Lyla’s first birthday is less than a week away. I didn’t want to go too crazy with gifts this year as she doesn’t know the difference and there will be more than enough time for “stuff”. With that being said, I do still enjoy finding things for her to play with…to counterbalance all of the things around the house that she can’t play with, but would love (charging cords, toilets seats, the dog’s tail, etc.). When searching for toys, I want something that will hold her attention, preferably teach her something, and hopefully will hold up against her throwing, chewing, and sitting on it.
I have been a fan of Melissa and Doug’s toys for a lot longer than I have been a mama. I was a nanny for several years and loved buying the kiddos this brand. There’s something about a wooden toy amidst the sea of plastic that just feels nostalgic and healthy. I also love their mission which is to bring imagination and play time back into the over scheduled and electronic obsessed lives of many children.
My goal is to find a healthy balance for Lyla. I won’t deprive her of television or the iPad, but I want her to know the feeling of being bored. That’s obviously not a problem we have now as she is super interested in everything, but eventually. Melissa and Doug make toys that span from infant to elementary school. I scoured their site and have found a few things that my twelve month old would really enjoy:
- Large Farm Puzzle. We haven’t quite gotten to the puzzle stage yet, but she would love picking up the pieces and looking at them.
- Whose Feet? book. I’m not sure if all babies are like this, but mine loves feet! Hers, mine, her stuffed animals. This cute book would be right up her alley.
- Classic Bead Maze. I recently took her to the library where they had a large one of these. You know with plenty of crevices for the 70 billion germs to linger? I’ve never really seen the appeal in the bead dohickeys, but I let her play with it (Purell on standby) and she loved it! The toy makers know their audience after all.
- Pop Blocs Farm Animals. Those sweet little hands love gathering items up and clapping them together. These cute little guys pop apart and then can be reassembled (as all toys should). Plus, we can repeat our farm animal sounds for the 27th time for the day. I’ve gotten pretty good at them.
- Pink Flamingo Stuffed Animal (unavailable) Similar here and here. We have a basket of lovies in her room and she enjoys taking them all out and then moving them back and forth into piles. Anything that keeps her entertained for more than two minutes is a win in my book. This one is so cute for summer.
- Pretty Purse Fill and Spill. I think the title of this one was developed to a tee. She loves taking things out of other things. This includes my purse. I’ve baby-proofed it the best I can, but I’m excited for her to have one of her own. They also make a tool-box that serves the same purpose.
- The Wonderful World of Peekaboo! book. Granny got this for Lyla for Christmas and it remains a favorite of hers. There are plenty of cute flaps that may be shiny or crinkley. The front has a squeaker, but she could take it or leave it. The dog however, loves the squeak in an unfair battle of whose toys are whose.
- First Vehicles Set. She’s just starting to show some interest in rolling toys. This little set is super cute and all of their wooden toys are painted with non-toxic paint which mommy loves!
I am not being paid to mention Melissa and Doug. I honestly enjoy purchasing their products. However, this post does contain affiliate links. You can read more.
