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Writer's picture: MelMel


Mel here! We know that toys can be well... EXPENSIVE, but we feel like that's why you trust us. We try to tell you about toys that are worth investing in. This list is compiled of our favorite toys that are the best fit for multiple children of different ages. We feel like if you invest in the right toys the first time, you'll be happier and overall satisfied with your BIG toy purchases!




1. Nugget: The Nugget going viral is no mystery to anyone who has it. Kids love having a couch their size, that they can easily manipulate in any way their imagination carries them! My kids’ favorite way to use the Nugget is building forts, but padding for their gymnastic routines comes as a close second! We also get asked a lot if the Nugget ever goes on sale, and the answer is no. They don't do sales but that always lets you know you're not missing out on a deal!


2. Chunk: The Nugget Chunk, like all Nugget products, is versatile, sleek and comfortable for my little ones. Older kids can take advantage of its modability to turn it into a lounger for reading or video gaming, and younger kids can climb all over it or use it as a tabletop for their dolls and blocks! Personally for me, it is a fantastic footrest.


3. Jungle Jumparoo: We have had the Jungle Jumparoo since the early days of Toy Testing Sisters, and it continues to sit at the top of the toy charts in our family. When friends come over, my kids bring all their friends to the Jumparoo immediately and they never want to get off! They have as much fun as they do on the trampoline, and I have the peace of mind knowing they are safe.


4. Rock Wall: Getting this climbing wall was one of the best decisions I made to encourage my kids to build both strength and confidence. Watching their little minds work to figure out how to get from point A to point B is transfixing and it is so satisfying for us all when they get it. They are so proud of themselves and can’t wait to change the holds to try other configurations!

Code: TOYTESTINGSISTES will save you 5% at checkout.


5. Pod Swing: I was so excited when I found out I could get an outdoor pod-style swing to put under my deck for our family to enjoy. The cotton-canvas material is great for protection against the elements, and there are so many cute colors to choose from! When I can’t find a child, I know where they are... Slumbering in her pod swing!


6. Yoto Mini: We love the Yoto Player in our home, and use it almost every single day. My kids have made it a part of their wind-down routine to listen to stories or guided meditations. This mini version is perfect for road trips, with its small and compact design! The colorful sleeves and lanyard keep it safe on-the-go, it has headphone or bluetooth capabilities!


7. Tonie Box: The Tonie Box is such a creative new way to listen to stories, music, and even get some education! I wanted to replace screen time with something just as fun and exciting without being over-stimulating. By engaging just the sense of hearing, my kids are able to disappear into a world of their own creation. Each Tonie Box comes with a character that initiates sound when set on top of the box! Such a creative interactive idea. Collect different characters for different experiences!


8. SuperSpace: Get this…. Magnet tiles but life size! My kids went crazy over their Super Space set because they got to build their own magnetic fort that they could all easily play inside, and I went crazy over it because of how easy it is to store. The panels are so thin that they easily tuck away under a couch, bed, or in a closet. The windows are such a fun addition, and the fact that they are made out of recycled plastic bottles is enough for me to recommend it to everyone I know!


9. Stairslide: I will preach the stairslide from the top of any roof on any day. If you have stairs in your home, you need the stairslide. It is the easiest toy to assemble, and they have so many set size options to perfectly configure the slide to your stairs. Kids of all ages enjoy it, making it a forever-toy. 

Code: TOYTESTING10 will save you at checkout.


10. Cloud Swing: The Cloud Swing was appropriately named, I think. This airy, soft, tire-like swing is covered in a polyester fabric that is safe for both indoor and outdoor use, and it won’t leave any marks on the wall! It can fit up to 200 lbs, so a couple of littles can play on it at a time. The straps make great handles for kids who want to swing standing up, but it is also great for reading while sitting up or laying on your belly!


11. Indoor Swing Hardware: Any swing needs sturdy hardware that will keep your kids, and your ceiling, safe. This indoor/outdoor hardware has treated us super well over the years. It holds up to 5000lbs and is made out of aluminum, so it won’t rust. They are so easy to install, and what makes them really great is that they are super quiet when someone is swinging


12. Foamnasium Kids Play Couch: Kids love having a couch their size, that they can easily manipulate in any way their imagination carries them! My older kids love to build obstacle courses for their toddler sister to practice climbing around on, or use it as a couch for movie night. Foamnasium stands apart because of their dedication to using the highest quality materials, making products that last years and don’t lose their shape.


13. Trapeze Bar: I have had this swing hanging from my play room ceiling for years, and its durability cannot be overstated. It can hold anyone in our family, and it doesn’t go a day without being used by at least one of us in the family.


14: PlaySmol: Smol did it again with the Tumble bounce house. It is the largest bounce house they offer, making it the perfect space for large parties! The tall walls make the parents happy, and the large slides make the kids happy. It is so easy to clean and keep stored away for whenever I am hosting a bunch of kiddos. 

Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS will save you at checkout.


