So, Newcomer turned 2.5, and I decided to update the overview of our toys.
As planned, most of the old toys are still in active use. The Montessori toy organization system works perfectly, and the toys don’t get boring for him. I’ve also started teaching Newcomer that every toy has a place, and after playing, it should go back there. Following Simon Davies’ advice, I gently tap my palm on the empty shelf, hinting where it belongs. It works.
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The child’s three newest interests are reflected in the first three items—he’s taken a liking to puzzles, twisting activities, and role-playing games.
Vehicles, of course, are a favorite because they make sounds — plus the kitchen set from his old favorites.
2. Screw-together animals
Basically, he practiced screwing and unscrewing with a regular bottle, but this cute toy caught my eye, and I couldn’t resist ? What a joy — to unscrew someone’s head!
3. Models of animals
I would never have dared to buy the animals myself, because they always seemed either not good enough or too expensive — but fortunately, we were gifted these, so I didn’t have to struggle. On Etsy, you can find really beautiful — and pricey — figures. The animals immediately found a use: they were taken for rides on vehicles, talked to, fed, and tucked into bed.
4. Balance toy
The child enjoyed building towers with these little monkeys.
5. Timeless old toys
These toys continue to live on successfully in our family — rattles, pull toys, sorters, and that IKEA bead maze.
6. Train
Trains are always welcome in any form. We have Lego Duplo, which can’t even be rotated with other toys because he plays with it nonstop, and a wooden train from Brio. After that purchase, though, we discovered an equally good and much cheaper option from IKEA.
7. Garage
Another great thing from IKEA — you can buy similar little vehicles to go with it, which we did. The toy combines perfectly with animals and minifigures from LEGO.
8. Piano
He plays with it every day with great pleasure—a wonderful choice that no one has ever regretted for a moment!
9. Scooter
The Mini Micro scooter is a high-quality item purchased to last for years and fully justifies its cost. Our helmet is from Oxelo, and it has already saved us. Never ride without a helmet.
Dreams
For an even number, I’ll also write about our little pricey dreams ? I hope at least some of them come true. The little one’s adventurous spirit is practically screaming for sports challenges—especially in these hot, pandemic times: a balance board, a Pikler triangle, and a Swedish wall ❤️. There are a lot of great options from the Ukrainian maker WoodandHearts.
