In defense of cheap or “junky” Easter basket fillers, I loved getting that type of gift in my baskets growing up. Light-up pens, scented erasers, keychains, tiny notepads, rubber balls, etc. My sister and I were hyper-organized kids who appreciated all those little treats and used them up.
My children? They’ve barely met a plastic toy they haven’t broken within a month. Tiny things get lost underneath the sofa, in the car or washing machine. They’re not trying to be destructive, but they play hard and it shows with cheap toys. Then they’re sad when something is broken beyond repair and needs to be tossed. So I try not to buy things that will end up in the trashcan sooner rather than later.… Read More »
This is my favorite halfway-DIY Christmas gift that’s always a hit with my kids. Every year I make them memory books of their year, one per kid, and then I order them during 
Christmas is just around the corner, and I’m already thinking about gifts for the boys. We use the “want, read, wear, need” system: four gifts per child. Plus a few things in their stockings (including some healthy treats to eat). I’m keen on tech-free toys as I feel that nothing replaces hands-on play experience.
After three kids (and counting? 😛 I always have baby fever around the 2-3 months postpartum mark–hormones are so weird), I have my pregnancy and postpartum favorites down to a science. I’ve spent a lot of money on maternity/postpartum items over the years so I definitely know my way around the shops!
Since this is already a popular landing page on the blog, I’ve decided to update it annually with my latest toy recommendations/gifts for crunchy babies and toddlers {updated 11/11/2024}..