15. Stretchy/Sensory Swing: Swings are fun in general, but what makes this swing special is the sensory-deprivation effect it provides. My kids can snuggle up in the soft fabric and forget the world for a time as they subtly swing. I’m not going to lie, I’ve hidden in there a few times myself when I needed some peace and quiet.


16. Stapelstein Elements: The Stapelstein Elements, at first glance, are colorful and sturdy stepping stones. But they are so much more than that. We use them to create obstacles or forts for dolls, bowls to hold treasures, and even furniture to sit on! The Staplestein Grow Elements are great for outdoor obstacle courses or storage for our small toys. They are beautiful to look at, durable to play with, and easy to clean up!


17. LeoMat: The LeoMat playcouch stands out with its large dimensions, patterned cover options, and a trifold technology unique to the brand. We get more play with more cushions, and the bigger dimensions are fun for my bigger girls who like to use the LeoMat as a bed for movie nights with the family!


18. Swedish Climbing Wall: Some kids are built to climb, and if that is the case for yours, then the Walnut 9-in-1 wall gym is the option for you! It is perfect for engaging the brain while promoting strength activities and bringing kids to new heights. I love how many options they have for play for our little monkeys.


19. Nex Playground Console: I bought this gaming console on a whim and cannot believe how impressed I have been. It is the perfect game for the entire family. Essentially it's a new take on the "kinect" virtual games but way more family friendly and engaging. With its intuitive design and engaging content, the NexPlay Kids Console provides a fun and educational experience for young minds. It includes 5 games with the console and they are always coming out with more games if you are a subscriber. It has won several different toy awards and continues to be a top seller week after week!



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Writer's picture: MandyMandy

Updated: Oct 23, 2024




Mandy here! I have an 18 month old and I have absolutely loved doing this guide. My other kids are older now so it has been a blast diving back into the world of baby and toddler toys. Someimes it can be very diffuclt trying to decide what to buy for this age group! Don't worry, we have rounded up a list of slam dunks!




1. Activity Table: We found the perfect, all encompassing toy for your littles. The Wonder Wise activity table is built for toddlers who love to explore. It comes with stacking animals, a train, puzzles, and so much more. The best part is that all of the parts can be stored in the center storage sack, which your child can easily access while they play. 


2. Corner Climber: The Corner Climber is favorite among our play cushions because it’s made out of sturdy foam material, so I know that no matter how much they get used, they will last all of my children’s childhood years. The triangular pieces are the perfect size for my one year old to practice sliding on, but the pieces can be assembled in limitless ways. There are so many color options, so you can easily find the best fit for your home.


3. Rainbow Walker: Multi-use toys are a must-have when you don’t want to fill your home with too many toys. The Rainbow Walker is functional in how it helps your toddlers progress to walking, but it also acts as a flatbed for 45 colorful blocks that are designed for toddler development. The great thing is that the bed can be used to carry all kinds of toys.


4. Spill Again: The SpillAgain tower brings so much joy to littles, whether they are expecting the surprise or not. Everytime they push the button down, the anticipation grows and they get so excited when the balls drop out of the bowl. It doesn’t matter how many times they’ve seen it, it is always a thrill for them and they quickly gather the balls to do it again. This goes out of stock often; try Fat Brain if it isn't on Amazon.


5. Tobbles Neo: I recommend the Tobbles Neo for any baby that just started sitting up and is interacting more with their surroundings. I bring this toy out for all of my kids at this stage of life, and their eyes always light up with wonder at the bright colors and scalloped edges. Their unique bowl-shape invites creative stacks and helps with fine motor skills. 


6. Silks Teether: Teethers are soothing enough, but the addition of silk draping from it provides the ultimate comfort experience. We have all of Sarah’s Silks products, and the quality of the silk is standardized across the board. Our older kids will use the teethers as rings around their pony tails, so they can be decorated head to toe in Sarah’s Silks. 

Code: TOYTESTINGSITERS


7. Play Tab: The PlayTab is one of my favorite developmental toys for babies and toddlers. Every tile has its own sensory experience, whether it is tactile or visual. There are 12 tile options to pick from and 6 fit inside the board. This means your toddler can switch out the tiles as much as they like and keep busy for ages!


8. Cluth and Teether: Teethers get more and more creative each day, and this one is no exception. My one year old lived for her HABA teether because the colorful wooden balls were so fun for him to clutch in his hands and the sensory experience was so nice for his aching gums.


9. Wood and Silicone Blocks: Wood ABCs blocks are essential for your baby’s toy room. What make these ones special is their silicone edges that provide a safe sensory experience and won’t chip! The faces of the blocks are wood, which give the classic block feel and get kids used to different textures. Each block also contains patterns and numbers for the ultimate learning experience. The sleeves easily remove to fast cleaning.


10. Swing and Hardware: The Monkey & Mouse Baby Swing Seat is an adorable choice for your little to be able to swing in the comfort of your own home! The double sided canvas allows for the swing to be outside temporarily, but is meant to be stored inside. I trust that my one year old will be safe and secure in the swing, especially with the hardware we linked. It was so easy to set up and my baby will just chill in there for ages while I do work and his siblings play around him!


