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Gift Guide for Toddlers and Preschoolers: Dramatic Play Toys

Gift Guide for Toddlers and Preschoolers: Dramatic Play Toys

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Do your kids love to play pretend?  Quickly outgrowing the baby toys, yet not quite big enough for smaller-piece toys, it can be a challenge to find developmentally appropriate and safe toys for the 2-3 year old age range. Notice that some of my favorite brands included are Melissa & Doug, Hape, KidKraft, and MiO, because of their amazing quality and durability. These dramatic play toys with get your kids playing creatively, and learning a ton!

This gift guide for dramatic play offers a number of toys for preschoolers and toddlers to engage in creative and imaginative play.

*This post contains affiliate links. Read more about this here.

My Top Picks for Dramatic Play Toys

As a big proponent of learning through play, I have written before about the importance unstructured play and my affinity for wooden toys. While my kids do enjoy (and have more than enough of) the push-button, make-music type toys, I tend to prefer those that inspire creativity, imagination and dramatic play. So this gift guide is just that.

Learning Resources Pretend and Play Doctor Kit

Melissa & Doug Stamp and Sort Mailbox

Aeromax My 1st Career Assortment A Costume

Melissa & Doug Let’s Play House! Dust, Sweep and Mop

Melissa & Doug Cutting Food

Melissa & Doug Felt Food Sandwich Set

Schleich Portable Barn with Accessories  (see my review here)

Hape Pound and Tap Bench with Slide Out Xylophone

Hape Coffee Maker Playset (they also have an awesome toaster and mixer that I love!)

Exciting Shimmering Water, Rainbow, Sound, and Sand Wooden Blocks

Green Toys Tea Set

KidKraft Uptown Espresso Kitchen

Plush Happy Kids Hand Puppets Set – 8 pc – Multi Ethnical Collection

KidKraft Doll Family

Hape My Handy Workshop

MiO Sleeping Wooden Building Playset (check out the eating playset and the people too!)

This gift guide for dramatic play offers a number of toys for preschoolers and toddlers to engage in creative and imaginative play.

Do you have any of these on this list? Any that you would recommend? I would love to hear!

