Welcome if you're coming over from The Blended Blog for our Blog Hop! We're sharing our gift guides and I thought I'd share some unconventional ideas inspired by things that I love! I'm also teaming up with one of my favourite Canadian bloggers, Sarita from Its My Girls' World who is sharing some great gifts for kids. Also check out another great Canadian blogger's gift guide, my friend Abbie at Grumbling Grace. Sarita is up first!
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Kids these days get lots… and lots… and lots…. I however, prefer to buy those toys that teach. Toys that encourage creativity, STEM learning (Science, Tech, Engineering & Math), social interaction and motor skills…. Yeah, I could buy my kids Shopkins (and I have) but here are just a few of my favourite teaching toys! And I love that they are unisex too.
One of my favourites, you know I like you if I get your kid magnaformers…. It's an investment piece but my kids play with them again… again…. and again. It's the first toy kids (of many ages) pull out when they come over too. This toy encourages creativity and stimulation second to none.
I bought this for my nephew this year but the ratings are just as good so we're hoping they will be as popular as the magnaformers with our crew!
Yet another popular one in our house. It's a better price point than the magnetic toys though but once again. Another one encouraging creativity and igniting imagination. Even the bigger kids get into this one.
I can't speak to this one just yet as I've bought it for my three year old but it's supposed to be a wonderful intro to STEM learning for the little ones! The reviews are fantastic and it's not a bad price point.
We got Cassia a play kitchen when she was two and it's one of the most popular toys in our repetoire. Especially when kids come over! The social interaction is great and the conversations are hilarious. My friend Jenn got them this set of 'real' appliances last year and it's the most fought over sought over toy around.
So there you have it! Just a few of the favourites in this house!
PS. Books and board games are always in demand around here too.
What are your favourite teaching toys for your little ones?
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And here are my favourite gifts that are possibly the most random assortment of awesome, if you ask me.
Canon 70D
For the artsy person, who needs a new camera and video camera and who loves taking pictures and documenting her life. I may be targeting myself with this one but I WANT!
Carnivore Club
Dan got this one last year from his sister and brother in law. It was the neatest thing and I would definitely do this one again.
Wine of the Month
This would be a perfect gift for a busy mom. Or any human.
Okay, while we're on the topic of fun clubs, I found this site while trying to find a cheese club that would ship to Canada. Turns out there's a club for everything! Talk about the gift that keeps giving! Check out amazingclubs.ca if you're a Canuck in the same predicament as me. JORDAN THERE IS A BREAKFAST CLUB!!!! BACON!
I think this may win for weirdest gift guide, but hey....who wouldn't be happy with any of these items?!
Now head on over to Leslie's blog to see what she's suggesting!
Stop at Joy's blog too !
27 comments
The carnivore club is a great idea and everyone needs a wine of the month! Thanks for sharing your picks!
ReplyDeleteJill
Doused In Pink
I had a play kitchen and grocery cart at 4. And now I cook and enjoy grocery shopping. It's subliminal, I tell you...
ReplyDeleteA camera is a great gift - I am looking for a new lens under the tree for mine.
ReplyDeleteLisa
Daily Style Finds
Oh i like those stem toys, going to have to check that out! More like I want to play with it! haha. I have that camera and it's AWESOME!!! Get one, get one, get one!
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas! Mic was looking for a camera for me yesterday, so we shall see :) And I don't know anyone that has those magformers, but I have them on my list to get Xavier. Now that you gave them a thumbs up, they are being picked for sure :)
ReplyDeleteSo glad you did your post on these great toys for children. I am always looking for something to give my grand-Cady other than another form of technology. I stumbled upon a catalog from Hearthsong and found that many of their toys promote thinking and imagination.
ReplyDeleteYou should definitely get that camera. Checking out the Carnivore Club - right up my husband's alley!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have to check out some of those STEM toys!
ReplyDeleteI got my camera today (which is my x-mas gift but I got it on super sale!). Can't wait to play with it!!!
Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy
WIne of the month…. yes please!!! And thanks for the feature my dear!!
ReplyDeleteThe magformers are THE BEST. So worth the little investment. Although right now if you look around you can get a bit of a sale.
ReplyDelete<3 Sarita it's my girls' world
haha… let's hope that's what my kids do also. I would love some help in my real kitchen.
ReplyDelete<3 Sarita it's my girls' world
Oh my word. Wine of the month? I need this in my life. Wait... Just one wine per month?
ReplyDeleteThank you Leslie. I'm so sick of techie toys so I really like to go back to basics with my kids.
ReplyDeleteNow, I've got to check out hearthsong
<3 Sarita it's my girls' world
WIne of the month--um, yes please!! I think my son would love magaformers, but he might be a little too old for them now :( I've played with them and they are so cool!! Love your picks!! XOXOX
ReplyDeletei agree...if there were adult versions of these toys and I could make a fort and hide in it, I would be all over it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for participating! I loved your pics
ReplyDeleteIs it bad that I want that spaceship? For myself.
ReplyDeleteMore like wine of the week. How can we incorporate wine and cheese into our date next week? We're french afterall....
ReplyDeleteI will be wishing and hoping and praying
ReplyDeletehow do you like it for video? Does it work well with your mac?
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see your pictures!
ReplyDeleteWhat do you use for your blog pictures?
ReplyDeletewait. So true! Except where did this online shopping habit come from...I didn't do that when I was younger.
ReplyDeleteI was JUST saying to Brent, got this new camera and haven't had ANY time to play with it :(
ReplyDeleteConfessions of a Frumpy Mommy
I feel like I should just send these to myself. I would be surprised every month because i'd forget I sent them.
ReplyDeleteThat. Is. Awesome. I am going to check it out as soon as I post this comment! I am also going to check out some of those STEM toys. I've never heard that term before, but I love it!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the camera. It works SO well for video. I did a Minnie Mouse tutorial with it...look for my wreath tutorial. It was shot with it. I don't have a mac, but I'm sure it would work great with it. I know a lot of youtubers have Mac's and use that camera.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely day!