When you’re stuck waiting somewhere—for the doctor, in line at the DMV, on the subway, or just for brunch—keeping an energetic little one occupied can be a major challenge. Have no fear. We’ve got a list of awesome, do-almost-anywhere activities that will keep you and your baby busy and keep waiting room crankiness at bay. Try a couple, and watch the minutes fly by.
Copy Cat
Mimic the sounds your baby makes—coos and ba-ba-bas—mixing it up by stretching them out a little. Try making a few funny faces, and watch as your baby pushes her lips to copy your fishy face. With older babies, you can add in gestures and body movements like lifting your arms, clapping, nodding your head from side to side, or stomping your feet.
Peek-a-Boo
This classic gets extra special from a kiddo’s perspective if you just toss a blanket over your head and wait for your baby to pull it off. Or, when traditional peek-a-boo gets old, try hiding a toy instead. Grab a stuffed animal, hide it behind your back or under a blanket, and see if your little one can find it.
Crinkle Crinkle Paper Ball
Paper’s available pretty much anywhere, from the placemat at a restaurant to the paper cover on the exam bed at the doctor’s office. Hand that good stuff over to your little one to crunch, crinkle, and rip to shreds. You can even scrunch it up to make a ball that you two can toss back and forth.
It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s a Flying Baby
Bounce that baby up into the air and swoop her around. Add in a few spins and you’ve got your own mama-powered thrill ride. Flying babies are happy babies.
What’s in the Bag?
Textures are fascinating for little ones, especially when they’re unseen. Find a small bag or an empty tissue box, slip different objects inside (soft fabric, a sippy cup, a spoon, smooth rocks, a teething ring), and let your baby reach in to explore the invisible wonder.
Photo Credit: Oz Spies
Ice Ice Baby
The next time you’re waiting in a restaurant, try this: dip a spoon into your water, and scoop out an ice cube. Put it on the table in front of your kiddo. Watch her fascination as she touches and tries to catch the slippery wonder.
Build and Crash
Stack up a few things and encourage your baby to stomp (or crawl) over, Godzilla-style, and tip them to the ground. A tissue box plus cotton balls at the doctor’s office, a stack of board books, plastic spoons—anything that can balance precariously for a few moments and then tumble to the ground is great fun for little ones.
Nursery Rhymes
Great for literacy development, there’s a reason they’ve never gone out of style. Sing a little Itsy Bitsy Spider with your best preschool teacher-style enthusiasm. If you don’t know the hand motions that go along with the nursery rhymes or want to learn a few new ones, check out this resource created by librarians.
Dip into Your Bag of Tricks
A small container of bubbles can take you far if you’re outside and waiting around – keeping one in your diaper bag means you’ll always be prepared for fun. Cheerios, when handed out one at a time, give your kiddo a chance to work on fine motor skills and extend interest longer than handing over a full snack container. You can even create a new challenge by slipping a single Cheerio inside of or underneath a clear baby bottle cap and asking your baby to retrieve it. And now’s the time to pull out anything that makes noise—if you have a small music-making toy that drives you nuts at home, keep it in your diaper bag to pull out when you’re on the go.
Watching the World Go By
Furry creatures are endlessly fascinating. If you’re stuck somewhere with a window, peek out the window and hunt for dogs or cats. Or try counting trucks as they drive past. Your enthusiasm is what will make this one: if you exclaim with fascination about the animals or vehicles you see out there, there’s a good chance your baby will get on board.
Funny Stuff
If all else fails, put a shoe on your head. Find something random, pretend it’s a hat, and do your best Three Stooges-style pratfalls. Toddlers are sure to dissolve into giggles.
Make sure to capture all the silly moments—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.
Today’s generation of kids might be living in a world with AI, self-driving cars, and other things we used to only see on The Jetsons, but whether it’s learning to cook or managing a budget, there are a few essential life skills kids need to learn as they grow. “For years, researchers believed life skills, like empathy and creative thinking, were innate. Today, we know these skills can be taught and practiced,” says Stephanie Malia Krauss, author of Whole Child, Whole Life: 10 Ways to Help Kids, Live, Learn, and Thrive. Most life skills for kids can happen when their stage and situation encourage and enable it. We asked K-12 educators and child development experts to weigh in on when your crew can master life’s major skills.
Life Skills for Kids Ages 0-2
Nobody expects a baby to balance a checkbook. But there are skills that the two and under set should know before they leave this stage.
Clean Up (Everybody Everywhere)
When a child is 18 months old, they want to copy their caregivers. If you sweep the floor, they want to sweep the floor. Aghogho Boccardi, 7-12 grade educator and founder of Hope Like a Mother, started her kids on chores by having them pick up after themselves at mealtimes. “After a meal, they get down from the table and pick all the large chunks of food from the floor.” She makes it a fun game, and afterward, they help Mom with the handheld vacuum. Notably, she only started this activity when the children showed interest in wanting to sweep.
Swim
“Starting at three months old, babies can begin to learn the skills needed to have confidence in the water, such as breath control and the baby back float. From there, children that continue lessons will add to their skillsets as they master new strokes and set new challenges,” says Chris DeJong, five-time U.S. National Champion swimmer, and Founder and President of Big Blue Swim School.
According to the CDC, drowning is the leading cause of death for children aged four and under. The sooner your mini can master this life-saving skill, the better.
Life Skills for Kids Ages 2-4
By 30 months, most minis can follow simple two-step directions. They can also hold something with one hand while using the other to twist and pull. These developmental milestones mean you can introduce your kiddo to a new set of life skills.
Dress Themselves
This is the age when children want to put on and take off their own clothes. Getting up and out of the house takes three times as long, but let them do it. According to Krauss, this is when children start developing fine motor control. Learning to fasten buttons and put on their shoes gives them much-needed practice with skills they can take into learning to write.
Set the Table
We’re not saying you should give your assistant the fine china. But at this age, you can ask your child to put a fork and (plastic) cup next to each plate on the table. Bonus: you won’t have to guess if they wanted the blue or red cup. Meltdown avoided!
Memorize Your Name and Phone Number
If your preschooler can sing the lyrics to their favorite song, they can learn the seven digits of your phone number. Make it a game so they want to play along. Test your little ones at different times of the day so they’ll remember your number even if they are alone and upset.
“Elementary school is a foundational time for children to learn essential social, relational, and learning skills that they will use for the rest of their lives. Through play and projects, kids use, adapt, and strengthen their communication, relationship, and conflict management skills,” says Krauss.
