If you’re tired of spending money on toys that your child seem to like for a very short time, then this is the toy gift guide for you.
There’s nothing better than finding a toy your child loves, and one that they will play with more than once!
But sometimes it feels like finding a toy your child will play with for more than a few times is hard – and that is exactly why I’ve curated this list. These are toys that have been in our home for years and that have brought a lot of joy and play time to my children as well as our friends.
Every toy in this list is currently owned by me, and most we’ve had for over a year. I curated this list very carefully so that every single toy in this list is a good one and not just a toy that was added to it for the sake of adding a toy to this list. I say this because I have seen countless toy lists, especially when I’m looking for Christmas gifts or birthday gifts for my children, and so many of them have toys that are not good, or good for one time use.
These are toys that will last through the years, that can be handed down from one kid to the next and that every single kid that’s come for a playdate has loved. I am very hopeful that you will find in this list a unique toy to gift!
These toys are, most likely, appealing to children between the ages of 3-9. And some do contain small parts so please use your judgment when getting these toys for younger kids. You know your child better than anyone!
How to find great deals on toys?
I love getting toys for my kids, but even more so when they’re on sale because I have more than one child! Here’s a few tips to find the best deals on toys.
Zulily: One of my favorite places to get toys is at Zulily because they sell merchandise at discounted prices. The only downside is that shipping is a bit longer and it is a deal site, meaning you won’t always find what you’re looking for when you need it. Definitively check out their toy section before the Holidays, it is the best time to find great deals! A little more than half of the toys on this list have come from Zulily.
July toy sales: I learned that stores like Target and Walmart do great discounts on toys during the month of July to clear their shelves for the Holidays. These deals are usually unannounced and in-store only. We stock up on these deals for birthday gifts!
Prime Day / Black Friday: Prime Day in June and Black Friday in November are both sales event that have great deals on toys! Stock up for birthdays or the holidays during these deals.
15+ Toys Your Child Will Actually Play With for More Than a Day
As a mom I am always on the lookout for toys that the kids will play with for more than a day and that will last for years - not only for my kids but for their friend's birthdays! I figured I couldn't be the only one and that's why I created this curated list of toys that my kids (and their friends) are obsessed with.
PicassoTiles 100 Piece Magnetic Building Tiles
Magnetic toys are some of the most versatile toys you can find and they are loved by a wide range of children. We get this brand since it's more affordable than other magnetic toys but the quality is just as good, or even better. We own multiple of these sets and have had them for 4+ years and we still play with them regularly!
My kids love these so much that it is one of my go to birthday gifts for our kids' friends.
Melissa & Doug Wooden Scoop and Serve Ice Cream Counter
I don't know what is it about this toy but every single time we have friends over all the kids gravitate to this toy. It's like a kid magnet and it seems that most kids who see it have never seen it before!
This has become one of our favorite toys. My kids constantly play with it! And when I don't know what to gift for a birthday, this another of the my go-tos because kids love it so much.
Snap Circuits Beginner- Electronics Exploration Kit (ages 5-9)
I love educational and STEAM toys but out of all the ones we've tried, this has been the winner by far! Your child can learn all about electronics with this toy. Plus the instructions are made very well which has made it easy for my children to do this without the help of an adult.
This specific set is for children ages 5 and up, so I recommend starting this set. And if your child loves it you can move onto a bigger set, like the one mentioned next.
Snap Circuits Classic - Electronics Exploration Kit (ages 8+)
This is one of those toys that your child might get obssesed with. My kids did! It's one of the best toys I've found to learn about electronics and one that is so well made, children can follow the instructions on their own.
If you ask me, this is a must-have in every home! And they even have a green energy version!
Toniebox Starter Set Red + Disney Toy Story - Educational Musical Toy
This is a screen-free story teller and speaker that can be thrown around without you having to worry about your children breaking it. It seems like European toys are always the best and this is no exception.
What we love about this toy is that you can hear stories in it and listen to music. But, the coolest feature the Creative Tonies: family members can record themselves (from the comfort of their home) reading a story or simply saying I love you and your children will be able to hear it in their Toniebox. With corona keeping families apart, this is such a special toy that makes family feel closer.
