Toys For Babies: A Holiday Shopping Thread (with age ranges) [Archive]

kimthebride

10-20-2005, 08:04 PM

I admit, I am starting this thread for selfish purposes....so please allow me to tell you what I need help with:

What specific toys do you recommend for the 6-9 month old range? I need some ideas for my DS for Christmas.

So while I'm at it...please use this thread to recommend great toys, and list the age range during which your little one enjoyed it most.

Photos more than welcome!

I'll get this started. :)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

0-4 Months

Baby Einstein Play Gym
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B0000936LR.01._PE17_SCMZZZZZZZ_.jpg

Tiny Love baby Wind Chimes (hung this from the gym)
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B000067PXI.01._PE15_SCMZZZZZZZ_.jpg

Lots of things by www.Infantino.com
http://www.infantino.com/Images/ToysSoft/150-803.jpg
http://www.infantino.com/Images/ToysSoft/150-802.jpg
Tummy Time Mat was a huge hit
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0009HXY1G.01.MZZZZZZZ.jpg

kimthebride

10-20-2005, 08:04 PM

Anna Banana by Tiny Love
http://store1.yimg.com/I/kidsurplus_1866_428035139

Sassy Rattles etc
http://www.sassybaby.com/FilesCustom/HTMLEditor/Images/824-Item.jpg
http://www.sassybaby.com/FilesCustom/HTMLEditor/Images/8369-Item.jpg

He also likes small musical instruments, like a bell, maraca and a piano by Little Tykes:
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B00002QUNX.01._SCMZZZZZZZ_.gif

Renrel

10-20-2005, 08:20 PM

I love love love this toy. We started playing with it when Gabe started sitting up. It is great for teaching cause and effect and fine motor skills. First they knock all the bugs off with a sweep of the hand. Then they learn to grab one. Then they learn to grab the specific one they want. Then they learn to hit the button and turn it on. Then they learn to put the bugs on by themselves. Plus you can teach colors and counting. At 2 Gabe still will play with this occassionally. He scolds the bugs for "pushing" one of their friends off, and puts stacking up hats on them to see what will happen.

http://www.mytoybox.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/singspinbugs97327n.jpg01/singspinbugs97327n.jpg

eta - By Lamaze

dzmattie

10-20-2005, 08:38 PM

My DS played with this from about 9 months to 18 months - he absolutely was in love with this toy. It was at my parent's house so every time we went there he played with it the entire time. It was hard for him at first but then he really got the hang of it.

It is from Tupperware - and I think was actually MINE when I was a kid! And they still sell it! I will try to think of other things...

http://order.tupperware.com:8080/coe-images/items/10054276000_detail.jpg

twinnyme

10-21-2005, 05:13 AM

This is such a great thread - there are so many threads about this and to compile them all together is a great idea, so thanks. I'm sure I'll be back with more ideas!

Well, I do have one to post now:

18 months; Baby Farm Friends Bowling
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B000087L1K.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

12 months; Fridge Farm Magnetic Animal Set
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B0001X0DR6.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

We have the fridge magnet set already and DD (9 months) loves it. All she does right now is stand/sit at the fridge and throw them all off the fridge, and press the "Tad" button that plays music. But it'll grow with her. We don't have the bowling set yet, but I plan to get it for her for Christmas since she loves to knock blocks over.

Oh, and also Peek-A-Blocks (6 months and up). She loves to knock these over, too, and they have all different kinds (with different sounds). She's loved these for months. She mouths them, rattles them, and now knocks them over. It's a whole line of stuff, including walkers and toys in which you can put the blocks. We have the giraffe. They also now have Roll-A-Round versions.

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B0006ZE6N6.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

ButterflyJen

10-21-2005, 06:26 AM

I heartily second the Peek-A-Blocks. DD has a TON of these and she loves them. Just now, at 14 mos, she's trying to figure them out and stack them instead of just throwing them around. ;) We got them last Christmas when she was 4 mos and they've been a hit for a while now.

I'd say these are around 18 mos, maybe 24 mos (they say 2 and up on the package)
LeapFrog Fridge Phonics
http://www.leapfrog.com/content/product_images/lf580_fridgephonics_1.jpg

DD received these for her first birthday. So far, she's a bit young for doing much more than throwing them around (do you see a pattern here?) but we like them a lot. A song plays when each letter is inserted, plus if you hit the musical note the alphabet song plays. DD mostly dances to that right now. I figure she may be young for it, but at least she's hearing the alphabet (and each letter). We usually put the letters in for her.

kimthebride

10-21-2005, 06:43 AM

renrel
Who makes that cute bug toy? I think I've seen it but can't recall..

dzmattie
I had the SAME thing as a kid, and have been keeping an eye out. Where did you find it?

