Best Toddler & Preschool Toys from an MIT Engineer [STEM, Montessori, Waldorf, & Minimalist Toys]

[@thewellnessfamily]

What are your kids favorite toys?? Please share with everyone below!

[@brendasalinas8696]

My daughter loooves playing with her stuffed animals she loves putting pampers on Mickey Mouse and Pooh bear. She also really into finger painting. And pushing her dolls around. And she loves her bouncy horse I got on Amazon. Not really into mega blocks or legos at all.

[@thewellnessfamily]

@@brendasalinas8696 Thank you for sharing!

[@whatheavensaid]

Cuboro marble runs are great for kids and teens. Little kids can fit them together easily because they are cubes. Watch out for overpriced sets! A new set should be $100 to $150... Used sets are $50 to $100... I 💖 all of your suggestions!!

[@NoraConrad]

We have a pike climber and balance board and it's my 3yo's favorite toy

[@thewellnessfamily]

@@NoraConrad very cool! we haven't gotten a pike climber yet.

[@shannonahern914]

The old idea of a cardboard box being the best gift is 100% true still. When I found an awesome box at work that was used to ship a massive printer I wasted no time claiming it and my grandsons kept that box for over two years and it never stopped evolving. It started out a cave and eventually became their Odyssey from Mario Odyssey video game...they decorated it and spent hours visiting the levels of the game. It was never destroyed...they moved, and Mommy made them say goodbye to their Odyssey. They talk about the odyssey still years later. 😭

[@livsterlove5681]

My childhood was this rectangular turquoise piece of cloth with sequins from goodwill. It was a cape, a sari, a dress, a river, an ocean, a lake a baby doll blanket, a veil, a flag. It is the most memorable toy I had.

[@thewellnessfamily]

Hahaha basically a play silk! Our kids use their silks for similar purposes.

[@seeharvester]

Mine was a bath towel and a safety pin. It was my Superman cape.🕺🏋‍♀

[@louisacoote2337]

I used to nanny for a family with a baby/toddler. I used to be able to entertain him with a pillow, a blanket and a cuddly toy/stuffed animal when he was 1-ish. He/I/the teddy could hide under the blanket, the teddy bear could sleep on the pillow and be tucked in with the blanket and we could wake it up/be quiet with it, hide and seek with the teddy, peek-a-boo with the blanket, the blanket can be a cape... All the plastic, noisy, flashing toys are so overrated and unnecessary, I reckon!

[@thewellnessfamily]

Yes - totally agree!! Kids don't need much - they are creative with the most basic of things!

[@boggsmalinao]

truth we are made to believe that the latest gadgets are must haves and necessary to live…

[@jenl1541]

To encourage to be. Able to play by themselves

[@suejones92]

Use a sheet under the sensory bins and even Legos or other blocks to clean up easier!! Store one in the tub with the blocks.

[@thewellnessfamily]

Yes!! Great idea! I've heard of this but I always forget to do it; hopefully next time I remember!

[@louisacoote2337]

I’m a big fan of the Montessori education and materials, as is my sister. I love the animal/plant puzzles and the tangrams. Cardboard boxes are awesome too! In spring/summer last year, I spent loads of time outside with the boy and girl I nanny ( 5 and 8 years old). Parents had lots of furniture/stuff delivered, we used all the boxes to make houses, castles, spaceships that we taped together, coloured in and decorated. We had a complete blast!

[@thewellnessfamily]

That sounds awesome! Sound like you're a great nanny - outdoor time with boxes is far better than expensive toys :)

[@louisacoote2337]

@@thewellnessfamily Thank you, I like to think I do a good job. I try and lead by example, speaking politely and calmly to the children, and I am very creative and imaginative! Kapla are super popular here in France, but are expensive-I am sure there are just as good knock-offs for a lot cheaper!

[@thewellnessfamily]

Haha good to know!

