As a mom of a 3-year-old, I’ve seen my fair share of toys come and go. Some are instant hits, while others gather dust in the corner after a week. But there are a few gems that have really stood the test of time. These are the toys that have been in our home for over two years, and they still get played with regularly. If you’re looking for toys that will keep your little one entertained and engaged for the long haul, here are our top five:
Stepping stones have been a surprising hit in our house. What started as a fun way to practice balance has turned into a game that sparks creativity and movement. My child uses them to create obstacle courses, pretend they’re lily pads in a river, or simply hop from one to the other. The multi-colors allowed us to practice our color recognition when he was smaller. They’re perfect for both indoor and outdoor play, and they’ve helped my little one develop coordination and confidence in a playful, non-structured way.
The balance bike is, without a doubt, one of the best investments we’ve made. We introduced it when my child was 16 months old, and now, at 3, it’s still a daily go-to. It’s been incredible to watch the progression from tentative steps to full-on zooming around the neighborhood. Not only has it built physical skills like balance and coordination, but it’s also boosted my child’s confidence and independence. Plus, I love that it’s preparing them for the transition to a pedal bike without the need for training wheels. We did have to size up for our neighborhood walks, but the smaller one is still played with in the house.
Our play kitchen is a toy that just keeps on giving. At first, it was all about opening and closing the doors and turning the knobs, but as my child has grown, so has the complexity of the play. Now, it’s all about cooking meals, serving up dishes, and even making up recipes. The play kitchen has been fantastic for imaginative play and has also encouraged social skills, especially when friends come over. It’s one of those toys that evolves with your child, making it a lasting favorite. We’ve converted the sink from our kitchen into a useable one, even! Now our three year old will rinse off his own fruit and get himself a drink of water whenever he wants!
The wobble disk is a fantastic addition to our toy collection and has been in steady rotation for the past two years. It’s a simple yet effective tool for building balance, coordination, and core strength. My child loves using it to practice standing, sitting, and even doing little spins. It’s also been great for sensory play, as the slight instability of the disk adds an extra layer of challenge and fun. Whether it’s used as part of a larger obstacle course or just for a quick balance game, the wobble disk is a versatile toy that’s been a hit in our home. We flip ours over and add it in with our stepping stones as well!
The kitchen tower, also known as a learning tower, has been a game-changer in our daily routine. It allows my child to safely reach counter height, making it easy for them to help with cooking, baking, or just watching what’s going on in the kitchen. This has been fantastic for fostering independence and building practical life skills. Whether we’re making pancakes together or just washing fruits, the kitchen tower makes my child feel included and capable. Plus, it’s a great way to keep them entertained and engaged while I’m preparing meals. Jensen uses this daily! Jensen’s learned to crack eggs and measure flour and whisks things together all while standing in this tower.
+ Bonus - Pikler Triangle
This is a bonus because we don’t actually have a Pikler Triangle! I’m including it along with a note from a friend who DOES have one and swears by it as the best gift she’s given her kids!
The Pikler Triangle is another staple in our household that has been a constant source of fun. It’s a versatile piece of equipment that offers endless possibilities for climbing, sliding, and creating little forts. Though, the fort creation has been the most frequent use, we’ve seen it used as a mountain to conquer, a tent for quiet time, and even as part of a larger obstacle course. The Pikler Triangle has not only helped with gross motor development but has also encouraged problem-solving and creative thinking. It’s a toy that grows with your child and offers new challenges as they get older.
Why These Toys Work
What I love most about these toys is their versatility and how they adapt to my child’s developmental stages. They’re open-ended, meaning there’s no right or wrong way to play with them, and they encourage creativity, physical activity, and imaginative play. Most importantly, they’re durable and have held up to the wear and tear of daily use.
If you’re looking for toys that will keep your toddler engaged for years, I can’t recommend these enough. They’ve brought countless hours of joy and learning to our home, and I’m confident they’ll do the same for yours!