When you have found a series that your elementary school reader enjoys, you’ve struck gold! Here are two of our favorite chapter book series for elementary school age children. With 12 books each, both series nurture excitement and accomplishment, and keep your budding bookworm reading. We also love that these chapter book series are great to be read by your child or shared aloud.
Chapter Book Series: According to Humphrey
Why mom approves: A pawsitively fun adventure with an ever curious, adventure-seeking hamster
The World According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney is a wonderful book for both girls and boys. It is book number one of a chapter book series (12 books in all, around $4-$6 each), and tells the story about a mischievous hamster (from his perspective!) who is a classroom pet. My children laughed a lot while reading this series. Humphrey meets a lot of interesting characters along the way and uses problem-solving skills to persevere. How could you not love a hamster who teaches himself how to read and write?
List of According to Humphrey, Chapter Book Series
The World According to Humprey
Friendship According to Humphrey
Trouble According to Humphrey
Surprises According to Humphrey
Adventure According to Humphrey
Summer According to Humphrey
School Days According to Humphrey
Mysteries According to Humphrey
Winter According to Humphrey
Secrets According to Humphrey
Imagination According to Humphrey
Spring According to Humphrey
Why mom approves: stories about a loveable, quirky girl who perseveres.
Just Grace by Charise Mericle Harper features a female as a main character. But with her antics and adventures, we are sure Grace will be loved by both girls and boys alike. There are 12 books (around $6 each) in this series that feature Grace and her best friend Mimi. Grace is a quirky girl who faces problems that seem overwhelming. However, with a little fortitude and problem-solving skills, she overcomes her obstacles.
This is a great series for children just starting to tackle chapter books. Both my seven-year-old twins read the entire series in record time. Each book is a new fun, new and unexpected adventure. For instance, Just Grace Goes Green is about recycling.
One of the first books you will share with baby? We can guarantee an ABC board book ranks high on the list. We’ve culled through and named some of our favorite options – from ones that incorporate tactile learning to pairing the alphabet with fresh concepts (and beyond the A is for Apple). An ABC board book makes for a charming baby shower gift, or present for a 1 or 2 year old. As little ones get older and start learning the alphabet, you realize you can’t have enough ABC books, especially those that incorporate the alphabet in fresh ways.
TouchThinkLearn: ABC Board Book
Why mom approves: We love the bold, bright graphics and cut-outs
TouchThinkLearn: ABC ($24.99) is a wonderful, let-little-hands-explore ABC board book that is crafted to be a keepsake. Beautifully designed, the bold, bright graphics and letters are paired with cut-outs and raised artwork to touch. This is a great book to open on the nursery or playroom floor and have children turn pages at their own pace.
ABC Mindful Me: ABCs for a happy, healthy mind & body
Why mom approves: Learning mindfulness at a young age gets an A+ from us
We are big fans of incorporating mindfulness into everyday living, even when it comes to children. With playful rhymes, and bright, colorful illustrations, ABC Mindful Me(around $12) teaches easy-to-understand mindful practices for each letter of the alphabet. Teach little ones to manage emotions, grow their concentration, proper breathing, gratitude, kindness and compassion. At the end of this ABC board book, an index provides a quick guide for the mindfulness lessons explored. For a total zen experience, pair this book with ABC Yoga.
ABC Board Book: Alphablock
Why mom approves: A hide-and-peek alphabet hunt among fun, retro illustrations
Alphablock(around $15) has a super cool retro vibe, with bright-colored illustrations to keep little ones engaged. This ABC board book feels like it can hold up to heavy use, with thick pages that are cut into the shape of each letter. Parents will have fun walking their child through the clues on the page, as they peek around the letterform and guess at what’s hiding behind.
ABC Board Book: Eating the Alphabet
Why mom approves: We feel healthier reading this book
Are the parents foodies? Love to cook or garden? Eating the Alphabet ($7.99), an ABC board book by Lois Ehlort, takes parents and little ones on a journey through the abcs using fruits and vegetables. Little ones will be delighted in seeing familiar foods and being introduced to new ones. This is another lay-on-the-ground board book for little ones to roam at their own pace.
ABC Baby Signs
Why mom approves:A fun and joyful way to communicate better with baby
With its sweet illustrations by Christiane Engle, ABC Baby Sign ($16.95), makes learning to communicate with baby fun. Through rhymes and charming illustrations, this ABC board book walks parents and baby through 26 of the most common baby signs, such as “all done, “more,” and “please.”
ABC of Physics
Why mom approves: A perfect book for a mini scientist
A is for Atom, B is for Black Hole. With the ABCs of Physics ($9.99), everyone from babies to parents learns a new physics concept. It’s a wonderfully new, and scientifically-inspired way to talk about the ‘abc’s. Other ABC board books the STEAM baby may enjoy: ABCs of Science, ABCs of Mathematics, ABCs of Biologyand ABCs of Space.
