My list is packed with thoughtful gift ideas that promote child development, encourage pretend play, and offer plenty of open-ended play opportunities. Whether you’re shopping for your own child, a grandchild, or family members’ children, below you’ll find the best things for littles to enjoy indoors and out!

Active Play Favorites for Energy-Filled Toddlers

• Toddler Trampoline: A great toy for building balance and coordination, plus it helps get the wiggles out!
• Toddler Cordless Blow Up Bounce House: Great for indoors and in small play areas, especially on rainy days!
• Climbing Triangle with Tent Cover: A Montessori approved 2-in-1 toy with climbing steps and a tent cover to make a cozy hiding spot for toddlers when not in use.
• Balance Bike: A perfect size for outdoor use, encouraging gross motor skills.
• Toddler Seated Scooter: A great addition for active play indoors or out! Our twins ride these around the house like race cars and have loved them since they were 18 months old.
• Toddler Standing Scooter: Perfect for toddlers with older siblings or who are between 2 1/2-3 years old.
• Toddler Roller Coaster: A unique toy that brings so much fun to little thrill-seekers.

Pretend Play and Imaginative Gifts

• Play Kitchen: Perfect for little chefs who love creative play! Both of my twins love their kitchen, pots and pans and pretend food.
• Doll Stroller and Baby Doll: Great gifts for nurturing and pretend parenting. Another great baby doll and toddler jogger stroller option here!
• Hot Wheels Car Race Track: A fun way to inspire imaginative play and problem-solving skills.
• Doll House: A timeless toy for 2-year-olds that fosters pretend play.
• Little Helpers Cleaning Set: Encourages imaginative play while involving them in daily activities.

Educational Toys for Growing Minds

• Magna Tiles: Enhance hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills. This Magna Tiles Carrying Case is a great way to keep your pieces organized as well!
• Wooden Blocks: Classic building toys with vibrant colors and endless possibilities.
• Chunky Toddler Puzzle: Promotes fine motor skills and teaches different shapes.
• Toddler Easel and Watercolor Pads: Perfect for budding artists and encouraging creativity.
• Playdough Sensory Kit: Engages little hands in new ways and promotes tactile learning. Love this girlier playdough sensory kit option as well!

Outdoor Play Essentials

• Water Table: A great time for sunny days, teaching cause-and-effect with water play.
• Stomp Rocket: A great way to combine active play and science fun.
• Bruder Truck: Durable and engaging for outdoor and indoor play.
• Toddler Balance Beam: Helps improve balance and coordination during active play.
• Toddler Balance Steps: Another great option for working on toddler coordination! Love these pastel rainbow balancing steps.

Comfort and Cuddles

• Toddler Plush Chair: A cozy gift that’s the right size for their play area or room.
• Jellycat Plush Toys: Favorites that bring comfort and companionship! We have too many of these to count!
• Tonies Box Musical Box: Engages young children with audio stories and songs. Also love this Tonies Box Disney Princess Starter Kit as well!

Creative Play and Open-Ended Fun

• Building Blocks: These colorful Toddler Mega Bloks are a great toy for little builders with big imaginations who aren’t quite ready for smaller Legos.
• Toy Tool Belt: Encourages pretend play and problem-solving.
• Bath Crayons: Turn bath time into a creative outlet with vibrant colors.
• Toddler Wooden Train Set: Offers imaginative scenarios for hours of play.
• Toddler Costumes & Dress Up Accessories: Let their imaginations run free with toddler costumes and dress up accessories!

Musically-Inspired Toddler Toys

• Toddler Piano: We have loved tinkling with this little piano that comes with a music book for easy songs to play!
• Toddler Guitar: A study, six-string mini guitar for your music-loving toddler!
• Toddler Band Set: A 17-piece wooden, musical instrument set full of color to spark creativity.

Budget-Friendly Stocking Stuffers

• Bath Time Farm Animals: Small, squishy farm animals for open-ended play in the tub and out.
• Picture Books: Whether you’re buying board books or picture books, look for stories with short sentences and lots of color. Some of our current favorites are The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Merry Christmas Red Truck, Where is Claris, and Pete The Cat Screams for Ice Cream.
• Sticker Books: Our twins love stickers! I buy both the puffy sticker books and the reusable sticker books for at home and for travel.