11. Busy Board: I kid you not, it took my one year old a solid week of exploring the Busy Board before he had seen all it has to offer. Wonder & Wise fit so many adventures onto one small board, and it can be played on the floor or standing up, so your baby doesn’t have to be standing to enjoy it! It is so easy to store yet so cute to display.


12. Play Gym: This viral play gym is worth the hype, no questions asked. It is specifically designed with developmental stages in mind, and is meant for babies as young as one week old. The design encourages tummy time with various toys around the edges of the mat for babies to bat, pull, munch and crunch. But it is also great for babies just lying on their backs, with different toys and images provided to hang from the bars. I used this gym with all my babies and it has stood the test of time!


13. Ball Drop Box: As soon as you can, start teaching your baby the skill of problem solving and object permanence with the Ball Drop Box! My one year old started playing with this simple toy around 9 months old and it was amazing watching his little brain figure out how to get the ball out of the box. We started with keeping the door open so he could see the ball drop, and then started closing the door so he had to figure out where it went on his own. He still loves it today!


14. Sensory Fish: I have said it before and I will say it again, multi-use toys are always the way to go. I love my Sensory Fish Bath Scrub because my baby will play with and chew on it during the bath, and I can give him the head massage of his life with it at the end! The cute fish shape adds to the bathing experience, teaching him the association between fish and water. It was also the best possible brush I could get for him when he had cradle cap.



15. Wooden Sensory Toy Set: It is common knowledge that babies can either get sucked into a toy for eternity, or move on within seconds from toy to toy. Fortunately, with the Hape Multi-Stage sensory set, I don’t have to worry about that! All 5 pieces are unique in design and style, enlisting his little brain to soak up all different sights, sounds, and feelings. It is a great gift set for baby showers or to spoil your own little one.


16. Little Bloomer: Mothers can do it all, but that doesn’t mean you have to do it all. Sometimes it is easier to get your toys sent to you without the stress of finding the perfect toy for a specific age range. Little Bloomer has done all that work for you, and crafted an amazing toy subscription service. Every three months you’ll get a new box of toys for your baby in their first year of life, filled with expertly designed, colorful toys that will engage and excite your little one. It even comes with an app to help you along the way!

Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS


17. Jumbo Shape Puzzle: If you are looking for a simple, cost effective toy, this jumbo shape puzzle is for you. It is meant to teach your small child shapes, the primary colors, and spatial discrimination. My baby started out simply banging the pieces against the board, but even that was enough to keep him entertained until he figured it out. The backs of the pieces are magnetic, providing both a fun and functional experience.


18. Cuddle and Kind: Cuddle and Kind dolls have taken the world by storm with their initiative to provide meals to children around the globe. With each purchase, the company donates 10 meals to children in need, so the price is not only justified by the high quality product, but the good it does as well. There are dozens of designs to choose from, making it a perfect collectable! Each doll has a name and a background story, adding a personal touch to each purchase. 


19. Soft Triangles: Wooden blocks do not own the stacking world, and the Rubbabu soft, "flocked:", triangles proves that! These rubber foam  triangular blocks are so fun for my baby to stack, while learning his colors. The triangular shape allows for creative stacking potential, and my older girls help him learn new stacking techniques every day!


20. Slide: Slides are essential to the childhood experience, and having a sturdy, timeless slide in your own home or out in the backyard will excite your kids more than you could imagine! My kids think it is so cool that we let them slide in the house, and this Step1Play and Fold Jr slide is great for littles just learning to slide, or big kids who will turn anything into a slide! It is foldable, so it can easily be stored when not in use. This toy has been going strong for 9 years at my house.


21. Pull Back Soft Vehicles: Once my one year old started sitting up, I got him the Melissa & Doug Pull Back vehicles. They are so soft, so I felt safe with him chewing on them. The colors are vibrant, and the construction-specific theme of the cars is unique and fun for learning about the world. He still has so much fun with them at his age and loves to crash them into each other! Which doesn’t bother me because I can’t hear it!


22. Soft Play Adventure Center: Foamnasium has some of the highest quality foam climbing cushions on the market. They take pride in the durability of their product, and I can attest to it first-hand! The Adventure Center is designed for everyday exploration and movement, with stairs, a slide, and a tunnel! Configuration ideas are endless, and so are the color options! All three of my kids get equal enjoyment out of this set, playing together like friends instead of siblings. 


23. Play Mat: Every baby should have a comfortable surface to spend their tummy time, and the Toki play mat is up to the challenge. The removable cover makes it so easy to clean so I don’t have to worry about spit up or blow-outs ruining the mat. The cover is also so soft and inviting for my baby’s skin. He spent so much time on his mat in his early days and it is so easy for me to keep around with its easy-to-store design.


24. Drip Drop Cups: Bath time just got so much better with Lovevery’s Drip Drop Cups. Each cup has varying numbers of holes in them, so babies and toddlers can observe how water escapes cups at different speeds! They are also nesting and stacking cups, so your littles can enjoy them outside of the bath, too, practicing their stacking skills! We’ve been incorporating these into bathtime for a while, now, and they never get old.