Make Lunch
5-year-olds can learn cooking skills through the ‘cooking kit’ method. “By kindergarten, many children will be able to do the tasks necessary to make their own lunch if they are laid out for them. For example, they could make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich if you put peanut butter, jelly, bread, a butter knife, and a plate out for them. They may not have the executive functioning skills to be fully responsible for making their own lunch, though, and will need a little more development to be able to plan what to pack, pick out the ingredients, and assemble the lunch,” says Letty Rising, K-12 Montessori educator at Montessori Laboratory.
Get Their Own Snack
Everybody wins when your kindergartener can self-serve that after-school munch. Buy adult-approved options. Separate them into single-serve portions. Then leave them in an accessible, designated place, such as a lower cabinet or a drawer in the fridge.
Gather the Laundry
Teach your crew how to use the laundry basket. Realistically, four-year-olds will need you to point at the things that go in the laundry. Kids this age will not remember to empty their pockets. And if your kindergartener is also in charge of cleaning up their room, you will find strange things stuffed in the basket along with their socks. Wash with caution.
It’s definitely easier to do the laundry yourself in the short term. But children who start learning now will be well-equipped to wash their laundry in the middle-elementary years.
Life Skills for Kids Ages 6-8
Until six, most of your kids’ cleaning is heavily supervised and play-based. Rising says, “By the time children reach 6 years of age, they can be responsible for sweeping the floors as part of their chores, and likely also parts of cleaning the bathrooms like wiping down the counter.” This means caregivers can now pass on old chestnuts, such as “You were old enough to make the mess, so you’re old enough to clean it.” Huzzah!
Run the Washing Machine
According to Dr. Ryan Sultan, board-certified child psychiatrist and Research Professor at Columbia University, children can now learn how to operate a washing machine and fold clean laundry. They will still need periodic reminders on how much detergent to use and how to avoid turning everyone’s whites a light pink.
Operate a Microwave Alone
Microwaving a meal is a big deal for the elementary school set. And they can do so much more than warm up yesterday’s dinner or cook a box of mac and cheese. YouTube is full of recipes for microwave-friendly meals. Spend time watching the videos together for added parent and child time. Budding chefs will need to learn basic microwave safety–no metal in the microwave!—before you turn them loose.
Tie Their Shoes
Six-year-olds have the fine motor skills necessary to learn to tie their shoes. But thanks to the magic of Velcro, compressed morning schedules, and schools that insist on slip-on shoes, children are learning this skill later. According to a 2019 survey commissioned by OSGO to coincide with National Feet Week, “3 in 10 children are still unable to tie their shoelaces on leaving primary school.”
The only way kids can master this skill is with a lot of practice. If there’s no time in the morning for them to lace up their shoes, set aside time later in the day. Some children don’t care to practice this skill. If you have a reluctant lacer, dispense small rewards to get them on board.
Life Skills for Kids Ages 8-10
iStock
Your not-so-mini is one of the big kids now. With greater ability comes the opportunity for greater responsibility.
Budget Money
In his book The Opposite of Spoiled, Rob Lieber says that the main point of an allowance is to help “kids learn to save and spend money, a skill they don’t get to practice in many other ways as they grow up.” Learning to delay gratification has a whole host of benefits. According to Lieber, adults who practice self-control as children are more likely to save money and own homes. Lieber’s three-jar method to budget money for saving, spending, and charitable giving is a great place to start.
Many parents discover another upside. Children are much less eager to spend their own money. While minis as young as six can begin to budget, the mid-elementary set has a clearer grasp of time. They will be far more impressed when you say, “If you want that iPhone, you’ll need to save your allowance for six years.”
Practice Online Safety
In a 2019 study from Common Sense Media, 8-12-year-olds spend 31% of their total screen time gaming. And whether they play on a smartphone, a console, or a computer, they can bump into players they don’t know. “One of the first things children need to understand about chatting online is that they could be talking to anyone from anywhere,” advises Philip Wride, Parenting & Education Coach.
“It’s important they know not to share personal information like their name, address, or photos of themselves. The same is true if they play games online–the people they are playing with could potentially be any age. If someone asks for their name, address, or a photo, the child must understand it is a red flag activity and that they should tell an appropriate adult.”
If possible, children should play games and use the internet in a shared space where they can keep an ear and an eye on the activity.
Life Skills for Kids Ages 10-12
“By the end of elementary school, most children can engage in increasingly complex and abstract reasoning and decision making. Academic assignments and learning activities engage them as problem solvers and critical thinkers,” says Stephanie Malia Krauss.
But it’s important to refrain from allowing academic work or sports to crowd out the critical life skills tweens will carry with them into adulthood. If your crew’s time is limited, consider giving them one or two chores and rotating the assignment every week.
Take Out the Trash
Taking the garbage outside isn’t brain surgery. But there are several limiting factors to consider. Is your child strong enough to carry the bag? Are they tall enough to hoist it into the bin? Does your municipality require you to sort your trash into different containers? If the kitchen garbage is too heavy, start your tween off with the recycling.
If your family lives in an apartment with a communal dumpster, your child may need situational awareness to avoid cars in the parking lot. Take your junior janitor with you when you toss the trash and progressively hand over the job.
Make Simple Meals on the Stove
Kids can be taught how to cook on the stove in early elementary school. A tween trained in basic kitchen safety can independently scramble eggs, cook pancakes from a mix, or make a grilled cheese. They will learn best working with you, but more mature tweens can also follow (video or written) recipes. You’ll want to be on hand in case that grilled cheese turns into a flambé.
Life Skills for Kids Ages 12 and Up
iStock
12-year-olds are nowhere near old enough to live independently, but this is a great time to help them hone the skills they will take into adulthood.
Cook Family Dinner
This is when cooking practice can really pay off. Teach your tween how to make a complete dinner, then add them to the weekly cooking rotation. If you don’t have the mental energy or cooking know-how to teach this skill, consider using a service like Hello Fresh or Chef’s Plate. Each meal comes with ingredients and step-by-step instructions. Watching your kid cook while you recover from a long day at work is almost like taking a spa day. Even better, your future college student won’t have to survive on ramen packs for four years.
Balance a Checkbook
“Balancing a checkbook is a complex task that requires an understanding of basic math and financial concepts. Generally, it’s best to wait until children are in middle school before introducing them to this skill. This will help ensure they have the necessary foundational skills required to complete the task effectively. Additionally, provide guidance on how to safely and accurately manage finances, such as avoiding overdrafts and using online banking tools if available,” recommends Kalley Hartman, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist of Ocean Recovery.
Start your middle schooler off with small steps. First, show them how to keep a running total of their credits and expenses. Then show them how to reconcile their tally against the bank balance. You can use a service like Greenlight or Mydoh or act as the bank by collecting receipts and adding them to a paper ledger two days later.