ABC Board Book: Jane Foster’s ABC
Why mom approves: Bright and bold, cheery graphics
Learn the “abc’s” through the bright, bold and cheery graphics in Jane Foster’s ABC (around $6). The author and illustrator introduces little ones to the alphabet through graphic illustrations of animals of everyday objects. The book is so beautifully done, that it could inspire an entire nursery theme around her illustrations. We love the idea of pairing this with her other books, First Words, Colors, Things That Go, and gifting mom-to-be a set.
ABC Board Book: Montessori Letter Work
Why mom approves: Montessori approach to the alphabet
In Montessori Letter Work($9.95), letters are taught as sounds first (instead of names). Each page features a letter of the alphabet, with prompts on how to trace the letter with little fingers. We like that it teaches little ones letter sounds first, setting a solid foundation for reading as they get older.
Larry Gets Lost: ABC Board Book Series
Why mom approves: A fun way to explore a new (or favorite city)
Dive into a new (or favorite!) city with the Larry Gets Lost ABC board books. Larry, the pet, and his owner Pete take a roaming, abc journey through Chicago, Seattle, Portland and San Francisco. These ABC board books are the little sibling companions to the Larry Gets Lost city books that explore each city more in-depth.
ABC Board Book Classic: Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
Why mom approves: A childhood classic that belongs on every bookshelf
For more than 20 years, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom ($7.99) has been delighting families about a an alphabet race up the coconut tree. Will there by enough room? You will be humming the sing-song rhyme long after the book is closed.
Living in the Boston area, well, it can be pretty magical when it comes to children’s literature. And the landscape in Massachusetts is peppered with imaginary characters (and monuments and places to celebrate them), especially when it comes to children’s picture books.
The classic children’s picture book Make Way for Ducklings is memorialized in Boston Public Gardens, the Seuss in Springfield museum in Springfield, Mass. and the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, Mass. Outside of Boston you have charming bookstores: An Unlikely Story Bookstore & Cafe in Plainville, Mass. founded by the author of The Diary of a Wimpy Kid and the Blue Bunny Books & Toys in Dedham, Mass. owned by children’s picture book author and illustrator Peter H. Reynolds.
There is a wealth of children’s literary talent in the area, and we feel fortunate that meeting an author, an author you admire, an author whose books you see on the bookshelf that creates an imaginary world you like to enter, can happen.
Story time encounters and inspiration with Boston area authors
This past month we were fortunate to meet not just 1, but 2 Boston-based children’s picture book authors – Josh Funk, of the Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast series, and Peter H. Reynolds, author and illustrator of The Dot and a collection of other wonderful stories.
What I admired about both interactions is their love to share what they do – their passion – and encouragement of kids to be creative. This pause, this encouragement for the child who is lost daydreaming, was such a refreshing message to receive. As fall begins, how many conversations include the question, “What activities did you sign your child up for?”
Reynolds told my daughter when he draws, it starts as an idea in his head, travels down his arm, and if he has a pen in his hand, he tries to draw it. What a lovely description of the magic of ideas and drawing for a 6-year-old.
At a local story time (with ice cream!), Funk shared the idea for his Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast picture book series came from his children, who were debating what to eat for breakfast. Our takeaway: you can find inspiration anywhere.
For children’s picture books that delight, spurn laughter and inspire, here are our 7 Boston area children’s picture book authors (and sometimes author/illustrators) with books that should be on every child’s shelf:
Josh Funk, Children’s Picture Book Author
Why mom approves: the rhythm of his rhyming has readers happily rollicking along until the end of the story (which the child will want you to read again and again)
We went to a local story time for Josh Funk, and there the kids had a chance to listen to the soon-to-be-released Mission Defrostable, the third installment of the wonderful Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast picture book series published by Sterling Publishing. There was so much laughter! There are the delightful and silly food images (“pickle post” comes to mind), a frozen fridge, and an Agent Asparagus who swoops in to help Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast figure out the mystery of the ice-cold refrigerator. Things go astray when Agent Asparagus goes missing. Oh, and of course the curmudgeon Baron Van Waffle makes an appearance as well.
What we love is that Funk finds so much fun and plot line within a refrigerator (“captured and shackled in curly fry chains” – I mean, it’s like this food was meant to serve this purpose). Brendan Kearney is the illustrator, and his drawings will have kids’ eyes roaming the pages. The “party foldout” at the end of the book (as in the first two) could be a standalone poster.
Peter H. Reynolds, Children’s Picture Book Author & Illustrator
Why mom approves: his stories and illustrations nurture the creative spirit in every child
When you share a Peter H. Reynolds story or illustration with a child, you almost want to do it in a whisper. That is how magically special his children’s picture books can be and how entranced the child will be on the journey. The images are whimsical and dreamy, and the message in every story is something that you will want to share again and again. His best seller is The Dot, a story about a girl who makes one small mark on a piece of paper that leads to a journey of self-discovery and the creative spirit in all of us.
In addition to amazingly beautiful picture books and illustrations, he has made Blue Bunny Books & Toys such a wonderful bookstore to spend an hour or so wandering the shelves, looking for gifts, or grabbing a cup of coffee or snack. The staff is incredibly knowledge, and you will always come back with a great book.