When choosing the best toys for your two to three-year-olds, consider balancing fun & educational value! Kids this age love anything for pretend play, active outdoor play, learning play and anything small that fits in their little hands. Take into consideration any television shows or movies that pique their interest, like Paw Patrol or Frozen, and how you can incorporate their favorite characters into their gifts.

With so many great options to choose from, your two-year-old is bound to fall in love with any of the gifts above! Happy shopping!

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1. New Backpack

A new backpack is at the top of the school supplies list. Choose a toddler or mini backpack that is the right size for your preschooler and has enough compartments to hold their essentials. Personalizing it with their name is a great idea to help your children’s teachers identify their belongings.

2. Water Bottle

Staying hydrated throughout the school day is crucial. A durable, spill-proof kids water bottle is an essential item for your child’s backpack. Make sure to label it with their name to avoid mix-ups!

3. Name Sticker Labels

Personalized name sticker labels are a must-have for preschoolers. These can be used on lunch bags, water bottles, and other personal items to ensure nothing gets lost. They are a great way to keep track of your child’s belongings, especially in a busy preschool classroom. We use ours on their comfort items as well – their pacifiers, lovies and any toys they insist on taking

4. Nap Mat

For younger children, nap time is an important part of the school day. A comfortable nap mat will help your child rest and recharge. Look for nap mats that are easy to clean and come with a built-in blanket and pillow and that you can personalize with their name.

5. Lunch Box

A good lunch box is essential for packing nutritious meals and snacks. Opt for a lunch box that is easy for little hands to open and close. Including an ice pack or freezer pack will help keep perishable items fresh until lunchtime. We love this Bentgo compartmentalized lunch box that I added a personalized name sticker to!

6. Extra Diapers

For children who are not yet potty trained, extra diapers are a must. Pack a sufficient supply (4+ extra depending on how many hours they attend school), along with a change of clothes in your child’s back pack or tote bag. Some schools require diapers with tabs, not pull-ups, so make sure to check with your teachers.

7. Comfort Items

Comfort items such as pacifiers, lovies, or plush pals can go a long way in soothing younger kids who might feel anxious in their new environment. These items provide a sense of security and familiarity and can help them transition into sleeping in a new place as well.

8. Portable Snacks

In addition to lunch, pack some portable snacks that your child can easily eat during breaks. Healthy, non-perishable options like veggie pouches, granola bars, or crackers are ideal. Make sure to check with your child’s school for any allergy policies.

9. First Day of School Sign

A personalized first day of school sign is a wonderful keepsake to commemorate this special milestone. Take a photo of your child holding the sign on their big day to capture the memory of their first step in their educational journey!

10. Gift for Teachers

Starting the school year with a small gift for your child’s teacher is a thoughtful gesture. It could be a simple handwritten note, personalized stationary, or a coffee gift card. This is a great way to build a positive relationship and show appreciation for their hard work.

Prepping for the First Day

The beginning of the year can be overwhelming, especially for younger children experiencing preschool for the first time. Here are some tips to ensure your child is ready for their new adventure:

• Visit the School: Visiting the school with your child before the start of school can help familiarize your little with their new environment. Meeting their preschool teachers and seeing their classroom can make the first day less intimidating.
• Discuss the Routine: Talk to your child about what a typical school day will look like. Explain the activities they will participate in, such as playtime, learning sessions, and nap time. This helps set expectations and reduces anxiety.
• Practice Independence: Encourage your child to practice skills they will need at school, such as opening their lunch box, laying on their nap mat, and washing their hands. These skills enhance their fine motor skills and build confidence.
• Label Everything: From backpacks to lunch boxes, labeling all items with your child’s name helps prevent lost belongings. This is especially important in a preschool setting where items can easily get mixed up!
• Pack Lunch the Night Before: The first few days of school will be hectic as you get your family into a new routine! I like to pack my kids’ lunches the night before so there’s one last task the morning of.
• Pick Out Two Outfits for Kids to Choose From: If your toddlers are anything like mine, they have strong opinions! I like to pre-select two outfits for each child to choose from the morning of so they feel confident and in control.