25. Disney Wooden Balance Toys: The Disney Wooden Balance Blocks have been an incredible teaching tool for my kids, teaching them the effects of gravity and playing with different ways to balance the figures! Kids love to mix up the character’s pieces and stack them up in silly ways. It's a great problem solving opportunity, and encourages them to put them back together moving only one piece at a time.


26. Jumbo Farm Animal Puzzle: Babies and farm animals go together, like sugar and spice or peanut butter and jelly. Every baby needs a starter animal farm toy, and this puzzle is a great option! The large knobs are a good size for small hands to grab, and a matching picture of each animal is underneath, making matching easy for early learners!  


27. Magic Touch Keyboard: The Baby Einstein Magic Touch Keyboard is designed specifically for all things babies and music. Not only is it colorful and intriguing to look at, but babies can learn different musical sounds besides the piano like xylophone, beats and drums. The keyless keys light up, inviting babies to follow along and learn how to play songs!



28. Bounce and Spin Puppy: This toy quite literally has it all. My one year old is finally old enough to ride it, so I picked it up as soon as I could and he cannot get enough of it. She bounces, spins, and dances to the music it plays, all while learning her ABCs. The handles are firm and the base is sturdy, so I know that he is safe from toppling over. He just giggles and giggles riding his puppy, since we don’t let him ride the real “puppy” in our house. Kohls typically has in stock if it's out of stock on Amazon.


29. Teether: We love this teether in our house. The countless colorful tubes make it easy to hold onto, and my baby gets totally fixated by the complex design! It is so light that he can throw it across the room and it won’t damage the floor or make any loud noises. It is genius for your teether to also be stimulating enough to hold your baby’s attention and distract from their achy gums!


30. Barnyard Go Tots: Fascinate your toddlers with the Go Tots Barnyard Tumble! They get so excited watching the wooden disks fall into the slots, and they learn object permanence as they discover how to reveal the disks through magical sliding doors. Melissa & Doug always delivers on high quality, colorful, wooden toys, and my 18 month old is simply obsessed with this one. 


31. Melody Mansion Ball Run: I promise, my love for this toy runs deeper than my sharing a name with it! Ball runs are a classic toy for toddlers, and for good reason. It is so fun for them to watch the ball travel down the tracks, but their excitement skyrockets once the ball lands on the xylophone and makes beautiful sounds! One detail about this toy that is really developmentally special is that your little one has to pound the ball into the chimney with a mallet, practicing their motor and aiming skills. 


32. Whirly Squigz: Silicone spinners are a necessity for bath time, and the Whirly Squigz fulfill that role wonderfully. My toddler loves to spin them, and gets so excited everytime she gets a good spin. I will sometimes use the spinners for my own relaxation, spinning it while I watch a show or Facetime a friend. They can easily be used on multiple surfaces, so they aren’t exclusive to bath time!


33. Wooden Stacker: Getting toys that I am comfortable displaying around the house is so helpful as a mom of 3, who tests toys for a living! It is nice to keep some toys out that are beautiful as well as fun to play with. I love Grimm's X Neon Small Conical Tower because of its bright colors and creative stacking potential!


34. Tummy Time Triangle: The Tummy Time Triangle is a genius solution to getting your little one to love playing on their tummy. It can lie down flat for tummy time beginners, or stand up in a pyramid shape for the more experienced babies. It is reversible, with a black and white side to showcase contrast to itty bitty babies, and a colorful side for when your baby is a little older.


35. Lion Lovey: Loveys are a family favorite among my kiddos because of their breathability and snuggliness! Their little lion faces are too cute, each one of my kids has spent many nights sleeping with their loveys. They are so easy to wash, so the more my kids love them the better! The muslin is so soft and does not lose its feel in the wash.


36. Squeeze and Stack Blocks: Babies love, and need, to squeeze things to help strengthen their little hands and arm muscles! I love these squeeze and stack blocks because their colors are unique and bright, but also because the soft plastic is great for bath time or taking outdoors. The come with a storage case, which is so convenient for packing up and putting away when he is done! This is a great transition toy for little kids too.


37. Starter Wooden Block Set: It is a priority in my home to get as much non-toxic items as I can get my hands on, and I appreciate The Wooden Wagon’s commitment to making safe toys for my kiddos. The naturally-stained wood is so bright and beautifully graded, so I love to leave it out and just look at it when the blocks aren’t being played with!


38. Open-ended Balls: A ball that is more than a ball, what more could you want? The B is for Ball toy is versatile in its design, with a removable section that allows for creativity at every stage in the first few years of childhood. Little holes allow for water play in the bath, or take off the cap to reveal a shape perfect for practicing balancing skills or sticking the ball to glass! Open ended toys are full of potential and help maintain a minimalistic lifestyle. 


