For the Love of Toys

When I visit friends and family's homes I love to see what kind of toys their children have and play with.  I'm always on the lookout for toys that stand the test of time and truly get used and loved for more than the day they are brought home because so often that is not the case.  One of my favorite blogs, Clover Lane , is hosting a link party of favorite family toys just in time for the Christmas shopping season so I thought I'd share some of ours:

My son is really into puzzles and for his age group (3 years) these are the best.  The pieces are large enough for him to easily grab and put together.  I'll admit that I like doing them too.

An old fashioned favorite.  This also includes markers, paints, and anything else they can make a big mess with.  It never seems to lose it's appeal.

Hidden picture books are a big hit with my oldest.

Of course we can't leave out Thomas and his friends.  All of the kids like these sets, even my 18 month old.  I love that the wood can take any beating that my son has given them thus far and that nothing really requires batteries.  (or at least nothing we have does.  I know that some of the newer buildings and trains do)

 

And then we have these guys and girls.  We are slowly being consumed by Barbie clothes and dolls, but again, I like that they are battery-free and require an imagination.

 

 

These are also somewhat of an odd hit and to think that a couple of years ago I was going to give them to the Salvation Army.  So glad I kept them!

 

 

 

My older two also like the Leapster 2 game system, the Loving Family Dollhouse, and having me read any book they can get their hands on.  I cannot wait for Christmas this year!  It's becoming more and more fun the older they get.