Perform Basic Home Maintenance
According to Dr. Sultan, most tweens and teens are old enough to learn to change a lightbulb, unclog a drain, and reset the circuit breaker. Parents in the know will tell you that getting your teenager to unclog the toilet themselves is a game changer. And a great way to get them to use less bathroom tissue.
Teaching your kids essential life skills might feel overwhelming, but you’re not in it alone. “Kids can learn life skills anytime, anywhere, and with anyone. Children constantly observe, learn, and practice these skills at home, school, in the community, and in whatever activities they engage in. Like reading, some children will master skills more slowly and others more quickly. What’s most important is providing them with instruction, opportunities to practice, and assistance when they need it,” says Krauss.
So, you’re ready to start your baby on solid foods. At 6 months old, your little one meets the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended age to begin their foodie journey. You’ve talked to your pediatrician and decided to tempt your baby’s developing taste buds with some yummy single-ingredient bites like bananas, apples, or (my son’s absolute favorite) sweet potatoes. Now comes the big question: How are you feeling?
It’s normal to be a little (or a lot) nervous when your baby reaches a new milestone, and starting solids is no different. There’s the timing, whether you try baby-led weaning or purées, potential allergies, and the mess of it all. But on the plus, it’s a fun new activity to do with your baby and produces the cutest faces ever. (The way they pucker when they taste lemon? Chef’s kiss.) Plus, there’s nothing to fear because we’re here to help you understand the finer points of feeding. We asked the experts to reveal the most common mistakes parents and caregivers make when starting solids so you can support your baby (and yourself!) during this new and exciting stage. Here’s what they had to say.
1. Not managing expectations
Lots of parents have a preconceived idea of what this new world of solids is going to be like, coloured by loved ones, movies and TV shows, and our own imaginations. You’ll be thrilled when your infant takes to bananas and wants them all the time… until you realize that after each meal you’ll be picking clumps of the sticky fruit off the wall (and out of your hair). So managing your expectations is key off the bat.
“We tend to think that eating is an inherent skill that we’re all born knowing how to do, but that’s actually not true,” says Jenny Friedman MS, RD, Pediatric Dietitian and author of the book Stories of Extreme Picky Eating. Eating is a learned skill and it’s complicated, not to mention the fact that young babies have a natural tongue thrust reflex that pushes food out of their mouths, so Friedman says knowing that your little one will take time to learn and need to explore is helpful. In this case, playing with your food can be a good thing, and Friedman says being open and supportive through this process is a good way to start solid foods.
2. Being unprepared
When you’re starting solids you’ll also want to gear up on some practical knowledge. “Make sure you’re updated on safety and first aid courses,” says Melanie Potock, MA, CCC-SLP, a speech-language pathologist who specializes in pediatric feeding and author of the book Responsive Feeding. This way you’ll feel more confident going in.
You’ll also want to read up on the different schools of thought on how to approach solid foods. You pretty much have three options, explains Potock: parent or caregiver spoon-feeding with purées, baby-led-weaning where babies practice their motor skills by feeding themselves, or a hybrid approach. Understanding each method allows you to pivot if your chosen technique doesn’t match your infant’s preference. “In my experience, most parents do a hybrid approach to feeding,” says Potock.
3. Starting too early or too late
Are you trying to figure out when your babe is ready to start solids? There are guidelines for that. Both Potock and Freidman cite the AAP’s suggestion to begin solids at around 6 months old, and the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers benchmarks like your baby being able to support themselves while sitting up in a high chair, and trying to grab for small objects. Freidman says ideally your infant should also show some interest in food such as paying attention to the snack you’re eating and even grabbing for it. When all of these signs align, talk to your pediatrician about the feeding process and create a plan that works for you and your little one.
If your baby shows no interest in the sweetness of their sweet potatoes at first, it doesn’t mean your timing is off. Friedman explains that lots of infants need more than one exposure to a certain food to become comfortable with it. Potock adds that you can help them become more accustomed to different oral sensations by regularly changing up their teethers to safe options in different sizes and textures.
It’s also important to be aware that during your feeds it’s normal for your baby to gag here and there, and is in no way an indication that they aren’t ready for solids. Friedman says gagging is fine because it’s actually a sign that your infant is able to clear food out of their throat. Gagging is a normal reflex that’s loud and can possibly turn your baby’s skin red, whereas choking is quiet and can possibly make baby’s skin turn bluish, according to the NHS. Should you have any concerns here, talk to your healthcare provider.
4. Throwing in the dish towel too quickly
Rumor has it that all babies fuss when starting solid foods and that picky eaters abound. This is why it’s easy to believe that your baby’s pained expression means they don’t relish eating peas—or does it? “Most babies will make faces and gag occasionally at the new sensory experience of eating solid foods,” Potock says.
However, if you’re finding it hard to move past a particular bout of foodie fussiness, this may have more to do with an underlying issue like a missed nap or teething. In this case, Potock says to respect your child’s behavior and simply give them a break or try again another time. “In my experience, most babies do like most foods.” So, she encourages you not to draw any conclusions too soon about what your little likes and doesn’t like at this stage.
It’s so important and valuable to introduce your infant to a variety of flavors, textures, and colors when trying out solids. “If your child doesn’t seem to like something right away or if they struggle to eat something, try again,” Friedman says. For example, an apple can be shredded, soft-boiled in halves, or served as applesauce.
5. Putting too much pressure on yourself
Having a shared dinner time can boost your child’s self-esteem, develop healthy eating habits, and improve communication skills, according to the Family Dinner Project.org. But while sharing a meal has proven benefits and might sound easy enough, experts acknowledge that it’s just not always realistic. “I’d love it if babies could be part of family meal times,” Potock says, “but in our busy world that’s not always possible.”
Freidman echoes this sentiment, saying, “My number one recommendation is that families do what works for them.” She points out that eating together can help babies learn social skills and how to eat, engage, and share food, but that eating together is not a requirement given changing schedules, family commitments, and more. The good news is that even if only your babe is eating, you’re still spending time engaging with them and this is important, too.
6. Not reading the cues
“Baby has their own internal cues to help them know when they’re full and when they’re hungry,” explains Potock. Being mindful of these signs is a solid way to help your tot enjoy the whole process. “We know for sure that paying attention to baby’s cues and creating positive energies around the experience will help baby look forward to the feeding experience.” While picking up on responsive feeding cues like an eager expression, leaning forward with anticipation, or attempting to self-feed can let you know your little one is ready to go, there are also cues to tell you they’re done the meal—such as head turning, arching their body forward, or no longer opening their mouth—and it’s important to listen.