Photo Credit: DepositPhotos

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    Gift Guide for Toddlers and Preschoolers: Dramatic Play Toys
    December 2, 2015
    Do your kids love to play pretend?  Quickly outgrowing the baby toys, yet not quite big enough for smaller-piece toys, it can be a challenge to find developmentally appropriate and safe toys for the 2-3 year old age range. Notice that some of my favorite brands included are Melissa & Doug, Hape, KidKraft, and MiO, because of their amazing quality and durability. These dramatic play toys with get your kids playing creatively, and learning a ton!*This post contains affiliate links. Read more about this here. My Top Picks for Dramatic Play Toys As a big proponent of learning through play, I have written before about the importance unstructured play and my affinity for wooden toys. While my kids do enjoy (and have more than enough of) the push-button, make-music type toys, I tend to prefer those that inspire creativity, imagination and dramatic play. So this gift guide is just that.Learning Resources Pretend and Play Doctor KitMelissa & Doug Stamp and Sort MailboxAeromax My 1st Career Assortment A CostumeMelissa & Doug Let's Play House! Dust, Sweep and MopMelissa & Doug Cutting FoodMelissa & Doug Felt Food Sandwich SetSchleich Portable Barn with Accessories  (see my review here)Hape Pound and Tap Bench with Slide Out XylophoneHape Coffee Maker Playset (they also have an awesome toaster and mixer that I love!)Exciting Shimmering Water, Rainbow, Sound, and Sand Wooden BlocksGreen Toys Tea SetKidKraft Uptown Espresso KitchenPlush Happy Kids Hand Puppets Set - 8 pc - Multi Ethnical CollectionKidKraft Doll FamilyHape My Handy WorkshopMiO Sleeping Wooden Building Playset (check out the eating playset and the people too!)Do you have any of these on this list? Any that you would recommend? I would love to hear! Photo Credit: DepositPhotos
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    Gift Guide for the Active Mind: Ages 3-8
    December 3, 2015
    Does your child have a mind with wheels that never seem to stop turning?I'm sure it is one of those qualities that you absolutely adore, however, you are probably constantly trying to find ways to engage them and keep them occupied in a constructive way. My little guy falls in this category.His mind NEVER STOPS.I am showing you this gift guide for the active mind with some of his favorite types of toys. Additionally, with some that I have had the pleasure of seeing (and playing with), and that are on my own list of items I would love for my son!*I am including my Amazon Affiliate links for your convenience, if you choose to shop through these links, I will earn a small commission. I received some product in exchange for inclusion on this guide, however, all opinions expressed are my own. Gift Guide for the Active Mind I am focusing on the 3-6 age range, but children up to 8-10 will love to get creative with these as well! At this age, children learn to manipulate information in a logical way. It is important to provide them with opportunities to manipulate toys, inspire creativity and critical thinking, and employ their imagination while allowing them to actively participate in their play.Top Toys: Modarri Toy CarsMy son loves that he can make his own creations with these cars, and using tools to take them apart and put them back together is the icing on the cake!True Balance Coordination GameThis game has the feel of a classic toy with a twist -- actually magnetic discs -- that require stacking with steady hand-eye coordination. This is tough but doable for my 6 year old, which keeps him busy and challenges him, but also gives him sense of accomplishment and pride upon completion.  Marbulous - Translucent Marble Run Magna-Tiles Popular Playthings Playstix Educational Insights Geosafari Jr. Jungle Crew Lab Set (check out our review here) Laser Pegs 4-in-1 Cars Building Set Tegu Magbot Wooden Building Set HEXBUG Spider Learning Resources Gears! Gears! Gears! Melissa & Doug Pattern Blocks and Boards Castle Logix Lego Mixels Magnetic Rods IDO3D Pen and Ink (this is recommended for 8+, but with help, my 5 year old LOVES it) GeoSmart Lunar Rover by Smart Games U.S.A. To see more gift guides, check these out!Photo Credit: Boy building
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    Quiet Toys for Babies: A Parent-Approved Gift Guide
    October 13, 2016
