Discover a treasure trove of must-have baby and toddler items that I highly recommend. From essentials to delightful extras, this Benable folder is your go-to guide for all things baby and toddler. Explore with confidence and make parenting a breeze!
This list features a selection of Activity Books and includes sensory-rich Busy Books for babies, alongside exciting titles for toddlers and young children featuring the very popular Bluey. Every book offers engaging activities such as coloring, drawing, painting, and learning through visual or auditory elements.
Do you love elephants? Share your love with your baby with this list of elephant nursery decor. If you purchase from any of my favorite links, I receive a small commission.
Sensory play is one of the easiest ways to support learning without pressure. These are our favorite sensory toys that help build fine motor skills, focus, creativity, and calm play—while keeping little ones engaged and screen-free. Perfect for homeschool days, quiet time, and independent play.
My eight year old loves Lego sets! He has gotten really, really good at them and can do a 1,000 piece set in about 5 hours. It is a great way for him to bond with me or his dad. Our whole family loves it! These are some sets we have done and want to do.
Getting kids off tablets felt impossible until we stuck seeds in a clear-sided planter and suddenly they were sprinting to check on roots every morning. If you've got curious kids who need something hands-on that isn't another app — this is the lineup I built around that one kit that changed our afternoons.
Becoming a first-time mom is such a beautiful and life-changing journey — and thoughtful gifts can make it even more special. I’ve handpicked a list of must-have items that every new mom will truly appreciate, from practical essentials that make those early days easier to cozy, comforting treats that help her relax and feel cared for. Whether you’re looking to spoil her or help her stay organized, these gifts are perfect for showing love and support during this exciting new chapter.
As a mom of two, I have made it my mission to find toys and activities for my kids that are fun but also encourage independent play and positive development. Here are some of our favorite toys or items on my kids Christmas list ❤️
If you're expecting a baby and plan to formula feed, or maybe you're being forced to formula feed while you work out breastfeeding - here are some products that have made my postpartum experience so much better!
A curated list of winter essentials for the whole family from a mom of two- from our favorite recipes and books to parent essentials, this has everything you need to stay cozy!
These are all the things I packed in my hospital bag! From breastfeeding items to baby clothes and postpartum care, I have compiled a list of items I would recommend to pack in your hospital bag! I didn’t feel like a was missing anything while at the hospital. I was happy to have several outfit changes and burp cloths available for baby girl!
PARENTS THIS ONE IS FOR YOU!!!! Yes, you NEED to check this out: Registry? I got you. First baby? I got you. Second, Third, baby? I got you. Multiples? I got you! BABY GIFT? I got you!
Level up Easter this year with gift ideas teen boys will actually want! Whether they’re into sports, comics, video games, or laid-back fashion (think PacSun + Hollister vibes), this board is packed with basket fillers, accessories, gear, and fun finds to make Easter exciting, no cheesy toys here. From cool shirts and sneakers to gaming accessories, sports gear, comics, and more, these ideas help you build Easter baskets teens will love. Swipe through for inspo!
Christmas gift ideas and stocking fillers for 11 year old girls. It's an awkward stage in between being a kid and growing into a teenager. This list includes a mixture of cute finds, beauty must haves and quirky items.
These are our favorite nature tools for curious kids who love exploring the outdoors. They're hands-on, screen-free, and perfect for ages 8-12 who want to dig deeper into what they see outside – bugs, rock, tracks, plants, and everything in between. Each tool encourages confidence, independence, and real-world learning, whether we're on a hike, doing homeschool nature study, or just playing in the backyard. This is the gear that makes exploring feel exciting, intentional, and totally magical for kids.
All of these products are either favorites of mine that I used with my first baby, or items that I plan to use when I find out I'm pregnant with our second child and when they are born!
At 5 months my son was diagnosed with a gross motor delay. Months later he continues to struggle with things like sitting up, rolling over and grabbing items. These items continue to help him with these struggles.
Here are some of the pieces I purchased for my daughter to go see Santa this year! She ended up wearing gold, which one would you choose? I added a section just for Amazon prime to make it easier.
A fun, sweet, totally safe sensory activity that lets your toddler pretend to run their own little ice cream shop.
The dough is soft, moldable, and 100% edible — made from just frosting and powdered sugar. Perfect for scooping, decorating, and imaginative play.