Reading your baby’s cues can go a long way in creating a healthy relationship with food, and Freidman emphasizes the importance of not forcing food when they’re giving you cues that they’re done. “Try to establish a responsive, respectful relationship while you’re feeding your kid,” she says.
The Fun in Food
When it comes to starting solids with your kiddo, there’s definitely a learning curve, but there’s plenty of fun to be had too. Freidman says one of her biggest pieces of advice is remembering to give your babe room to explore—and that a little mess isn’t the end of the world. “When you’re constantly wiping your child’s mouth and catching their food, you’re minimizing their experience of exploration,” Freidman explains. “So wait until the end of the meal and then clean up.”
And of course, all that mess lends itself to one last piece of advice from Potock: “Get the camera ready because it’s pretty cute!”
Now is the time to deck out your backyard for summer. Kids’ playhouses—which afford the same amount of fun without the possibly (probably) very germy play places—are selling like hotcakes. We discovered some of the most popular kids’ playhouses parents are buying right now, from beloved brands like Little Tikes and Step2. Are you going for the wooden playhouse in a modern style or opting for the epic two-story playhouse with a slide? Read on to find your perfect match!
Cozy Escape Wood 2-decker Playhouse with Twisty Slide
Bed Bath & Beyond
It's the New Orleans vibes for us, but the twisty slide doesn't hurt.
We love this white playhouse that allows you to jazz it up with their favorite colors! There's picnic seating on one side and a serving window on the other.
This adorable playhouse is full of learning opportunities. Made out of Baltic birch plywood, it is designed to encourage children's creativity, communication skills, fine motor skills and first educational skills. With numbers, letters, clock parts and mathematical symbols, there's tons for kids to do. Bonus: it's super easy for parents to put together without any additional tools needed!
Not only is this cute, but the best part is the unique folding mechanism that allows it to be easily stored when not in use and the carrying handle that makes this the most convenient climber for your family!
How cute and boho is this yurt-shaped playhouse that doubles as a playpen for babies? We can totally see this set up as a backyard oasis with tons of pillow poufs and some twinkle lights.
This open-ended play structure is full of pretend-play opportunities for kids of all ages. Snag that cloth covering as an add-on and you'll have shade from the summer sun if you want to place it outside. You can also add on the play stove if you want to get your kids cooking.
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
When it comes to plastic Easter eggs, we often end up with way more than we know what to do with, so we looked around and found some fun and easy plastic Easter egg crafts and activities that kids will love. From using them as a soap mold or mini planter to festive bunny-themed décor, there are plenty of ways to reuse plastic Easter eggs.
No brushes are needed when you paint with Easter eggs! This creative plastic easter egg craft from Tinkerlab lets your littles express themselves with lots of color.
Why buy soap when you can make it, and in an egg shape at that! This easy-to-make plastic easter egg craft from Mad in Crafts takes simple ingredients to whip up soap and uses plastic eggs as a mold. After four hours in the fridge, you have your own (festive) soap.
There are bath bombs, and then there are Easter egg bath bombs. While this DIY from Bitz & Giggles requires adult supervision (there's citric acid involved), your kiddos will get a kick out of making, decorating, and using these bath accessories in the tub or for some fun science experiments.
You had us at succulents. Click through the Instagram post above to see the stylish mini planters, and check out the tutorial from Kailo Chic. You'd hardly know these planters were once plain, plastic Easter eggs!
Plastic Easter eggs and pipe cleaners are all you need to whip up a bouquet that lasts forever. Marie from Make and Takes whipped up a simple array of flowers in a flash, and your kids can too—this would be one fun afternoon activity.
Those plastic Easter eggs aren't just for hunting! You can turn them into festive decor like this adorable garland from The How To Mom. String up with some simple pom poms and you have a simple decoration that kids can help make.
This genius plastic Easter egg craft from Made Everyday is bound to be a hit with your budding musicians. They’ll have a blast filling and decorating the maracas, not to mention the hours of entertainment once they’re done.
It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a plastic egg? Using stuff you probably have in your desk drawers (tape, paper, etc.), you can make a few rockets and let the kids race them in two ways—into the sky or back down to earth. Find out what you’ll need for this fun project at Inspiration Laboratories.
Why should bunnies have all the fun? With some bird feed, it’s a cinch to make a yummy snack for feathered friends. Want to know exactly what’s needed for this project? Get the answers over Playing House in Maryland.
Craft a colorful wreath perfect for spring like this one from Crazy Little Projects. It’s easy to make using just a few craft store supplies and cute enough to display all season long.
We are still blinking in amazement over this upcycled DIY. You can make a gorgeous tea light flight for next to nothing with a few supplies (including hot glue and paint). Find the how-to, and the answer to the question “will the eggs melt?,” over at Taylor Made Creates.
Easter eggs become entirely new with these adorable hot air balloons from Snowdrop and Company. They’ll make a whimsical decoration for your little one’s room or can be used to stash secret treats.
Keep the spring feeling around longer by creating a mini terrarium. We love this version from The House that Lars Built; not only are the eggs gorgeous, but the flowers aren’t real, which means you and the kids can enjoy the fruit of your labor for more than a few days.
Perfect for toddler hands, easy-to-grip plastic Easter eggs make an awesome addition to any artsy afternoon. Find out what kind of paint to use, and other handy tips, over at Buggy and Buddy.
How cute are these little bees from Tried & True? We love how simple they are—you can craft a flock of them in no time and string them up to add some color to your space.
Easter eggs … if you’ve got a few (or 100) laying around after the big day, you can easily set up this sensory project we spotted at Little Bins for Little Hands. All you’ll need is soap, water, and enthusiastic kids.
How awesome are these frozen yogurt molds from Mama. Papa. Bubba? The hardest part of this brilliant idea is making a place for the popsicle sticks. With just a little planning (and an electric tool), you’ll be on your way.
We love this craft-meets-learning activity from I Can Teach My Child. Kids will have a blast practicing their numbers while building fine motor skills. Once it’s done, they’ve got a cute playtime-ready snake.
You can’t go wrong with good old-fashioned competition, and this idea from A Mom with a Lesson Plan will keep the kids occupied for hours. Gather your plastic eggs and empty water bottles, and you’re halfway there.
This adorable mobile made from recycled plastic Easter eggs is not only the perfect touch to a kid's room, but it's also pretty simple to do. Jennifer Perkins breaks it all down for you, including the how-tos and the supplies you'll need, here.