Re: Peek-A-Blocks
Funny, I just asked about these in my May/June Moms thread. I got a pack of them as a gift and DS had zero interest. Maybe I'll get the PAB car for him for Xmas so he can use them with something...

My good friend told me while I was pg to go out and buy the Leapfrog Fridge Phonics, she loved it so much for her boys! I have heard nothing but great things about it, and hope to get this for Xmas even though he'll only be 7 months old.

**keep it coming ladies - this is great!**

Age 0-4 Months

Baby Einstein Discover & Play Soft Blocks
http://store1.yimg.com/I/babyant_1865_98900629
These are great. Bold colors for newborn eyes, you can stack them so he can knock them over. One has a rattle inside, another has a small mirror on the side, another has a frog leg that makes it vibrate when you pull it. Each side has a different texture - these are always out of the toy box!

Chylynn

10-21-2005, 07:18 AM

Great thread, Kim! I was thinking about starting one too...glad to see someone did!

Here are some items we are planning on purchasing for our daughters First Christmas. She will be almost 9 months on Christmas Day...

LeapFrog LeapStart Learning Table

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000062XQ8.16._SCLZZZZZZZ_SS260_.jpg

Price: $39.99

LeapFrog Discovery Ball

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00005BHK3.16._SCLZZZZZZZ_SS260_.jpg

Price: $19.99

Step Along Learning Band Walker- this is for 12 months and up

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00029R660.16._SCLZZZZZZZ_SS260_.jpg

Price: $34.99

Chicco Castle Pounder -she goes crazy whenever she sees this toy on BE!

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00000IZXB.16._SCLZZZZZZZ_SS260_.jpg

Price: $22.99

FP- Dance Baby Dance- Classical stacker

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B0001AEZTG.01._SCMZZZZZZZ_.jpg

Price: $10.99

and I want to get a chair that is her own, but I am not sure if I am crazy about the pottery barn chair:

http://a293.g.akamai.net/7/293/5910/0010/image2.styleinamerica.com/pkecimgs/images/products/200541/0008/img75s.jpg

Renrel

10-21-2005, 08:29 AM

I edited above, the bugs toy is by Lamaze.

We also really liked the Leap Frog table, the bowling animals and shape sorters. The Leap frog was good from the time DS could sit up (placed on the floor without leg to somewhere around 18 mths or so. Then intrest waned. The animals were good around 20 months for us. Still going strong.

My kid is very into spacial relations. He loves blocks, legos, puzzles, shape sorters.

I would highly recommend investing in several set of blocks. These are very useful for all kinds of random learning. Shapes, texure, counting, colors, manual dexerity, balance, size. We have some foam ones that are great because they don't hurt if thrown and float in the bath. We also have the wooden cubes with alphabet letters on them which fit in a wagon, a small set of different shaped and colored wooden blocks and cloth block with doors and windows on them. I want to get some more wooden ones and ones which are big enough to climb on.

Ball of all kinds are also a must.

We really like the fisher price laugh and learn home. Another good long term learning/playing toy.

Wooden puzzles with knobs are great for the second year.

Don't forget lots of books and music. A subscription to a child magazine like Wild Animal Babies or Ladybug is a good gift for young children.

Little Tykes slide was great for the second year and still going strong. Should fit my son for at least another 6 mnths.

We recently started using color wonder paints which are great for places you don't want a mess, like someone else's house or a plane. They did not work for us at 15 months or so. DS did not get the delay factor, but the are great now. We have not tried the markers yet but plan to.

Magic doodle is great starting at maybe 18 mths. Good mess proof art.

washable markers are great for budding artists. Starting around 12 months or so. Easier to use then crayons since they don't have to press down. You can also try a dry erase board to avoid tons of paper mess.

ButterflyJen

10-21-2005, 08:29 AM

The Leapfrog Table is awesome. DD got that for her first birthday and loves it. She has so much fun with that!