    If you walk down a toy aisle for babies, the sight and sounds can be quite overwhelming. Many of the toys require more batteries than all of the remotes in your house combined. While babies love a toy that talks or sings to them while they play, there is great value in the quiet toys for babies as well. Through play with these toys, babies are able to engage with the toy creatively. Problem solving, hand-eye coordination and reasoning are just some of the skills that are reinforced while interacting with quiet toys. *This post contains affiliate links. (Note: by 'quiet' I am referencing toys that do not need batteries or that play music; and that are intended for the birth-24 month age range.)Types of Quiet Toys for BabiesBead Mazes These fun toys, like this one from Melissa and Doug, or this fish-themed one with an added element of fun, are perfect for dexterity, fine-motor skills and creativity in playtime. See more gender neutral toys for girls here.Stacking Toys Such a classic toy for babies. This wooden one is so colorful and durable, but also great for little hands. Blocks are also wonderful stacking toys for babies. This set is excellent for a sensory experience with building blocks, and the texture helps them stick together, alleviating some of the frustration for little ones. Another favorite block set of mine is this match and build set from Melissa and Doug. See some adorable monogrammed baby gifts here. Puzzle Toys Providing endless opportunity for problem-solving skills, classic puzzles like this more challenging one, or a simple chunky puzzle are perfect baby gifts. You can also find some that practice shape or color identification.Also within the puzzle category and perfect as quiet gifts for babies, are shape sorters, gear toys, discovery sets and activity cubes.Push Toys What budding walker doesn't love to proudly push a rolling toy across the room upright? This is a major milestone for babies and parents alike. Why not choose one of these super cute walkers to make an ordinary gift just a bit more special. My favorites are the Wonder Walker, this Galloping Zebra Cart, and this van walker. SO ADORABLE. Besides, when baby toys take up SO much space...we want them to be cute nestled into the corners of our rooms. Check out more best toddler hand made toys here.Vehicles Wooden vehicles are some of my favorite, and this set from Hape is just perfect as a gift. The name Hape is synonymous with good quality, always a fantastic quality in a gift 😉 If you want something a bit softer for the littler ones, this set from Melissa and Doug is almost as cuddly as it is fun. And for animal lovers, this farm train is just perfect.I hope you have found something perfect for the baby in your life here on this list! These toys are sure to make any baby (and parent) pleased. Check out more of the best baby and toddler gifts here!Happy shopping!
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    Best Mermaid Gifts for Kids
    May 5, 2017
    My 3 year old is a total mermaid lover. We recently got a little pool for the backyard for the summer, and she insisted that she needed a mermaid tail to swim in. As her birthday approaches, I've been brainstorming some mermaid gifts to get for her. I have found SO many cute ones, and wanted to share them with all of you...just in case you have a little mermaid lover at home too!    Someone once asked me what were the best mermaid gifts for 5 year olds...my response....you don't have to be 5! Everyone loves mermaids! Right up there with unicorns in my opinion. Mermaid Gifts for the Pool Jastore Kids Girls 2 Pcs Princess Mermaid Swimwear Bow-knot Bikini Set SwimsuitBaby Girls Mermaid Bow Squama Bikini Set Swimwear Swimsuit Bathing SuitMYLE Mermaid Tail For Swimming With Fin!Sun Tail Mermaid Designer Mermaid Tail + Monofin for SwimmingWinMax Kids' Swim GogglesAdjustable Mermaid Swim Fin Diving Monofin Swimming Foot Flipper Mono Fin Swim Training For Kid ChildrenSwimways Girl's Disney Princess Tiara Dive & Catch Game ToyMermaid Hooded Towel for 1-5 Years Girls Blue Yellow Pink Sea-maid Kids Beach Poncho Bath Robe With HoodBigMouth Inc Giant Mermaid Tail Pool FloatZ-FeeL Swimming Pool Giant Shell Rideable Inflatable Float Toy Raft Mermaid Sea Shell Inflatable Pool Float 67*55*43Mermaid Toys and Games Creativity for Kids Mermaid JeweleryBarbie Mermaid Doll, Candy FashionMelissa & Doug Merry Mermaid Wooden Dress-Up Doll and Stand - 35 Magnetic AccessoriesBarbie Rainbow Lights Mermaid DollPeaceable Kingdom Mermaid Island Award Winning Cooperative Game of Adventure for KidsGUND Mermaid Adventure PlaysetDisney Sofia The First Royal Friends Mermaid Figure SetShrinky Dinks Minis MermaidsDisney Princess Colors of the Sea Ariel DollSplashlings Coral Playground - Includes Play Set, 1 Mermaid, 2 Splashling FigurinesMelissa & Doug Disney Ariel Under The Sea Wooden Magnetic Game With 10 Magnetic Pieces and WandSeedling Disney's The Little Mermaid Create Your Own Shell Jewelry Activity KitMelissa & Doug Mermaid Fantasea Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle With Storage Tray (48 pcs)T. S. Shure Daisy Girls Mermaids Wooden Magnetic Dress-Up DollsCP Toys Wooden Majestic Mermaid Mansion Dollhouse with 4 Figures and AccessoriesT.S. Shure Daisy Girls Mermaids Dress-Ups Magnetic Tin PlaysetMermaid Gear ReliBeauty Girls Sequins Little Mermaid CostumeChild's Pink Mermaid Costume, SmallNohoo Kids Mermaid Backpack 3D Cute Sea Cartoon School Girls twins Bags (3D-mermaid-purple)Stephen Joseph Quilted BackpackKidorable Little Girls' MermaidAll Weather Waterproof CoatCute Oakiwear Rubber Rain BootsOlive Kids Mermaids Lunch BoxNeoprene Lunch Bag by ART OF LUNCH - Large [12" x 12" x 6.5"] Gourmet Insulating Lunch Tote - A Partnership with Artists Around the World - Design by Monika Strigel (Germany) - Really MermaidWould any of these mermaid gifts suit your little ones? *Photo credit: deposit photos