It’s hard to believe that little one, who used to fit snugly in the crook of your arm, is finally ready for kindergarten… or are they? Maybe you should wait another year? After all, what is the right kindergarten age? Especially since the practice of “redshirting” kids—giving them an extra year before starting kindergarten (making them one of the oldest as opposed to the youngest)—has risen in popularity. But like most trends in the parenting world, it leaves parents wondering if it is a good idea. That’s why we looked at the studies and asked experts to weigh in on what is the right age to start kindergarten. Here’s what we found.
Getting Kids Started in Kindergarten
The preschool years are over and it’s time to start kindergarten. But where do parents start? Where we do with all things—online and by asking other parents. Now is the time to check out your local school’s website or find and join parent Facebook pages or other social media accounts associated with the school. Other suggestions include talking to parents with older kids and asking your preschool teacher about local schools and expectations. There are lots of resources out there for parents with inquiring minds.
Kindergarten First-Year Enrollment
Although kindergarten enrollment varies from state to state, parents can expect to encounter some similar requirements no matter where they live. Here are a few universals:
In most states, kids must turn five years old by a certain date, usually September 1.
Many schools require kids to have certain vaccinations before starting school; check with your district about specific requirements.
Most will ask for proof of residence. A utility bill or other piece of mail works fine.
You may be asked to provide a copy of your child’s birth certificate to enroll.
What Do Kids Learn in Kindergarten?
Although the curriculum varies from district to district across the country, parents can count their kindergartners learning the alphabet, sight words, phonics, and basic sentence structure as part of Language Arts. Math covers basics like number recognition, counting, addition and subtraction, measurement, and basic geometry. Additionally, hands-on activities and play-based learning help kids learn about real-world concepts like weather, plants, and animals. But many would say the most important things kids learn in kindergarten support their social-emotional growth (or soft skills) like building relationships, solving conflicts, and developing empathy and self-awareness.
What is the difference between Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and Transitional to Elementary School (TES)?
Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is a two-year public school program designed for kids who turn 5 between September 2 and December 2 of the school year. It provides an additional year of instruction, focused on developing social-emotional skills, language and literacy, math, and physical development, to support kids who may not be ready for kindergarten.
Transitional to Elementary School (TES) is a program offered by preschools or childcare centers to prepare children for kindergarten. It typically focuses on language and literacy, math, social-emotional development, and basic self-help skills so kids can successfully transition to the academic and social expectations of kindergarten.
Your kid will (probably) be more willing to sit still if given an extra year.
Whether or not your five-year-old will sit still during circle time or stay on task at writing centers (or at home) may depend on their age, since younger children generally have a harder time doing both. Studies have shown that kids are often misdiagnosed with behavior problems in kindergarten when in fact, the behaviors are just a matter of being younger than classmates. And, according to this Stanford University study, children who wait a year to enroll have significantly lower levels of inattention and hyperactivity—with results continuing even at age 11.
Your kid may be misdiagnosed with ADHD if they start too early.
All those wiggles in the classroom may have some unintended consequences for kids regarding the right age to start kindergarten. A 2018 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that kids who turned five the month before starting kindergarten were more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than those who started the month that they turned six. "Our findings suggest the possibility that large numbers of kids are being overdiagnosed and overtreated for ADHD because they happen to be relatively immature compared to their older classmates in the early years of elementary school," said study author Timothy Layton, an assistant professor of health care policy at Harvard Medical School, in this article for Education Week.
An older child will probably have an easier time saying goodbye to you.
Younger kids—especially those who haven’t attended a preschool program—may have a tougher time saying goodbye in the morning (and we all know how hard it is to leave a tearful tot at drop-off). Giving your child more time to become independent may help her let go when it’s time for the school day to start. with the in-home model of learning most schools will use this year, it may be challenging to start a drop-off situation mid-year should children resume in-class learning.
Their fine motor skills will be more developed.
Older kids usually have an easier time with fine motor activities (holding a pencil and using scissors, for instance). Doing these things can help build confidence and make a kid more excited about their accomplishments at school.
They have more time to be kids; you have more time with them.
Waiting to start formal schooling gives kids more time to be kids, to enjoy a more leisurely day, and to play freely (which, studies have suggested may be more valuable than academics for young children). Delaying kindergarten also gives you one more year with your child. If you're lucky enough to be home with your kiddo, you'll be glad you got that time.
An older child may be taller than their classmates; that matters (especially in middle school).
You may not be thinking about the teen years yet, but let’s not forget: A child who is the oldest kid in kindergarten will also be the oldest in her middle school grade—and that’s no small thing, especially when puberty hits.
They may be bored (and consequently misbehave).
This study has suggested that kids who delayed kindergarten were twice as likely to drop out of high school. Researchers think this is because they reach adult age sooner, which is when kids are legally allowed to quit school on their own (most state laws require kids to stay in school until at least age 17).
That extra year may be expensive.
If you’re a working parent, delaying kindergarten means another year of paying for childcare or preschool. And, with the average cost of preschool as high as more than $10,000 per year in some states (according to this study from the Economic Policy Institute), it’s an expensive wait.
They may not find peers on their level (initially).
A year can make a big difference when you’re only still in your first decade of life. This means a calm, more introverted six-year-old may have trouble finding like-minded peers in a kindergarten class full of rowdy five-year-olds.
It may not matter in the long run.
Despite conflicting research and strong opinions on both sides, it is still unclear whether “redshirting” makes any difference in the long run. Some studies even suggest that, whether your child starts school a year early or a year late, it all levels out by the middle school years.
With all that information, you’re probably still wondering: What is the right age to start kindergarten? The answer: Both. It depends on the kid.
“Kids should be with developmental age peers as much as possible since kindergarten builds not just academics but social skills, too,” said Deanna Lapen, a Los Angeles-based school psychologist and former kindergarten teacher. “With that being said, every child is an individual. Parents should think about why they would consider redshirting.”
Lapen said parents should talk with their child’s preschool teacher (if applicable) as well as look at the kindergarten curriculum for whatever school their child might attend. Then ask: “Is the upcoming kindergarten class a place where the child will thrive socially and academically?”
If so, don’t delay. And, as always—trust your instincts.
If there’s one thing the Easter Bunny (ahem, you) knows, it’s that there are plenty of treats and sweet Easter basket fillers floating around on the big day. That’s why a basket not brimming with sugar is a good move for you and the kids. They’ll have fun surprises and Easter basket stuffers to enjoy, and you’ll be spared the inevitable crash after one too many chocolate bunnies.
We’ve curated a unique collection of Easter basket fillers for kids of all ages—even hard-to-please tweens. Believe it or not, there are a ton of fun and adorable fillers that don’t include a sugar coma. Pick one or two special gifts to surprise them with on Easter morning, or go all out and welcome the unofficial start of spring with a huge haul. Whichever way you go, these picks are sure to get the Bunny’s stamp of approval. So sneak a Peep or two (we won’t tell) and check out our list of basket-ready ideas.