Providing my kids with natural solutions to their aches and pains is super important to me! Teething babies can be so grumpy and I try everything I can to not resort to pain medications! These are some great solutions
Everybody will tell you what you *should* bring, but this is the stuff that made it out of my bag! Honorable mentions: my own pillow, a squishmallow, and an extension cord 👌
Princess-themed parties have a timeless appeal that can transform any ordinary day into a magical fairytale. From sparkling tiaras to enchanting decorations, creating a princess party fit for royalty is an exciting journey for parents and children alike. Here's a list of curated ideas for throwing a princess party that will leave your little one feeling like true royalty! 👑
Having a first aid kit set up is essential when you have little ones. I have two rambunctious boys and have set up MULTIPLE first aid kits now. Some for home, on the go, to stay in the car, and even for in the diaper bags. Here's my list of go to first aid recommendations and things I try to always have on hand.
Keeping kids busy while traveling helps them stay calm, engaged, and mentally stimulated. It can make the journey feel shorter and more enjoyable for them—and far less stressful for parents and caregivers.
The twins went through a Cars phase. So when they said they wanted a Cars birthday party, we delivered! This list contains my favorite things we purchased for the party. I hope it helps you as well.
We have entered our solids journey and as much as it has given me anxiety in the beginning, IT’S SO FUN 😂 I could watch Eli eat allllllllll day if it was possible. Here are all the things we use!
This year we opted in and tried a lot of subscription boxes. I loved them because most came with all of the materials needed to start the project. The boxes were a great way for us to spend time with our kids. On top of that the skills the kids worked on from following step by step, checking to see the materials, and reading the instructions are skills they can use in life and in the classroom
When youre a first time mom theres alot of products and items youre told you NEED. This is a comprised list of the items I actually used consistently or were very helpful for me and my baby.
Numberblocks toys are bright and fun characters that can help your children learn counting, adding and other math concepts. They are great tools for early development and you can follow their episodes for more fun. My 5 year old loves them!!
My favorite finds to survive a full day of babysitting multiples! All of these fun activities are great with the Littles I watch. We have a blast all day long!
These are my favourite methods of transportation for baby/toddler! The Cybex pram with the shopping basket is my absolutely favourite ❤️ I use it for shopping ALL the time.
Kids supplies that they can use for arts and crafts, fine motor skills, or sensory fun. This recommendation list can help if you need something to do on a rainy day!
Kids love to do whatever they see mom and dad doing, but it’s not always safe. Melissa and doug toys are a great way to combat that! Keep them involved, safe, and educated🥰
My personal favorites on baby essentials, including wardrobe finds that have helped me along the way. Parenting is a challenge, but it doesn't have to be!
Sensory toys can be the only thing that helps to help kids emotionally regulate and calm down (at least they are in my house) These are my top picks from target so they're all easy to get ahold of and ready to help you get a calmer home.
I currently have a 4 month old daughter and a 2 year old son! These are the items that I personally found helpful, from pregnancy to postpartum, and places that are baby friendly that I love! As they grows it’ll probably turn into toddler recommendations too!
Welcoming a new baby is beautiful, but figuring out what they actually need to wear? That can be overwhelming. This curated checklist takes the guesswork out of dressing your little one. We have rounded up the absolute best Carter’s essentials celebrated by parents for their cloud-like softness, budget-friendly durability, and genius, middle-of-the-night-friendly designs.
15+ Free & Low-Cost Spots That Bring the Joy (and the Bubbles) Ready to turn up the volume on your family outings? This chaos-approved list is packed with wild splash zones, brainy play, giant dinosaurs, Sunday drum circles, and art that talks back. From Smithsonian gems to hidden gardens, Baltimore STEM labs to free toe-dip fountains, this guide delivers: 🧠 Big learning (that feels like play) 🎨 Art + messiness (without cleanup at home) 🌿 Nature nooks + animal zones 💦 Water features, bubbles, and musical magic 👶 Perfect for toddlers, big kids & chaotic grown-ups alike 👉🏾 Free where it counts. Fun where it matters. Let the wild rumpus start. 🎠🎤🦕🎨
The honest, emotional, and practical list I wish someone handed me before my world shifted. From game-changing products to comforting truths—this one’s for the new mamas (and the future ones).
Starting preschool or kindergarten is such an exciting milestone! It also means backpacks, lunchboxes, art supplies, and nap mats need to be ready! This curated list highlights the must-have preschool and kindergarten essentials that make mornings smoother, lunches easier, and classrooms more fun.
Here are all my Breastfeeding/pumping must haves!!
As a 2nd time mom I’ve learned a lot of what’s worth the money and some items that I can’t live without✨
Trust me momma I got you covered so you don’t have to suffer the way I did😂💕
If your on the fence in general on pumping then check out my breastfeeding list so you can breastfeed and still build up a little stash for your baby❤️
All the things for your littles first year at school — preschool / pre-k things to help you have a smooth transition into this new chapter in their little lives.