Mo Willems, Children’s Picture Book Author & Illustrator
Why mom approves: The Pigeon, Elephant & Piggie, and Knuffle Bunny are childhood staples
Having Mo Willems hail from Massachusettes? That is the greatest thing to happen, except for (enter some obscure sports reference about the Red Sox that I don’t know). No, but in all serious, children are enthralled by Willems’ picture books and his imaginary characters. They are so playful, with childlike impulses that make it so relatable (and funny) for kids.
Why mom approves: dinosaurs and robots, what’s not to like?
Anna Staniszewski came highly recommended by Josh Funk, and not only did he have great things to say about her, but so do kids at our local library. Her story time featuring picture book Dogosaurus Rexat our library was big hit! With a dinosaur as a pet, and a robot who won’t fall asleep, the imaginary worlds and characters she created will have children asking for more.
Heather Lang, Children’s Picture Book Author
Why mom approves: based-on-true stories that inspire
Her stories based on real girls and women who overcame and persevered can inspire any little girl and boy to stay focused on the goal. Picture books include Fearless Flyer: Ruth Law and Her Flying Machine, based on a true story of Ruth Law and her record-breaking flight, Anybody’s Game, about the first girl to play little league baseball, Swimming with Sharks the tale of a female scientist, and The Original Cowgirlabout a women who would go on to women rodeo championships, despite all odds.
Margie Markarian, Children’s Picture Book Author
Why mom approves: a story about kind and helpful to others
Margie Markarian has written and edited several children’s books, but The Princess and the Cafe and the Moatis her first picture book. The princess wanted to be involved in castle activities, but when she could not, she took matters into her own hand, and as the description reads: “instead of being rescued, the princess would rather come to the rescue of others. With a kind heart and a determined spirit, the princess in this story reminds us that everyone has a gift to share, and everyone can be helpful and kind to others.”
Maddie Frost, Children’s Picture Book Author and Illustrator
Why mom approves: her illustrations make us feel cooler
We love reading about Maddie Frost’s design process. She paints and colors swatches, scans them into her computer, then digitally cuts them out and plays with them until she makes something cool. And, she makes a lot of cool things. Her picture book, Animobiles: Animals on the Mooove, a story about animal-car mashups make for delightfully, fun images – the cow-cars graze, the bear-bus scoots to the den…She’s also illustrated several fun, bright-colored and imaginative alphabet books that would make terrific baby shower gifts or as a present for a young child.
When parents hear my husband is in a band, they assume we are a very musical family. Which we are, but I would say it’s more musically-inclined. While there is lots of singing, banging and guitar strumming with our stockpile of musical instruments and toys, most of it is in the enjoyment of hearing oneself make a joyful noise than anything organized. Even though I would love to recreate a Von Trapp family sing-a-long, too many of us want to be the glory hound (thank you to our friend for providing that image).
But, one thing we try to do is expose our kids to music, and music that my husband and I enjoy. A big event we have done as a family for the past four out of five years (from 1 child, to 2, and now 3 kids in tow) that seems to leave a lasting warm-and-fuzzy feeling about music is the Newport Folk Festival.
Newport Folk Festival: #FolkFamily
The Newport Folk Festival, held at the Fort Adams State Park in Newport, RI, is in its 59th year of providing a magical music environment for festival goers. It’s mostly a no-fuss environment (no big theatrical stage productions) except for the stunning view of Newport Harbor.
And, this is a great festival to experience music with your kids. You can bounce from stage-to-stage (which have big screens, food trucks nearby, easy water bottle refill stations, usually a yummy snack bar to sample, and space to pop up a shade tent), and when you are ready for a longer break, park yourself under the Late July Family Tent.
Thanks to the sponsorship from Late July Snacks (and the incredibly yummy chips you can enjoy inside the tent all weekend long, plus the awesome arts and crafts tables provided by them that keep little hands busy), your family can see musicians up close on the Late July Family Tent stage. Like, you are eating a picnic and a bard happens to pass by your blanket – that close. Some musicians take this as an opportunity to sing old children’s songs (with crowd participation floating in the air). Others sing from their songbook. No matter what’s sung, hearing musicians in such a close, joyful, intimate, crowd-rousing setting, is sure to get little eyes opened wide to the amazing noises of music.
But you definitely don’t have to haul your family to a major music festival to enjoy live music as a family. Check out public school performances, performances by a local community orchestra or family concerts in a park. Kids can feel the enjoyment of music played, no matter the size of the stage.
Nurturing a Musical Environment at Home
At home, we try to nurture an enjoyment of music by creating a music-friendly environment. The main one is enjoying it ourselves – whether it’s my husband strumming a guitar, dancing to songs, or making up silly songs to made up beats. We also keep a big bin of musical instruments and toys in our family room, so little hands can explore and play whenever it strikes their fancy. Their friends know this music bin fondly, and when a big group gets together, you can hear muffled tooting and honking from the closed door.
