As a mom of three, I think I’m very qualified to share this list. I’ve been through 8 years of parenting and these are by far the most played with items in our home that I would recommend.
These take up a lot of space but my kids play with them constantly. Building forts, couches, the imagination is endless. I would recommend getting two if you have the space for it.
The Original Nugget Play Couch In Koala
This has been played with by everyone from ages 8 on down. Would definitely recommend for some fun imaginary play.
Melissa & Doug Wooden Ice Cream Counter Set
This is a favorite for the baby-toddler stage.
LeapFrog Shapes and Sharing Picnic Basket, Pink
We’ve had this in our house for 8 years 😅 but it still gets played with by all three kids all the time.
Step2 Play & Fold Junior Slide for Toddlers
This is a basic but my kids love to color and draw so we always have fresh markers on hand.
Crayola Clicks Retractable Cone Tip Markers 10ct
Another basic to go with markers or crayons.
Melissa & Doug Drawing Paper 3-Pack, 9x12, 50 Sheets
These are a must have for the diaper bag. All three kids love them but it very much keeps my 2 year old occupied at the big kids’ events.
KOKODI 10 Inch LCD Writing Tablet for Kids
You can’t go wrong with magnatiles, so much imaginative play with these!
PicassoTiles 100pcs Clear Magnetic 3D Blocks
Another classic
LEGO Classic Medium Creative Brick Box 10696
We recently acquired nerf guns from a friend and my kids love them. The worst is collecting the pieces but we make that a requirement for playing with them.
NERF Disruptor Elite Blaster - 6-Dart Drum
Another favorite for toting toys around the house.
Step2 Little Helper's Blue Shopping Cart
We have two of these and they’re so fun!
Threeking RC Stunt Car Double-Sided 360° Flip
These are so fun to see what kids will take picture of and they can print the pictures right away!
Kids Instant Print Camera, 1080P Video, Blue
Perfect for entertaining the baby toddler age! The dots make a noise when you poke them so not good for a quiet place.
Melissa & Doug Poke-a-Dot! Who’s in Ocean? Board Book
My kids are huge crafters so a big kit like this is great for them to create with!
kortes Jumbo Kids Craft Set with Storage Box
We have the original Tonie Box but the Tonie Box 2 looks great, too. This is great for in the car for kids who get car sick too. I like that they can use headphones with it and can operate it themselves.
Toniebox 2 PAW Patrol Audio Player Bundle
This is for a little bit older child, probably age 6ish and up. But my daughter takes this with her everywhere if she knows she’ll have some down time.
Rainbow Loom MEGA Combo Set 7000+ Bands
These stacking cups have gotten a surprisingly large amount of use! I’ve had the same set for all three kids and they’ve lasted and get played with more than I thought.
Baby Stacking Nesting Cups Toys, Montessori
You for sure need a play doh set with basic tools. The fancy sets are fun too but start out with the basics. This one is nice because it has a bag for everything.
Play-Doh 9-Piece Starter Set with Tote & 4 Cans
Every kid loves a doctor set! Endless hours of fun here.
Melissa & Doug Get Well Doctor Kit, 25-Piece
This is in the large size but a family favorite. My 2 year old is getting a similar kitchen set for Christmas (hand me down). The one we have is this brand and very similar.
Step2 Best Chefs Kids Kitchen Playset w/ Lights & Sounds
The kids are getting this for Christmas but I feel like it’s going to be high on our “most played with” list.
