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      6 Stunning Photos You Would Never Guess Were…

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      December 13, 2018

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      I Wrote A Photography eBook And This Is…

      December 6, 2018

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      November 27, 2018

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      Learn How To Take And Edit Photos On…

      November 19, 2018

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    • Reviews

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      December 19, 2018

      Reviews

      I Was Never A Barbie Girl Until Now

      October 1, 2018

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      Finally! Jeans For My Jean-Averse Kids!

      August 22, 2018

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      August 13, 2018

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toys

9 Toys Your Kids Will Still Be Playing With Next December
Gift Ideas

9 Toys Your Kids Will Still Be Playing With Next December

by Désirée December 12, 2018
written by Désirée

Every year there are intense toy fads that hit the market, causing parents to freak out and line up for hours to get their hands on. (Remember Hatchimals? The dreaded Furby??) But this post isn’t about the TOY OF THE YEAR, it’s about the toys your kids will still be playing with next December. The toys with staying power. The toys you’ll actually enjoy having around your house.

We asked our readers to share some of the toys their kids got last year, that are being played with just as much now as they were out of the box. Here are the gifts that made the list!

Magna-Tiles were a definite hit. About 30 people commented on Instagram that this was the gift that their kids played with the most!

Around 40 people commented that LEGO was a top choice. I think we ALL still love playing with LEGO, right?? I’m still happy to bust out the set that my own mother kept for me from when I was a kid. Now my daughter loves it too. Win!

Calico Critters have been around since the mid-80s and they’re still going strong. Definitely a favourite at our house too!

Blocks! Some of you said blocks, some mentioned the Melissa & Doug blocks. Either way, this classic toy has staying power for a reason. Blocks = endless creativity!

Dollhouses are another great open concept toy. (I’m sensing a theme here!) Whether it’s for Barbie, your Calico Critters, toy animals, you name it- this is a great present to find under the tree (or maybe beside it!) on Christmas morning.

Speaking of Barbie, she also made the list! This Animal Rescuer playset is especially cute, but there’s so much to choose from, you can definitely find a Barbie that fit your child’s favourite hobbies and interests.

Related: I Was Never A Barbie Girl Until Now

Playmobil also made the list and I know we have about a metric ton of the stuff in our house and it gets played with ALL THE TIME. My daughter is 9 and loves it!

The Nintendo Switch was a popular gift last year, as it will be this year (especially with Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! and Pokemon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! on the scene.) Several people mentioned this is one that their kids are still playing. (I bet parents are too!)

Easels are a great choice for encouraging creativity! This one is great for not only painting but also as a chalk/whiteboard.

Hope this helps you with your holiday shopping this year! It’s easy to go overboard, especially when your kids are small, but I think one awesome gift that they’ll play with for years will always be the best bet.

Bonus: Jill’s son Wallace still loves his Cabbage Patch Cutie Doll from last year! He loves it SO much, she ended up getting him another one!

View this post on Instagram

Somebody got a new Christmas bay-beee. ???

A post shared by Jill Krause (@jillkraus.e) on Dec 4, 2018 at 5:31pm PST


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December 12, 2018 0 comment
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5 Nostalgic Toys We Saved For Our Kids
Parenthood

5 Nostalgic Toys We Saved For Our Kids

by Désirée September 18, 2018
written by Désirée

Some toys are one-season fads (RIP Hatchimals) and some toys become heirlooms that span generations.

We recently asked Baby Rabies readers to share what toys they saved for their kids from their own childhoods and here are your top 10 responses!

LEGO

Of course! LEGO = A true classic.

Anytime I think of old school LEGO, I think of this vintage ad that made it’s way around the internet a while back. So good, right?

And while there have been a lot of changes and new pieces created in the LEGO world, the playability of a simple box of original blocks in undeniable.

No matter what your age, LEGO is always awesome.

5 Nostalgic Toys We Saved For Our Kids

Barbie

A toy that has evolved leaps and bounds since making her first appearance in 1959.