For toddlers, preschoolers, and even early elementary-aged children, hear are our recommended toys and musical instruments and toys to kick off a musical environment:
Starter Kit for Musical Toddlers
Why mom approves: a perfect starter kit with lots of instruments to bang and shake
For toddlers and preschoolers, this bright-colored musical instruments kit from Ehome ($33.99) is a great starter kit. It features 15 different types of musical wooden percussion instruments that little ones can shake, beat, blow and tap. This kit is great for play dates, as there are 22 pieces, more than enough to share. And, the backpack makes for easy storage or for taking the toys on the go for a traveling, pint-sized musician.
A Guitar that Mimics the Real Thing
Why mom approves: little ones will love this mini version
Having a musical instrument and toy that looks just like the “mom or dad” version is a thrill for little ones. The child will want adults to play theirs while he or she strums away on the mini version. We like this Hape guitar (around $27) because it’s made of durable wood, and features strings than can be easily strummed and knobs that can be easily tuned.
Sometimes, just buy the real thing
Why mom approves: when it comes to a keyboard, buy one that grows with them
We adore those mini toy grand pianos for toddlers, they are too cute! But, if you want something with more staying power in your home (but not as big of a commitment as an upright or grand piano), look to an electronic keyboard. I know, as a piano purist in a previous life, I can’t believe I just typed that sentence. However, electronic keyboards have come a long way since I was a child in the ’80s. The weighted keys, especially those found on the Casio Privia PX160 ($499), feature a touch response and feel similar to traditional pianos. It will win you over. This piano will grow with a child – from banging on it as a toddler, to making up songs as a preschooler, to starting lessons as a early elementary school student.
Skeet, Skat – a Mini Jazz Band
Why mom approves: these wind and brass instruments are a riot
The mini clarinet, trumpet and saxophone ($35.99) are sure to be a big musical instrument hit, especially for preschoolers. Little ones are familiar with drums, pianos, even guitars, but it’s the novelty of these instruments (that maybe a favorite book or television show character plays) that will make these one of the most selected instruments from the music bin. When it comes to play brass and wind instruments, the sounds from these are less tinny and more of a honk. These musical instruments do have colored keys so little ones could technically learn one of the songs provided in the box. Whether a song is learned or not, they will look ever the part of a jazz musician with these.
Bluetooth Microphone
Why mom approves: the child will love singing along to favorite songs
If you know a 4 to 6 (or even older) year old who loves to sing, this Wireless Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone ($30.99) will be a hit. You can easily synch your phone through Bluetooth, and soon, Imagine Dragon’s ‘Thunder’ or Katy Perry’s ‘Firework’ is being belted. Don’t be surprised if mom and dad will want a turn.
Cajon
Why mom approves: an all-in one percussion instrument
We first saw this percussion instrument at a singer/songwriter night. The stage was small at the coffee house/wine bar; however one of the musicians was playing this “box” which I found out later was called a cajon. It plays bass and snare sounds, depending where you hit. The Meinl Cajon ($99.99) is more compact than a drum set, and gives the child the chance to make the fun drum sounds they hear in songs. But, let’s be honest, they will just have fun slapping it.
Other instruments to consider? Egg shakers. Any music class you attend with a child has these, and children always go crazy for them. Harmonicas are also a pretty indestructible and inexpensive instrument, sound rather pleasant, and are easy and fun for a child to play. You also can’t go wrong with a tambourine.
One of the best gifts you can give a 3 or 4 year old child (and her parents) is a picture book. Beautiful picture books spark imagination into a new world. The use of repetitive words and rhyming words helps a child develop language. It’s not surprising that after a few reads that a child can begin to say what happens next in the story. Picture books with beautiful images allow the child to get lost in the pages and explore words as he says out loud the things you find, “red dress, blue house, yellow truck.”
One of the best gifts from a picture book is the uninterrupted time to snuggle. By giving a child (and the parent) a picture book, you are helping them carve out quiet time to bond and get lost in a world together. Picture books also spark conversation between an adult and a child. “What happens next?” “Or, why do you think the rabbit did that?” Questions posed help a child develop critical thinking, whether they are aware of it or not.
When it comes to gifting a picture book, we love pairing the gift with a toy that connects with the book. Not only does it bring a little extra surprise to the gift when opened, but it also allows the child to connect with the book and play in the imaginative world even when not engrossed in the words.
We love the below wonderful picture books that will have staying power in a family’s bookshelf for years to come.
Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast by Josh Funk
Why mom approves: the whimsical adventures of breakfast foods is sure to cause a round of giggles
We love following the adventures of Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast as they repel down linguine, scale Potato Mash Mountain and strut through Broccoli Forest. Little ones will get a kick out of imaging their everyday foods as a backdrop to such shenanigans in the refrigerator. Author Josh Funk’s rhymes are imaginative, and the pictures by illustrator Brendan Kearney are so fun to explore. There are two books in the series: Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast ($14.95), The Case of the Stinky Stench ($16.10) (with Inspector Croissant) and soon-to-be released third book in the series Mission Defrostable ($13.44). There are so many gifts you could pair with these books: think of pretend food, like the nice, solid and brightly-painted wooden Frozen Treats Playset ($19.99) and Flip and Serve Pancakes ($19.99) from Melissa & Doug.