39. Mini Bounce House: Smol makes some of our favorite bouncy houses for every occasion. If your little loves jumping up and down and you want to create a safe environment for them to do so, the Mushie Mini Tumble is what you need. We love that we can blow it up once without needing continuous air keeping it full, giving us the freedom to move it around the house wherever and whenever we want! Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS


40. Slumberkins Lovey: No matter what your child is going through emotionally or developmentally, there are customized Slumberkins for them. I am obsessed with these kits and have collected probably too many of them. The stuffed animals are all so unique and designed to represent the skill or idea it is trying to teach. The lovey is great for babies and toddlers. You can save the book for when your kids are older to discuss emotions, conflicts, and communication skills.


41. Tilt Scooter: Finally, a scooter that grows with your toddler! The Micro Mini 3-in-1 Deluxe scooter has three different attachments, for kids as young as one to enjoy! Remove the seat once they are big enough for the O-bar, and congratulate them when they graduate to the taller T-bar!


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Writer's picture: MelMel


Mel here! This is one of my very favorite ages to shop because your kids really start developing specific interests and it's so fun to watch their personality develop. They are also usually easily pleased which is a bonus. We've rounded up some of the BEST toys for this category. Take a look!




1. Schleich Figurines: Farm animals are so interesting to our small kids, and once they can identify them as cartoons or stuffies, they’ll be excited to see more detailed versions of them! I love the Schleich animal figurines because they are so incredibly detailed and realistic, perfect for animal lovers who have outgrown more cartoonish animals.


2. Stapelstein Mini: The Staplestein Elements are a forever toy that are meant for physical and mental stimulation! They are great for balancing, color sorting, and world building. I love that they designed a mini set. The smaller pieces are perfect for smaller hands and easier to store than the original! Same magic, same creative potential, smaller size. They are the perfect size for my 4 year old who is obsessed with anything mini right now!


3. Peg Dolls in Bowl: I get so excited when I find new ways to teach my kids colors and sorting, and these wooden peg dolls have been the best. The bows the dolls come in are open-ended; use them as a doll holder, or as a stand for the dolls, or stack them! My 4 year old has mini accessories that just so happen to fit the wooden dolls, so she will occasionally dress them up and use them for pretend play.

Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS will save you 10% at checkout.


4. Wooden Sit N Spin: If your kiddos enjoy any teacup or spinning ride at the parks, like mine do (to my dismay), this is the toy for them and you. Small and compact, the Sit n Spin provides the most dizzying fun a child can ask for. It is of the utmost importance for kids to get the most out of spinning while they can! It can fit up to 250 lbs and two kids, so my 4 year old and 6 year old have a blast riding on it together.


5. Sarah’s Silks Streamers: Introduce your littles to the beauty of Sarah’s Silks as soon as possible! The streamers are an incredible introductory toy because of how straightforward and intuitive it is, and kids who just started walking and running absolutely love to have a rainbow following them as they go! The streamers encourage dancing and running, twirling and imagining. It helps encourage creativity and gross motor skills.


6. Tonie Box: The Tonie Box is such a creative new way to listen to stories, music, and even get some education! I wanted to replace screen time with something just as fun and exciting without being over-stimulating. By engaging just the sense of hearing, my kids are able to disappear into a world of their own creation. Each Tonie Box comes with a character that initiates sound when set on top of the box! Such a creative interactive idea. Collect different characters for different experiences!


7. Musical Instruments: Pianos, guitars, violins… kids learn to recognize those instruments early on, but what about all the other countless instruments that they may never see or get to play? I am obsessed with this deluxe wooden band set because it comes with 10 instruments that you don’t get to see everyday! I couldn’t even name every instrument inside the box, but your kids will be able to, and they’ll have so much fun making their own music with this special toy.


8. Learning Puzzles: The classic letter puzzle has been rejuvenated! These washable, chewable, silicone puzzle pieces are ideal for toddlers, with bright colors and multiple uses. Of course you can stick with placing the pieces in the puzzle and teaching the alphabet, or you can take out the letters and use them for sensory games or art projects! Get it for your home or classroom and let the kids run wild with it- the pieces can be thrown in the dishwasher when they need to be cleaned.


9. Ice Cream Puzzle: We love multifunctional toys in our household because they hold children’s interest longer, and they can take the place of multiple toys! The ice cream wooden magnetic puzzle is so fun because not only can your kid learn matching skills, but they can also turn on their pretend play brain and make ice cream sundaes, cones, and cups! The magnetic scooper is such a cute detail that adds so much to the imagination of it all. 


10. Flocked Puzzle: The Rubbabu animal shape sorter is a great sorting option for your toddler. It is made out of biodegradable, soft rubber foam that is a sensory delight! The animals are all so colorful, and they can even set up their own little nature scene once all the pieces are out of the mold. My 4 year old has outgrown this toy but she still pulls it out to teach her little brother different colors and animals!


11. Balance Starfish: Combine a love for the ocean and balancing and what do you get? The Sea Life Starfish balance board is one of the cutest balancing toys I’ve seen, and can be played with in a variety of ways. My 4 year old likes to practice her balance on it while playing with other toys, and uses it as a backdrop for a lot of her pretend play scenes. She even named it and has it play a role sometimes!


