Hellobee

{Note: This round-up skews towards “boys” since that is what I know and love… but most of these can easily skew towards “girls” or “one of each” with some different selections in patterns or kits!}

One of my favorite parts of our first visit with Pint-Sized Picasso is that within five minutes of meeting, he and Mini Michelangelo were happily playing… together. And since then, it hasn’t really stopped. Oh sure, we have our share of arguing, bickering and even the occasional knock-down, drag-out fights here… don’t get me wrong. Overall though, it’s a pretty ideal situation for playmates. The wish lists have already begun here and there is a surprising amount of items on there that can easily be played with by two. In fact, many of them require teamwork and two players… something I won’t argue! I mean, really, what’s better than your kids learning life skills while playing?! That’s a win-win in my book. Following are some of our favorites that seem to stand the test of time, as well as some wish list items of our own. Some of them are “two of the same,” and some of them prove that “two is better than one when it’s time for fun!” While each of our boys will get some gifts custom-tailored to their personal interests, I also plan to have a couple under the tree that cater to playing together.

A lot of the items on my list are classics. In fact, they are so classic that I can remember playing with several of these with my sister when we were young. But, it seems that many things get refined (read: BETTER) with the passage of time… so I’ve tried to make this list a little more contemporary, but still build on the same foundations that provided so many happy memories for my sister and I growing up. There’s something to be said for toys that stand the test of time, no?!

So here’s a collection of the Paintbrush’s Top Twelve Toys for Two. In no particular order, of course!

2. Tent/Sleeping Bags/Headlamps: Forts are an absolute must in this house. The bigger, the better. We have a big basket of yards of fabric that I’ve sewn together to make this possible. (Because sometimes heavy blankets can compromise your structure, you know!) Sometimes, the boys make sprawling abodes that allow them each a space of their own… other times, they have a fort the size of a rabbit hole and cuddle together. Lately, I’ve heard a lot of talk about going camping (I completely blame Curious George for this one. He makes it look so fun!) I’m not ready to sign up for that little “adventure,” but I sure can try to recreate it in the comfort of our own home.

3. Bounce House: I know, I know… I’m crazy. But hear me out. For Mini Michelangelo’s first Christmas home, all his extended relatives on my side of the family pooled together and purchased this for him. Since we are lucky enough to have the space, it’s used mostly indoors during cold weather. (And if you’ll recall, last winter provided lots of cold weather.) This has provided hours and hours of entertainment, as well as a really good way to burn off all that extra energy. It also provides a really good bonding activity, no matter what the age. Yes, this was a huge gift… But it has been worth every. single. penny. If you don’t have the space or budget for one of these, I’d recommend checking out one of the bounce house places that now span the country. Many of them offer gift cards or multi-visit passes.

4. Bubbles… Big, Huge Bubbles: I don’t think any parent will deny the amazing powers of bubbles. Our favorite bubbles here—hands down—are the Gymboree Bubble Oodles. Or, they were. Until we discovered dipstix bubbles that is. Bubbles are great… BIG bubbles are awesome. And the fact that this really builds on teamwork and helping each other makes it even more appealing. Right now, Mini really does the bubble making and Pint-Size uses every.single.ounce.of.restraint. not to pop them… but I do sometimes hear Mini helping Pint-Sized try it out himself. One day, I see us needing two of these!

5. Board Games: We are quickly on our way to family game night here, and I couldn’t be more excited! Both boys adore board games, and while the age difference does make this a little more difficult… you can’t argue the appeal of a well-stocked game cabinet. Both boys have several games on their wish lists including classics like Sorry, Trouble, and Monopoly as well as cooperative games like Feed the Woozle and Stone Soup. Our number one recommendation for a budding board gamer is Sneaky Snacky Squirrel or Count Your Chickens. There have been many an hour spent on those games here!

6. Puzzles: In all fairness, we sometimes have to divide and conquer our puzzle-doing in this house… but it’s such a great toy that grows with them, I couldn’t resist putting it on the list. Puzzles are great wind-down toys here… and after all the “noise” of all the other toys… I think we all appreciate some nice, quiet puzzle time. (Solar System, Space)

7. Plasma Cars:  Mini Michelangelo received one of these for his birthday this past summer. It quickly became apparent that Pint-Sized wished he had received one too. We borrowed a friend’s car to try it out and quickly found that the boys played longer when they both had one to zoom around on. With two to call our own, they have more “train rides,” “races,” and “scoot and see” adventures through the ‘hood.

8. Bildopolis: What kid doesn’t love a cardboard box!? I know mine LOVE them! And as I mentioned before… they love forts. Bildopolis combines the two, and encourages kids to think outside the box (their pun… completely intended) and build their own world. The kit has shown up on our radar many times recently… and we’ve all taken note. I mean, it looks awesome, and my mama-sense tells me it would provide hours of fun. It’s been on their wish list for months and I’m really hoping it shows up under the tree… because even I want to play!

9. Magna-Tiles: Mini received his first set of these when he was two. Over the years, toys have been rotated in and out… except for these. They have stood the test of time and are still one of the first toys pulled out when the boys go to play. They incorporate them into everything these days! Trains get magna-tile tunnels, toys get sorted into magna-tile bins, the list goes on. Once you get over the sticker shock, you realize they are completely and totally worth it. When it’s too quiet in the other room, my heart stops. And then I hear the “click” of the pieces going together. A peek in usually confirms that they are working on yet another mega-magna-tower.

10. Subway Trains: Another classic, but with a twist! Two years ago, we did a trip to NYC for the holidays. In our journeys, we visited the Transit Museum and Gift Shop. Mini very quickly decided that Thomas was old news, and started petitioning for subway cars instead. Someone was sweet enough to gift him with a few at the holidays the past few years. We still find Thomas and Friends pushed under the couch, making room for the subways instead. (FYI: All our subway cars fit on the Thomas tracks) Often times we will find sprawling subway systems in our house. Complete with Magna-Tile tunnels, natch. If you want, you can also grab some subway-themed books too. One of our favorites is “Subway,” by Christoph Niemann

11. Duplos: A classic, no?! But… you can never have too many duplos! The boys have created whole cities at this point. And while Mini is on the older side for this all-time fave, he’s definitely been found digging into the bin next to Pint-Sized.

12.  Workbench & Tools: “Fixin’ Stuff” is a long-time passion here… but tool kits have fallen flat in the past. A few months ago, we were in a waiting room that had one of these, and the boys were very disappointed when our name was called! It’s big enough that they can share the workbench, but not so big as to take up too much room. One bench, and two belts make this a potential for the “big gift” under the tree. The mini market that we have has proven that this “co-gift” works well for our boys. (And I highly recommend the mini market if you don’t want to go down the workbench road. Ours is no longer being produced… but many of the big time retailers have great options.)