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    20 Moana Toys Kids Will Love
    June 26, 2017
    20 Moana toys that kids love, perfect for promoting pretend play and learning for kids who love Moana. Dolls, dress-ups and even Moana toys for toddlers. I have a little Moana lover in my house! We just had a Moana birthday party and have received a plethora of Moana gifts...my 4 year old is a happy girl. Pretend play is huge here, and I happen to think it's some of the best play kids can engage in.Many of these Moana toys promote exactly this kind of play. For my little ones, action figures and dolls turn into just about everything and I love to watch their creativity unfold. These toys also go really well with our super simple DIY Moana necklace for kids, and our island-inspired printable board game! *This post contains affiliate links. See our full policies and disclosure page here.  Awesome Moana Toys for Kids These toys are excellent for a wide range of ages. Find Moana toys for toddlers as well as Moana toys for older kids, and even Moana toys for boys (my 7 year old son loved the huge fish hook)! Disney Moana 10 Piece Figure Play SetDisney's Moana Maui's Magical Fish HookDisney Moana Adventure Doll - 14 InchesDisney Moana's Magical Seashell NecklaceDisney's Moana Invisible Magic Ink and Sticker SetDisney Moana Swing 'n Sounds MauiDisney Moana Classic Doll - 11 InchDisney Moana Girls Adventure Outfit, Age: 3+, Size: 4 - 6xLEGO l Disney Moana Moana's Island Adventure 41149 Disney Princess ToyDisney Moana Singing Adventure Doll with FriendsDisney Animators' Collection Moana Mini Doll Play Set - 5 Inch460022324865Disney Moana Squeeze and Scream HeiHeiLEGO Disney Moana’s Ocean Voyage 41150Disney Moana Starlight Canoe and FriendsDisney Animators' Collection Moana Plush Doll - Small - 12 InchesDisney Moana of Oceania Adventure DollDisney Pua Plush - Disney Moana - Small - 9 1/2 InchDisney Princess Moana Toy Light-Up Melody MicrophoneDisney Moana Adventure CanoeJust Play Moana Talking Maui Plush, Large Do you Do you own any of these Moana toys? Some of our favorites are the dress-up outfit, the canoe, and Maui's fish hook! In the article in Psych Central on Choosing the Best Toys for Your Kids, it states that: Play is the “work” of childhood. While they play, our children are learning new skills, defining themselves as individuals, and practicing relationships with others and with the physical world. When this is also fun, they are learning that learning, being themselves, and sharing are all pleasant experiences. Good toys are toys that help kids do those things. Have fun playing and learning with these awesome Moana toys! Have Mermaid Lovers too? Check out some of these!
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    Gift Guide for Sensory Seekers: Impact Behavior While Kids Have FUN!
    October 3, 2017
    Sensory input is so important for kids. We learn best when all senses are engaged and kids who are able to engage in sensory play can receive calming effects almost immediately. For sensory seekers, it can feel nearly impossible to keep up with their demands (just yesterday, my daughter dumped an entire bottle of glitter on the floor because it looked fun to draw in). But, there are some tools and products to have on hand, that can really help sensory seekers learn and thrive.*This post contains affiliate links. Best Gifts for Sensory Seekers 'Sensory seekers' is a term that has become to encompass a large umbrella of children who are constantly craving sensory input. While often used under diagnoses of Sensory Processing Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, or even ADHD, sensory seekers can also be children without any of these (or other) diagnoses but whom are constantly looking to touch, interact, and experience their environment.In my opinion, all kids are sensory seekers to some extent, whether through touch, taste, sound etc., and in providing children with rich sensory experiences, we are really helping them develop and learn. We recently got to check out some Dough Dots, and they have quickly become our new favorite play dough to buy. My kids love that they look like a surprise or a blind bag, and the round containers are so much easier for my kids to open than traditional play dough containers. You can see them in action over on our Sensory Play Instagram account! (check out the highlighted Instastory titled, Dough Dots)Sensory Tables and Trays Having a table or a tray where kids can engage in