ASK RESTONMOM - 11/16/07

Dear Restonmom,
"Do you have any toys that you think are just absolute necessities?  We have a lot of the basics,
but I'm looking for something that is special,educational, something that can be passed down, a real
treasure for my young daughter.  It doesn't necessarily have to be expensive, loud, or technologically advanced." A.G., Reston

Dear A.G.,
There are way too many toys out there to choose from, don't you think?  What a great question! Here is a list of some toys that make my own "essentials" list:
KITCHEN - I think every girl or boy should definitely own a play kitchen! Some very nice wooden sets are available which could be repainted and handed down.
DRESS-UP TRUNK- yes, for boys and girls! You can use any container, we have an antique chest that was passed down to us.  Fill it with costumes from halloween, hats, shoes, old clothes from your closet.....
FURNITURE - I am a sucker for child-sized furniture, a nice set of table and chairs will go a long way - you can have a wooden one custom painted for something special.  I love to see my girls sit in the chairs painted with the names of my husband's siblings when they visit their grandparents, at my house we also have a table painted by my sister, and a wooden tea hutch that too was passed down, plus a rocking chair from my own childhood - we treasure them all and use them constantly!
TEA SET - for a little girl, this is a classic! Whether plastic for the bathtub or a nice porcelain set (which by the way you can find nice ones for cheap now) - it's a must!
DOLL HOUSE - every little girl should have a doll house at some point - and would you love to have had one handed down from your mother or grandmother?
CRADLE - a nice wooden doll cradle will get tons of use and can hang around for a long time, another classic!
CARS - a great set of good quality cars or trains is a winner for girls as well as boys.
PLAY-DOUGH - it may be messy, but it's a given.
PUZZLES, BOARD GAMES, AND BUILDING BLOCKS - all hit the top of my list too.

Comments are open for other readers to contribute too, I'd love to hear from someone who has boys!

Comments

[Karen]

As a mom of 3 boys I have 3 MUST haves for my guys...
Tonka trucks - daily play toy
Hot wheels - again daily play (both these toys are also more easily shared and great for them to play together)
Play tools - they LOVE to help daddy work!

[Linda]

I just posted a similar post on my blog today. Funny.

http://monkeybusinesskids.blogspot.com/2007/11/preschool-gift-ideas-toys.html

[Tiffany]

I agree with the tool bench and tools. My 20 month old goes around the house with his "electric drill" tightening all the screws. To think I didn't even know they were loose.

[Jennifer]

Those are great suggestions. I would add some type of building blocks - such as wooden blocks, Lincoln Logs, Tinker Toys and Legos.

[tricia]

Thanks to you all for the comments - there is still room for more! I have to say, Linda, that the strollers and shopping carts are HUGE hits in my house and I totally meant to include an art easel in my post :)