My {FAVORITE} Books and Toys for Preschoolers

Around the holidays I often get asked by friends about gift ideas for kiddos.  My favorite gift is ALWAYS a book, but I will let in the educational toys every now & then ;)  So, today I’ve complied for you, with visuals of course, my favorite books & toys that are currently scattered about our house (i.e. played with & read often ;).

 

I have to admit my absolute {favorite} books for miss V and little T, are sing-songy books.  If you are a tired mama like me (hehe…that’s quite an oxy-moron isn’t it?!) then you can appreciate the books that are fun to read.  If you can break out into a beat & move your legs up & down…book time is THAT much more fun :)

Here are some of my favorite sing-songy books that are gracing our bookshelves currently…

My Truck is Stuck! {Kevin Lewis & Daniel Kirk}

Duck in the Truck {Jez Alborough}

Miss Mary Mack {Mary Ann Hoberman}

Llama Llama Misses Mama {Anna Dewdney}

Trucks Go {Steve Light}

Jamberry {Bruce Degen}

Fat Cat on a Mat {Phil Roxbee Cox & Stephen Cartwright}

There’s a Wocket in My Pocket! {Dr. Seuss}

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On to toys now…wahoo!  Well, in this house, educational toys are a must.  I mean, fun AND learning – it’s a no-brainer!  Let’s stimulate & mold those little minds, shall we?!

Here are some of my favorite educational toys that we are currently playing with & why we like them…

 

Educational Insights Design and Drill Activity Center

* fine motor skills * sequencing *coordination *color matching

One of V’s favorites – she enjoys putting the bolts in more than taking them out – she hasn’t mastered the reverse drill as of yet!

ALEX® Water Flute

*music *sound *tones *whistling

This is a hit EVERY night in the tub, with both V&T.  This week T just discovered how to put it in the water & fill it up, then he quickly “flutes” as the water goes out creating a dropping sound :) LOVE this!!

I Spy Ready, Set, Silhouette

*matching *sequencing *patterning

V loves this game.  We don’t really follow the “rules” per se, I usually have her pick a card & then lay the silhouettes out for her to match up.

Melissa & Doug: Shape, Model and Mold

*creative play *fine motor skills *imaginative play

Playdough tools are a MUST in this house & these are actively & constantly played with.

B. Pop-Arty Beads

*fine motor skills *jewelry making *creative play

Because little T is still putting stuff in his mouth (oh joy!), this is a toy we pull out ONLY when little T is napping.  I usually have V play with it in a room where T doesn’t go because I worry about the small pieces left behind.  This kit comes with these cute little flower shapes that pop together making all kinds of kiddo jewelry.

Melissa & Doug: Magnetic Wooden Alphabet

*letter learning *letter matching *color matching

This is a personal favorite of mine.  We use these alphabet letters on our Magnetic Alphabet Board.  They are larger than most magnetic letters and sturdy enough to hold through the flashcards that are attached to our board.

Melissa & Doug: Fashion Press

*creative play *imaginative play *patterning *fine motor skills

Okay, this is another mama favorite.  Seeing as my degree is in Fashion Design & I had something similar to this growing up, this was a definite must for my little miss to have.  Good thing she loves it!  The super cool thing about this is you can always make it new…any sort of fabric scrap you might have will turn this into unending wardrobe play.

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Well, there you have it!!  Our favorite books & toys gracing the floors of our house!

Please do tell – I need to add more to V&T’s wishlist…

what favorite book(s) & toy(s) are scattered amongst your playroom rubble?

xx ♥ m

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This is a linky party & blog hop!!!

Welcome to The HUGE Holiday Family Gift Guide organized by Bethany at No Twiddle Twaddle and co-hosted by myself & 23 other amazing blogs from the Kid Blogger Network.

This is a great collaborate list for gift guides and top mama picks for the holiday.

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<a href=”http://wp.me/p2LSAZ-1sW/” target=”_blank”><img src=”http://i1169.photobucket.com/albums/r506/creativeplayhouse/giftguide.jpg” border=”0″ alt=”square” /></a>

Here are all the lovely co-hosts…each & every one providing us a different aspect to the gift guide!!!

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Fun Gifts Beyond Toys by No Twiddle Twaddle

Book + Toy Companion Gifts by What Do We Do All Day?

Best Art Supplies for Kids by To Train Up a Child

Gifts to Inspire the Imagination by The Pleasantest Thing 

Gifts for Your Backyard Explorer/ Gifts for Your Animal Lover by Blog Me Mom

Educational Games by True Aim Education

Basic/Traditional Toys by Creative Playhouse

Therapeutic and Fun Gift Ideas for Child Development by Creative Learning Fun

Top Toys for Babies by B-InspiredMama

Top Toys for Curious Kids by KC Edventures

Educational/ Headache Free Toys for Christmas and Hanukkah by CAUTION: Twins at Play

4 Gift Ideas for Everyone: Want, Wear, Need, and Read by Home Learning Journey

Gifts that Inspire Pretend Play by Connecting Family and Seoul

Educational Toys for Preschoolers by The Freckled Homeschooler

Montessori Inspired Toys by Smiling Like Sunshine

Gift Ideas for Older Kids (9-12) by Kitchen Counter Chronicles

Toys for the Classroom by Teach Preschool

Gift Ideas for Budding Readers by Mom 2 to Posh Lil Dives

Stocking Stuffers: A Teacher’s Top 10 by Kindergarten & Preschool for Parents & Teachers

Book Ideas for Everyone on Your List by Pragmatic Mom

Toys that Stand the Test of Time by Mamas Like Me

Top Board Games for Kids and Families by Coffee Cups and Crayons

Home Made Gifts Children Can Make by How to Run a Home Daycare

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Venture on over to some the the co-hosts listed & you may just find “that” gift (you know “that” gift) for this holiday season & you just may find another lovely blog too ;)

We would love to have your guides too!!!

Please add your guide to share, but make sure to link back or grab the button from above.

  ♥