10 Toys, Books, and Brands You Can Feel Good About Having in Your Playroom!

Hey, fellow Mamas and Dadas! We’ve all been there- baskets of toys overflowing to the brim, general clutter, and the feeling of overwhelm that comes with all of this. If you are looking to pare down your toy room into a fun, manageable space this list may have some tips that could get you going in the right direction. Read on for the top 10 favorites of my sweet daughter and me!

1. Basket of Babies These plush dolls are so cute and soft! My 18-month-old loves to take their blankets on and off. It is perfect for language development as she yells “on!” and “off!” A multitude of skin colors is represented, which I love- any way to bring some inclusivity to our toy room is a win in my book and should be in yours too!

2. Cuddle & Kind Doll What’s better than having a super cute doll to share with your babe? A super cute doll that also allows you to give back? Win-win. They partner with various charities, and for every doll you buy 10 meals are donated to hungry children around the world. My little will be getting one of these every year for Christmas (until she’s 40… that’s acceptable, right?)

3. Inclusive Board Books Representation matters, people. As a white family with heterosexual parents in the midst of a global pandemic that doesn’t allow us to go very many places, books have been a lifeline in this department. Not to mention a great escape. I want to make sure my toddler is exposed to families that don’t look like ours to make sure she grows up to be a decent, kind, empathic human being.

4. Bumkins Bibs Wipeable? Check. Washable? Check. Not too thick? Check. I like to keep bibs hanging on the back of our high chair (thanks, fellow Mama with a list of life hacks that I would link if I could remember where I saw it) and these are perfect for that. They have a little pocket that catches any extra food and aren’t uncomfortable for baby!

5. Splat mat Are you losing your mind at mealtimes? Do you have your vacuum out 8790 times a day? Would you like that to be 8789 instead? This splat mat, or any splat mat- just google it, there are tons, is a life saver. After meals, I wrap it up, shake it over my deck, and voila, clean floors under the highchair.

6. Squigz If and when we can ever go back to restaurants again, get these! They suction to the table and each other. They are entertaining, fun colors, and can easily be thrown in the diaper bag. They are also dishwasher safe! I don’t even know if the company knows that- I just tried it a few times and they survived! No worries about germs staying around after they’ve been on restaurant tables.

7. “Little” Collection board books by Erica Harrison. We have the “Little Scientist” set of these books and they are wonderful. They provide great information in one sentence for your little. Not only are they great books, they are also stackable and able to be put in the box and taken out. Doing double duty as both books and toys for your little!

8. Magnet Tiles These say they are for age 3+, but I’m honestly not sure why- I guess that’s the age when you can actually “build”?

My 18-month-old LOVES these to take apart and put together, knock down whatever I or my husband have created, or name her colors- we’ve got blue down. Purple, orange, green, and yellow have a little ways to go. It’s a bonus that they are magnetic, so they stick to the fridge, the front door, etc. All kinds of fun to be had! And yes, I did build a castle after she was in bed a few nights ago- Moms need a creative outlet too, right??

9. A Kiwi Crate Subscription this is by far the most expensive suggestion on this list, but it is WORTH IT. For the panda crate age, which we are in, in each box, you will receive 4–5 toys, a book that matches the theme of the toys, and “grown up guide” that is full of great information.

The best part about this is it makes toy rotation so very simple. New box comes? Perfect. Switch it out with your last box’s toys. The research has been done for you in terms of the toys being developmentally appropriate and they are almost always open ended, which is amazing. I got started with signing when my baby was around 9 months old almost solely due to the crate we got focusing on language!

10. A real remote (trust me, take the batteries out and let them go to town, just hide your real real ones). Sip on your coffee for 10 minutes (by the way, we all know it will be 2 not 10, and you need one of these: mug warmer). You’re welcome.

Straight from my toy room to yours, I hope this helps you to bring a little space back into your home, head, and heart!

• This post does not contain affiliate links. I am in no way partnered with the companies being shared here, or the products. They are simply things that my little girl and I both love having in our home! Hope you enjoy!
• Erin Cryder is a freelance writer specializing in all things childhood and education. She is a high school English teacher, Reading Specialist, and Mama to one feisty, adorable toddler. To learn more, contact her at erin.cryder@gmail.com.