12. Magnetic Play Wall This play wall was a godsend in our lives. My girls love magnetic toys but I was so sick of them sticking magnets to my refrigerator and scratching it! It was so easy to install onto the wall. It is so open-ended, compatible with magnets, chalk, dry-erase markers and water-based washable markers, crayons and paints. The arch design is beautiful as well as functional, so I had no qualms sticking it right up in the middle of my living room! Code: SISTERS will save you at checkout.


13. Shape Sorter: Most of us and our kids have played with a shape sorter in our lifetime, and they still hold up! Mandy’s toddler just started playing with this toy and she has a ball trying to fit the shapes into the holes! She gets so excited when she gets it right, and her older siblings are so sweet and encouraging as she learns this new skill.


14: Sorting Ring Tree: The Sorting Helper Tree (sold separately from the rings), is a colorful and sturdy way to store and sort your wooden building rings, teaching your littles color recognition and fine motor skills. That isn’t all it is good for, though! It can be used to hold accessories like bracelets, scarves and hats, playsilks or hair ties. My 4 year old just started trying to toss the rings onto the tree, and it’s actually been such a fun game for all of us!


15. Alpha Pops: Popsicles are such a joy in childhood, and so shaping this learning toy as a popsicle was genius! Your littles will not only exercise their grip strength and hand muscles, but they can learn color and letter matching, differentiating between upper and lower case letters. It is perfect for toddler and pre-k kiddos, at home or in the classroom!


16. Stacking Turtles: There isn’t much in the world cuter than turtles, so Moes knew exactly what they were doing when they made their foam turtles. These adorable stepping stones can be added to your stepping stone collection, used for a sensory balancing experience, or imaginary play. My 4 year old thought they were the cutest things when we opened them, and now turtles are her favorite animals. They can be played with in or out of the water, and are washable and recyclable.


17. Lego Duplo: People often associate LEGO with older kids, but toddlers can experience the wonderful world of LEGO themselves with the Classic Duplo set. It includes an array of colorful pieces carefully sized for small hands. They can build familiar objects like cars, trees, and houses, helping stimulate their minds and make both physical and mental connections. I have so much fun watching my 4 year old engross herself in this set as she builds worlds for her dolls and dragons!


18. Doorbell House: How often do your kids ask to ring the doorbell when you go over to someone’s house? They love pushing buttons and learn so much about the world through that simple task. This adorable wooden house comes with four dolls, four doors, each with its own doorbell, and four sets of locks and keys! It is great for teaching fine motor skills and prepares them for real world, doorbell pushing experiences.


19. Yoto Player: We love the Yoto Player in our home, and use it almost every single day. My kids have made it a part of their wind-down routine to listen to stories or guided meditations. It can be controlled physically or on the app, and is multifunctional! It is not just an audio player but a nightlight, alarm clock, and room thermometer. It is so simple to use, by inserting Yoto cards to begin, and taking them out to stop!


20. Yoto Story Cards: Collecting Yoto Cards is a must when you have a Yoto player. I am so impressed with the variety of cards they offer, from adventure stories to music to meditation. The meditation cards have been implemented into our daily routine, and I employ the stories cards to help my kids enjoy screen-free entertainment! You can buy each card separately or get a pack to maximize your purchase.


21. Noriter Board: We are honored to have a Toy Testing Sisters special bundle reserved for our TTS family only! This art bundle has everything your littles could need, including a double sided chalk/magnetic board, fruit felts, magnetic letters, cute animal erasers, and more! My girls are into playing school with their friends, and this set has provided them the perfect pretend learning and creative space to let their imagination run wild!

Code: TTSBUNDLE gives $50 off the bundle linked.


22. Interactive Recipe Book: Oh my gosh I found one of the cutest children’s book to hit the market. The Cookies! Interactive Recipe Book is not only extremely informative, but it is interactive enough for kiddos to imagine they are really baking. If you want a kid that will bake for you when they are older, start them early with this incredible book. Sifting flour, mixing ingredients and taking cookies out of the oven are just a few of the ways your kids can do while reading.


23. Disney Character Puzzle: Before a family Disneyland trip, we wanted to nail down all the characters that we could run into in the park. I thought this Disney Character Puzzle was the perfect way to do it, with 25 of some of the most popular characters included. The wood pieces are sturdy and easy to place, making it fun for all ages to enjoy! It was particularly fun for my 4 year old, who couldn’t place a character until she remembered the name. It worked beautifully!


24. Elefun Game: My kids and their friends go bananas for the Elefun game. The elephant plays music while it shoots butterflies through its trunk, and the goal is to catch as many butterflies as you can! It is so fun to play indoors and outdoors, and I love how it keeps kids up and active. My 4 year old always asks her older sister to play with her or invites the neighbors over and it keeps them running around for ages!