[@louisacoote2337]

Lego/Duplo, Kapla ( flat plank version of Lincoln Logs), Magnatiles, paper and art supplies ( paint, crayons, markers...) , Play Doh, wooden play kitchen with food, pots, pans, plates and utensils, dressing up clothes... All things I loved as a child or think are awesome as a nanny. Books are also incredible!

[@thewellnessfamily]

Such great suggestions! Thank you!! I've never heard of Kapla but I'm going to keep them in mind next time I'm buying a gift!

[@Msfafapolo]

Thank you so much for not adding more trash to KZbin... lovely simple list of fun toys. Less is more! I’ve also been a bit unsure about silks, but think I’m gonna go for them! 😊 x

[@thewellnessfamily]

You are so welcome! Thank you for your sweet comment! I was also skeptical but my kids love them. At first they may be like "what the heck is this?" but if you play with them and show them how to use it as a cape, baby carrier, etc, they will start to get creative!

[@rachaelreczenski7270]

Found this still very relevant for xmas 2022

[@TheLieuCrew]

Agreed with all your toys! Magnatiles still getting played with daily around here by M and S (5.5 and almost 8!)

[@thewellnessfamily]

Thank you for watching and for the comment!! Glad to hear you agree, and that Magnatiles are still going strong. I like that I can even enjoy them as an adult :)

[@mari82cify]

I have an 18 year old daughter and I am trying to start Montessori with her. I came across your video searching for tips ideas etc. I just want to say you are amazing. Your recommendations, your in depth explanations. Everything had my attention at all times. New subscriber here. Thank you for all the great information 😀

[@mariah95]

Do you mean month old?

[@thewellnessfamily]

haha yes I'm guessing she means 18 mo.

[@thewellnessfamily]

Thank you so much!! That's so encouraging to hear.

[@Trusttheprocessagain]

@@mariah95 its never too late! Good

[@nightrunner14]

Well organized and delivered presentation of kids toys worth buying. Thank you!

[@sarahfaith6531]

Best toy review 👍 I like how you include outdoor gear, it’s so true, that’s one of the best things to have

[@thewellnessfamily]

Thank you so much!! I totally agree. The days we spend outside are our best days, and good outdoor gear can really make or break an outing, for all involved!

[@13leeann13]

Love this video! Thank you! You have reinforced the toys that I had in mind. Thank you from a engineering mom!

[@thewellnessfamily]

I’m so glad you liked it! And glad we think alike 😁

[@gdn86]

We have tons of lincoln logs in a box since they won't really play with them. They ended up dumping them out in the basement and they're an absolute mess to clean up. Maybe when they're older they will use them, but by far the worst ones to clean up. We have every size of Lego/mega blocks though, and I'm even considering a rather expensive giant block set you can build whole structures out of.

[@SvetlinNikolovPhx]

Thank you, this was a great video! We've been playing a lot with constructors (Lego and Atco from my childhood) and my 3 year old girl has gotten very dexterous with the small parts even though the minifigures are what she really loves to play with and put in cars and airplanes and other vehicles I build for her. I have this view of my childhood that when I didn't have a toy I wanted, I could build it myself from these parts and I believe this has helped me become a good engineer, so I think this is important for her as well, but I am also hoping I don't force on her what she doesn't like, so we have a lot of other kinds of toys as well. So I was a little relieved when you mentioned Legos, but also got many ideas as well :))

[@honeyyeyes]

I would love a booklist of recomendations! I take my 3 year old to the library often

[@ChaserTiponi]

Thank You! Magnetic tiles for 5 year old twins! Just ordered. Grandpa may just be a Hero. I think they will play with these for hours. Thx Agaian!

[@blackpassenger]

thanks for this. our daughter is turning two in 3 months and we just moved from cali to japan. left most her toys in san fran, so need to start a new collection.

[@thewellnessfamily]

Totally get that! We’ve moved around a bunch and these are the toys that didn’t get tossed with each move.