The transition from the carefree days of summer to the structured school season can be challenging, but with the right preparation, it can be a positive and exciting experience for both you and your child. By following this ultimate back-to-school checklist for preschool, you’ll ensure your little one has all the essential items for a successful school year.

Remember, the first day of preschool is just the beginning of a long way educational journey! Embrace this new adventure, support your child, and look forward to the new friends and experiences that await. With a well-prepared child and a positive learning environment, the start of school will be a joyous and memorable occasion.

Make sure to check off each item on the preschool checklist and enjoy this special time as your child embarks on their first steps towards a lifelong love of learning. Here’s to a successful school year filled with growth, discovery, and lots of fun!

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Water Play

Water play is a fantastic way to keep kids cool and entertained during the warmer months, especially for us here in Texas! Here are some of the best outdoor toys for water play that will transform your backyard into a mini water park

Water Table

A toddler water table is the perfect outdoor toy for younger kids! It allows toddlers and younger children to engage in sensory play, explore different ways to splash, and even learn basic concepts of cause and effect. Water tables come in a variety of colors and designs, often including fun accessories like boats and water wheels for added excitement.

Kiddie Pool

A kiddie pool is a must-have for any backyard. It provides a safe and fun way for little kids to enjoy water play. Kiddie pools are easy to set up and can be enjoyed by kids of different ages, making them a versatile addition to your collection of outdoor toys.

Water Bounce House

For kids looking for a bit more adventure, water bounce houses with slides and inflatable pools are perfect. These toys offer an exhilarating experience that combines fun and physical activity. Setting up a water slide in your own backyard guarantees endless fun and excitement for the whole family.

Splash Pads

Splash pads are a great alternative to inflatable pools for younger toddlers and even infants! They provide a cool reprieve from the heat without any water depth, making them safe for even crawling babies.

Slip and Slides

Slip and Slides are fun for active toddlers and kids who want to keep cool in the summer! They typically consist of a long, narrow sheet of durable plastic with an integrated water sprinkler system. When the water is turned on, it sprays across the surface of the slide, creating a slippery pathway with a landing pad for silly outdoor fun!

Active Play

Encouraging active play is essential for a child’s physical and emotional development. Here are some of the best outdoor toys that promote active play and help kids burn off energy while having a great time.

Stomp Rockets

Stomp rockets are a fun way to engage kids in active play. They are simple to use and can reach impressive heights, making them a favorite outdoor toy for kids of all ages. Stomp rockets are also a great addition to any outdoor gift collection, as they provide hours of entertainment and help develop motor skills.

Swing Sets

Swing sets are excellent for promoting physical activity and outdoor adventures. Swing sets offer various activities such as swinging, sliding, and climbing, which are great for building strength and coordination.

Geometric Dome Climbers

Geometric dome climbers challenge kids to reach new heights and develop their climbing skills. There are smaller climbers for younger kids and larger, more intricate dome climbers for older kids! Linking two great options below.

Toddler Scooters

Scooters are classic indoor & outdoor toys that never fail to excite kids. Scooters are also fantastic for developing balance and coordination. My kids love their seated scooter linked below that offers a removable seat for when they’re ready to stand and push off like big kids!

Tricycles and Bicycles

Tricycles and bicycles are classic outdoor toys that are fun to ride while burning off energy and exercising! I love a tricycle that has a handle for mom & dad to help steer and take over when littles get worn out. Lastly, Schwinn kids bikes are known for their quality and durability, making them a great choice for young riders.

Bounce Houses and Play Tents

Bounce houses and play tents are perfect for creating a fun and engaging outdoor environment. Bounce houses provide a safe space for kids of all ages to jump and play, while play tents offer a cozy spot for imaginative play and relaxation.

Creative Play

Outdoor toys that inspire creative play are essential for a child’s development. Here are some of the best toys that encourage imagination and creativity.

Sidewalk Chalk

Sidewalk chalk is a simple yet versatile outdoor toy that allows kids to express their creativity. I love this dustless sidewalk chalk that keeps little hands clean and the round pen makes it easier to hold!