Pictures Books by Chris Van Dusen
Why mom approves: Picture books by Chris Van Dusen inspire adventure and ingenuity
Last year our charming local bookstore The Blue Bunny recommended If I Built a House for my then 4-year-old son, and we are so thankful. The worlds created by Chris Van Dusen are filled with ingenuity and imagination. For If I Built a Car, Dusen describes how Popular Mechanics inspired him. And you feel that scientific curiosity pulsing through his books, whether it’s cars made out of polymer glue, houses with flying rooms, or giant robots. If you are purchasing one of these books as a gift, there are so many fun options to help
Why mom approves: it is sure to be a silly time following Mo Willems characters through their trials and tribulations
One thing that is unanimous among preschool parents? Their love of stories by Mo Willems. The childlike outbursts from the pigeon and the comedic duo of the pig and elephant keep kids engaged and giggling. These books will be read so much by little ones, that parents should not be surprised when they are among the first books a child can read independently. For a deeper look at why this author-illustrator is so revered, read New York Times’ Mo Willems and the Art of the Children’s Book.
Whatever Mo Willems book you select as a gift, will be a great one. You can’t go wrong. We may say the pigeon and bunny books, because of the pictures and larger layout, may be of more interest for preschoolers, and the pig and elephant books for ages 5 and older; however, all ages will enjoy the humor found in these books.
And, there are so many ways to pair a fun gift with these books: adorable piggie and elephant puppets, a cuddly pigeon or duckling, or pigeon in a bus lunch box. Or, take pointers from the book. The Duckling Gets a Cookie? How sweet would it be to gift the book with a plate of warm, chocolate chip cookies. Or, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! add a small, toy bus to the birthday package.
STEM Stories by Andrea Beaty
Why mom approves: STEM books that inspire and are a joy to read
Author Andrea Beaty and illustrator David Roberts have created a wonderful collection of books designed to ignite curiosity. Rosie Revere, Engineer ($17.95), Ada Twist, Scientist ($17.95) and Iggy Peck, Architect ($17.95) are filled with STEM concepts, but are easily accessible thanks to the absorbing whimsical watercolor-and-pen illustrations and rhymes that have kids marching to the end of the book at an upbeat pace. The characters in each story preserve, teaching a moral parents are happy to re-read. Each of the books now have a corresponding “big project workbook,” designed to have kids work through STEM activities. Consider the age of the child before purchasing, as some of the concepts may be better for elementary school children.
Crayons Take Center Stage
Why mom approves: two very different, but poignant books where an everyday art supply is turned into the star
In both of these books crayons take center stage. But, how the crayons ‘live’ in each book is poignant and different. In The Day the Crayons Quit ($17.99) the crayons have gone a sort of strike, leaving notes about their grievances that are sure to bring giggles to young readers. In Red: A Crayon’s Story ($17.99), a blue crayon is labeled red and goes on a journey that teaches young readers that one of the best things you can do is to be true to yourself. Why not pair both books together as a gift, and package them with a little box of crayons. All will be enjoyed.
Playful Stories by Herve Tullet
Why mom approves: these stories get readers clapping, pointing and making silly noises
Don’t let the basic red, blue and yellow dots fool you. The simplicity of these books is juxtaposed in the amount of attention they command from its readers – clapping, pointing, pressing, counting, and making silly noises. Press Here ($15.99) and Let’s Play ($15.99) take readers on a adventure, and are such a joyfully, fun story to share with a child (albeit, maybe not around bedtime). If you are gifting these books, fold up white paper into a mini book and pair with a small package of sticker dots (around $5) that you can easily find at an office store. Children can take their own dots on a whimsical journey through a book of their own imagination.
We love the two year old stage! Children at this age understand the world more and are oh so excited to explore. Their imagination starts to whirl, and soon they are stirring a pot of pretend soup, sweeping alongside you, and covering a blank sheet of paper with lines, dashes and dots of color.
Every two year old is different at this stage, and so is their play. While the child’s attention span can seem shorter than the wick of a firework, every bit of back-and-forth between activities is building her sense of the world.
Children at this age still do quite a bit of parallel play. They may work alongside a child for a bit, but engaging with one another will happen as they get older.
Our best two-year-old toy recommendations reflect this stage in life. Our favorites build on the two year old’s development in gross and fine motor skills, the love of pretend play rooted in real life, the joy of exploring the world, and toys that will last into the preschool years.
