1. Bubble Bouncer: Do not be fooled by the name, the trampoline DOES NOT blow out bubbles when you jump on it (which is clearly what I thought when I bought it for a friend), but it is a great starter trampoline for little one's that walk or are very stable standing holding onto something. Frankie absolutely loved this bouncer. Where to Buy: Mastermind $50
2. B. Zany Zoo OR Imaginarium 5 Way Maze: For those of you who need a gift for your best friends child, this is the gift (I say that because it isnt cheap)!! I first saw the Imaginarium 5 Way Maze at my friends house a few weeks back and Frankie just stood playing with this toy the entire time we were there. Not only was I so impressed that he was standing all on his own while playing with this toy, but he was actually moving the beads around the maze. Each side has something for the child to do and can keep them busy for hours (no joke). I recently got the B. Zany Zoo for Frankie (thank you to my siblings for getting this for him for his 1 year birthday), but after googling this, I see that it is currently only being sold at Target. However, a friend told me that the B. line's sister company has a similar one that is being sold at Costco (haven't seen it and therefore I dont know the price) for those who are not going to Target anytime soon, otherwise there is also the Imaginarium one. Where to Buy: Toys R Us $70
3. Giant Keyboard: Really, this is a toy for older children, but I find little one's love music and sounds so when they start walking or even crawling over this giant keyboard and music starts playing, they just have the best time. I have only tried this out myself ... actually... (Frankie was only a few months old when I first saw this), but it totally seems like something Frankie would love now that he is walking (assisted) and loves music. Where to Buy: Mastermind: $60
4. Sesame Street Flip Open Sofa: This is defintely not a new one, but its a good one!!! My mom bought this (Thomas the Train addition) when my now 8 year old nephew was a baby and when we go over, Frankie loves to sit on the softa and play with his nintendog. As soon as I pull out the sofa to become a bed and put him under the sleeping bag, he plays a "night night" game, which, for some reason I find exciting that he has learned that. I think this makes for a great gift! I have insider information that Frankie is getting one for his birthday - I cant wait! Where to Buy: Toys R Us $50
6. Kidz Delight - Magic Mirror Laptop: I bought this when Frankie was 5 months old thinking he would love the mirror, but quickly realized there is a reason they put an age range on the toy and put it away. I took it back out a few weeks ago and it was as if I bought him a brand new toy. He loves when the images pop up in the mirror and when they go away he see's himself ... it's magic! Where to Buy: Mastermind $25
7. Clemmy 20 Piece Soft Block Set: A while ago I bought those cute and colourful cardboard stacking blocks thinking I would pile them up and Frankie would love to knock them down. While this is true, he really knocks them down so he can get one in his hand to chew on. The other day when I was putting the blocks away, I noticed that Frankie had chewed off the paper wrapping on a few of the blocks (not exactly baby friendly). I have been on the look out for other stacking blocks that are rubber like and came upon these Clemmy Soft Blocks at a friends house and Frankie loved playing with them. I build them and he knocks them down and still chews them, only now I dont worry!
9. Ukulele/Guitar: Really, all instruments are wonderful, but it seems that all the kids that come over want to play with the ukulele/guitar. I must say Frankie is very possessive over his guitar! There a bunch of different Disney one's to choose from and they are VERY durable ;) Where to Buy: Toys R Us $30
I hope your kids love these toys as much as mine does (feedback is always welcome)
Ter
xo