We also like the Leapfrog Ball. DD got that at Easter (~8mos old) and liked rolling it around. She couldn't make sounds on it, though (we had to do that). For her birthday, she got the Leapfrog Alphabet Pal, which is so similar to the Ball it's ridiculous. We've had the caterpillar out for a while, but I'm ready to switch back to the ball. She doesn't "get" the caterpillar at all and had more fun with the ball. Anyway, what I'm trying to say is, if you get or have one, don't get the other!

kerrykate

10-21-2005, 09:58 AM

This for age 12 months and up. DD got this for her 2nd b-day and it's fantastic. I usually lay in on the kitchen floor while I make dinner to give DD something to do. The best part is there's no mess. You fill up the "marker" with water and when they draw/color on the mat color appears and after a couple minutes fades away.
AQUADOODLE, $19.99:
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B00008X343.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B00008X343.01.PT01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

We also have this smaller version that is great for long rides in the car or restaurants:
$9.99 at TRU or $7.99 at Target
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B0007WHCOS.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

happy1nuv

10-21-2005, 10:22 AM

Renrel

10-21-2005, 10:38 AM

Just wanted to suggest that in looking at toys parents remember that studies show the best learning actually comes from normal everyday playing experiences not from "teaching toys. " Blocks, balls, tunnels, pots and pans, things to fill and spill mixed with interaction from caregivers is more imporant than the latest electronic toy that speaks the alphebet or matchs animal sounds to animals. I am not saying not to get electronic toys. We have several in our home that we love and I recently order that fridge phonic tou that I have been eying for months now. But be sure to get a good mix of opened ended old fashioned toys along with a few of the better electronic ones. And remember that once your kid learns to push buttons and remember where the toy is "hidden" you will have less control over how much you have to listen to any music or annoying voice, so make sure you think can live with hearing any toy for hours out of any day.

And I mentioned the climbing blocks. There are large blocks made of cardboard that are strong enough to support small children that are reasonably affordable and other foam blocks, sold mostly to daycare that are a bit more expensive. Of course these all take up storage space and require more supervision than other blocks since climbing can lead to falling. But there is another kind of learning to be had in the experience of climbing and in falling. Falling in a controled enviroment, with minor pain can teach lessons that help avoid falls in less controled enviroments with bigger dangers. It can also however lead to more experimentation and chance taking in those other situations. Every parent makes their own call on this one.

LyLMyssChaos

10-21-2005, 10:39 AM

anyone have any hints for a good wagon? dh and i want to get nic a wagon and blocks (did someone mention blocks you can CLIMB on???) for christmas, but we're not sure about plastic or wooden (like the red radio flyer one)

:)

We have the Radio Flyer ATW and we LOVE it!! My friend got it for her DD over a year ago, and my parents got it for my DD for her 2nd birthday this year. It is awesome. They also got her the matching umbrella and pad for it! I believe they got everything at Target.
http://store1.yimg.com/I/radioflyer_1868_4350734
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00002MZ8A.16._SCLZZZZZZZ_SS384_.jpg
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00002MZ8D.16._SCLZZZZZZZ_SS384_.jpg

ellybelle

10-21-2005, 10:49 AM

I love the toys at Ikea - they're simple but cute!

Our DD loves her rocking moose:
http://www.ikea.com/PIAimages/21389_PE106307_S3.jpg

eta that that toy is good for the over one crowd.

happy1nuv

10-21-2005, 08:15 PM

renrel ~ I tried to do a websearch for climbing blocks, but am not finding anything. Do you know what they are called or who makes them? thanks!!

(And... my, wagons are not what I remember... they got fancy :) who knew they made padding/umbrellas for them?)

Renrel

10-21-2005, 08:49 PM

From the back to basic web site -

http://www.backtobasicstoys.com/images/3847.jpg
$45.00
http://www.backtobasicstoys.com

From direct advantage
http://www.directadv.com/Images/3/917002bIG.jpg
http://www.directadv.com/Images/3/917002bIG.jpg

http://www.constructiontoys.com/store/imagibrick.php

From Lakeshore
http://www.lakeshorelearning.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=1&Section_Id=253&pcount=0&Product_Id=34934&RememberSectionId=247&RememberCatalogId=1
http://www.lakeshorelearning.com/Images/Catalog/ProductImages/full/rr876_f.jpg

kimthebride

10-22-2005, 06:03 AM

WARNING: The www.backtobasictoys.com website can result in a serious decrease of the amount of cash in your wallet.
;) LOVE their catalogue! All sorts of stuff we had as kids...

DisneyGirl

10-22-2005, 12:04 PM

Awesome thread!

Thanks Renrel for posting those site with the blocks! I just love them and I really think my DS who just turned two will really love them. Also, what type of music would you suggest. My Ds loves music and dancing around the house. Thanks

Thanks to everyone who posted some great toys..I think i will be beuing Ds the big blocks and definatly a wagon.

He also ready has most of the other stuff that was posted for his age group.

I really like some of the idea for the younger ones. I ahve a DD who is 6 months old and i think she will really like some of the toys posted.