Tents or Tepees
Why mom approves: easy to set up and tear down, and hours of peek-a-boo, camping and playing house in between
If you have gone to IKEA with young children, then you know the children’s section is a nice spot to take a break and let them play. One item we love from its toy section? Tents! Tents are a source of endless fun for little ones. Though it may take a little coaxing for more reserved kids to go inside, once they do, it’s a fun spot to play peek-a-boo and hideout in an imaginary world. The Cirkustalt Tent ($19.99) at IKEA is fun! But, there are so many options, depending on the child’s interest (including some that foldup very easily, which is great for storage). Grab a castle ($19.99) for a knight or princess, a pink princess tent ($14.99) for matching pink princess rooms an outer space tent ($29.99) for dreaming of another galaxy, or a rocket ($29.99) to get you there. For those looking for a tent that is more stylish than (well, eyesore seems not the right word, but…), check out the tepees from Crate & Barrel. This metallic silver and white tepee ($159) can match almost any decor and blend into a multi-functional family living space.
Magnetic Blocks
Why mom approves: imaginative building at its best
As you can tell from our site, we love magnetic tiles, and this 100 piece set from PicassoTiles ($49.98) is an amazing set at a great price. Little ones will love to build a tower, knock it down and rebuild it again. The shapes you can build and color patterns rival other building block options, and what’s more so, these will stay as a favorite building toy for years to come (ours are five years old and going strong). With 100 tiles, if you loose a few (which will inevitably happen), it will be okay. We also love bringing these magnetic toys for the airplane. Because they stick together, there are less pieces prone to scatter.
The World of Little People
Why mom approves: a great collection for little hands
We are big fans of the world created by Fisher-Price’s Little People. The small, round figures are perfect for little hands to grasp and tote around. And, there are so many people and animals – princesses, superheroes, community helpers, farm and zoo animals – plus airplanes they can jet away in, busses that can pick them up and houses and castles to live in. We are big fans of the figures by themselves, as they are the perfect complement to any tower or house little ones may be building out of blocks. And, with Little People you don’t have to worry about small parts – like accessories and clothes – or that, like action figures, they will be too heavy for 2 year olds to grasp. For toddlers and early preschoolers, the Little People world is big and easy enough to keep them engaged in play.
Marble Runs (with supervision)
Why mom approves: marble runs are mesmerizing
Marble runs are magically mesmerizing for little ones (and let’s be honest, grown ups too). The smooth sound of marbles running on polished wood and clack, clack, clacking at the end is such a primitive, lovely toy sound that has put generations in a trance. Two year olds will find joy in marble runs (and need to be closely supervised to make sure no marbles are swallowed) and racing and re-racing groups of marbles. This Amish-Made Handcrafted Marble Run ($59.99) has a simple design, but don’t let that fool you. We have seen this track keep little ones (and groups of little ones) hands busy for longer than other complicated marble set ups. Little ones can stand or rest on their knees as they do this track. And, unlike plastic counterparts, this wooden run requires no set up and has a more solid feel.
We can’t mention marbles without giving a shout out to Moon Marble Company in Bonner Springs, Kan. where you can get a tour of the marble making process.
Play Kitchen
Why mom approves: cooking, stirring and baking – a mini top chef in the making
Little ones rule the roost in their own mini kitchen. Opening the fridge like mom and dad, stirring their own pots of sauce, washing their hands in the sink – a little play kitchen can keep 2 year olds happily busy. We like the KidKraft Corner Play Kitchen Set ($189) if your home has the space. It has multiple doors to open and close, a mini sink, stovetop, oven and dishwasher. And, although it may come as a passing thought now, this is one of the few play kitchens that has a little countertop and cabinet space for the inevitable waffle maker, mixer, blender and coffee dispenser that is surely soon to come from someone (by the way, we have these and they are great fun in our kitchen). Have a smaller space? KidKraft also makes a more compact adorable retro kitchen ($119.99). We also adore that this kitchen by Teamson Design ($279) features gold accents and a farm house sink, and pretty much want to upgrade our own kitchen to look like this.
Ice Cream & Play Food
Why mom approves: Simple and so fun for pretend play. Also, it’s ice cream.
If you are buying a food for a child’s kitchen, you can’t go wrong with ice cream. Ice cream always wins. And, sure there are more ice cream toys with bells and whistles, but we love the simplicity of the Learning Resources Smart Snacks Rainbow Cones ($19.99). There are no ice cream scoops that can be hard for little hands to master, or other cups or desserts to make this toy more complicated. Kids love ice cream; let them play ice cream. The bright colored scoops are a great way to talk about colors, or make up silly flavor names.
Shopping Cart
Why mom approves: A shopping cart, a basket to haul toys, a cart for dolls
While going to a store with a toddler may not always be a party, when the tables are turned, little ones love to be in charge of the shopping cart. Set up a farm stand, and teach little ones about the names of fruits and vegetables. Have them push as you work as a team to pick up toys around the house. And let them fill the basket with dolls, animals and knick knacks – soon, you will see them zooming around the house. Don’t be surprised if they want you to follow as they point to things they’d love to include in their basket. We love the versatility in play the Melissa & Doug Toy Shopping Cart ($55.99) brings to a child’s imaginative world. And, as a bonus, fill it with groceries. With 21 pieces, the Melissa & Doug Food Group is a great starter set ($19.99).