sensory play is a really excellent way to keep some of the mess contained, and for kids to have a space where this kind of exploration is ok. Finding one that can be used indoors or out really helps keep sensory play accessible!Caterpillar Play Box This adorable caterpillar will inspire  imaginative play all day. With durable construction, there are endless opportunities for creative sensory play including sand, water, building blocks and more. And, when playtime is over, the toy box lid preserves the play so that it can be used over and over again.We like to keep a seasonal sensory play box outside like this throughout the year, switching from construction zones, to sand play, to water play, and then even for mud and pretend critters!In & Out Activity Table More than a sand and water table, the In & Out Activity Table is multipurpose and can also be used for arts and crafts or snack-time fun.  It's incredibly versatile and is great for taking sensory play indoors, but doubles as a table for inside which can be used for snacks and other indoor activities.  Sensory Bin Fillers A sensory table is a great gift, and to go with it, here are some awesome fillers that many sensory seekers just love.  Water Beads Rainbow MixLearning Resources Handy ScoopersUnder The Sea Plastic Sea Life CreaturesPlayfoamPlastic Mini AnimalsSilly Sensory SetKinetic SandPlay-DohFloof Modeling ClaySensory Sand Kit - Eco Friendly   Sensory ToysThese toys are excellent for all types of sensory input including visual, tactile, proprioceptive and vestibular. Swing HammockSensory SoxSensory BlocksCalming Sensory LED ProjectorMermaid Pillow CaseHanging SwingLight TableFind it GamesChewelry NecklaceTrampolineBean Bag ChairSensory Seekers will love these! We know that providing sensory seekers with the opportunity to engage with many of these materials can impact behavior and overall affect. My own sensory seeker loves sensory bins and anything weighted and with movement. The chewlery and a bean bag have been among the most loved items in my own house, and are must-haves in our calm down corner! I hope your sensory seeker enjoys these gifts as much as mine do!*I was paid and received some of the items in this list to include them in this gift guide. The opinions expressed are my own. Photo Credit: Deposit Photos: kinetic sand, finger paint
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    Stocking Stuffers for Kids Who Love Unboxing
    September 25, 2018
    These stocking stuffers are perfect for the YouTube kid in your life. For kids who love unboxing videos, slime videos, gaming videos and more.  It seems as though YouTube has taken over the world when we think about kids and tv watching. When I think back to being a kid and wanting the hottest new toy, it was likely because I had seen it on a tv commercial or heard about it from a friend at school.Now, just about everything on my kids' Christmas list they learned about from YouTube. I'd be lying if I haven't enjoyed watching a video or two alongside them. Was unboxing even a word 10 years ago?Some of my own kids' favorite YouTube videos to watch include slime making, game playing, and toy unboxing, among many others. So, I've put together a gift guide of a few different categories along with stocking stuffers that would be perfect for kids who enjoy those videos on YouTube!*This post contains affiliate links.Stocking Stuffers for Kids Who Love to Watch YouTube I'm going to break this gift guide down into a few different categories based on popular genres of YouTube videos (at least in my house). Slime rules on YouTube for my 5 year old daughter, while my 7 year old son loves Let's Plays, challenges, magic and more. I also have a 3 year old son who enjoys toy unboxing and role playing with toys.Please leave me a comment and let me know if I've missed any categories here!  Stocking Stuffers for Kids Who Love Unboxing & Toy Review ChannelsA toy review favorite for my kids is definitely Ryan's Toy Review. Bonus, my kids were thrilled that he was coming out with his own toy line! We had the chance to check them out, they loved the surprise egg filled with slime and toys, and the mystery bags. They are determined to collect all of the different Ryan minifigures.  Ryan's World Surprise Mystery Egg,Ryan's World Blind Bag Mystery FigureRyan's World 2 Pack Figurine Surprise Pack Ultra RareRyan's World Giant Mystery Egg ToyRyan's World Pocket Watch Mystery Squishy FigureL.O.L Surprise! Lil Sisters Series 2 Wave 2 Mystery Pack (Pack of 2)L.O.L. Surprise! SeriesPaw Patrol 6 New Plastic Surprise Eggs!Chocolate Kinder Joy for Boys with Surprise Inside (9-Pack)Posh p 6 New Disney Princess Plastic Surprise Eggs with 2D FigureShopkins Series- 4, Surprise Egg (1 Egg)Set of 3: FlipaZoo Blind Bags SERIES 1 Mini Collectible FiguresPikmi Pops Medium Surprise PackPJMASKS UPC Collectible Figure Surprise Blind BagLittlest Pet Shop Blind Bag PetsFingerLings Minis Blind Bag Series - 3 Pack of Blind BagsJojo Siwa Bow Mystery Blind Bag Stocking Stuffer for Girls Series 2Disney Pixar Mash'EmsFor Kids Who Love Slime VideosSlime has completely exploded on YouTube, as kids love watching other people make it as well as make it themselves. In addition to slime on YouTube, there are many fun videos showing bath bombs, orbeez, play dough sets and more. As my daughter says, "it looks SO satisfying".  