Amuseable Tulip Pot
Jellycat
Did you squeal a little? We did. A plush pot filled with tulips and a contented little demeanor are exactly what we needed but didn't know it.
If you can find a better spring-inspired sock, let us know. We'll wait. If florals aren't what you're after, though, Sock Candy has a bunch of fabulous sheer (and not-so-sheer) socks to check out, too.
Older kids especially appreciate a more involved Lego build, and this cheerful watering can is absolutely ready to display for spring. It's a 3-in-1, so they can build perching birds or a rain boot, too!
Skip the wet paint and go straight to stickers with this puzzle art activity book. With 10 colorful pets to sticker-'paint', it's a great choice for any upcoming spring break travel, too.
A miniature desktop greenhouse complete with tiny gardening tools is perfect for spring. It's a craft-meets-science-project that lets them experiment with seeds and soils over and over.
These interlocking pieces are like if a puzzle and Legos had a baby that create 3-D builds like this adorable bunny and chick, complete with carrot and an Easter egg! This one is adorable for Easter basket stuffers.
When these prehistoric eggs get submerged in water, they crack and hatch a dino within 72 hours! (We don't know that's not how it really happened, right?)
This sparkly set includes 2 pre-printed window designs, 2 color guides, over 1000 SunGemmer gemstone sun-catching stickers, a double-sided mounting tape, plus full instructions.
You probably didn't know baby plants could be so darn cute, but don't feel bad. We didn't, either. This bundle comes with 6 eggs, each with a baby plant ready to hatch, and a collectible mini-poster inside.
We all remember our first digital pet, their little habitat hanging from keyrings on our backpacks. Bitzee is the next generation, with 15 pets inside that all react to touch: pets, swipts, and tilts. It's the #1 most-gifted on Amazon, so you know it's good.
Bring home a (plush!) Easter Bunny of your own and make a direct contribution to protecting animals your kiddo loves. The Snowshoe Hare Adoption Kit includes a plush bunny rabbit, an adoption certificate, a trading card, and a poster with fun facts to learn about your new fluffy friend (here's one: after blending in with its snowy surroundings all winter, the Snowshoe Hare changes its fur back to a rusty brown to celebrate spring!)
This extra-large, 8in diameter scrunchie is the perfect way to add a little extra oomph to any outfit, plus it works with most hair types. Available in 3 colors.
Everyone loves goodies with their zodiac sign, and this little bowl is ideal for jewelry, change, or tiny treasures your kids collect throughout the day. All 12 zodiac sign designs are available.
There's no better way to celebrate the warmer spring weather than by getting a little messy. These throwable paintballs have all the splashy fun of traditional paintballs, without the high-impact launching. The paint is washable and non-toxic, too. Available in multiple colors.
If decorating-with-stickers was a class, our kids would get an A+ every time. It's become a real art, and this sticker is a must-have addition to their collection.
No one ever said Rubik's Cubes have to be in primary colors only. No one. This flowery art cube works exactly the same as the original, but with a twist. Pardon the pun.
There's a good chance your family already loves the original Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza card game (and if they don't yet, they absolutely will!), and the Easter Edition is just as much fun.
Even if you're skipping jellybeans this year, don't skip these Mini Beans! Build-A-Bear's collection of Easter basket-sized buddies includes Splatter Cow, Cool Quills Hedgehog, and, of course, Pawlette Rabbit.
Glamnetic nails are notorious for gorgeous designs, multiple length and shape options, and major staying power. We think these short mermaid-inspired nails are perfect for tweens who aren't quite ready for a full-length set. Use them with the included glue, or snag some of the press-on sticker tabs, instead, for less mess and less commitment.
NeeDoh Chicka DeeDoos Stress Squeeze Toys, Set of 3
NeeDoh
NeeDoh creates the ultimate stress ball, and this bundle of three neon chicks are here to help you knead the stress away (or to just play with for the sensory experience).
YAWN is cosmetics specifically for kids. You read that right. All of it is formulated without sulfates, parabens, phthalates, silicone, mineral oil, or talc. It's designed to be fun and a little messy. This kit comes with All Smiles Lip Balm, Totally Cool Face Multi-Stick, and Be Chill Body Balm, all in a little YAWN pouch.
Miniverse Lifestyle Home Series 1 Mini Collectibles
Target
Each ball comes with realistic mini items and accessories to make your own mini replicas of your favorite lifestyle and home decor pieces! From birdhouses to flowers, and once you've created your replica, simply set it under any UV light for the resin to harden before you display.
We'll always have a special place in our hearts for Lip Smacker, and these Easter-themed Lippy Pals come in Foxy Apple, Hoppy Carrot Cake, and Strawberry Llama. We might need a set, ourselves.
These UV-protective mirrored sunnies were made for kiddos with a style all of their own. And, of course, it's literally never too early to start protecting their vision!
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
The Bunny knows that toddlers need different goodies in their basket Easter morning. Elementary and tween-age fillers aren’t gonna do it (and probably wouldn’t interest them, anyway). Even if you plan to include a little candy (after making sure it’s toddler-safe, of course), we want to make sure they have lots of fun to unpack after the egg hunt. Whether you’re all about the big mega-baskets for the holiday, or stick to a few sweet gifts, these Easter basket ideas for toddlers are definitely going to deliver.
We rounded up all the bunnies, stuffies, crafts, and toys that are pretty much guaranteed to get them giddier than a Cadbury Creme Egg ever could. Not that we’re not into Cadbury Creme Eggs, but you know what we mean. They’re little kid-appropriate, a ton of fun, and they’re also going to last beyond Easter morning. Pretty “sweet” deal, huh? Take a look at our Easter basket ideas for toddlers below and get ready to take some ultra-adorable pics, too!
Wooden Bowling Bunny with Carrots
Jack Rabbit Creations
This heirloom (hare-loom?) quality wooden bowling bunny from Jack Rabbit Creations is so cute and engaging. Set up the carrot pins, pull back your rabbit race car, and let it go!
Your little one will develop empathy, learn to care for nature, and develop fine motor skills with this LEGO DUPLO build-and-rebuild toy. They'll learn how honey is made, water the flowers, and serve the included characters a well-deserved cup of tea (with honey, naturally).
First of all, it's imperative that we tell you that a group of bunnies is called a fluffle. Now that you know that, you'll appreciate the Duckie's Fluffle Handmade Chalk even more. Available in a set of orange/yellow/green or blue/pink/purple.
If they're more Team Bunny than Team Bee, this Rabbit Hutch Set from Schleich is perfect. Two baby rabbits are getting acclimated to their new home, and your little one can help!