[@mamasarah8018]

SOOO LOVE THIS VIDEO! Thanks for sharing! Gave me so many gift ideas for my little boy! Magnatiles is already on my list. Got a list of toys and books to buy for him every month like 1-2 per month. Will definitely add Duplos, Figurines, Papers and CRAYONS, and Train Tracks! So exciteeeed! Waiting for his balance bike to get delivered for Christmas! Also, love the ROTATING idea!

[@thewellnessfamily]

Thank you so much for your kind comment!! I'm so glad it was helpful for you. Great toys can make such a difference for the whole family - hopefully your kids enjoy them, and you get a little more alone time while they are happily playing! :)

[@mamasarah8018]

@@thewellnessfamily Awwwwe thank you! :) :) :) I enjoy watching your videos while taking down notes haha they're awesome. Keep sharing, momma!

[@GabrielleMarie]

So helpful thank you!

[@thewellnessfamily]

You're so welcome! Thanks for commenting!!

[@Moveimageable]

Thanks for all recomendations.

[@diamondpenny]

Such an amazing video! Great tips and points about toys! I really loved your point about having different races of dolls for children.

[@thewellnessfamily]

You're so welcome! Thanks for watching!! Yes diversity in dolls is so important! A "look-alike" doll can be fun, but not very practical for teaching kids about the beauty of diversity!

[@leolovetoparty]

There's so much to love about your video - thank you so much!

[@thewellnessfamily]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@whatheavensaid]

Cuboro marble runs are great for kids and teens. Little kids can fit them together easily because they are cubes. Watch out for overpriced sets! A new set should be $100 to $150... Used sets are $50 to $100... I 💖 all of your suggestions!!

[@thewellnessfamily]

Good to know!

[@JA-vv8wy]

I’m watching this because I’m running out of things to do with my 13 month old. I’m trying to not spoil him with tons of toys & play with him looking through cabinets, etc. but he’s starting to want to do more.

[@thewellnessfamily]

Yes you're right, a 13 mo old does not need tons of toys! Getting him outside will entertain him for a long time (sticks, pinecones, acorns - those are great, free toys!). Open ended toys that can be played with in many different ways are ideal because they can be played with again and again.

[@kisad]

I loved this video so much, loved the content.. I do love Montessori's and Waldorf's philosophies ans I enjoy so much watching people spreading somehow how to apply it (Here you give an example with toys) and I agree with all you said.. Kids don't need much and open ended toys are the best for sooo many reasons.. Cheers to you, awesome content and thank you for sharing..

[@thewellnessfamily]

Thank you so much!! I so appreciate your kind feedback! Yes - kids are so creative they don’t need much to have fun :) I wish more people knew all this so happy to share!

[@marlettepalma9089]

Su h a great video thank you so much!! I had fallen into a cycle of buying a Tom of random toys. Now I'm getting rid of everything and starting over! I have a 10 y.o 7 y.o and 3 y.o This video helps so much!!

[@thewellnessfamily]

I'm so glad!! Yes get out of the cycle! We generally buy 2 toys for each kid a year (1 for birthday, 1 for Christmas).

[@priyankasingh1721]

I loved the video. Awesome ideas.

[@jakobbourne6381]

I would suggest something such as *personalised childrens books* - it's the book but w/ special labels and cover design. It's not the most fun of gifts as compared to toys and gadgets to most children but at a young age where all they receive is just that as gifts, it's better that time to time you'd want to give something such as this to build their literature and improve their learning experience while young should they pique interest in it

[@thewellnessfamily]

Thanks for sharing! My only problem with anything personalized is when you pass things down to younger siblings, it now has the wrong name. Maybe it works better if you only have 1 kid.

[@eileenreardon7887]

Excellent toy choices!! Well done!!

[@thewellnessfamily]

Thank you 🤗

[@krama017]

Great list! I have an 18mo and I have newphews that are 3-6 mo older so I never know what to get for birthdays for them. This really helped me jot down some ideas for what to search for :) I'll be looking at possibly a used balance bike!

[@aimeevargas4016]

Thanks for your review!

[@thewellnessfamily]

You're welcome!

[@annievlz5379]

Love it thanks may God bless your family and channel

[@justnayify]

Thanks for the ideas!!