There’s so many things I got from my shower or picked up along the way that have been insanely helpful. But these are products that if they broke, stopped working, or I lost today, I would buy another one within 24 hours! These are our must have always on hand baby products! I’d buy all of these over and over again, no questions asked!!
Celebrating a 7th birthday? This curated gift list is full of fun, creative, and practical ideas that any 7-year-old girl will love! From dress-up outfits and craft kits to adventure books, toys, and keepsakes, these gifts are designed to spark imagination and bring lasting joy. Perfect for parents, family, and friends searching for birthday presents that she’ll treasure for years to come.
My best solo parenting tips to survive while your partner is traveling for work, my household systems that keep things running smoothly, tried & true travel gear for kids & some cute airplane themed toys and clothes
Working from home with a toddler in the next room and a babysitter you mostly trust is a specific kind of anxiety. You're on a Zoom call pretending to care about Q3 projections while your brain screams ‘is he climbing the bookshelf again?’ I spent way too long researching cameras, monitors, and smart gadgets before landing on this setup — sharing it so you don't waste three weekends like I did.
I definitely didn't plan on having a kid as soon as I did, and I had no clue about anything I would need/not need. Here are some products that I had made things 10x easier for me
Calling all FTM’s 🚨 I recently gave birth to a gorgeous little girly pop! I felt SO OVERWHELMED trying to figure out what I needed pre-baby. All of the items in this list are baby items that are ACTUALLY worth purchasing, both pre and post-partum. I’m a sucker for a dupe and a deal so know that this list is for those that don’t want to spend $1000+ on a stroller you only use for a year!!
As a toddler mom, I really look for toys that my toddler is going to love and really going to last us for some time. Here are some our favorite indoor and outdoor toys that we’ve really been loving and have grown with my toddler for the last two years
Baby Shower Must Haves! Items worth buying in baby’s first year that will last. Certain things we should buy cheaper, but this list has items that will last for the long haul and I think are worth the investment. My daughter is about to turn 1 and these are all the things I would buy again.
Packing school lunches every morning is part of our routine, and the right gear makes it so much easier. After plenty of leaky containers and lost bottles, I have found the lunch boxes, bento boxes, and water bottles that keep food fresh and come home in one piece. Tell me your best lunch packing tip in the comments!
(This list contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.)
We just wrapped up a week at Disney World with our 8 month old, and took him to Universal for a few days when he was 2.5 months. These are must haves to take with you and tips/tricks. See my other list titled “Traveling with a Baby" for all the things I recommend to take with you traveling whether that be by car or plane!
Autism-friendly toys, storage, and furniture that support learning, sensory regulation, and developmental skills. These toys help build fine motor skills, focus, problem-solving, and sensory exploration while keeping play fun and engaging for autistic kids.
Keep your little ones active, smiling, and making memories all summer long! From water play and sensory activities to backyard adventures and outdoor games, these toddler-friendly favorites are perfect for encouraging imagination, movement, and endless fun in the sunshine.
For me, I want to buy clothing items for my kids that will withstand play time, messes, and growth spurts. These are some of the items I’ve discovered are totally worth it for us.
Your friend just had a baby and you're standing in front of your screen with no clue what to send that isn't another pack of onesies they already have twelve of. These are the gifts I actually shipped to new moms — the ones that made them cry happy tears or text me ‘how did you know I needed this.’ Took me five babies in my friend group to nail this list, so save yourself the guesswork.
Autism & ADHD-friendly toys are designed to help children improve focus, manage energy levels, and develop important skills like sensory regulation and fine motor coordination. Here’s a list of some of Autism ADHD-friendly toys.
Pregnancy can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to balance self care with preparing for baby. This minimalist pregnancy self care routine focuses only on the essentials that truly support your body, mind, and energy. I included some practical items I use that make a difference. Perfect for all of us first time moms who want to feel calm, grounded and care for during pregnancy.
It felt really overwhelming to me knowing what to buy when we had our first baby in 2024. These things have been lifesavers that I would 10/10 recommend.
Things I love and use daily to help my newborn and toddler sleep better at night. These baby sleep must-haves include essentials for creating a calm bedtime routine, improving sleep quality, and helping babies and toddlers fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Perfect for new moms looking for real-life baby sleep solutions that actually work.
I am a super Type-A, research oriented, detailed person: and my baby registry was months of homework. This list is after 11 months of use what we would buy again in a heartbeat! 🫶🏻
As a coaches wife, we travel all the time for basketball. Rather it be road trips or flights we are always on the move and most of the time we have our toddler with us. Here are few items that were game changers when it comes to traveling with a toddler!