Toddlers have a way with toys. They take them out, play for a few minutes, and then move on to the next great thing (without putting the first toy away – but that's another story). Keeping these busy bees in one place for more than a minute requires skill and planning. Adding a few new toys to their toy box can be all it takes to stop them in their tracks. Like the infant toys we've already shared, these five new items will add some spark to your next play session.
The 2011 Toy Fair was packed with new products for the coming year. The hardest part, after seeing them all, is waiting for them to be available for purchase. Though there were several hot trends in this year's offerings, a few goodies will be on my shopping list. Check out my 10 favorites.
Budding chefs can whip up something tasty with Smart Gear's Wooden Cooking Center ($170), which includes a stovetop, oven, and sink. Melissa and Doug's Car Carrier ($15) allows tots to load and move the four included cars, and the set matches up with all wooden train tracks for added fun. Kid-O's Bilibo ($30) is a seat, a hat, a step stool, a hiding spot, or whatever your tot makes of it — that's the beauty of this creation. P'kolino's Multi-Solution Shape Puzzles ($20) have a different final outcome each time, making them fun — and interesting — for more than the standard two minutes. The Wishbone Bike ($250) grows from a trike, to a first running bike, into a big-kid balance bike, with little more than a flip of the body — meaning lil ones can use it for at least two years.
If you want a different take on the traditional tot sized table and chairs, think of looking at this punchy craft table. Made by P'kolino, the piece is constructed from fiber board with wood veneer and will set you back just $110. Built in benches make it easy for mom to move from room to room around the house and it has the table space fit for all your youngster's needs. He can do projects or have a picnic on this streamlined design.
Many families with lil kids are overwhelmed with the number of toys and contraptions that children accumulate. As they grow older and toys multiply, space becomes a commodity.
Before you go out and buy a big old cheap desk for your tot's room, consider the modern space–saving Klick Desk from P'kolino.
To learn more about this adorable desk, read more