Barbie– full name Barbara Millicent Roberts for my fellow trivia lovers- has changed in appearance and philosophy over the years and still remains a favorite.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Carolina and Mary Jane (@barbie_invasion) on Aug 14, 2018 at 2:50pm PDT

Cabbage Patch Kids

Originally called The Little People and renamed Cabbage Patch Kids when licensed by Coleco in the early 80s, the brand has changed hands 7 times since Xavier Roberts created the first doll as an art student in Cleveland, Georgia.

These dolls were one of the most popular toys of the 80s, so it’s no wonder that so many of our readers chose to save them for their own kids!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by sarah (@mycpk_collection) on Jun 16, 2018 at 2:38pm PDT

Little People

Not to be confused with “The Little People” above, Fisher-Price Little People have been around since the 1950s and are still being made by the brand today.

Little People have changed a lot over the years, but their popularity hasn’t!

Some of our readers mentioned the specifics play sets that they saved for their kids- the farm and school house definitely bring me back to MY childhood. I can still hear the “moo” sound that the barn door made when you opened it!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @smartypantsparty on Jul 7, 2018 at 9:35am PDT

My Little Pony

I think it speaks volumes about a brand that the reboot has just as much if not MORE of a fanbase than the original did when we were kids. My Little Pony definitely falls into this category.

We love the old school ponies, of course, but it’s fun to watch a whole new generation enjoy it too.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @_mylittleprecious on Jul 16, 2018 at 12:32am PDT

Some of the other toys mentioned include other Fisher-Price gems, like the record player, Teddy Ruxpin, Star Wars collectibles, American Girl dolls, Raggedy Ann, Hot Wheels, and Polly Pocket.

I wonder what OUR kids will save for our grandkids someday. Will they be unpacking “vintage” Minecraft toys in 20 years? Or will it still be that same box of LEGO? 🙂 Only time will tell!

This post contains affiliate links. Feature image via Les Choux Gras.

September 18, 2018 0 comment
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12 Toys We Have That Don’t Suck
BabiesReviewsSchool Age DaysToddlers

12 Toys We Have That Don’t Suck

by Jill August 19, 2015
written by Jill

I am pretty vicious about toys around here. When my world is falling down around me in chaos and fire, I go to the playroom and I purge. If my kids haven’t touched a toy in months, GOOD DAY, SIR. It feels soooooo good.

And nope, I don’t make this a family decision. I don’t ask the children what they would like to donate, I don’t care. You don’t play with it? How would you even know it still exists if I don’t point it out to you and ask you to say goodbye to it, thus making my life harder than it should be?

They have literally NEVER gone looking for a long lost toy after I’ve sent it off for donation. Which is a lot.

After my last round of Weakest Toys You Are Fired, I noticed there are some really good eggs that have been around a long time, along with some new additions that I think will be around years from now, too.

Toys We Have That Don't Suck | BabyRabies.com

1. Puzzles

But, like, not actually puzzles with pieces. Because the minute a puzzle is officially missing a piece, I want so badly to throw it in recycling. I crave trashing that useless box of future messes and tantrums.

No, these “puzzles” are the kind where they physically can not loose a piece. And this one teaches children to manipulate locks! Which is either educational or terrifying, depending on how you look at it, but either way, there’s no way this is going to stop being functional without a screwdriver.

Toys We Have That Don't Suck | BabyRabies.com

This one is awesome in that the cars can all drive around the board, but they never come off, and they ARE SILENT.

Toys We Have That Don't Suck | BabyRabies.com

We’ve had both since Kendall turned 1. They’re both by Melissa & Doug. The first is the Deluxe Latches Board, and the 2nd is Vehicle Maze Puzzle.

2. Books (okay, they aren’t “toys” but they live with the toys)

Listen, I’m no monster. If the kids haven’t read a book in 6 months, I still keep it. I REALLLLLY have to hate a book to get rid of it. Or hide it. But there are definitely some that have shaped our future purchasing decisions when it comes to stocking the shelves.

Toys We Have That Don't Suck | BabyRabies.com

We love any and all Llama Llama books, which we discovered when Kendall was a baby. And Olivia became a big hit around here after we had Leyna.