This is super easy to use, even for small children and the sound quality is pretty good!
Lunii - My Fabulous Storyteller - Screen-Free Educational Toy
Lunii is similar to the product above but has a lot less functions. Lunni is a screen-free storyteller box, this means that all it does is tell your childs stories.
It has a wide range of stories because your child creates the story: they pick the type of character, the place the story takes place and different objects used in the story and once they're done choosing, the story starts playing.
You can download multiple stories in different languages so it's a great way to practice a foreign language.
I recommend getting headphones with this toy, especially if you plan to use it on road trips.
PicassoTiles Marble Run 100 Piece Magnetic Tile Race Track Toy
If you want a toy that will keep your kids busy for a while, this is one of those toys! It's a marble run so the kids have to build it and then test it out to make sure the marble makes it all the way from the top to the bottom.
The marble run race track construction toy promotes problem solving skills, hand-eye coordination, and trains fine motor skills via play.
Polly Pocket Rainbow Dream Wearable Purse
There's something about tiny portable toys that is very appealing for kids. We love Polly Pockets because they're such an easy toy to take with us when we go out or during road trips.
This is my kid's favorite once since it can be carried as a purse and it makes it easier to take places. Check out other Polly Pocket toys here.
LEGO Classic Large (790 Pieces)
You can never go wrong with LEGOS but what I love about this set is that it gives your children an opportunity to use their imagination and get creative.
Pair this with a LEGO book if your child likes to build LEGOS following instructions.
Boogie Board Scribble n’ Play Reusable Kids’ LCD Drawing Board
This is a great toy for mess-free coloring or doodling. I've ended up ordering these for my kids after a friend kept telling me about it and she was right - they love it!
It's a great toy to keep in the car!
Playmobil City Zoo
If you've never heard to Playmobil you're in a for a treat! Playmobil are themed toy sets, with lots of tiny pieces that your child has to put together. It's similar to LEGO, in the sense that you can build scenes, but the pieces different.
The set featured here is a zoo theme - perfect for all animal lovers.
However, they have LOTS of different themes and a wide range of prices. Check out all their entire line here.
Seckton Kids Selfie Camera (comes in different colors)
One thing my kids have loved at different stages in their lives has been the ability to takes pictures. Having a camera is so much fun!
I personally have enjoyed seeing what captures their attention.
We started with this camera, which is great for beginners and doesn't break easily. But once my kid got more serious about taking pictures, we got her a Panasonic waterproof camera - we got it on sale!
3Doodler - 3D Pen Set for Kids Ages 6+
This is one of the coolest toys we've played with - what's really cool about it is that you can create pretty much anything you can imagine! My oldest child has created from animals to glasses with her 3D Doodler pen.
This kid-safe 3D printing pen melts plastic that cools and hardens rapidly, allowing kids to literally draw in the air!
Wireless Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone
This is one of those toys that will entertain the whole family! This wireless microphone can connect via bluetooth so your kids can sing along their favorite songs.
The only downside is that they might not stop singing. Haha!
PicassoTiles Inflatable Jumping/Bouncing House
This bouncy house is the best outdoor toy we've gotten and one that we use regularly - we play on it during the winter! It is the most expensive toy on this list, but it's cheaper than renting a bouncy house and you will end up using it many times.
Some parents use this bouncy house indoors. Just make sure you check the instructions to verify you have enough space to blow it up indoors.
It's a great toy for when the kids need to burn some energy!
HearthSong SkyCurve Platform Tree Swing
And if you want to make your yard even more fun, this is the only swing you will need! I have never seen my kids nor their friends play as much with a toy as with this swing. The best part is that it fits multiple people so even you can swing with your kids!
I'm not sure what is it about this swing that children seem to SO drawn to it but it is definitively worth it!
VTech KidiGo Walkie Talkies
I happen to find these on sale at Target one day so I got them! Little did I know how much they were going to love them. We've had these for almost 2 years now and my kids still play with them regularly.
It's such a fun toy and one that is great for indoor and outdoor play
Would you add anything else to this list? I’d love to know! What have your child’s favorite toys?
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