THANKS

mia's mama

10-22-2005, 01:17 PM

Great thread!
Here is my DD's favorite right now...it's a sturdy wodden walking toy which comes with 3 sets of blocks...cloth, rubber and wood. We get HOURS of play with this. We bought it at Target, but they also have it on the Back to Basics website...I think we paid 59.99. DD is 11 months old and had been playing with this for the last 5-6 weeks. It is made by Parent's Magazine.
http://www.backtobasicstoys.com/images/5815.jpg

Renrel

10-22-2005, 08:01 PM

For music our favorites are:
Baby Baluga- Raffi
Yummy Yummy - wiggles
Philladelphia Chicken -Boyton
Mommy and Me II
Seseame Street Platnum
Big Trouble - Trout Fishing
Not for kids only - Jerry Garcia

DisneyGirl

10-22-2005, 08:20 PM

Thanks! :D

linda_loo

10-22-2005, 09:13 PM

ages 4-8 (I bought them for my 3.5 year old that is constantly asking how her letters sound):

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/043967753X.01._AA240_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

also ordered a word whammer:

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B0002SC7CE.01._SCMZZZZZZZ_.jpg

Candy

10-23-2005, 01:04 PM

subscribin' for ideas!

Renrel

10-23-2005, 08:55 PM

Disney - We just got a second hand Musini from Neurosmith and if you kid love dancing around to music you may want to look in to it. It is a toy that plays music based on the vibrations it feels through the floor when they dance. It is very sensative. My kid is a light weight 2 year old and we had it set up on the foam letter mats over hardwood and it worked great. Not only reacting to jumps, but also to walking, rolling and crawling. But after only one day of play I can't really recommend it as a great toy only a potentionally great toy. You may also want to look into some musical intruments. We have a drum, horn, harmonica, recorder, maraccas, triangle, tamborine and more. DS can make music/noise with all of them. The Mellisa and Doug band in a box we got as a b-day present has some very nice quality instruments.

Jenzen01

10-24-2005, 09:10 AM

SiValleySteph

10-24-2005, 09:18 AM

We got the Kettrike Happy Navigator yesterday for our son (almost 13 months):
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B0002RQYM4.01._PE6_SCMZZZZZZZ_.jpg

It's really great for pushing becuase you can lock the front wheel and unlock the back wheels so it's easy to steer with the pushbar. He seemed to really like it at the store and in the driveway yesterday. We pushed him to the grocery store, but I think that was too far for him and he started dragging his feet on the way back.

This was a birthday present for him from his Grandparents.

For Christmas, we are thinking of getting him a table & chair set to put in the kitchen for eating and for playing. I would also like to get him a comfy chair in his size. My husband's not sure becuase he has his infant-to-toddler rocker that he is enjoying now.

allyray231

10-24-2005, 09:24 AM

subscribin'

lady1297

10-24-2005, 09:38 AM

I'm looking for a toddler basket ball hoop...anyone seen one?? I thought Fischer Price made it, but the one they have is for 9+ and is all electronic. I don't want that...I wanted a basketball hoop stand. No frills...do they not make them anymore??

DisneyGirl

10-24-2005, 10:05 AM

Renrel Thanks so much for all the ideas. I will most definalty look into the Melissa and doung instument thing. Any ideas where I can get it?

I'm also like yourslef very much into the non electronic toys. Yes, i do ahve some leap frog things ect but I find that my 2 yr old realy enjoy pots, pans music, books, blocks, climbing, ridding his big wheels ect.. I'm MOST definalty going to buy thoses big building blocks you posted above.

I also liked the idea that you posted about magazines for kids. My son just loves animals of all kinds. I have to look into one of the two magazines you posted and see ig I can find more info..ie price ect..

Thanks again for some awesome ideas!

moderngal

10-24-2005, 10:42 AM

We are a tad-bit monkey obsessed in this house, so I know DS is getting this for sure:
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B0007YDD4E.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg
ages 6- 36 mos.
otherwise, there are a ton of books and cds I plan to get him. I'm sure we'll buy him other toys, but I don't want to go overboard yet. We'll let the rest of the family go nuts with toys. ;)

ButterflyJen

10-24-2005, 12:27 PM

Watching DD play today, I had a few more ideas.

9 months and up
DD has a bookshelf in her room. The shelves she can reach are full of board books. Crawling over there, yanking books down, and "reading" them can occupy her for quite some time. Books are good at any age, but I say 9 months because a lot of babies are crawling/able to pull books down at around that time (DD was a little later, but she's also still not walking).