[@thewellnessfamily]

You are so welcome!

[@Perfumery_by_Sabin]

Lincoln logs also taste and smell really good I remember

[@liflynn8379]

Thanks so much, we have some of these but got a few new ideas for gifts!

[@shainaschroder3903]

Best toy review video ever! Thank you sooo much :)

[@crimsonbride]

Thanks for this awesome guide!

[@thewellnessfamily]

You are so welcome! Thanks for the comment!

[@chnginglanes]

This is a fantastic video! Thank you!

[@thewellnessfamily]

You're welcome!

[@Brajesvari_108]

Hey thanks for making this video, great ideas!

[@thewellnessfamily]

Glad you like them!

[@hildab555]

This is a great list! Thanks for the video

[@thewellnessfamily]

You're welcome! My kids are still loving these toys!

[@Zaisplate]

Thank you! Love this!!

[@thewellnessfamily]

You're so welcome!

[@alexpuchala]

Really enjoyed your video!

[@thewellnessfamily]

Thank you!

[@SatendraKumar-ox7yr]

I also want (wanted - after 6 months) to study in MIT.😄

[@thewellnessfamily]

It was an amazing experience!

[@karenellsworth4683]

Thank you so much for sharing

[@thewellnessfamily]

You are so welcome!

[@canceriangal4443]

Great video. Lots of ideas

[@Jss766]

Sorry to jump on this older video but our play couch has been such a big win! Thinking about getting magnatiles and a new piece for the play couch for Christmas. What are thoughts on leap reader

[@jeancourtright9270]

It’s funny because my kids are drawn to blank sketch pads over coloring books. They prefer their own creations.

[@MehndibyAbhilasha]

Brilliant video/ thank you so much!

[@thewellnessfamily]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@faithcm]

Wonderful

[@thewellnessfamily]

Thank you!

[@whitney3258]

One book I recommend is Stuffed animals get ready for bed. My son could "read" the whole book just by looking at each photo. It's just really fun & teaching about bedtime routine at the same time. And one of our most used toys was one of those marble mazes. It has all the different pieces you can set up for your marbles to travel through. My boys are 12 & 15 & we used it with both of them & kept it bc we planned on having another. Our daughter is 3 months old & the boys can't wait to break it out. It's obviously for kids a little older or to be used supervised bc of the marbles.

[@thewellnessfamily]

Thank you for sharing!! I'll check out the book! And yes - a marble run!! I remember playing with one as a kid and loving it. I'm going to try to build a wooden one myself this spring and if it goes well I'll make a video about it :)

[@balasubramanianr3423]

Thank you

[@devonraney5170]

Excellent ❤

[@washingtonquintuna7619]

You r video it’s wonderful really great and helpful thank you.

[@thewellnessfamily]

Thank you for watching!

[@budgetwithhoks]

I loved your video!!!

[@atroy1983]

We used to do the sensory bin with beans for indoor play but it was always such a mess... maybe better for older kids. Now we have a sandbox outside and it’s much better. I feel like kids will get plenty of sensory play if they are allowed plenty of time outside.

[@thewellnessfamily]

Ya that makes total sense. A sandbox is a great trade off!

[@tdmdmt]

I subscribed keep this up love it ❤️

[@thewellnessfamily]

Thank you!

[@debhume477]

So happy I came across your video "love it" - great content. If you have time could you attach a link for the doll set figurines. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@thewellnessfamily]

yup! here is the exact set we have: amzn.to/3Ik7GXx

[@cristymcguane7184]

Question???? The Magna Tiles ,,, do the magnets stay in really good?? I ran across you looking for my 3 year old granddaughter Christmas gifts,, And I love your Ideas.... Very Creative... Love this MaMa 👐🤍🤍🤍👐 Subscribed ✨💫✨💫✨💫

[@maritzarincon]

Great video!!! 👍 thank you

[@thewellnessfamily]

You’re so welcome! Thank you for watching and for the kind comment! 😁

[@julissabackus3560]

Loved your video- i would love to see how you display these toys In their room or do you keep them in bins or boxes?

