Is It Worth It | Toddler Toys

AGES 1-2

Horse Ride-On and Walker - Too many of these are just annoying. They take up space, at certain ages they want you to do the pushing, and they don't even roll that great. We also had this one, FYI, and he was not a fan of the rocking part, but eventually liked to be pushed on it. The walker horse one is short and for him to use as a walker (which he never did) whereas the other horse one (rocker and sit-on) is if you don't want to hurt your back whole pushing. Ultimate opinion? Both not really worth it but at the same time used both for a short portion of this 1-2 year span. I liked to be able to walk around the house pushing him and he enjoyed it and I didn't hurt my back. And then closer to 1.5/2 years old, he would have fun riding by himself on the horse ride-on one - but wouldn't last that long.

Not so worth it, but if you feel the need, only get one!

Kids Push Car - Ok, so ultimately I was deciding between this and the Doona Push Trike and price played a large part. The Doona was way more expensive which is why I went with the car. I regret it. The car was cheaply made and has no shade and takes up a lot of space. In the last year, they came out with a Doona knock off and if they had it when I was buying I would have gotten it. Teaches them to paddle, grows with them, much more worth it!

Car - not so much, but the Push Trike is worth it!

Walking Dog - If you don't have a dog but your kid loves puppies! Just kidding, but not really. We have enough on our plate with an infant and don't need a dog. My little one was obsessed with this toy. Doesn't take up too much room, help with practice walking, and even now that he is 2 he still plays with it form time to time.

Worth it!

Water Table - We live in hot weather so this table still gets use. Specifically from 1-2 years old we used this a ton. He could play with this for hours with just water or put some dish soap inside for bubbles inside. Another plus? Its big but stays outside.

Worth it times a hundred!

Play Pen - We all give in eventually. They are playing nicely on the foam mat one minute and the next minute you need to get something from the kitchen and they are over by the coffee table. The older generation may call this a cage, but its just a safe little area that your little one has to play in. Very worth it, very much used in our house for about a year!

Worth it!

Bubble Mower - Ugh, bubbles. You'll understand when you are a parent. Bubbles over and over again, then when they want to try and the bubbles get everywhere. Hence, the bubble mower. Its outside, so no need to worry about mess. Yes, they spill it over at some point, but again, you are outside. Helps practicing walking and they love it!

Worth it!

Wood Climb and Slide - Why do we insist on buying things that take up so much space? I guess, because we don't want screen time and we are desperate to find things for our little ones to do and stay active. We got some fun out of this but not enough. I wanted wood, because of aesthetic and just didn't want plastic. Because of this, slide was steep and fast (didn't love that). Also, he couldn't do the rope side climb. Really, just wish I went for an outdoor one for my house.

Not worth it - at least not this one

Toddler Golf - I did not think I was going to like this when my husband chose it. But I quickly changed my mind. My little one can play with this for hours. Which, as you know, is not always easy. Very happy with it still today!

Worth it!

Play Tent - Three other moms I know have one of these. Thoughts? So bulky in our living room, so I found myself leaving it up and being annoyed at how much space it took up or putting it back in the closet only to have him asking for it the next day. I didn't buy enough ball-pit balls so pretty lame. With this type of ball pit you need to put it on a foam mat and you need enough balls (like a lot). I bought a pack of 100 and it didnt even cover one layer.

Other items:

Peg Board - Worth it! Learning toy, sensory toy, everything!

Wooden Magnetic Alphabet - Not worth it (yet). He didn't like it for the fridge and now that he is older and we are actually trying to spell we lost some letters.

Tabletop cook - Worth it/Love this! A play kitchen takes up a lot of space. I love that he goes on his learning tower next to me and we cook together!

Sensory Table - Not worth it (yet). BUY THE OUTDOOR ONE! These moms posting on TikTok and Instagram their toddler sensory play inside are NOT showing you the cleanup after. We did the dried beans inside, water, kinetic sand, and so much more. UGH. the cleanup is horrible and the point of sensory play is to let him do his thing and not stress what they throw. I got kinetic sand everywhere. Beans everywhere. Etsy makes some great inserts that I tried, and he would sit from time to time using them and it did work to eliminate part of the mess. My advice? Go with the outdoor sensory table.

Toddler Trampoline - Not worth it. Instead convince a family member to get one in their house. Takes up so much room. Fun form time to time. When I make comments about the space - here is the thing: If you have a garage or a playroom, then some of these things I would say go for it based on what your kid loves.

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