Christmas Lists

I've been asked a few times for the girls' Christmas list in the past few weeks. I thought I'd post some ideas here so that family will have a list they can access, and maybe some of the rest of you, who may be looking for toddler gift ideas, can get some suggestions as well.

The teacher in me prefers to have toys serve a "purpose." Is it a toy that stimulates them in some way, or encourages imaginative play, curiosity and problem solving? Most toys, if age appropriate, will do this...especially if you engage your child and perhaps show him/her new ways to play with a toy.

The girls have several toys that they have "outgrown," but they still play with some of them on occasion. I have started clearing toys out to sell, donate and stash away for a few months. We are limited on space, too, so I just need to make room!

Here are a few thoughts for Ellerie's List:

1. Ellerie is in love with wooden train sets wherever we find them! They hold her attention for quite some time. They have basic sets at Ikea or this KidKraft Figure 8 Train Set, or this Maxim Train Set 40 Piece, are great starter sets as well.

2. Battat Bristle Block 85 Piece Set or B. Stackadoos

3. Lego Duplo Sets

Specifically ones that have animals like the LEGO Brick Themes DUPLO My First Farm and LEGO DUPLO My First Zoo. The LEGO Duplo My First Set would be a great start too!

Also, we saw these little Lego Duplo with a book sets at Target and both girls wanted to bring them home!!

LEGO Duplo Grow Caterpillar Grow 6758

LEGO Duplo Busy Farm 6759

Can you tell Ellerie has a passion for building and constructing? :)

4. Skip Hop Zoo Pack Little Kid Owl Backpack

Here are a few thoughts for Esme's List...

1. Puppets! It's hard to find good quality puppets, but I don't think we really need more than a few. We saw a set at Costco recently...

2. Small animal play sets - Some examples include: Soft & Squeezy Animals (any set), Learning Resources JUMBO Animal sets (I would suggest Zoo Animals, Ocean Animals or Dinosaurs), or Plan Toy Farm Animal Set.

3. Draw & Write Touch Board and Color-Changing Touch Board

Fisher-Price Kid-Tough Classic Doodler with 2 Stampers

4. Skip Hop Zoo Pack Little Kid Ladybug Backpack

Here are a few ideas for either/both of the girls...

1. They both love puzzles, but the kind where you just match the piece to the correct spot are WAY too easy now. Here are a couple examples of some more challenging puzzles: Melissa & Doug On the Farm Jigsaw (12 pc), Melissa & Doug Playful Pets Jigsaw (12 pc) and My First Chunky Puzzles. There are others out there too!

2. Games

Peaceable Kingdom Alphabet Match Ups Game

Peaceable Kingdom Animal Alphabet Match Ups

Cranium Hullabaloo

3. LeapFrog Tag Junior Get Ready To Read Book Set

LeapFrog Tag Junior Book, Christmas in the Manger

4. God Gave Us You book

5. SweetPea3 2 GB MP3 Player for Kids (Violet)

I may come up with more ideas (I'll add if I do)...it could become a birthday list in a couple months!

Perhaps my next post will include a list of toddler gift suggestions based on what we already have...