Tuesday, February 16, 2010

my favorite first year toys

Here are a few of my favorite toys from Elijah's first year. You can click on the pictures for a link to Amazon. If you are in the market for infant toys - for your own child or a gift - then these are ones that I highly recommend! Feel free to comment with your own experience of these toys or add any others that were your child's favorites!

LeapFrog Spin and Sing Alphabet Zoo

This toy was great when Elijah was first starting to sit up. He also loves to play with this while he is riding in the car! I actually paid full price for this at Wal-Mart on an impulse, but it has been worth it. There are three settings with different songs and the wheel is so easy for an infant to spin.

LeapFrog Learn & Groove™ Musical Table

I bought this (quickly and foolishly) from someone on Craigslist for $20. We later found one (in even better condition) at a yard sale for $4, so I bought it for a friend! It has been so cute to watch Elijah grow and be able to walk around the table himself. He's not as interested in it lately because he has played with it so much for months, but I think it will still be a great toy in the future.

Vtech - Learn & Discover Driver

I think I bought this at the Goodwill and it has been one of my favorite toys for Elijah. He LOVES to turn the wheel and hit the buttons that have great car sounds. This has been a toy that he doesn't seem to be tired of, but when he plays with it, it's not usually for too long of a time period.

Graco Bumper Jumper

Elijah has always been quite the jumper, so one weekend while we were at my parents' house, Justin and I went yard sale shopping on a mission for a jumper to hang in the door frame. I couldn't believe it when we found one very similar to this for $10. Best $10 I spent at a yard sale last year! Elijah still jumps in this a few times a week. Great!

CAT 3-in-1 Ride-On Dump Truck by Mega Bloks

This was a Christmas present from Justin's parents and it has been great. Elijah can ride on it and walk behind it...great exercise! We attached a belt to it so we could guide him around...easier on the back! It comes with several large "lego-like" blocks to play with, too.

Fisher Price Bright Beginnings Baby Basketball

This was our Christmas present to Elijah and it has been so much fun to watch him play more and more with it. It's a great toy for him to stand alone with...especially when he doesn't realize he's not holding on!