[@AR-k39]

Where did you get the black baby doll? I think my daughter would love that doll

[@thewellnessfamily]

This is the one we have: amzn.to/37qz46k​]

[@NewportSolar]

Great video.

[@shainaschroder3903]

Thank you for this video! The links you shared for the cooking and cleaning toys seem to take me to the crayons or "page not found". Would you mind sharing the links again for these please? I'd love to get my 1 year old his own cooking and cleaning toys :D

[@rupasingh2412]

Loved your video.. Thank you for sharing these. Can you share your book recommendations please

[@thewellnessfamily]

Yes I can! I have a video in the works, but to get you started, "Come on Rain" and "Jabari Jumps" are two of our all-time favorites!

[@crystalrandolph2963]

You gained a new follower . I am seeking help to be a better mom.. Thanks so much

[@gingergomez3134]

Can you please send a list of book recommendations? Thank you 😊

[@thewellnessfamily]

That's a great idea! I'm going to make my next video about my favorite books for kids!

[@spiritfilledlife79]

These are great suggestions, what would you personally recommend for a 2 year old boy's birthday? He has an engineer's mind already and we want to foster that!

[@thewellnessfamily]

I would definitely say Magnatiles (or the cheaper Picasso tiles) if you don't already have them. And if you do - get another set! The more you have the more you can build.

[@neddylim5265]

Can i have a list of the books u would recommend for a 2- 3 year old? Thanks !

[@thewellnessfamily]

Yes! I just posted a video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3uwq4Rjg6mmrLc

[@shaleahwilson]

Wonderful video. Lots of great ideas. My 1 & 3 yr old already have at least half of them but I'll definitely add the others to my Christmas list. Exactly the kind of ideas I was looking for.

[@thewellnessfamily]

I'm so glad!

[@MultiHeywatsup]

i started using some pre birth stem toys. My child came into the world singing abcd

[@louisacoote2337]

Boys should absoluutely be encouraged to play with dolls as it helps develop empathy/future parenting skills. I used to nanny two girls aged 5 and 8 plus their baby brother. He wanted to put on a sparkly dressing up dress and a crown/wand and I helped him put them on. The dad noticed and looked at me weirdly but didn’t. say anything, but I could tell he wasn’t happy. My nephew at about the same age (2-ish) was so happy to run around dressed as Elsa, so it is definitely more accepted about a. decade later

[@sevenupkyaw]

I’m a little child😂. May Elizabeth Htike ❤

[@robinjones1955]

Lots of great ideas although I'm not against plastic too.. my son is a teen now but he loved little hand held figures his whole childhood.. he collected a bunch of Star Wars figures that we had battles with every day!.. my son is an only child and I've been a SAHM since he was 4 (I had/have a lot of severe health and pain issues) .. so I was his playmate.. I think figures are great (my son also loved his Playmobil knights/pirates/etc).. from the time he was 2 he's had an incredibly long attention span.. he'd he obsessed with lots of long and detailed movies that he'd love to watch and act out..lol.. So I think it's ok to have plastic figures of their favorite movie characters, etc.. in addition to the little wooden dolls.. and I highly recommend bins of plastic animals.. for little ones and Schleich brand makes highly detailed animals. They are more expensive but never break, etc.. and even a but older kids love to collect.. We still have my son's figures boxed up in tge attic for his kids.. so I'd say my favorite toys for 1-4 yo was figures, books, and blocks.. I wish Magnatiles were around when Scott was 4-7 yo.. he disliked Legos because they'd frustrate him - he'd love that the magnatiles hold together..