Crawlers
I can't stress a ballenough!!! DD loves, loves, loves to throw the ball (or have me throw it) and then crawl after it. She dribbles with her hands like a soccer player does with their feet. The ball we have is about 6" dia. and just your basic rubber ball. We also have a light-up superball that DH got at a job fair and DD LOVES this thing. It's not small enough to fit into her mouth, but we are careful to be around when she's playing with it anyway.

Sitters/Crawlers (not necessarily holiday gift ideas, just ideas)
Right now, DD is sitting at my feet tearing apart the wastebasket. She loves to do this. We are careful to only throw paper in there, but she loves to look at leaflets, crumple paper, etc. Another thing she does is tear apart the potholder/towel/trivet drawer in the kitchen, tear apart the drawer below it with larger utensils, etc....we have three funnels that fit inside each other and she does like to play with these. So, safe kitchen itemsare a good inexpensive idea, too. Measuring cups, cheap pots/pans, wooden spoons, utensils, etc.

Honestly, all of this stuff keeps her occupied WAY longer than the toys she has!

Renrel

10-24-2005, 12:39 PM

I made a point of buying books the first year which were easy for a child to turn the pages of, even if I was not thrilled with the story, pictures ect. Board books are great, and we have loads, but it can be hard for kids to get a gripe on a page. Books with tabs or where the page is sort of cardboard that is fold over so that the the pages tend to push apart, if that makes any sense are good for teaching kids how a book works. Just check out lot of discount shelves and such for weird books that work in this manner.

Carissa

11-01-2005, 11:29 AM

Subscribin! Love the ideas here.

kimthebride

11-01-2005, 01:00 PM

***PLEASE HELP ME FIND BALLS***

I have plenty of soft cubes that jingle, and only one ball. Who does some baby-friendly soft balls? We have some sporty ones, but they are too soft and don't roll. He seems to like balls, but I can't find any!
Size-wise, I am thinking softball size or smaller...

TIA!

Renrel

11-01-2005, 01:38 PM

There are a few good ones on this page. We have the Gertie and one like the Gund and liked them both.

www.babytoys.com/balls-for-baby.html"]http://www.babytoys.com/balls-for-baby.html

Traciann

11-01-2005, 01:50 PM

Hey Kim!

We use a couple different size beach balls, of all things! She can grip them really well..especially if we leave a little air out of it. DD loves them.

Traci

Kingdono

11-01-2005, 01:55 PM

http://www.littletikes.com/productimages/full/JPD1623A_OL_full.jpg

Little Tikes has a few basketball

http://www.littletikes.com/productimages/full/f_4612_L.jpg

They also have some soft balls for babies.
http://www.littletikes.com/productimages/full/JPD1685C_full.jpg

twinnyme

11-01-2005, 04:49 PM

Love, love, love this soft ball for DD. It's from Babystyle.com.

http://babystyle.com/images/product/13639_MID_l.jpg
Newborn and up

We got this as a gift when she was born and while we haven't used the square much (except for blocking off hard corners), we use the ball all the time. We sit on the floor, I prop her legs open, and roll the ball back and forth. She gets it, too - well, somewhat! She really likes it. They're not small, but I thought I'd suggest it, anyway (and thanks everyone for all the small-ball suggestions; I've been looking for some of those myself).

lady1297

11-01-2005, 09:07 PM

DS LOVES his 1.00 ball. GOt it at the dollar store. It's just a tiny beach ball that is maybe 3 inches in diameter. BEST dollar I ever spent. Goes to show, expensive isn't better!!

OH, and we're getting DS the second basketball hoop listed. He's going to LOVE it!

LILRTL

11-02-2005, 07:15 AM

Subscribing! DS will be almost 5 months at Christmas! Yikes! :eek:

Renrel

11-02-2005, 07:25 AM

Lady - I always check out the cheap toys at near the counter, the .25 -$3 kind. Some of our best finds were off these kind of shelves. Even some of the gum ball machine toys or happy meal toys have been big hits. We got some little toy piano that DS loved to play with in the car for months at Burger King, I didn't even by the meal, just the toy. Can't believe the battery is still working over a year later.