Bubble Machines

Bubble machines are a hit with kids of all ages!! They create a magical atmosphere with endless bubbles, making outdoor play sessions even more enjoyable. Bubble machines are also great for parties and gatherings – we have them going at every birthday party!

Obstacle Courses

Setting up a kids obstacle course in your backyard is a fantastic way to combine physical activity with creative play. Our kids love stepping stones and balance beams to create a challenging and fun course inside or out!

The Best Outdoor Toys for Different Ages

When selecting outdoor toys, it’s important to consider age recommendations to ensure safety and appropriate play. Here are some great ideas for different age groups.

Toys for Younger Children

• Water Table: Perfect for sensory play and water exploration
• Splash Pad: Safe and fun for water play
• Kiddie Pool: Small and manageable for early swimmers
• Water Bounce House: Great for younger and older kids
• Toddler Climbing Wall: Teaches balance skills and confidence
• Toddler Scooters: Look for 3-in-1 convertible models for both indoor and outdoor riding
• Tricycles: Great for ages 1-3; again look for convertible models that offer handlebars for assistance
• Play Tents: Fuel imaginative play with themed play tents
• Bubble Machines: Endless fun with bubbles – my toddlers are obsessed!
• Sidewalk Chalk: Encourages creativity and outdoor drawing
• Toddler Obstacle Courses: Promotes balance & hand-eye coordination

Toys for Older Kids

• Slip and Slides: Better for ages 3+ offering exhilarating fun
• Stomp Rockets: Fun, educational and entertaining
• Swing Set: A classic that offers many activities in one set
• Geometric Dome Climber: Challenges climbing skills and promotes physical activity
• Schwinn Kids Bikes: Ideal for learning to ride and exploring the outdoors
• Obstacle Courses: Perfect for testing skills and having fun competitions

Embrace Outdoor Play – Even in the Heat!

Outdoor play is an essential part of childhood that offers countless benefits, from physical activity and motor skills development to creativity and emotional growth. Whether it’s a water table for sensory play, a stomp rocket for exciting launches, or a geometric dome climber for adventurous climbs, there are outdoor toys for every age and interest! Embrace the great outdoors and provide your kids with the right tools to explore, create, and play.

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In this post you’ll read exactly what feeding and nap schedule worked for our newborn twins!

As a twin mom-to-be I’m sure you’ve researched plenty of different suggested schedules for your newborns — and if you’re starting here, let me suggest you do look around to have lots of options available to you to try once you have your babies! There really is no one-size-fits-all-families program because simply put, babies are not robots, lol. On top of that, what one family wants to prioritize could look different than another. I just ask you to keep all of this in mind as you continue on!

In addition, this schedule is what worked for us! We really enjoyed the time awake with the babies and REALLY enjoyed their extra long, consecutive naps. It helped me feel like I had a chance to take care of myself and the house in between taking care of them as well. Every baby is different, but we do have a lot of friends who had success with a similar schedule.

We worked with a newborn night nurse who helped us feed and care for the babies overnight (beginning around 10pm) and she provided us with a schedule that allowed for ample sleep between feedings for the babies — and us!

Below you’ll find our Newborn Twin Sleep and Feeding Schedule based on their ages:

0-2 Weeks Old

6-6:30am: 3 oz. Bottle (burp babies every 1/2 ounce)

8:30am-11/11:30am: Swaddle + Crib Nap

11/11:30am: 3 oz. Bottle (burp babies every 1/2 ounce)

1:00pm-3:30/4:00pm: Swaddle + Crib Nap

4:00pm: 2 oz. Bottle (burp babies every 1/2 ounce)

6:00pm-8:00pm: Swaddle + Crib Nap

8:00pm: 2 oz. Bottle (burp babies every 1/2 ounce)

10:00pm-12:30/1:00am: Swaddle + Crib Nap

1:00am: 2 oz. Bottle (burp babies every 1/2 ounce)

2:00am-6:00am: Swaddle + Crib Nap

Soothe with pacifier if either of them wake during naps!