25. Plip Links: I go crazy for a building toy that is also a sensory toy that is also open-ended.and made of silicone There are literally millions of ways these silicon sticks and arches can be built, allowing kids of all developmental stages complete freedom and creativity. I will sometimes steal a couple of pieces just to put them together and pull them apart as a fidget toy. The “pop!” sound is so satisfying when you separate them.


26. Disney Train Set: After our Disneyland trip, I wanted to give my girls a way to remember the experience. We loved the train that goes through the park so much that I decided this Princess Castle and Train set would be a good way to remind them of that! The wooden pieces are high quality, and it comes with a few princesses to enjoy the ride. The set is expandable, so if your kiddos are big on train sets, they can combine any BRIO sets with this one to rev up the creativity.


27. Orchard Game: My and Mandy’s family always played games growing up. It was such an integral part of our childhoods that we wanted to bring that joy into our kids' lives as well, and the sooner the better! This First Orchard board game is such a good choice for introducing your little to board games. It has a simple premise, including color sorting, counting, and learning to follow instructions.


28. Make It Mix It Pie Kit: If your child is ready to step up from the plastic play food and have a more hands-on, realistic experience, the Make It Mix It Pie Kit is what they need! The kit comes with a recipe card, utensils, and interactive “ingredients” made out of play sand. It isn’t edible, but they can really mix, roll and knead the “dough” and add the included toppings to make the pies of their dreams!


29. Unirider: Family walks just got so much more fun. If your kid is a little too small for their own bike or scooter, but big enough to want that independence, then the unirider may be the perfect vehicle for them! It is super lightweight and easy to maneuver as the adult driver, while the child feels that they are in control, giving them that independence and helping them feel like a big boy or girl!


30. Little People Garage: I get so excited every time I find a toy that teaches my kiddos about the real world, and the Little People Garage Playset does exactly that. It also has three different Smart Stages, meaning it grows with your toddler! It lasts far longer that way, and the educational and entertainment value cannot be overstated! We have loved having this toy in our house to provide endless fun.


31. Trampoline: This personal trampoline is pure joy for your young kids. Its neutral colors are so cute, and the bar gives mama peace of mind knowing that they are staying safe as they jump. It is so important for gross motor skills to learn to jump and the bounce of the  trampoline is so fun for them! My 4 year old used hers all the time before she upgraded to a big girl trampoline outside. It is great exercise, and the best part is that the bounce comes from elastic ties rather than springs, which is both safer and quieter for indoor jumping.


32. Mandala Puzzle: Mandala puzzles make my heart sing because of their geometrical beauty and incredibly bright colors! This is such a fun toy for you to enjoy with your kiddo, or for them to figure out on their own. The puzzle base has an outline to help guide your child in finding the correct placement for the pieces, but there is an element of freedom in deciding on how to arrange the colors! It has limitless options and a masterpiece is created every time!


33. Balance Tree: Stacking just got an upgrade with the wooden Balance Tree by Fisher-Price. The woodland characters are too cute and so fun for little hands to play with, balancing them on the tree or stacking them on top of each other. They can also create a pretty scene for their dolls to play in, contributing to pretend play and creativity.


34. Wooden Rainbow: If you do not have a wooden rainbow in your toy room, click this link as fast as you have ever clicked and get one! This open-ended toy has limitless potential. The pastel colors are bright and the way the pieces fit together is mesmerizing. They are great for practicing balancing and stacking skills, a pretty toy room centerpiece, and can become anything your kid imagines! They come up with way better ideas than I do.

Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS will save you 10% at checkout.


35. Duplo Water Town: If your child loves LEGO and also loves bath time, then I have the perfect toy for them. The Duplo Water Park includes a floating island, with interactive water park features and characters for pretend play, and is meant for building their fine motor skills. If your kiddo does not love bath time, they will now after you get them this!


36. Wooden Princess Blocks: Blocks have come such a long way since I was a kid, and this Disney Princess Castle set is to die for. The color scheme screams princess, and it even includes a few princesses to enjoy the castle your child builds! They can keep the castle small or combine this set with other blocks they have and build a fortress for their princesses. The creativity potential has no bounds.


37. SMOL Slide: I have said it before and I will say it again: toddlers need a personal slide! The Smol Slope is designed for both indoor and outdoor play, foldable, and easy to clean! Mandy’s toddler just got to the age where she can really enjoy it, and she will tune out everything else out and just slide over and over and over again until Mandy has to physically remove her!

Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS will save you at checkout.


38. Stand and Sit Scooter: Who said scooters could only be enjoyed by big kids? I love this 2-in-1 scooter that grows with your child. Plop your 2 year old in the seat, and they can keep up with their older siblings! Once they outgrown the seat, you can easily remove it and it becomes a regular old scooter. The light-up feature is especially exciting, and automatically turns off after a period of inactivity. It is height-adjustable and comes in multiple color options.


39. Light Table: This educational Light Box Playset is a dream for your kiddos who are learning their geometry, colors, and who want to shine some light on their education! My 4 year old is obsessed with changing out the light hues depending on what kind of scene she wants to create. The transparency sheets help guide her to match the colorful shapes to what's on the picture, and if she is running low on ideas, the play guide helps her think of new and exciting sensory activities to do!


