Hellobee

I thought it might be nice to compile a list of what Baby Pencil currently liked from months 12-14 months. These toys have lasted well over the past few months, so they are worth the investment!

1) Melissa and Doug Latches and Skills Board

This was a hand-me-down so I was surprised when I realized that the age level for this was 3 and up! But Baby Pencil is obsessed with shiny objects like watches and jewelry. So when I got this, I knew this would keep him very occupied even if he didn’t learn how to open the locks right away. Almost all little babies love shiny metal things, right? Most of the time we’re saying “no” so it’s great to give him a toy that he can clink and touch and is safe. When I showed him this, he smiled at it for 30 seconds as if to say, “I cannot believe I get to play with that!” I do keep it on an ottoman surface with a velcro backing where it won’t slide off so he won’t accidentally fall on the hard metal parts.

I didn’t even think about getting him some sports balls until I saw his eyes light up as he watched toddlers playing with them. I wanted to get a set where he can “grow into” vs. getting the super squishy, baby kind. These are rubbery and seem more like the real thing. They bounce and are small enough where he can pick it up. He’s definitely learning how to use his hands and walk while holding these balls, which often makes him look like a drunk little baby. A cute one, at least!

3) My Favorite Things Flashcards

I love these flashcards because they’re such great quality! The designs are so cute and he likes holding them around more than understanding what’s on them so far, but I am hoping he’ll eventually become more familiar with the letters. He’ll stare at the designs and likes taking them out one at a time from the box.

4) Lift the Flap books

He absolutely loves books and very few have survived his strong little hands. He started showing interest as early as 9 months and still likes to do it! I’ve advanced his books to Dr. Seuss so that story-wise they will “last” longer. Physically, they will not last but that is OK with me. I liked how these flap shapes were really different – although that means they rip out more easily vs. the thick baby board books. I have both kinds and he loves them all!

5) Baby Einstein Let’s Learn Book set

It’s so great to see little baby hands open a book their own size; not to mention how adorable it is. He loves these small, thick board books and will sit and “read” them one inch away from his face. Often upside down, of course. Sure he’s eaten maybe 3 of them, but he really likes being able to hold them firmly in his little hands.

6) Music toys

A friend gifted us this set and he definitely likes the shakers a lot. He’s learned how to rattle and shake things around. The drum part is a little advanced for him because I don’t leave him alone with long objects he can choke on, but the egg shaker and tambourines are a hit!

7) Zany Zoo Activity Cube

I know this is on many people’s lists, but this is by far the longest lasting and most useful toy Baby Pencil has used! (Thank you hand-me-down giver, Mrs. Heels!) He started from about month 5 and he still plays with it today! It has helped him sit up, learn how to pull himself up and also now serves as a holding corner for his baby gates since it is so sturdy. Seriously a jack-of-all-trades type of toy!

8) “Readymades” home toys (Points if you get this contemporary art joke!)

Babies seem to be interested in basically anything “new” so I give him several random objects from time to time like egg cartons, cardboard boxes of all sizes, hardcover adult books, dvd boxes, a remote control, a piece of my clothing, a water bottle filled with pennies or rice, and so on. As long as it’s “new” to him, he takes interest in it for a few days. And they’re free!

What toys have been successful for your 1 year old?