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5 Best Toddler Toys

So, never thought I’d be saying this but I’m kindddddd of a toy expert. That’s right – many days stuck indoors over our long, never-ending winter gave me insight into the very best toddler toys in our house.

Jealous?

Didn’t think so.

But toys take up space. And if they’re going to be taking up space in my home, I want toys that capture Elle’s attention and imagination day after day. Plus, I love owning toys that her friends are excited to play with and explore when spending time at our house.

Pottery Barn Kids Castle dollhouse with Royal Family Dolls

So, here’s a look at the five best toddler toys that, after months of play, continue to be a hit with Elle:

Castle Dollhouse

This year for Christmas, Aaron and I bought Elle the castle dollhouse from Pottery Barn Kids and I’m so glad we did! We stocked it with the ‘Royal Family’ poseable wooden dolls and a selection of dollhouse furniture.

Enchanting white Pottery Barn Kids Royal Castle Doll House with dreamy kids play tent : 5 best toddler toys

It’s been SUCH a great tool to encourage imaginative play. Plus, it’s always a hit with the older kids when they come over.

Silver and white castle doll house from Pottery Barn Kids with Royal Family dolls and enchanting furniture

Play Kitchen

Since getting our pink play kitchen almost a year and a half ago, it’s become a staple in our own kitchen! Though I use toy rotation to keep Elle’s toys exciting and fresh, the kitchen (and her apron!) always have to stay out.

Pink retro play kitchen by KidKraft with wooden play food - 5 best toddler toys - Toys to encourage imaginative play in toddlersElle loves ‘cooking’ and organizing toys in the kitchen cupboards. Plus, I like to rotate a selection of cookware, baked goods and wooden groceries so there’s always something new to capture her attention.

Kids play kitchen: KidKraft retro pink wooden kitchen for kids

Scoop & Learn Ice Cream Cart

Elle’s Auntie Sarah bought this Scoop & Learn Ice Cream Cart for Christmas and it’s a major hit. It’s musical and interactive (there are ‘recipe cards’ to help kids learn numbers, colours and flavours).

Scoop and Learn Ice Cream Cart toy for toddlersAnd…. at the end of the day, it’s a cart. And I’ve never met a toddler who doesn’t like pushing things around the house!

Play-Doh

It’s a classic for a reason. Play-Doh is amazing. Elle loves it – heck, I even love it.

Toddler playing with Play-Doh - a classic kids toys that's always a hit

Duplo

When it comes to building fine motor skills and fostering imagination, one of our favourite toys is Duplo. Elle’s quite a busy, active kid and I love that she turns to Duplo when she’s ready to have some quiet play time.

Toddler playing with Duplo

I’m always looking for new ways to encourage play in my home and would love to hear what the best toddler toys are in your house! And must-haves to add to my list?

Xo Holly Hunka

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Pink retro play kitchen by KidKraft with wooden play food and white Pottery Barn Kids castle doll house- 5 best toddler toys - Toys to encourage imaginative play in toddlers

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