And speaking of mimicking real world actions, don’t overlook getting a child their own mop and sweeper set. Yes, seriously. If you’ve swept near a 2-year-old (and they are not pining to be held), chances are he or she would very much like to be in charge of the broom. Or mop. We like this Melissa & Doug Cleaning Set (around $26). It’s durable, colorful and made of wood – little ones can pitch in and help with household chores.
Wooden Puzzles
Why mom approves: this puzzle provides lots of fun challenges and surprises for little hands
2 year olds adore this puzzle, the Melissa & Doug Wooden Activity Board ($24.99). The shiny gold locks are a fun challenge for little ones mastering their fine motor skills. And the animals behind each door are a fun surprise to discover. We love how this puzzle integrates bright colors and counting, too. This puzzle has lasting power for 3 and 4 year olds as well. However, if are looking for something more simple, we recommend the easy-for-little-hands-to-hold chunky wooden puzzles from Melissa & Doug, like the farm animals ($9.99), safari animals ($9.95), construction site ($8.99) tools (about $10) and more. The pieces are easy-to-grasp and easily match in the boards. Plus, the imagination wanders with these puzzles – hammer with the hammer puzzle piece, the safari lion roars, or zoom around with one of the construction pieces as you help the child solve the puzzle (after which there will be much applause).
Phones
Why mom approves: talking on the phone seems as natural of a milestone as walking
We’re going old school, and one of our favorite toys for 2 year olds is a flip phone. Simple, builds imaginative play, and they can role model adults. Pretend to call grandma and grandpa, the baker, doctor, dentist – or you – pretend calls on this little flip phone help build vocabulary and build up a child’s world. We like the Infantino Flip and Peek Fun Phone (around $6) because it is just that – a phone – there are no “apps” for pretend play, silly singing sounds, it’s just a bare bones phone, and in its simplicity, it will make for a longer, lasting toy. You’ll find it years later – in backpacks of mini explorers and handbags of tiny fashionistas.
Art Supplies
Why mom approves: more adept at fine motor skills, little ones will have fun creating a colorful world
At 2 years of age, a child will love the color that they will create from art. Seeing a brush stroke of bright-colored paint against a white sheet of paper will bring a spark to the child’s face as he understands that he did that. And, art supplies is a fun gift that the child and parent can enjoy together. At this age, some of our favorite supplies: Dot Markers ($15.99) easy-to-use, washable and low on the messy ratio, Play Doh ($7.99) for squishing, rolling and smashing – a fun sensory experience, and a small set of Large Crayola Crayons ($7.49). When we visited the National Portrait Gallery in D.C., the educational art area for children had Tempura Paint Sticks ($18.99). The smooth, bright colors had everyone from toddlers to adults working diligently on their masterpieces.
Dinosaurs, they are cool! And if you know a boy or girl who is into dinosaurs, they likely don’t just know one or two, they can name every dinosaur in the book. And what they looked like. And what they ate. And where they lived. All of this is pretty outstanding, considering most adults can barely name beyond the tyrannosaurs rex. If you know a child who has an obsession for dinosaurs, science calls this deep knowledge “sustained intense interests.” According to this article in The Cut, sustained intense interests “help children develop increased knowledge and persistence, a better attention span, and deeper information-processing skills. In short, they make better learners and smarter kids.” To keep the love of learning going, here are our 7 super fun dinosaur gifts for kids ages 3 to 6. And, at under $25, they won’t break the bank.
Dinosaur Fingerlings
Why mom approves:we love a good trend
Move over, monkeys! (Who, yes, we had every relative scavenging their local retail stores to ensure those moveable, slightly creepy creatures showed up on Christmas day). Fierce or friendly? Only the child can decide. The WowWee Untamed Raptor Fingerlings (around $14) comes in two modes: tamed and untamed. Tamed, the velociraptor dinosaur nuzzles and purrs. Untamed, the dinosaur will roar, hiss and chomp. The interactive dinosaurs react to touch, motion and sound and have over 40 different sounds and animations. Kids can collect all four: Blaze, Stealth, Fury and Razor.
Jurassic Taco Tuesday
Why mom approves: anytime you can make mealtime more fun? winning!
Know a child and family who loves taco Tuesday? The KidsFunwares TriceraTACO Holder (around $12) is such a fun gift! It can hold up to 2 hardshell tacos. But, oh, there are endless other food possibilities. PB&J, grilled cheese, panini, waffle, puff pastry… And, let’s be honest, probably anything the child puts in here will taste better (and be devoured).
We Dig It – Dinosaur Eggs
Why mom approves: anything a child has to find in an egg is a winner
The Dig it Up! Dinosaur Eggs ($24.95) are a great gift for a dinosaur fanatic who has busy hands. There are 12 eggs and chisels, and each egg contains a different dinosaur that the child has to “excavate” by chiseling. We know that any surprises in eggs are winners (other people’s children obsessed with those YouTube egg videos?). What is also great about this gift is that it will take the child a little bit to go through 12 eggs, keeping the mini archaeologist exploring and chiseling away. Because it comes with 12 eggs and chisels, it’s perfect to do at play dates, or give this as a stocking stuffer. This gift is not for a child who gets frustrated easily, as it will take a little bit to unearth the dinosaur.