Toys We Have That Don't Suck | BabyRabies.com

Anything by Sandra Boynton has been a hit with the every toddler, and those Usborne That’s Not My… books are absolute favorites with anyone under the age of 3 in this house.

3. Magna Doodle

This was a random purchase for Kendall’s 2nd Christmas because he was really into drawing on things that were not paper.

Toys We Have That Don't Suck | BabyRabies.com

It’s seen A LOT of use, this Magna Doodle. And there are days when all 3 kids will fight over it, which is always a sign of something useful. It’s also pretty fun for road trips.

4. Parachute

Kendall, my blessed 1st born, went to Gymboree 3 times a week for the first 18 months of his life. There were massive parachutes there that were so much fun, and also super expensive and impossible for one adult to operate. I got him a small one from Right Start wayyyyy back in the day on clearance.

Toys We Have That Don't Suck | BabyRabies.com

We don’t play with it every day, but it’s always something fun and surprising to pull out, and especially sure to make babies smile and laugh if you gently shake it over them. Or possibly make them cry. I guess it depends on the baby. This 6 foot Funchute is comparable and a really good price.

5. Play Food & Dishes

This box of mostly wooden Melissa & Doug play food and dishes gets played with all. the. time. There’s not much to say other than kids like to pretend to make you a cup of coffee and bowl of butter, watermelon and lemon salad. And then they LOVE telling you to open wide and try to shove it all in your mouth.

Toys We Have That Don't Suck | BabyRabies.com

6. BLOCKS BLOCKS BLOCKS

Mega Bloks are always the gateway. I regret a lot of things I did as a new mom, but I don’t regret buying up a bunch of these at consignment sales. I’ve never been tempted to throw them out.

Toys We Have That Don't Suck | BabyRabies.com

From Mega Bloks, we graduated to DUPLOs, which are the bigger, less ouchy and less choke hazard-y version of LEGOs.

Toys We Have That Don't Suck | BabyRabies.com

That is not remotely close to all of them (the Mega Bloks, either) but I didn’t feel like cleaning the playroom before writing this post. I’m sure you understand.

Finally, Kendall really got into Lincoln Logs at about age 5.

Toys We Have That Don't Suck | BabyRabies.com

Now, of course we have LEGOs (tons!) but those don’t live in the playroom. We keep them in the bigs rooms and won’t step foot in there unless they are picked up.

7. Tool Bench

This was the big gift for Kendall for his 2nd Christmas. I was worried he would be too young for it, and he kinda was, but he grew into it quickly and all three kids have enjoyed pulling up on it and pounding away from an early age.

Toys We Have That Don't Suck | BabyRabies.com

This exact model of tool bench by Little Tikes seems to be out of production, but there are quite a few other options out there.

These next few are new additions to the playroom that I think have great potential to not suck as time goes on.

8. Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway

We’ve had that train table since Kendall was a toddler, and I did buy him some Ikea train tracks back then, but he was never able to stand still long enough to enjoy them. If you know anything about our littlest, Lowell, though, you know he is OBSESSED with Thomas and trains. 

Toys We Have That Don't Suck | BabyRabies.com

It turns out that all 3 kids will stand around this and play together now. The joy! I fully intend to whip out the ol’ wooden trains when the grandkids come to visit one day.

9. Tobbles

Toys We Have That Don't Suck | BabyRabies.com

This wobbly stacker thing was a gift for Lowell’s first Christmas, and it’s been rolled, stacked, knocked, played the role of ice cream and monster faces. It’s just a great, fun, simple toy. And it looks cool. Also, we’re missing a piece and I will not sleep tonight until I find it. I guess that means I should clean the playroom.

10. Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Lantern 

Toys We Have That Don't Suck | BabyRabies.com

We’ve had this guy less than a year, but he’s just such a fun, happy toy. Minimal annoyance, cute songs, sweet face, easy to use, EASY TO TURN OFF. The Laugh & Learn Lantern plays music and lights up when you push the top button, and then sweetly dims itself.