40. Stacking Rings: These stacking rings are special because of their flower shape, providing a tactile and beautiful sensory experience for your child. The scalloped edges are fun to hold and stack in creative ways, and the wood is sturdy and beautifully painted in rainbow colors. I found that my toddlers love to smack the pieces together, enjoying the clacking sound that wood makes! Stack the rings on the base or practice balance by stacking them in unconventional ways.


41. Pirate Ship: Ahoy Matey! This interactive wooden pirate ship is a dream for your little pirate. It is such high quality and you can see the care in the details. It includes a functional canon, a plank to walk, a prison, anchor, characters, and more! I anticipate this will be a prized possession for many children this year, proudly on display in their bedroom or playroom! Mandy’s son was so excited to find that the sails glowed in the dark.


42. Finger Puppet: I am giggling while writing this because I know it seems like such a random toy, but the Mini Roly Poly Finger Puppet was a hit in my family! My girls love bugs so much, and Roly Polies are some of their favorite to find. I thought that this finger puppet was too cute to pass up, and my girls have so much fun taking turns playing with it and trying to scare me with it. It is great for stage performances, story time, and pretend play.


43. Finger Print Booklet: The Fingerprint Activities book has completely revolutionized how we do story time. Interactive books are always incredibly engaging and interesting to toddlers, and this one adds an artistic side to it. The book engages the creative mind of your toddler by giving them instructions on how to bring the book to life with their fingerprints! They can learn fine motor movements as well as learn how they can contribute to the world they live in.


44. Wooden Spaceship: If your child is showing any interest in space or being an astronaut, this is the toy for them. It is designed to be as realistic as possible, with an interactive elevator in the center of the ship. Its 4 levels are all full of adventure, and various accessories are included to elevate your kid’s trip to space! Mandy’s son went crazy for this toy a few years ago, and we were all so impressed by the quality and detail that went into it.


45. Medium Bounce House: Can we all agree that we should just cut out the middle man and get our own bounce house for all our birthday parties and special occasions? Smol has designed so many different bounce houses that you can easily set up and store yourself, and I particularly love this once because it is small enough to set up inside during the cold months! We get so much use out of our Tumble bounce house that it makes every penny worth it. Get it in two different sizes and multiple color options!

Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS will save you at checkout.


46. Make it Mix It Ice Cream Kit: Sundae Funday can be every day at any time with the Make It Mix It Ice Cream Kit. The doable, scoopable play sand mimics real-life ice cream, giving your kids a more realistic culinary experience! My 4 year old is always asking for ice cream, so I sometimes encourage her to make her dream cone or sundae with the play kit instead, which usually is enough to make her forget about real ice cream!


47. Remote Control Race Car: Introduce your young children to the life of speed racing with the BRIO remote control race car! It is meant to withstand the common roughness of toddlers, and is an exhilarating way to teach your kids to control their small hands and learn cause and effect. It is also just a great gift for any car lover of any age!


48. Mickey Train Set: BRIO offers the opportunity to build an entire world that trains can run through, and the Mickey train set is just one piece of that world. The Disney characters included in the set help your kiddos feel like they are in the wonderful world of Disney, enhancing creativity and imagination. The wooden pieces are all so high quality, and the detail on the train pieces is impressive. The set can be combined with other BRIO sets to expand the track and build a diverse landscape!


49. Rody Rider: My 4 year old could not get enough of her Rody Bounce Horse last year, and would bounce around the house for hours. I loved that she was enjoying it so much and getting that exercise that I know she needs. The horse is made of quality materials that can handle the constant bouncing, and the colors are realistic, so littles feel like they are on the real thing! It helped her overcome her fear of real horses and she had no problem getting on a pony for a ride.


50. Minnie and Mickey Blocks: There was a time where Mickey Mouse Clubhouse was constantly playing in my home, and my girls were crazy for all things Mickey Mouse. I decided to give them a way to build their own Mickey Mouse Clubhoue with this block set. It is so colorful, and the characters that come with the set help bring it to life! It turned out to be a great way to transition my 4 year old from watching the show to creating her own version in real life!


51. Robot Snuggle Bundle: The Hugga Buddy Bundle is the ultimate cuddly buddy package. Not only do you get a soft and snuggly baby robot, but you also get a soft and snuggly LARGE robot, a robot story book, a weighted blanket, a birth certificate, an eye mask, and a hardcover journal! These robot plushies are carefully crafted to last a magical lifetime, and I can already tell from having one of our own that it’ll make it through the love of all of my kids! Not into robots? Check out all the fun characters they offer!


52. Little People Barbie: Have I mentioned that my 4 year old is obsessed with mini things? This Little People Barbie playhouse is her dream. The elevator, slide, light-up features and the plethora of music make for an extremely engaging and interactive toy. It is a great option for smaller kids who are just starting to venture into Barbie Land!

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