Meland Fluffy SlimeElmer’s Glue Slime Starter KitPoopsie Slime Surprise PackRyan's World Mystery Egg SlimeOrbeez Wow WorldMaya Toys Orbeez Crush CrushkinsKids Bath Bombs Gift Set W/ Surprise ToysBath Bombs For Kids with POKEMON TOYS INSIDEKawaii Jumbo 3pcs Set Squishy Slow Rising Sweet Scented Vent CharmsSlow Rising Jumbo SquishiesJumbo Slow Rising SquishiesEducational Insights PlayfoamKinetic SandPlay-Doh Disguise Lab Featuring Despicable Me MinionsPlay-Doh My Little Pony Rainbow Dash Style Salon PlaysetSee some of our popular slime recipes here. Toys for Kid Who Watch 'Let's Play' & Gaming VideosGaming videos where YouTubers narrate while they play a variety of games have become wildly popular. These games can range from sports games to Minecraft to Five Night's at Freddy's and more...from what I'm told by my 7 year old. They are among his favorite for sure, and Stampy Cat and Dan TDM have become household names around here.  Official Minecraft Craftables SeriesCrossy Road Mystery Mini FigureLEGO Minifigures Series 17Minecraft Hangers Series 4Funko 2Five Nights at Freddy's Inspired PlushTube Heroes TDM PlushStampy's Lovely BookThe Adventures of Stampy Cat: A Minecraft Novel Based on StampyLongNose (Part 1)Diary of a Minecraft Zombie Book 1: A Scare of A Dare (Volume 1)Video Game Jokes for Kids: Funny Jokes about Fortnite, Overwatch, Minecraft, Nintendo, Fallout, League of Legends, World of Warcraft, and More! Legends of Roblox 6 Figure PackROBLOX Series 2 Action Figure Mystery Box (Set of 4)ChallengesWhile some of the challenges on YouTube are downright scary, like the Tide Pod challenge or even the cinnamon challenge, some are kind of hilarious and light-hearted. Bottle flips, flavored jelly beans, fun dares, and even edible insects can be fun ways to do a challenge at home! Jelly Belly BeanBoozled Spinner Game and 4 Refill Boxes 1.6 Ounces each - (Pack of 5)Edible Insects Jungle Trail Mix 5 pack Edible ForestToxic Waste Hazardously Sour Candy Barrel, 1.7 OunceMattel Games UNO Dare Card GameFLIP TRICKS - Bottle Flip Challenge Game by Buffalo Games   MagicThere are some seriously cool magic tricks and how to's to find on YouTube. And, naturally, there are some great simple magic tricks and supplies that you can throw in a stocking to bring a little extra magic to Christmas morning.  Coin Slide - Magic TrickMelissa & Doug Magic in a Snap Magic Flower Pot & WandThe Magic Trick Penetrating Ball Point PenMagic Makers Red Bicycle Invisible DeckMagic Ball and Vase - Easy Magic Trick withPranks & Gag SetStop Light Cards - Easy Magic TrickMagic Trick 4 Chinese Linking Rings Set For Kids Stage Magic TrickROY KUEPPERS Bite Coin - Bite Out Quarter Magic CoinsCandyKids love checking out candies from around the world! A number of YouTube channels show tastings of some of these popular candies from different countries. Here are a few that my son pointed out as 'popular on YouTube'. Haribo World Mix from France 500 gramsNANGUO Coconut Candy,150g,5.29OZ,30pcs，Made By Original Coconut CreamNestle, KitKat Maccha Green Tea Flavor 4.9oz Japan ImportAuthentic Sabores - Imported Mexican Pelon Pelo Rico Push Tamarind Original Candy 12ct. With 1ct. Pulparindots Ot Mango FlavorKinderBritish Chocolate Variety Mix. Rolos, Aero, Munchies, Toffee Crisp, Kit Kat, YorkieSanchis Mira Turron de Jijona. 7 oz Just arrived from Spain.Tim Tam Cookies Arnotts | Tim Tams Chocolate Biscuits | Made in Australia | Choose Your Flavor (2 Pack) (Double Coat)Hermann the German Himbeer Bonbons 150g (Raspberry Candy 5.29oz)  I hope you find a stocking stuffer on this list for the YouTube lover in your family! From slime, to unboxing to game playing, there is something for everyone on this list.Enjoy!Disclaimer: I received toys and compensation from Bonker's Toys in exchange for mentioning their products in this post. 
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    Educational Board Games for Competitive or Cooperative Play
    October 18, 2018
