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Must Have Kid Tested and Mom Approved Essentials for Fun and Arts and Crafts Play

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These are games, toys, electronics, and crafts that have been fun and memorable at our house. Instead of sitting in a toy bin, these were favorites! Love finding something new for the kids. Don't miss out on these creative finds and finds for all the...
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Indoor and Outdoor Toy Favorites the Kids have Loved

These are toys and games both indoor and outdoor that have been lots of fun and easy to buy and use. I personally recommend these.
 
Nicole Melvin | WorkFromHomeMom profile picture
We had to add this to our collection of basketballs. You can never have too much variety, and we love the luminous glow this one gives at night.
Wilson 29.5" Luminous Glow Basketball: Outdoor Rubber Sports Ball
 
Nicole Melvin | WorkFromHomeMom profile picture
Even though these are pickle balls, my kids love using them as a whiffle ball at night with the plastic bat. So much fun that they glow in the dark.
Franklin Sports Glow in the Dark Pickleballs - 3pk: Polyester Shell, All Ages
 
Nicole Melvin | WorkFromHomeMom profile picture
This game has been fun for our kids. They enjoy the choices on the cards. This game gets lots of giggles going from the choices made and guessing them.
QUOKKA What Would You Choose Card Game
 
Nicole Melvin | WorkFromHomeMom profile picture
The memes are funny and relatable for school-age children. Quick and fun family game.
What Do You Meme? Easter Family Game, 300 Cards
 
Nicole Melvin | WorkFromHomeMom profile picture
This game is lots of fun and cute to boot. Easy to understand for younger kids. This is a new addition, love it, and would buy again.
Tongues Out! Squishy Preschool Game by Blue Orange
 
Nicole Melvin | WorkFromHomeMom profile picture
What makes this one stand out is the 3 different settings for the pitch (10mph, 15mph, 20mph). It shoots the ball every 7 seconds and has 3 different angle options. It also holds up to 9 balls. My son also favored this one because the balls look more...
Franklin Sports MLB Power Pitching Machine | Wayfair
 
Nicole Melvin | WorkFromHomeMom profile picture
This is similar to the magnetic tiles. This set is super cute for the upcoming holiday of Easter. The small tin makes it easy to store and easy to take with on the go.
RMS Easter Bunny Magnetic Tile Tins, Stem Toy for Kids with Reusable Storage Tin, Magnetic Building Tiles Easter Gift, Ages 3+
 
Nicole Melvin | WorkFromHomeMom profile picture
Truly silent! I originally thought this wouldn't work. It is, even when thrown at the wall. Great for inside or rainy days.
Silent Basketball Official Size 7 (29.5") Upgraded
 
Nicole Melvin | WorkFromHomeMom profile picture
This one isn't as popular at our house as the Silent Basketball. I think this is only because of limited throwing heights/angles for it to come back. But it does work and it silent.
Supreme Silent Football - Official
 
Nicole Melvin | WorkFromHomeMom profile picture
Adjust to light up when a score is made or choose a color setting. Surprisingly bright and makes playing in the evening a lot funner!
Brightz HoopBrightz LED Basketball Hoop Light – Motion Activated, Color Changing
 
Nicole Melvin | WorkFromHomeMom profile picture
We bought this because we liked the Hoop Brightz, which is a similar item for the basketball hoop rim. These were also just as satisfying and fun. They are bright and have lots of color options. Color Morphing, Color Select, or Color Jump. Based on w...
Brightz Bounce LED Trampoline Light Kit with 3 Modes
 
Nicole Melvin | WorkFromHomeMom profile picture
Love that this lights up around the center pieces rather than the other way around. It makes it light up more and makes it easier to see at night. It's fun during the day or at night. Great additional to our outdoor toys!
Light-Up Soccer Ball Glow in the Dark - Fun Night-Time Toy for Kids and Teens 8-15, Boys and Girls, Glow-in-the-Dark Sports Gift Ideas
 
Nicole Melvin | WorkFromHomeMom profile picture
Super fun ball! It is easy to air up and keeps the air for a long time. It is lightweight and easy to take on the go. It being lightweight makes it easy to kick, throw, etc. The fabric does not dirty easily and can be easily sprayed off to air dry.
NERF Mega Ball - 20" Inch Big Outdoor Kids Kickball, Soccer Ball, Dodgeball for Backyard Games - Giant Multi Sport Toy for Outdoor + Lawn Games - Super Fun Kids Sports Toy
 
Nicole Melvin | WorkFromHomeMom profile picture
This is similar to the Wii, but I love this slightly more because no remotes are required during actual play. It has different levels and types of games from Bluey, Care Bears, basketball, bowling, dancing, workouts, and more. It is easy to set up. ...
Nex Playground - The Active Play System: Wi-Fi, HDMI, Remote Control, Aqua Blue
 