11. My First Anywhere Chair

Toys We Have That Don't Suck | BabyRabies.com

The Pottery Barn Anywhere Chair is pretty popular, but I’ve never been a fan of the big ones. Our older kids have Land Of Nod beanbags that I think will grow with them much longer.

This one is a My First Anywhere Chair, though. It’s smaller and cheaper. I actually purchased one for Leyna from this site  that sells PBK brand covers with generic inserts when she was a toddler. Then I just bought a replacement cover (personalized) from PBK when we passed it down to Lowell. The insert has held up spectacularly.

This thing gets dragged around, jumped on, and sat on multiple times a day.

12. Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Crawl Around Car 

Toys We Have That Don't Suck | BabyRabies.com

Every time I think Lowell has outgrown this car, he crawls back in and plays contentedly. He got it when he wasn’t even 6 months, for his 1st Christmas. He practiced sitting up in it, then practiced pulling up on, then climbing on it, now he stands on it and jumps off of it. It probably has the shortest life span of all the toys I’ve listed here, but has probably been played with the most.

There are others, I’m sure. And you? What are the real winners in your house? Tried and true, ones you wouldn’t feel guilty gifting to another family?

Some links are affiliate.

 

August 19, 2015 9 comments
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Parenting LOLZStuff

You Can’t Touch This

by Jill October 25, 2011
written by Jill

October 25, 2011 15 comments
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BabiesThe Story

Toys R’ Us ain’t got nothin’ on Staples

by Jill April 2, 2009
written by Jill

I’ve heard it often, “They’ll play with the box or the paper more than the toys!”  But, no matter how many times I hear that or see that statement come true in my own home, I still buy toys.  “Maybe he is just bored with his old toys that he got 2 months ago,” I think.  Maybe he needs more advanced toys, more educational toys, louder toys, brighter toys, anything that will hold his attention for half as long as the roll of toilet paper.  I mean, there has to be a reason why stores like Toys R’ Us exist?  It can’t all be a giant farce, can it?  Yet, time and time again, I’m lead to believe it is.

I spend my days saying, “No.  That is NOT a toy.”  This could quite possibly be the first phrase he mutters.  Well, that or, “Mommy smells like coffee and wine”. He wants my cell phone, laptop, remote control.  Sometimes I think I’ll out smart him by buying him his very own, multicolored, Sesame Street remote control, cell phone and laptop, but that would be a slap in the face to his intelligence.  The fact alone that it has Elmo’s face plastered on it immediately gives it away. That is no REAL cell phone, and he knows it.  He is only momentarily fooled by the real “dummy” phones and remotes we give him.  You know, the old ones that are floating around our junk drawer?  Sure, they are enticing for a few hours, or maybe a day, but it’s not long before he figures out that *this* device is NOT the one that actually does something when you push the buttons.

Then he finds a box, a laundry basket, or some other object that I’ve spent little to no money on with no intention of it ever delighting him, and he is thrilled.  He plays with it, pushes it, fills it up, topples it over, tries to put it on the dog’s head.  What the hell?  Why do I, like a trained monkey, keep going back to buy more toys when, clearly, HE DOESN’T WANT TOYS?!

The picture I’m about to post so perfectly captures how useless toys are around here.  Sure, he will play with them on occasion, but in the presence of something cooler, something non-toy like, something like old computer pieces, (specifically a mouse, keyboard, tower and a box of tools) the toys sit, undisturbed and all in a neat row, collecting dust.

I took this picture last weekend when I took Kendall to my my husband, in only a diaper, for him to watch while I finished up some laundry.  I came back to find my completely naked son (yes, THIS is an entirely new stage for us, the one where he can and will take his diaper off if given the chance) crawling around our office/playroom, shrieking with delight over his new discoveries of the treasures that lay before him.  My husband was in the process of sorting through some old electronics in an attempt to fix this POS PC and to get some things in storage.  As far as Kendall was concerned, he had just found the Holy Grail of all baby toys.

And now I’m off to Staples to purchase items for his Easter Basket.

Kendall is 11 months old!

April 2, 2009 11 comments
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