These adorable little houses in pastel yellow and purple make the perfect Easter favors and basket stuffers, especially since they're filled with the yummiest-smelling non toxic modeling dough. Choose from scents like Carrot Cake, Gummy Worm, and Glazed Donut!
Every holiday could use a little magic, and when all you have to do is twist and turn this Rainbow Twirler, it definitely feels like you have your own magic wand.
No smocks, no cups, no brushes, no water. All your kiddos have to do is uncap and go for it—it dries fast! This set even includes Easter craft ideas to make the most of their new paints.
These grabber action dinos (in their own pre filled eggs, of course) aren't just for playing; they can clip onto backpacks, lunch pails, jacket zippers, and more.
Did Jellies ever really go out of style? Even if they did, they're back, and this adorable tote comes in multiple colors for all their most important things.
This butterfly garden includes (non-invasive) wildflower seeds, a paper pulp butterfly, wooden marker, and colored pencils. Toddlers can color the pulp butterfly in and mark their garden with it, too—it's backyard compostable!
Use the barrel drum packaging as your dunk tank to fill with water and reveal the colors of the two included Hot Wheels. Then, dunk them in warm or icy-cold water to change their colors again!
Crocodile Creek Playground Balls are famous for their beautiful prints that take the classic recess toy to a whole new level, like this darling butterfly print!
These are some of the coolest temporary tattoos around! Tattly's artist-designed tattoos are printed with vegetable-based ink, lasting (on average) 2-4 days!
If there's anything Peter Rabbit knows, it's carrots, so we think he's thrilled to get to cuddle up in his carrot pouch once playtime is over—they're two separate pieces!
Tap to change colors and make things even more fun by filling your Sensory Play Jar with Glo Pals' new magical Fun Fillers! Available in multiple colors, it's all locked up with a spill-proof lid and just requires 3 AAA batteries (not included).
It's never too early to start protecting their delicate eyes, and we're really digging these retro-inspired Euro Round frames (though they have a ton of different color and design options, too!).
Henry the Bunny isn't just another pretty face. Not only is he heirloom-quality and absolutely gorgeous, each doll from Cuddle + Kind provides 10 meals to kids in North America and around the world. Henry really can do everything! Available in 2 sizes.
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
Toddlers are always busting at the seams to score some fun. So why not turn downtime at home into an opportunity to expand their imagination with crafty projects that are both simple to pull off and highly entertaining? We’ve gathered more than 25 arts and crafts for toddlers that parents can turn to whenever their little one craves instant amusement.
The Best Arts and Crafts for Toddlers That Don’t Take Much Prep
1. 3D Flower Cards Look for bright days ahead with this 3D Flower Card craft for toddlers from Hello Wonderful. Help your little one draw vases on the card and then tape a single bloom inside the vase. Whether you get outdoors to pick flowers or you use silk flowers, it’s a simple craft to inspire all the senses.
2. Counting Hands
Fun and educational crafts? Yes, please! If you have a toddler that’s learning to count, check out this cute counting hands craft that offers a visual way to learn.
3. Rainbow Bookmark
Foster your kiddos’ love of books with a cute and colorful felt rainbow bookmark. Growing Up Gabel whipped up these easy-to-follow instructions for this sweet project that can be completed in just 20 minutes, with help from an adult.
4. Popsicle Stick Tent Get your little adventurer excited for the next camping trip with this easy DIY toddler craft from Glued to My Craft.
The Artful Parent
5. Sticky Wall
Combine arts and crafts with hand-eye coordination skills and set up a Sticky Wall. The Artful Parent shows us how you can create hours of fun with a simple roll of contact paper and just about anything you have that can stick to the paper. Find, stick, repeat. This is a very low-mess activity and very simple to set up. And did we mention so much fun?
6. Paper Plate Dragons Take to the skies when you engineer flying dragons. To complete this simple project, grab paper plates, paints or markers, and download this template from Pink Stripey Socks. Print, cut, color, play!
7. Stamped Paper Sheep
Make sweet sheep with paint, paper, and a few of your child’s other favorite art materials. This springtime craft is perfect for preschoolers. And bonus: it’s easy to adapt to your toddler or grade-schooler. Get the details on how to get artsy with DIY stamping from Buggy and Buddy.
8. Medieval Crown Craft This craft from First Palette is fit for the pint-sized royalty in your life. You’ll have a new addition to the dress-up bin with construction paper, crepe paper, and as much sequin bling as you can find. Head here for the full instructions.
A Girl and a Glue Gun
9. Salt Paint Draw a pretty picture with glue. Load up color and water. When you touch the salt—the paint spreads like magic. If you need help trying to figure out what to draw, check out A Girl and a Glue Gun for ideas and a full salt paint tutorial. Just remember to keep it simple. It takes forever to dry.
10. Crayon Resist Art An oldie but a goodie, this crafts technique is often used because it’s easy, quick, and adaptable. Simply draw on paper with crayons or oil pastels, and then paint over with watercolors and watch as the paint resists the wax. Check out a full how-to here, and for more resist techniques, check out these from the Artful Parent.
11. Magic Torch Reveal
This one takes a little more work from parents, but is so cool, and toddlers and preschoolers will love it. Plus, more than likely, you have everything you need already at home. Check out the YouTube tutorial and step-by-step instructions at Paging Fun Moms.
12. DIY Mini Roads Set
Pick a lane, any lane. This ten-minute craft becomes a DIY game you can break out and play anytime. Check out all the ways this mini road set, made out of popsicle sticks, can stimulate your little one’s imagination and spark joy.
13. Egg Carton Catepiller Help your toddler transform an empty egg carton into a colorful caterpillar while filling an hour of downtime with good old fashion fun. This little project from My Bored Toddler is almost too easy to set up.
14. Paper Plate Crafts
This cat craft is a great evergreen activity you can bust out any time of the year, and the best part is it’s made out of a paper plate, that you probably already have on hand. I Heart Crafty Things has many adorable ideas for paper plate crafts, so once you perfect your cat, you can keep crafting. We love this Panda Bear too.
15. Footprint Unicorn Those toddler hands and feet get so big so quickly. Use your downtime at home to make some hand and foot prints. As a bonus, you can save these to give to the grandparents the next time they visit. This unicorn from Live Learn Eat Love may inspire other ideas like dinos, birds, or trees.
16. Mosiac Earth
Don’t wait until Earth Day to celebrate and teach kiddos the importance of taking care of our planet. This Earth Craft Mosiac from Crafts by Amanda is a great way to talk to your toddler about ways to protect the planet while having fun and making something special together.