    A list of educational board games and card games for both competitive and cooperative play. The list is separated by age for younger and older children.  Board games are a really wonderful way to practice colors, letters, shapes, taking turns, and so much more through play. Educational board games are excellent for young learners and older children as well.My kids have always enjoyed playing board games together, and I find it to be some of my favorite bonding time as a family.However, my oldest, and spirited child, has a difficult time accepting defeat. He loves board games....loves them. No matter how hard he tries to enjoy the ending of a game, it causes stress and anxiety around who is going to win or lose. Cooperative games have been really wonderful for him, and continue to be educational and promote bonding among us.*This post contains affiliate links. Educational Board Games for Kids From STEM education, numbers and counting, to letter identification, board games (and card games) can be wildly educational. Additionally, they teach wonderful social skills such as waiting, taking turns, working together, and more.Many of the games on this list are from the one-stop toyshop, https://continuumgames.com. Which lists its inventory by age and by category, Need to please a 12-year-old? Check. Strategy games? Check. Dice? Puzzles? Party Games? Yes, it’s all awaiting discovery! Best of all, Continuum Games runs on laughs and smiles, never Wi-Fi, chargers or batteries!Here are some of our favorite board and card game picks for kids aged 4 and up! Educational Board Games for 4+My dinosaur obsessed preschool loves the Diggin' Dino Game, and sometimes, we just take out the pieces and complete the puzzles without even playing the entire game. He adores it.  Continuum Games Digging’ Dino Bones Board Game: You are a paleontologist commissioned to find the bones of a specific dinosaur. Search the excavation site and be the first to find and assemble your dino bone puzzle to win! Players get to choose from T-Rex, Triceratops, Brontosaurus, or Pterodactyl fossil cards. This game tests your memory skills and is extremely educational and keeps older minds sharp. It’s perfect if you're trying to improve your thinking skills! Learning Resources Sum Swamp Game Sequence for Kids Educational Insights The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game My Feelings Game. Fun educational family game to help kids express their emotions and learn self regulation. Endorsed by Dr Temple Grandin and other world renown clinicians and educators. Educational Insights Robot Face Race The Ladybug Game Alphabet Bingo Games I SPY Eagle Eye Game   Educational Board Games (and Card Games) for 8+Play Nine is a current favorite in our house. My kiddo loves the golf theme, and while the game can last quite a while, the amount of math that he ends up practicing is awesome.Bonus: my husband have stayed up after the kids go to bed to sneak in a game ourselves!   Play Nine - The Card Game of Golf!: Whether you own a set of clubs or just like pitch-and-putt, this golf-themed card game requires players to aim for the lowest score. Draw, flip and discard card values range from -5 (hole-in-one) to 12 (out of bounds). BRAIN GAMES KIDS - Warning! This Game Will Blow Your Mind! Educational Insights Kanoodle - Brain Twisting Solitaire Game Winning Moves Games Game of The States, Can You Sell The Most from Coast to Coast? Game Board Game GeoBingo USA Educational Geography Board Game Learning Resources Money Bags Coin Value Game Sight Words Level 2 Bingo Game Gamewright Scrambled States Gamewright Zeus on the Loose Gamewright Rat-A-Tat-Cat Dragonwood A Game of Dice & Daring Board Game Sushi Go! - The Pick and Pass Card Game SKIP BO Card Game   Cooperative Board Games for KidsThese games are wonderful for children who have a hard time losing at games. The point of the games is to work together as a team to beat the board.My son, who has a difficult time losing, loves playing these games. And, in the instances where we lose to the board, we do so as a team which makes our bond stronger, and the loss easier to accept.The Baby Beluga Game, based on the song sung by Raffi, is beautiful, incredibly well-constructed, and easy for little ones to play.The board game’s goal is simple, players win by helping Baby Beluga and Friends swim wild and free. As they ponder the next move, children from ages 3 to 10 do a little STEM learning, finding out about whales and ocean science in a fun way. Plenty of thought went into every aspect of the game and its contents. There’s even a little canoe to hold game pieces and keep them organized between play times! (And, the box turns into a play area for when the game is over!) The coupon code Blog10 will give you 10% off, through Nov. 30 at  www.CooperativeGames.com    Continuum Games All Aboard The Ark Board Games Perfect Timing Game Peaceable Kingdom Hoot Owl Hoot Award Winning Cooperative Matching Game for Kids Peaceable Kingdom Friends and Neighbors: The Helping Game Emotional Development Cooperative Game for Kids Mermaid Island Board Game Peaceable Kingdom Count Your Chickens Cooperative Board Game Peaceable Kingdom Stone Soup Award Winning Cooperative Matching Game for Kids The Fairy Game Snug as a Bug in a Rug Game Harry Potter Hogwarts Battle Cooperative Deck Building Card Game The Grizzled Cooperative Card Game We hope you find an educational board game for every child on your list here!
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  1. says