Nicole Melvin | WorkFromHomeMom profile picture
Weather resistant and easy to clean. Great fun. Easy to hang and easy for the kids to play with. Easy for them to get on and off, easy for them to push/pull each other on the swing and get it going. Love the colors, with the different material in the...
Costway 40'' Flying Saucer Tree Swing Indoor Outdoor Play Set Swing for Kids Colorful
 
Nicole Melvin | WorkFromHomeMom profile picture
This is our second Radio Flyer wagon. We have the classic and then this one. This is a must-have for the kids. It is great for the park, sports/extra curricular activies, trips to the zoo or trips in general. It has so much functionality, and the use...
Radio Flyer Folding All Terrain Venture Kid and Cargo Stroller Wagon: Steel & Polyester Frame
 
Nicole Melvin | WorkFromHomeMom profile picture
We have multiple wagons but bought this one for the classic Radio Flyer red. My son loves the bright red and the metal over the plastic design of others. It is easy for the kids to pull each other around, and if they want to ride together, they both ...
Radio Flyer Classic Red Wagon with 10-Inch Steel Wheels | Walmart
 
Nicole Melvin | WorkFromHomeMom profile picture
Originally bought this for my daughter's tumbling practice for home use. It is durable and easy to clean. It is lightweight to fold, and the design makes it easy to store. We have also used this to build a fort and as a surface for crafts or games.
Costway 8' x 4' x 2'' Folding Gymnastics Mat Tumbling Exercise PU Leather Cover for Yoga Blue
 
Nicole Melvin | WorkFromHomeMom profile picture
My kids enjoy the pretend food sets, and this one was one of the favorites because they like Subway. It has lots of pieces to make different sandwiches, which keeps it different for repeat play. The play money let's them count and try to work that ou...
Subway Sandwich Playset (24 Piece Set) - Walmart.com
 
Nicole Melvin | WorkFromHomeMom profile picture
This was a great find and not too expensive. The working drink dispenser and speaker are two of the coolest parts. The kids love the working drink dispenser. It is a great additional to the sandwich set, which makes it seem like a whole Subway line c...
Subway Mini Store Playset (29 Pieces) - Walmart.com
 
Nicole Melvin | WorkFromHomeMom profile picture
I got this tablet as it had parental controls and games we could play together thru the Amazon Family account. The screen is large, and the Amazon Kids subscription has lots of educational games. They can also call the members on the family account v...
Amazon Fire HD 10" 32GB Kids Pro Tablet - Happy Day
 
Nicole Melvin | WorkFromHomeMom profile picture
This game is fun to watch the younger kids try not to laugh thru the charades. Good game to get some of that energy out.
You Laugh You Lose Game - Funny Charades

Arts and Crafts

I love that most these options are usable for more than once! It makes it super efficient to be able to have multiple art and craft times off of one purchase.
 
Nicole Melvin | WorkFromHomeMom profile picture
This was a lot of fun and it was nice that it had sports charms. We enjoy that it makes keychains rather than bracelets. The variety and amount of beads are great. The kids liked that this kit included the glow in the dark beads.
VvLons Bead Keychain Kit with Glow Stars
 
Nicole Melvin | WorkFromHomeMom profile picture
Paint your own piggy bank. The piggy bank is a classic, and it is so fun for them to be able to paint their own. This is a great craft and also a great gift idea for kids. Recommend getting a few extra paint colors for creativity and options.
Fun Paint-Your-Own Piggy Bank Craft Kit - Mondo Llama™: Ceramic Painting Coin Bank for Kids, Includes Paints & Brushes
 
Nicole Melvin | WorkFromHomeMom profile picture
I had these as a kid and was surprised they are still around! This set comes with a carrying case that holds both the markers and the included activity book. The colors are vibrant, and they are easy to use even for younger children. They are washabl...
Dot Markers Art Activity Kit – Chuckle & Roar
 
Nicole Melvin | WorkFromHomeMom profile picture
Slime doesn't get old as a craft activity for my kids. I like the bucket because we can use it more than once or one time for a longer period. The add-ins are always the fun part. The kids like being able to pick and choose which one they're going to...
Elmer's Gue 3lb Glassy Clear Deluxe Premade Slime Kit with Mix-Ins: Sensory Development, Storage Container, Ages 3+
 
Nicole Melvin | WorkFromHomeMom profile picture
This is a great beginner or travel stencil set. I love that it all comes in a convenient carrying case that can hold additional paper or bought stencils. Great value for what it comes with.
20pc Super Sketches Stencil Set - Mondo Llama™
 
Nicole Melvin | WorkFromHomeMom profile picture
This craft activity was a must try. It's so cute to see what the kids create. Love the amount of options and colors. Easy to use, would purchase again.
Magic Water Elf Toy Kit with 20 Gels & 24 Molds