Hatch and Grow Dinosaur Eggs
Why mom approves: see above!
If the child does not have the patience to excavate a dinosaur, then check out the Animal Planet Super Grow Eggs ($11.99). Each of the three eggs grows a different, very colorful dinosaur. And, each dinosaur comes with its own fact card (although, the child likely knows the information already). Put the egg in water, and within 24 hours it will start to crack (pro tip: have some of this waiting time be overnight when the child is sleeping – will reduce repetitive questioning when is the dinosaur going to hatch). Once hatched, the child can play with it, or keep tossing it back into the (starting to look cloudy) water and have it grow. You can grow the dinosaur for up to several weeks, but we bet the child may be done growing their dino pet well before then.
3-in-1 Dinosaur LEGO Set
Why mom approves: if the child is into dinosaurs and legos, this is a must gift
If you know a 5 to 7 year old child who is very into dinosaurs and who could also sit with a lego bucket all day, then the LEGO Creator Mighty Dinosaurs Set ($11.99) is for them. This 3-in-1 LEGO set allows the child to build and rebuild three popular dinosaurs: tyrannosaurs rex, triceratops and pterodactyl. We love the sharp claws, teeth and horn pieces (seriously LEGO, so cool!). What’s more, the T.Rex mouth can open and close so the child can pretend to ferociously attack the helpless people of LEGO city.
Kick Start the Dinosaur Collection
Why mom approves: this realistic dinosaur collection is a great starter kit
For little ones who may have just started expressing an interest in dinosaurs, this Boley 12 pack of Education Dinosaurs (on sale for $15.99) is a great starter kit. You get 12 unique, realistic-looking, 9-inch dinosaurs made out of bpa-free plastic. They feel solid and are durable enough to be toted from the backseat of the car, to the sandbox and end the day in the bathtub (for years to come). Because of their realistic-looking features and natural colors, they are a perfect introduction to helping kids explore the Jurassic period. Get ready for hours of imaginative play. And, even though there are 12, don’t be surprised if your child loses one and is asking you to find the something-something-saurus (No, playing with that other something-named saurus won’t work).
Wooden Dinosaur A to Z Puzzle
Why mom approves: adorable puzzle that also helps kids learn the alphabet
We love this adorable BeginAgain Wooden Dinosaur A to Z Puzzle ($22.49). We love that the brightly wooden pieces feel solid, and that building upright instead of flat gets little minds spatial reasoning and exploring. And as a bonus, the pieces come together by following the alphabet from A to Z. The puzzle is handcrafted from plantation-grown, sustainable rubberwood, and stained with child-safe, non-toxic dyes.
Magnetic building blocks, we love them! They are easy to build with for little hands, and allow a child to create something different than they would be able to with standard building blocks. The are great for unscripted play and fun. And, we love them as a STEAM toy – an great introductory way for a child to explore geometry and spatial reasoning. Here is a round up of our favorites.
Best magnetic tiles starter kit: Picasso Tiles
Why mom approves: 100 pieces for less than $50!
If you are looking to get a 3-or-4 year old child started with magnetic blocks, look no further than the Picasso Tiles 100 Piece Set (49.99). With its number of pieces and variety of shapes and sizes, it can keep up with big imaginations. Plus, this pack is perfect for when little ones have play dates.
Best magnetic blocks with extension packs
Why mom approves: the solid bars are great for small hands, we love the ways you can add to a basic set!
The SmartMax Start (29.99) construction magnetic block set with 23 pieces is built for small hands. The colorful, solid bars have a nice weight to them, and the large metal bars are designed to be safe for ages 1 and older. Plus, what we love the variety of ways you can add to a basic set. Turn it into a ball run, flower garden, rescue vehicles or create homes for these adorable safari animals.
Best magnetic blocks with variety of shapes
Why mom approves: the wacky shapes keep little hands busy!
The Crazy Shapes Magnetic Building Set ($49.99) features so many fun shapes, that kids will have a blast building. Unlike other magnetic building block sets, this one features wheels, a propeller, and unique shapes so kids can create rocket ships, robots, airplanes and more.
Best wooden block set: Tegu
Why mom approves: beautiful blocks made with non-toxic materials
We love the beautiful wooden blocks from Tegu. The blocks are naturally safe – no lead, non-toxic and with a water-based lacquer finish. While the larger wooden sets may cost upwards of $80-$100, the smaller sets spark just as much creativity. We love the pieces from the Tegu Stunt Team Collection, such as the Tegu Looper Magnetic Wooden Block Set ($25.49). With the 7 shapes, create a high-flying stuntman or a mini robot and helicopter. Looking to spend under $20 for a gift? If the child is on the go with jet set parents, check out the Tegu Travel Pals. For under $20, you get a beautiful 6-piece painted set. Choose from a spaceship, jet plane, cat, bird and more. For those looking to spend a bit more, they also have a Sticky Monsters collection where kids can make silly creatures.