LeslieR

11-02-2005, 07:30 AM

I checked out the Peek A Boo blocks yesterday at Target. They look really cool. I had no idea there were so many! We also checked out the Twist And Shout Elmo-so cute. Luke just kind of stared at it like "WTF?", so I think he's a bit young for that one.:p

twinnyme

11-07-2005, 12:21 PM

* bump * with a question:

Does anyone have any suggestions for a camera geared toward a 2-year-old? Not a camera that actually works but one that makes noises, a pretend one? I bought one for my nephew last year and his mother says he LOVED it but he broke it recently and she thought it might be a good gift for him for Christmas.... I checked my Amazon history but it's not in there, and despite exhaustive searching on Amazon I'm not finding many options, just this:

Small World Express Smile for the Camera
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0006IRSXI.01._SCMZZZZZZZ_.jpg
Recommended age 18 months - 3 years

TIA!

carolc

11-07-2005, 01:31 PM

Nora (21 months) doesn't seem to be much of a "toy" toddler. She liked them up till she got to be about 14 months, then she lost interest in many/most. She's all about Play-doh, which I guess is a toy, but other than that she likes painting, books, music, and running around like a maniac. ;) She also loves sticker books, and has since she was about 18 months.

One thing that has surprised me with its longevity is her pull-along toy--she still loves this. It makes a clickety-clack sound and its mouth opens.

http://static.zoovy.com/img/stewarttoys/W180-H180-Bffffff/plan5105.jpg

I'm getting her a kid-sized broom, a kid-sized rakes, (DD loves to imitate us, and we sweep and rake a lot!) some of the really big cardboard stacking blocks, and some books for Christmas, so far. If I knew a magic toy that would enthrall her, I sure would get it, but I'm stumped. I think the Magnadoodle might be good, though.

She did go crazy for the Fridge Phonics thing when we first got it, but now she's kind of over it.

celina

11-07-2005, 02:17 PM

Subscribing for ideas. :)

DisneyGirl

11-16-2005, 09:04 PM

Bumping up to see if anyone else has any good toys that they recommend or are buying.

Natrat80

11-17-2005, 08:18 AM

I bought presents for my nieces and nephew already:
2.5 yr old girl
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/0689845065.01._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_AA240_SH20_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg
http://www.buybuybaby.com/images/products/family/5356900323.jpg
6 month old girl
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0009QYSOE.01._PE20_SCMZZZZZZZ_.jpg
and a lamb rattle from funbath.net
9 month old boy
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00000IZOU.01._SCMZZZZZZZ_.gif
and some Carter's clothes

kimthebride

11-17-2005, 03:26 PM

Fisher Price Barnyard Carousel $15
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B0002YDPYC.01.PT03._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

A friend had this during a get together at her place, and 3 of us had kids from 5 1/2 - 6 1/2 months old who were ENAMORED by this toy. When you press the animals they make their sound, press the handle and it spins, plays music and lights up. It's on the IL's holiday list for DS!
FP says the age range is 6 months-3 years.

SiValleySteph

11-17-2005, 03:29 PM

Our son (almost 14mo) is really enamored with hand puppets right now so he is getting a frog one for Christmas. He went crazy for it at TRU. He likes to put them on and wave. :D

nancy drew

11-17-2005, 05:17 PM

last year, when stella was 10 months, we got her the melissa and doug activity cart: (http://www.littlesmarties.com/dslci797.html)

http://www.littlesmarties.com/images/dslci797.jpg

it says its for ages 3 and up, and there are a lot of things she couldnt/cant use even now, but it can be adapted. i took away all the small pieces and wood blocks (She liked to chew on them) and magnetic letters. i replaced the magentic letters with the fridge farm by leapfrog, which was mentioned above. i replaced the wood blocks with these knock knock blocks (http://www.kidsurplus.com/sma7068300.html):

http://store1.yimg.com/I/kidsurplus_1872_98739716

i put them inside the cart, so she could open the sliding door and "find" them. i put the fridge farm pieces in the drawer so again, she could "find" them. i put a bunch of books on the top of the cart and she pushed it around like a library cart. as she got older i replaced some of the activities with others, the magnetic letters have returned as have the wooden shape sorting blocks. its really a toy that grows with your child. as she gets even older i will replace the tool set and lacing animals.

other favorites from about 12 months and counting...

wood puzzles, especially those with giant knobs and easy shapes:

small world toys puzzle (http://www.kidsurplus.com/g007.html) (i often find these on sale at marshalls)
http://store1.yimg.com/I/kidsurplus_1871_183454485

melissa and doug puzzles (http://www.kidsurplus.com/lig338.html)
http://store1.yimg.com/I/kidsurplus_1870_236090222

travel magnadoodle (http://www.kidsurplus.com/fisg3748.html) (we have one in the house and one in the diaper bag for when we are out at appointments or restaurants):
http://store1.yimg.com/I/kidsurplus_1868_95257146

twinnyme

11-17-2005, 05:29 PM

Nancy Drew - thanks for the tip on the puzzles at Marshalls. I'll have to check those out. I was just thinking yesterday about buying some puzzles for DD (she'll be 1 year at Christmas). Also, when did your DD start using the Travel Doodle? I keep wavering between getting it or not, especially since we're taking a plane trip in February but it says it's for 3 and up. Is it really? (I see you adapted the other toy that was 3 and up.) TIA!

