I know I just told you about the Strider Running Bike the other week in my Giveaways post, but just had to mention it again because agiveawayeveryday.com is now holding a giveaway for one! The moms running this site find some of the best mom/kid gear to review and give away. Check out some of their other giveaways while you're at it.
Because Strider bikes don't have pedals or training wheels, they help teach kids the most important skill of bike riding -- balance in such a fun and effective way. I'm trying to win the giveaway, but if I don't, maybe Samantha's grandparents will get her one for Christmas. (hint, hint, Mom ;) ) In addition, me losing might mean you winning! Here's a video of Strider Running Bikes in action to give you more of an idea of how kids use it, even before age 2!
A big brother teaching his younger brother some moves...
Friday, October 16, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Top toys for 12-18 month olds
How did it get to be halfway through October? I haven't seen a Christmas ad yet, but I know they're coming; lurking out there in the way-too-near future. Usually I'm trying to get gift ideas together by now so that I don't feel pressured to think of something at the last moment. Does it always work? No, but at least I get my gift shopping list somewhat organized. :)
I know I appreciate idea lists for different categories of people for whom I'd be buying presents. So this year, I put together a list of top toys for 12-18 month olds for you. I know, it's only one age group, but I've got to start somewhere. This is the most recent stage that Samantha's gone through, so it's fresh in my mind. So, if you're doing toy shopping for a young toddler this will hopefully give you a bit of a head start in thinking of a fun, age appropriate gift.
Have another toy that your 12-18 month old has loved to play with? Let me know!
Friday, October 9, 2009
O-Ball
This is one of those toys that'll last a kid from infancy all the way through their teenage years. It's a few bucks well-spent. My daughter has been playing with her O-ball since she was around 6 months old. Here's what the play has looked like at each stage:
6 months: Mostly chewing on it and batting at it when I hung it above her with some plastic links. It was easy for her to grab and shake too. Daddy also liked mindlessly throwing the ball in the air and catching it repeatedly as he was thinking or talking. Samantha liked to watch.
Crawling: it's easy to chase and get a good handhold. Throwing the ball and giggling when it bounced was popular.
Just starting to walk: throwing the O-ball down and chasing it. Liked holding the ball and gnawing on it during diaper changes. Pointing to the circles in it. Smooshing the ball down and watching it go back into a ball shape. This elicited giggles as well.
20 months: Our new favorite game is 'throw the O-ball in the bushes and take it out'. The title's pretty self-explanatory. The O-ball is light enough that the circles catch on the branches for easy spotting and removing of the ball from said bushes by the toddler herself. :) One of her buddies likes to play 'ball up', which is basically tossing the O-ball straight up in the air and chasing after it when it lands. We'll see what other games the kiddos invent as they get older.
What I like most about this ball:
- Very durable. Its strong, flexible plastic can take a beating from being squooshed, stepped on, and chewed.
- O shapes make easy handholds, especially for kids who are learning to carry things, catch, and throw.
- Very lightweight; if someone gets hit with this ball flying through the air, there's much less chance for injury than many other balls.
- Interesting shapes and bright colors; visually stimulating for young children (and adults too ;) )
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