2-4 Weeks Old

7:00am: 4 oz. Bottle (burp babies every 1/2 ounce)

9:00am-12:00pm: Swaddle + Crib Nap

12:00pm: 4 oz. Bottle (burp babies every 1/2 ounce)

2:00pm-5:00pm: Swaddle + Crib Nap

5:00pm: 3 oz. Bottle (burp babies every 1/2 ounce)

7:00pm-10:00pm: Swaddle + Crib Nap

10:00pm: 3 oz. Bottle (burp babies every 1/2 ounce)

12:00am-7:00am: Swaddle + Crib Nap

Soothe with pacifier if either of them wake during naps!

4-6 Weeks Old

8:30am: 5 oz. Bottle (burp babies every ounce)

10:30am-1:30pm: Swaddle + Crib Nap

1:30pm: 5 oz. Bottle (burp babies every ounce)

3:30pm-6:30pm: Swaddle + Nap

6:30pm: 4 oz. Bottle (burp babies every ounce)

8:30pm-10pm: Unswaddled Nap (hang out with lights on)

10:00pm: 4 oz. Bottle (burp babies every ounce)

12:00am: Swaddle + Sleep

Soothe with pacifier if either of them wake during naps!

6-8 Weeks Old

8:30am: 5-6 oz. Bottle (burp babies every ounce)

10:30am-1:30pm: Swaddle + Crib Nap

1:30pm: 5-6 oz. Bottle (burp babies every ounce)

3:30pm-6:30pm: Swaddle + Nap

6:30pm: 4 oz. Bottle (burp babies every ounce)

8:30pm-9:00pm: Unswaddled Nap (hang out with lights on)

9:00pm: 4 oz. Bottle (burp babies every ounce)

11:00pm: Swaddle + Sleep

Soothe with pacifier if either of them wake during naps but not overnight if possible!

8-12 Weeks Old

8:30am: 6 oz. Bottle (burp babies every ounce)

10:30am-1:30pm: Swaddle + Crib Nap

1:30pm: 6 oz. Bottle (burp babies every ounce)

3:30pm-6:30pm: Swaddle + Nap

6:30pm: 4 oz. Bottle (burp babies every ounce)

7:30pm-8:30pm: Unswaddled Nap (hang out with lights on)

8:30: 4 oz. Bottle (burp babies every ounce)

10:30pm: Swaddle + Sleep

Soothe with pacifier if either of them wake during naps but not overnight if possible!

3 Months-6 Months

8:30am: 8 oz. Bottle (burp babies every two ounces)

10:30am-1:00pm: Swaddle + Crib Nap

1:00pm: 8 oz. Bottle (burp babies every two ounces)

3:00pm-6:00pm: Swaddle + Nap

6:00pm: 8 oz. Bottle (burp babies every two ounces)

8:30pm: Swaddle + Sleep

Soothe with pacifier if either of them wake during naps but not overnight if possible!

For tips on How to Bottle Feed Newborn Twins Together, read more here!

If you’re reading any of these schedules above and wondering how you keep the newborns awake for two hours at a time, keep reading!

Here are some tips for keeping newborns alert during their feedings/wake windows:

Turn the lights on!

Always have your lights on during feedings, then turn them off during naps unless otherwise noted. This will help with their circadian rhythm as they figure out day and night!

Interesting cards, toys and sounds

Newborns are stimulated by interesting shapes and sounds, like black and white cards, ceiling fans, your face, your noises, music, play gyms, and taking tours around the house.

Gentle blowing on face

If your baby is starting to doze off before finishing their bottle, gently blowing on their face can help to softly wake them back up.

Gently scratch beneath chin/on cheek

Just like gentle blowing, you can tickle their cheeks and/or under their chins to help stimulate them and encourage feedings.

Change diaper before last ounce

Most babies do not enjoy being naked, so getting them undressed and changing their diaper will inevitably wake them back up! Do this before you finish the bottle so that you have the last ounce to soothe them with before they retire.

I hope these twin newborn schedules help to give you some framework on how to tackle your days with your newborn twins! If you have any specific questions about feeding or sleeping schedules, you can comment below or reach out to me on Instagram, here!

Thank you for being an amazing reader of The Savvy Spoon! If you loved this post, I would so appreciate you rating it below and/or leaving a comment! Be sure to follow me on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook for more recipes and twin mom lifestyle content!

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