Category: 2 to 3 years old

Books to gift: We love our boston area children’s picture book authors

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:

Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast

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 Books

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.

We are big fans of The Pigeon, including Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive a Bus, The Pigeon Wants a Puppy, The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog and The Duckling Gets a Cookie. 

Dogasaurus Rex, Power Down, Little Robot

Anna Staniszewski, Children’s Picture Book Author 

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 Rex at 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 Books

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 Cowgirl about a women who would go on to women rodeo championships, despite all odds.

The Princess and the Cafe on the Moat

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 Moat is 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.

For more picture book inspiration, here are 21 picture books 3 and 4 year olds will love.

6 of the best musical instruments and toys to nurture a love of music in 2 to 4 year olds

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:

22 Musical Toddler Instruments from Ehome

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.

Hape Kid's Wooden Toy Ukuele

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.

Clarinet, Saxophone and Trumpet, Musical Instruments

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. 

21 wonderful picture books to give as gifts for 3 and 4 year olds

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 and Sir French Toast books by Josh Funk

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. 

Books by Chris Van Dusen

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 

A Camping Spree with Mr. MaGee ($15.99) think binoculars or toy camping lantern, even explorer’s vest; Randy Riley’s Really Big Hit ($16.99) we love these morphing Alphabots from Lakeshore Learning. Learning to Ski with Mr. MaGee ($15.99) think an adorable ski hat. And, for If I Built a House ($17.99) or If I Built a Car ($8.99) you can’t go wrong with a kit that lets you design a home or car, such as the RoseArt Wooden Speedway Racers Car Kit ($9.99) 

Stories by Mo Willems

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.

Three of our family favorites are: The Duckling Gets a Cookie ($16.99), Let’s Go for a Drive ($9.99) and Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus ($16.99). 

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. 

Rosie Revere the Engineer, Ada Twist, Scientist, Iggy Peck, Architect

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. 

The Day the Crayons Quite and Red

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. 

Books by Herve Tullet

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. 

For more picture book inspiration, here is our post on 7 Boston area children’s book authors with picture books that should be on every family’s shelf. 

Playroom Staples: The best 10 toys for 2 year olds

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.