Shiny new toys with the latest technological advancements are very eye-catching and hard to resist. However, after many hours of observing my 9 month old daughter, it’s clear she doesn’t care how much her toys cost. In fact, I often find her playing with things that aren’t “toys!” It’s disheartening to see the expensive $40 talking thingamajig just sit there while she’s having a ball with some cheap dollar store measuring cups.
Therefore, I thought I’d share these five low-to-no cost toys that help baby explore and have fun. Things you probably already have around the house!
Measuring cups, spoons and other kitchen utensils
Keep them on a closed ring so they don’t get lost. Plastic or metal is fine, though metal makes more noise. A whisk, spatula, or spoon can keep them occupied while you finish making dinner.
Plastic storage containers
Various sizes nest inside one another, which babies seem to love! Fill some with rice, cheerios, and water (not all in the same one!) and put the lid on tight. Let baby have fun shaking and making noise.
Leftover wrapping paper
You hate to toss it because you might have a small or odd shaped gift that it could be used on. Let baby rip it apart! My 9 month old loves to rip paper – just watch so it doesn’t go in the mouth. This is a great time to make a mess and have a blast doing it!
Unbreakable mirror
Babies love to look at other babies, but they especially love looking at themselves! This is a good time to learn words like nose, eyes, and ears!
Wash cloth, burp cloth, or hand towel
While the novelty will wear off after a while, you can reintroduce it now and again and play peekaboo.
There’s always something new I find my little one wanting to play with, but of course not all household items are appropriate so use your parental judgment. Even though these items should be relatively safe for baby, they still require supervision while being played with. ‘
Have your little ones found favorite unconventional toys in your home?
Please Share…
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About the Author:
Darcy is a married, stay-at-home mother of one curious little girl. When she’s not playing peekaboo or singing Patty Cake, she’s busy writing at Tales From the Nursery where she shares her honest and personal experiences in parenting, breastfeeding, cloth diapering, and products for the family.
My name is Sara, I am a wife, a mom to 2 jokers also known as my little boys (a 5 year and 2yr old!), and a Special Education High School teacher...not sure I have room for anything else but I sure can try!
My favorite is just a big box. You can buy all the expensive stuff you want, but when it comes down to it all, a big, cardboard box is what gets played with most in our house…..LOL
My son’s fav toy is the box of a new toy LOL.
An old pot, a wooden spoon, and some Cheerios kept my daughter occupied while we “both” cooked dinner.
I think half of my toddler’s toys are things we already had around the house! His favorite toys include spatulas, measuring spoons, a hairbrush, tupperware, a water can and the broom!
Sarah @ made in usa challenge
New follower by the way!
Great ideas! I like to add a big bowl to the measuring cups and spoons – but not a metal one… LOL