17. Cardboard Rain Stick
A rain stick makes the prettiest sound, and making one at home with a few simple items is very easy. We love the tutorial for this musical craft found over at The Imagination Tree.
18. Simple Nature Prints
The best post-walk arts and crafts activity is nature prints. Besides breaking out Play-Doh in various colors, gather a bit of nature like twigs, flowers, and leaves, and then get ready to combine two things toddlers love: crafting and the great outdoors.
19. Singing Straws
We love Handmade Charlotte’s take on the pan flute. Not only does this homemade instrument actually make music, but it’s also as bright and colorful as can be.
20. Paper Pig Activity Have friends over and set out enough materials so each kid can paint their own pig. It’s super simple, and you probably already have everything you need on hand. Plus, the easy tutorial from Oh Creative Day takes the pressure off of you.
21. Fork Tulips
Who says your crafty kid needs a brush to paint? This paper art activity celebrates spring with a paint print and a fringe of green grass. Learn how to make these cute tulips with Growing Up Gabel’s tutorial.
22. Crazy Hair Toilet Tubes For all the scissor-obsessed toddlers, grab a kid-friendly pair and let your tot practice their fine motor skills by giving their toilet paper pal from My Bored Toddler a funky haircut.
23. Paper Cup Whale Paper cups are such a handy resource to have amongst your craft supplies. This play idea transforms a humble paper cup into a fun-having whale that can add an element of drama to your child’s play.
24. DIY Animal Necklaces
Grab a few plastic animals and get crafting. These DIY necklaces from Hello Bee are colorful, adorable, and wearable.
25. Book Monsters
If you’ve got a budding bookworm in your family, you’ve got to make this adorable project from Easy Peasy and Fun. There’s lots of room for creativity—you can add eyes, teeth, horns…the sky’s the limit.
26. Painted Pasta Necklaces Dip into the pantry for this colorful craft. Then, pop over to Pickle Bum for all the details. You’ll quickly see the options are endless and the results are five stars.
27.Paper Tube Caterpillar Pom Pom Craft and learn colors with this adorable paper tube caterpillar. Color coordination never looked so fun.
Make sure to capture all the photos of your crafty tot—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.
Toddlers are non-stop. We know, we know. That’s not exactly news, especially if you’re the parent of one, but it’s worth saying. They have energy to burn; so much that we seriously wish we could bottle it. Their exploration urges are off the charts and they’re learning how to move and use their bodies in different ways. Of course, we’re always looking for toys that combine learning and fun, and ride-on toys for toddlers are high on the list. They cover all the bases and help our little ones to focus their energy in one place. That’s a win across the board.
These are the kinds of toys that encourage movement, imagination, and play, all while teaching motor skills, coordination, and then some. If you’re considering a ride-on toy, you’ll definitely want to make sure that they’re age-appropriate (but you knew that already), offer a sturdy build, and have a smooth ride, preferably for both indoor and outdoor play. Luckily, our list of ride-on toys for toddlers below have all of that plus the cutest designs ever. Cars, trucks, animals, and beyond—they really thought of everything with these. We even included options for toys that can transform as they grow and can be used along with you as the driver. Keep reading to see them all!
Little Tikes Truck
Little Tikes
This truck from Little Tikes has a drop-down tailgate and a removable floorboard for growing toddlers. With rugged truck tires, matching grill, and opening-and-closing doors, this is the truck for hard-working toddlers and all their cargo.
From a magical ride-on to a wagon with storage to a glide-along scooter, Eureka Unicorn from Skip Hop is one toy that'll grow with them. The handlebars are adjustable, too! Also available in Darby Dog.
For riding, pushing, sitting, and supported walking—this versatile design works with your kiddo’s developmental stages. Help improve their balance, coordination, confidence, strength and spatial awareness. No wonder it has an almost 5-star rating from Amazon reviewers! Available in pink, red, and blue.
A well-loved favorite among parents and their littles, the Cricket 2 is a 4-wheel (yes, 4!) balance bike for babes 12-24 months. The non-slip wheels and easy-to-control steering (with built-in limits to avoid sharp turns) make this a sturdy and comfy option for their first bike. Available in multiple colors.
How. Darling. Is. This? We can't get over this 1950's-inspired ride-on car, not to mention the cushy seat and easy steering. It comes in this pink or grey. Is it licensed by Bentley Motors? Of course.
If your kiddo is more of a modern soul, you can't go wrong with this sleek G-Wagon. It can also be used as a walker or a stroller for you to push. This baby comes equipped with removable safety guardrails, a stable backrest, and a footrest to keep them feeling sturdy and confident.
This friend is anything but prickly. Hedgehog is ultra-sturdy and soft, right down to the covered handlebar, so you can worry less about spills and bumps and they can work on their coordination (while having a blast).
The Swiss-designed smarTrike T1 includes a toddler seat, TPR rubber foot deck, hand grips, and rear brake, all made to create a smooth ride for your kiddo. With 3 adjustable stages, the T1 grows with them until they're a full-blown scootin' machine. Available in blue and pink.
Have a dino fan on your hands? The T-Rex Truck from Little Tikes is about as close to dinosaur wrangling as you can get. With options to power it on their own or let you push/pull wagon-style, it's another ride-on toy that'll keep them playing as they get bigger.
For little ones 3+, the PlasmaCar is where it's at. No gears, batteries, or pedals—just their bodyweight works to propel this car with a wiggle of the steering wheel. It's a multiple award-winner for a reason! Available in several colors, too.
This cute ice cream truck features a horn that lights up and makes sounds, a secret compartment with 6 scoops of ice cream, 3 cones, and 3 toppings, and a secret compartment to store it all.
You won't mind having this bug in your house. This cute ride-on squeaks and beeps as kids ride around the house and hold on to the two sturdy eyes to steer. It's designed to ride smoothly on flat surfaces and even has a storage compartment.
Bluey has us all hooked, so you really can't go wrong with the Bluey Ride-On Play Car. It uses a 6V4AH rechargeable battery that can be conveniently charged with the included wall charger and has a max speed of 1.5mph. It's best for little ones 2+.
The Cruise Along Scooter from Fisher-Price is a musical ride-on toy scooter with a realistic design, turn-key clicker, and motion-activated learning songs, sounds, and phrases for young kids.
Inspired by the hit motion picture, Paw Patrol team member Skye is ready to take off on this jet ride-on! There are fun sounds, a super sturdy design, and the wings even fold down during 'taxiing' down the runway.
Is it a rocket? Is it a robot? Either way, it's got a comfy seat, a smooth ride, and also comes in red. Whether they use it as a walker, rider, or pulled cart, Rocket Robot delivers.
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