[@prettylady2114]

Is this good for boy girls & boys ? I seen the train track & didn’t know? First time parent here..( I have a the year old daughter)

[@reneenolan8163]

All three of my daughters have loved train tracks

[@seeharvester]

I'm drawing the line at my grandson playing with dolls. Sorry if you think I'm wrong. I'll be getting him those Magna Tiles instead. He's 2.5 years

[@sevenupkyaw]

But I don’t have dos. May you hhh ❤

[@sevenupkyaw]

We by ❤

[@jeslovesjesus]

I was enjoying your video but you lost me at systemic racism. I’m black and grew up around predominantly white people and never once felt less than. I have always had the same exact opportunities as my white counterparts and yes…we were poor. I wasn’t raised to have a victim mindset which is why I accomplished the things I have in life and I can also take responsibility for the things I was not able to accomplish because of my own bad decisions. You are being lied to for the sake of political power. Please read Thomas Sowell. Black people are not oppressed and white supremacy does not exist, this is a spiritual battle we are facing. You seem like a very smart woman and I appreciate all the recommendations. This video is a couple years old so I really hope that by now you’ve been exposed to the truth. ❤

[@priceandpride]

Please teach love for books about cultures and gay folks are really important too

[@KerryBuchanan]

You're a mom?? You look like you're 13 years old! lol!

[@thewellnessfamily]

haha I get that a lot. I had my first when I was 24 years old.

[@DM-kb3bi]

The term people of color is crapping on people of color. Its better to say black, white or brown. Asian, African or caucasian. But great vid, thank u.

[@Lamamalou]

How do you figure she’s “crapping on people?”. POC is widely used , not everyone thinks it carries a negative connotation .

[@thewellnessfamily]

I also disagree, but thanks for sharing your opinion.

[@sarahgbadebo9415]

I disagree. As a person of color myself, I don’t mind being referred to as such.

[@hyberkonawa272]

boys playing with doll??? I disagree. I would give my nephew an action figure instead or one of those action figures I used to play in the 90's such as MAX STEEL. Well actually he is more interested in cars so maybe a Hot-wheels cars?

[@thewellnessfamily]

totally fine to disagree. I think boys playing with dolls teaches them empathy and how to care for another human - important characteristics always, but especially if they one day become a husband or dad! I think only giving dolls to girls can continue the thinking that moms do all of the care for kids while dads work outside of the home (or worse, relax and watch football).

[@nancysampson786]

Loved your video. I was a teacher for many years and just thought you were great. I would like to know the name and manufacturer of the safe knives you are going to purchase so that the children can cut their apples etc. Thought these were great! Thank you for your presentation and I will be watching now that I am a Grandmother.

[@SleekMouse]

didnt get anything from this video. Already had magnetic tiles.

[@sygt42]

This is helpful thank you!

[@thewellnessfamily]

You're welcome!

[@ohhhgggeeezzz]

uhhhhh I am late, got all the wrong toys... LoL.

[@thewellnessfamily]

Well there is always birthdays to buy for, or next year, or return and buy different! Remember, kids don't need much!

[@ReggaeRedeemer]

You lost me at “systemic racism”

[@angidaminescu1340]

This is AMAZING 😍❤️ I am Soo down to all this..my son has most of this things and it's so great for him❤️ This content was exactly what I needed thank u so much

[@thewellnessfamily]

You're welcome!

[@eternalili5301]

I really love the idea of creating a sensory bin❤

[@Lazykitty261]

I like wood toys but they are hard to clean .

[@jessicamartinez-ov6cu]

I was listening until you said "systemic racism". Now you lost all credibility in my eyes

[@Anna133199]

Unfortunate that you're so closed off to a different perspective. Your loss. The studies she mentioned are real.

[@rachelstrode652]

Great video! You come across very smart and a wonderful mom! Subscribed and hit like 😄

[@thewellnessfamily]

Thank you so much for commenting, liking, and subscribing!! I so appreciate the support!!

[@crissidares8461]

Fab video! Thanks 😊

[@thewellnessfamily]

You’re welcome 😊

[@deniseparis6820]

Great video!

[@thewellnessfamily]

Thanks!

[@MACLOVINNN]

what books do you recommend for 3-5 year olds?

[@honeyyeyes]

great tip on the crayon vs markers. My 3 year old loves markers but I am going to start getting her to use crayons more often