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

August 28, 2018September 2, 2018

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.

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, 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.

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

August 25, 2018September 2, 2018

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.

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

August 20, 2018August 31, 2018

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.

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.

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.

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.

7 super cool dinosaur gifts for kids under $25

August 13, 2018August 21, 2018

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.

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Best magnetic building blocks for 3 and 4 year olds

August 12, 2018August 21, 2018

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.