    This is a great list! When my niece was little we were sure she was destined to become a chef. She had a huge play kitchen and we got her a bunch of the Melissa and Doug food sets. They are adorable and a gift that’s really hard to break! Excellent list, Katie!

    Reply

    • kchiavarone@gmail.com says

      Thanks! My kids love cooking in the pretend kitchen, it’s definitely what they get the most use out of

      Reply

  2. says

    This is such a great list. My favorite thing about the holidays is buying things for my kids and seeing their excitement when they open it. I LOVE that play kitchen and wish my boys would play more with things like that instead of always trains. Maybe we’ll give it a try.

    Reply

  3. says

    Love this list!! I just bought the pound and tap bench from Hape for my daycare boy. I LOVE Melissa and Dog toys. I feel they old up so well. The M&D mailbox is on my daycare bucket list. Thank you for all these wonderful ideas.

    Reply

  4. says

    One of my favorite things about the holiday is the decorations and lights. Everything feels so warm and special! I love this list. Pretty much anything Melissa and Doug is great in my book!

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  5. says

    Great list! My daughter would love the doctor kit. She’s obsessed! I’ve actually never tried anything from Melissa and Doug but it looks like a neat brand.

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  6. says

    Sometimes I wonder if we were separated at birth. Lol. Hape, KidKraft and Melissa and Doug are some of my ABSOLUTE favourites. I think Santa will be getting my daughter a KidKraft Dollhouse (NOT the 4ft tall one from Costco though). Love this entire list and am going to have to check out some of these toys that I didn’t know these brands made.

    Reply

    • kchiavarone@gmail.com says

      I feel the same! I’m planning on getting Ava the kidkraft dollhouse for her birthday 🙂 the Hape workbench is new this fall…I want it for myself! X would love it

      Reply

  9. says

    What a fun list! We have a couple of these and really love letting the kids get creative with toys like the medical kit, pretend food and music!

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  10. CourtneyLynne says

    Omg I’m Melissa and Doug obsessed!!!! Thankfully so is my daughter so she loves it that I buy here everything M&D I see lol

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  11. says

    These are some great ideas for gifts! I personally like anything by Melissa and Doug, they really encourage pretend play and their products really helped my son in the past. He had an occupational therapist that would come to my house with the wooden fruit set and it would really help with his fine motor skills. I’ll pin this post to pinterest holiday gift guide board. 🙂

    Reply

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