Recommended Kid and Baby Items

This is one of the best toys we ever bought for our kids. We have had two sets since my daughter was four, and she still plays with them at nine. While they are marketed as a fort-building kit, which we definitely use them for, these sticks and balls turn into just about anything during playtime. They have become microphone stands, pretend berries for campfire cooking, obstacle course pieces, and so much more.

I usually had to help the kids build the big structures, especially when they were younger, because you do need to use a little muscle to get the pieces to lock in tightly. Honestly, I think I often had more fun using my creativity to build forts than the kids did. We bought a second set so they could build bigger creations, but one set is a great place to start (just make sure to buy the same brand). We keep ours in a large plastic bin with a lid.

This is one of my all-time favorite recommendations for anyone with kids ages 4 to 9.This series is incredible and an absolute favorite in our home. The books are like choose-your-own-adventure stories with a meaningful twist. Kids get to explore what happens when Danny makes good or bad choices and how those choices shape his day.

Reading these with my kids has led to some really positive and thoughtful conversations. More than anything though, they just love the books. We own the whole series and they’ve read every version of every story over and over. They truly never get tired of them.

For all my Harry Pottery Lovers: My daughter has started the HP series and these books are absolutely beautiful. The illustrated Harry Potter books are stunning and helps to make the story even more captivating. Not every page has a picture, it’s maybe every 3-4 pages, but they are beautfully done.

My kids love their Echo Dots and I love the parent controls. They listen to audiobooks at night, control the nightlight, and ask Alexa to play music. It’s great for timers for ending playtime or picking up when needed too.