nancy drew

11-17-2005, 05:55 PM

we just got the magna doodle for her when her baby brother was born, she was 19.5 months old. she started taking an interest in drawing (scribbling) at about 14 months, but im not sure she could have worked the erasing part of it by herself at that age though. im guessing the "3 and up" is because the coloring stick is small (crayon size) and if it becomes detached it could possibly be a choking hazard. thats my guess anyway, i have no idea. i say get it, the worst that can happen is she doesnt like it for a few months. that thing is worth its weight in gold in this house.

marshalls often has great deals on toys. if you can figure out when the toys are delivered there you could hit a gold mine. ive gone on toy delivery day and scored bigtime!!! then ive gone on what must be the day before toy delivery and found a lot of broken stuff that no one else wanted.

twinnyme

11-17-2005, 06:01 PM

Thanks, Nancy Drew!

nancy drew

11-17-2005, 06:02 PM

more 12 month-ish stuff:

our friends have this and its a huge hit:
parents busy park (http://www.kidsurplus.com/batpm9012a.html):

http://store1.yimg.com/I/kidsurplus_1872_108355570

we have something like this (http://www.kidsurplus.com/batpm9107.html) and stella loves it (also found it at marshalls):

http://store1.yimg.com/I/kidsurplus_1871_22945032

this drum (http://www.kidsurplus.com/bri39640400.html) is a hit (no pun intended ;)) it says 19 months and above but stella got it at 10 months and was fine. yeah, she tried to eat the mallet but thats why supervision is important:

http://store1.yimg.com/I/kidsurplus_1871_168674726

Natasha

11-20-2005, 05:43 PM

My son is 2.5, and I wanted to second the magna doodle. We got a cheap version at Wal Mart, and it was the best $5 I EVER spent. But, he managed to destroy it (stepping on it), so he's getting the real thing for Christmas.

As for that Leapfrog activity table, he has had one since last two Christmases ago, and he has always LOVED it. He still plays with it some.

This year, he is getting a bookcase, some books, the new magna doodle, and some toys that are a little "young" so he can play with his sister.

twinnyme

11-21-2005, 01:05 PM

* bump *

Katy

11-21-2005, 08:21 PM

Since there's a whole holiday forum addressing gifts of all shapes, sizes and ages, I'm going to copy this thread to over there. You might also want to check that forum (http://www.constantchatter.com/forumdisplay.php?f=87) for some ideas.

BeachBum

03-02-2006, 04:10 PM

bump.

Looking for ideas for 6+ months :)

Renrel

03-02-2006, 04:26 PM

I love the lamaze dancing bugs toy at this age, as soon as they are able to sit up and grasp an object. It takes time for them to learn to use it, so you will be sitting with your child doing alot of the work for him/her at first, but it is great long term toy and you can really watch your child growth. From knocking the bugs off with a sweep of the hand, to try to grab one, to trying to grab a particular one, to pushing the button, to putting them on the platform, to color recognition and even emotion intentification with the diffenent faces. It kept my son's attention for a year or more.

simple Shape sorters are fun but you will need to work with him alot. I like the Chicco car at 6 mths. Only one shape to deal with at a time. I would find the right hole and hand DS the piece and it was his job to figure out how to get it in the hole. Over time he did more an more of it himself. At a year he got a cube shape sorter with about 18 pieces and while he loved it he was not really ready for it for a few months after that.

I think we had a few different toy pianos. One that hung in the crib and then became a tummy time toy, a fisher price something chorus piano, a 3-4 key basic piano.

If your child is sitting up and/or starting to get mobile you may want to invest in the fisher price learning home, though it is really more appropriate for a year and up. We got ours at one year and DS is still playing with it at 2.3 year. It is a great toy if you have the room for it. Lots and lots of fine and gross motor skill learning along with the electonic learning of abc, shapes, number ect which is not as important in my mind.

There is an inexpensive ($10-$20) toy microwave out there that I have heard great things about. buttons and lights and beeps.

There is a small toy kitchen/shape sorter toy that is great for when they are just sitting up.

The leap frog learning table if fun and you can start with it on the floor and put it on legs after your child starts pulling up to stand.

Soft blocks

Soft textured balls.

Peakaboo blocks

Fisherprice makes some toy with peakaboo animal ball toy that came out after my child was past this point but I would have bought if it was available then, it looked perfect for that age range.

