Reviews for 1-3 years old
The revolutionary features of this new ride Wheely Bug toy by Prince Lionheart are its multi-directional casters and its padded seat. Why hasn’t this been done before? The caster wheels enable toddlers (ages 1-3) to go forward, backward, sideways, and around in circles — no more getting jammed up by domestic obstacles! The soft seat (love it!) is filled with non-compressible foam and padded with a layer of soft sponge, then coated with non toxic polyurethane so that it can be wiped clean. It’s also nice to know that the plywood base is made from renewable timber. This ladybug is one of the small Wheely Bug models for toddlers (also see the bumblebee or cow), and a larger version (for 3-5 year olds) is also available. The Wheely Bug’s quiet ride is ideal for smooth level floors but can be used outdoors as well. It was researched and developed in childcare centers and designed for “industrial use.” So it can withstand whatever your little explorer has in store!
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LeapFrog Learn & Groove Musical Table$31.99 at Amazon.com |
This was one of our son’s favorite toys — and ours. The central “book” flips into one of two positions to put the toy into one of two modes (at one of two parent-selectable volume settings). Children can then press keys, move sliders, and enjoy their musical creations. The Leapfrog Learn & Groove musical table & activity center for baby motivated our son to pull himself up to the side of the table, helping him to learn to stand and cruise as he’d move from one side of the table to the next — to get to another activity and sound. The music the table makes is geared towards children’s ears, but unlike many musical toys, is pleasant enough for adults. The legs detach, and the top of the table can rest on the floor, so that infants can play with it (and this feature also makes the toy more portable). This toy is a winner on all counts and your grandchild will be sure to receive a standing ovation.
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Alphabet Stacking & Nesting Blocks$9.99 at Amazon.com |
We have three sets of these stacking and nesting blocks and each have continued to be used (separately and sometimes all together!) for four years now! Toddler girls and boys (age 1-3) learn to stack, building towers, only to knock them down, of course — and then put the boxes back together, as they master the satisfying (and sometimes frustrating) art of “nesting.” Preschoolers (3-5) still love these boxes, because they can use them as props for imaginary play setups (as homes for stuffed animals and action figures, for instance). This set of 10 blocks by Melissa & Doug is beautifully illustrated and helps children with letter, color and animal recognition.
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This wooden ball track toy by HABA is beautifully constructed and will last a long time. One or one-and-a-half year-old kids should be able to maneuver HABA’s solid beech wood ball track, and will play with it for years to come. Their preschooler older siblings will also love it — you can’t say this about many toddler toys. Just-the-right-size colorful balls glide and wind their way past cheerful little gnomes. The somersaulting balls tap on bouncing spring arms and ring cherry red bells. While your grandchild experiments and has lots of fun, this toy goes to work developing motor skills, curiosity and concentration, recognition of cause and effect, and visual spatial acuity. This toy will remain in the playroom for a good long time!
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With this Teach-a-Tot activity doll, toddler and preschool boys and girls (around 18 months to 4 years) will be introduced to real-life lessons like brushing hair, blowing noses, tying shoes, buttons, zippers, etc. The 16-inch doll has “star points” that your grandchild can squeeze to hear clearly audible phrases in English, thus enhancing early language development. Also included are a tissue, toothbrush and comb. The outfit and accessories are removable and washable, and batteries are included. We also like this “teaching” doll because it comes in both boy and girl models (yes, boys will enjoy it too!). The Teach-a-Tot Doll has earned the Oppenheim Best Toy Award Gold Seal. We’ve linked to the Girl Doll. If you’re interested in the Boy Doll, simply click on “Click Here,” and search under “Teach-a-Tot Boy Doll.”
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This beautifully designed wooden shape sorting box toy by Brio helps 1-3 year-old girls and boys learn shapes and colors, while also developing hand-eye coordination and concentration. But of course, what they care about most is having fun, and have fun they will! We love the clean lines of Brio’s toy designs. This simple box (with 6 blocks and shapes) now comes in new colors — black with lime pink and red!
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Carousel Push Toy$29.99 at Amazon.com |
We really love these wooden toy products made by European toymaker Selecta. They’re classically beautiful and also functional. This wooden push toy by Selecta is a fun and effective way to help new and enthusiastic toddlers learn to walk. When children push it, the colorful beads whirl around clicking and clacking. And like other Selecta products, this is a sturdy toy, sure to last through several rounds of children in early developmental stages. Choose this design, or search for other Selecta push toys by clicking on the “Click Here” button. Learning to walk has never been so much fun!
We recommend this JJ Cole Essentials all-purpose blanket because we know the entire family will use it. Infants will enjoy rolling around on this comfy 5 x 5 ft. baby blanket/play area, either inside or outside, and older kids will use it as a beach blanket, or for sporting events, etc. Moms love it because it looks great (the photo doesn’t do it justice), is weather-resistant, wipes clean easily (and is machine washable in a large capacity washer), and folds up perfectly. It’s a versatile blanket that can be used virtually anyplace and anywhere! Choose from different color combinations — this one is black/grey, but you can also search for sky/lemon and chocolate/pink.
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Once boys and girls begin their imaginary play stage (some as early as two), mini kids kitchens like this one are invaluable. They’re always the highlight of a playroom, especially when other kids are visiting. Pairs and groups of kids play restaurant — or one child is happy to quietly prepare a meal for mom and dad. Basically, anything that allows small children to emulate grown-up activities is always a hit. This classic wooden kids kitchen set is of a quality that can be passed on through the generations, and features two stove tops, turning knobs, spice storage, kitchenware hanger, food storage or refrigerator and a see-through acrylic window oven. What we like most about this set is that all of the wooden accessories you see in the photo are included with the set — extremely hard to find! This attractive set with all of the essentials is a great value.
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We like this Fisher-Price Bounce & Spin Zebra ride-on toy because it allows toddlers (ages 1-3) to exercise and be active indoors without causing too much “commotion.” By age 1 or a bit older, your grandchild should be able to climb on/off the zebra unassisted, or with a bit of help. Coordination and balance are then developed, as she or he learns to bounce and turn 360 degrees. The handlebar has a rolling ball activity with lights and music to nurture hand-eye coordination, and sounds reward various movements (volume is controllable or the toy can be turned off). The zebra’s wide, sturdy base is stable and supportive, even with energetic bouncing and spinning — and it locks until its passenger is seated properly. Winner of the Toys ‘R Us Hot Toy Award in 2006.
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