had an ITNG one and was great as totally mess free! #thelist
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My favourite has to be Crayola. I have sweet memories using those when I was a kid too. Probably not exactly those ones. They look way cool but the older version for sure #PoCoLo
Yes I had a Crayola crayon carousel as a child and I loved it Thanks for reading and commenting x
These are for sure some must have toys for little ones. We would love the room for a proper playhouse! #PoCoLo
I love the sensory books too, and any wooden toy is a winner to me! I’m a traditional girl! #pocolo
Claire recently posted…It’s ok… #mumguilt 009 featuring Bump & Blush
I got pestered this morning by my sister on what my then-1yo boys want for Christmas! hahaha… apparently we already need to start thinking about these things! #TheList
I’m a bit of a loser so I always have a list really early lol! Thanks for reading xx
I neeeed an aqua doodle. This Christmas for sure! Love those crayolas too. They have them in Pizza Express, so easy to use and mess free! #stayclassymama
The aqua doodle is great as no mess, enjoy! Thanks for reading xx
I can’t wait for my son to be able to play with all of these! Especially the play house, sounds fun. The paddling pool he loves now (9 months) so good to know it will still keep him occupied later : ). Thanks for sharing with #StayClassyMama!
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LP loved the That’s not my… books. We had loads of them! Those crayons looks really good, when my two were young they only had the old style so I had to make sure they weren’t chewed. Great list Hun, thanks for linking with #pocolo.
Great post. Twistables are great! We love them. The Aquadoodle is sooooo good too…..no mess and easy to take out and about – we love ours 🙂
Claire