Any toy where you drop a ball in the top and watch it follow a path down fasinated little kids.

Noise makers/instruments - rattles, drums anything safe and easy to get a noice from. Good cause and effect learning.

Kanga

03-27-2006, 11:57 AM

*bump* now that dd has outgrown some of her toys already and we'll be looking for more advanced ones.

kimthebride

03-27-2006, 01:19 PM

VTech Move & Crawl Ball $12.00
Age range 6+ Months
http://www.vtechkids.com/productThumb/61320_thumb.jpg
http://www.vtechkids.com/product_page.asp?productId=157
Mom just brought this over during a visit, and my almost 10 month old is having a blast! He loves all balls, but this one moves on its own, flashes lights, makes animal noises & music, has numbers. It can teach numbers, colors and animals. Pretty darn cute - plus it has a volume control and off switch (always apprecaited ;) ). I can see this as a toy that grows with him.

AlisonCO

06-21-2006, 02:38 PM

BUMP BUMP BUMP

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000284X6W.01._SS400_SCLZZZZZZZ_V1124902304_.jpg

Does anyone have this Laugh and Learn Learning Home??? I am thinking of it as a potential gift for my DD for her 1st b-day in Sept - will she be too old for it? I really only want to do one big gift and maybe one smaller gift since we have so much already. DD is 9 months now and pulling up to a stand and cruising on furniture - is this more fun for non-walkers (I think that DD will be walking before her 1st b-day). It is on sale right now at TRU for $49.

Any other suggestion for a fun gift for a second child for her 1st b-day???

katzmeow671

06-21-2006, 02:49 PM

YES YES YES!!! We have the L&L Home and we LOVE it! Gracie plays with it every single day. It doesn't take up as much space as you might think and it has all sorts of buttons to push with different noises and songs. In my opinion, its a great gift for a 1st birthday and will be entertaining for a long time to come. We love to hide the mail in the mailbox and sometimes the mail turns into a cookie!

Renrel

06-21-2006, 03:03 PM

Love love love the FP laugh and learn home. Excellent toy if you have the room. So much learning potential. I love how there are so many doors to open and each one opens in a different way or direction. DS pretty much played with it everyday from about his first birthday until maybe 2.3 or so. It is finally starting to take up more room than it is worth at about 2.9 years.

AlisonCO

06-21-2006, 03:20 PM

THANK YOU both so so much!

lil_nance

06-29-2006, 09:52 AM

BUMP
Time to do birthday shopping. DS turns 1 in 2 weeks.:D

Kanga

06-29-2006, 10:40 AM

lil nance - not sure how much you're looking to spend, but have you considered a play kitchen? We're planning to do this for dd's first birthday or christmas this year.

We just bought the fisher price roll a rounds swirlin surprise gumball toy for dd (8mo) and it took her a day or so to learn how it works but now she loves it and plays with it daily. She hasn't yet grasped how to load it yet, but I think it has to do with her not wanting to let go of her toys.:rolleyes:

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0002YDPY2.16._SCLZZZZZZZ_SS260_.jpg

lil_nance

06-29-2006, 03:07 PM

Liz - I got a play kitchen at a garage sale last month. My parents sent him the Little Tykes Cozy Coupe. I'm hoping someone gets him a push around walker thing (I've hinted to a few people). He got the Roll-a-rounds dinosaur for Christmas and just figured out how to work it correctly this month. He also already has some of the "basics", ring stacker, shape sorter, play phone, Leap Frog table. He really doesn't have tons of toys but a lot of the standards. His eye-hand coord. seems to be improving so maybe some type of stacking toy? Or anyone have a See-n-Say? Do your kids play with it?

kimthebride

06-29-2006, 08:16 PM

LeapFrog Learning Hoops $30
http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/jryzerman_1902_36527436
This is SOOOO much better than I thought it would be.
My mom got it for DS for Xmas (he was 6 months then) and he played with it now & again. Now he's 1 and it is a huge hit with him and his friends. It teaches counting, alphabet & spelling - make a basket, they display and say a number/letter. The height is adjustable, and it comes with 2 basketballs. He crawls over and makes baskets on his own now, tries to put different-sized balls in, and even will just reach in and hit the tab that the ball hits when you make a basket so it says "A! (clap clap clap)" and he applauses.
I'd absolutely recommend it!

Elmo Junior See & Say
http://i20.ebayimg.com/03/i/07/78/9c/ef_2.JPG
I have the Elmo & the Winnie the Pooh ones. DS got them when he was really young, but frequently would play with them around age 9 months. He doesn't actually say anything to them (its all sounds) but he claps and laughs after making them go off.