Christmas is on its way, and the talk of Christmas toys and gifts is rampant at our house. I’ve made my lists, and shopping has commenced! We tend to invest in classic toys, and add to the collection over the years…like Legos, Lincoln Logs, blocks, and art supplies. They last for a long time, in terms of both quality and age level. Love that! Many of them are also gender neutral, because my kids like the same things, and play all together a lot. I’ve made a list of some of our favorite toys, ones that all of our kids have loved, and been the most popular in our playroom–plus others that top our Christmas list this year! If you’re looking for some ideas, I hope these help! Age range: 3-10, with a few sprinkled in for a little younger.
This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are 100% mine.
1. Magna-Tiles® Clear Colors 100 Piece Set
I’m so excited about this…we’re getting them for our boys this year!
UPDATE: We’ve had these for two years now, and they are SUPER popular with all of our kids–so much so, we’ve bought more sets! Seriously…one of the best toys EVER.
2. LEGO Minecraft, Micro World
Are your kids as obsessed with Minecraft as mine are? They’re also obsessed with Legos, so it’s the perfect combination!
How fun is this??
This is one of our favorite games, and it’s great for ages 10 and up!
6. LEGO Disney Princess 41053 Cinderella’s Dream Carriage
I LOVE the Princess line of Legos! So cute! My girls like playing with any Legos, but they’re always asking for more girl Legos. These will be so fun!
7. LEGO DUPLO 6154 Disney Princess Cinderella’s Castle
My Caroline is getting this for Christmas! Isn’t it the cutest??
8. Disney Frozen Castle & Ice Palace Playset
No list of 2014 would be complete without a little Frozen on it!
9. Melissa & Doug Deluxe Jumbo Cardboard Blocks (40 pc)
We are huge Melissa & Doug fans at our house, and these cardboard blocks are fabulous. You can’t have too many–they provide hours of play!
10. Melissa & Doug 100-Piece Wood Blocks Set
11. Melissa & Doug Vehicles Reusable Sticker Pad
My friend shared these with my kids at church a few weeks ago, and they’ve been asking about them ever since. They come in several different options–landscapes, a playhouse, dress ups, and these fun vehicles. They’re perfect for church, travel, and more!
This is a throwback to my own childhood–a retro classic for sure!
13. LEGO Super Heroes The Batcave 6860
Okay, okay–one more Legos item. We love them, and Super Heroes are big this year!
14. Little Tikes Shopping Cart – Yellow/Red
This one’s for my babe! She’s obsessed with pushing things around, and I have a feeling she’s going to love this!
15. Little Tikes Big Waffle Blocks
Hands down, this is one of the best purchases we’ve ever made. My kids spend HOURS playing with these, and create so many different things. I highly recommend at least two sets if you can—it makes it possible to build a lot more. They have a 2-pack you can buy, and it’s cheaper than buying two separate sets.
16. Calico Critters Hopscotch Rabbit Family
Calico Critters are seriously one of my favorite things. My girls love them too. :) Lots of different animal families to choose from and add to your collection, and cute little houses too!
Calico Critter Cozy Cottage Starter Home
Here’s one of the little houses…
17. ALEX® Toys – Do-it-Yourself Wear! Friends 4 Ever -Jewelry 737WX
My girls are 8, and this is right up their alley!
18. Janome 11706 3/4 Size Hello Kitty Sewing Machine
One of my girls has asked to learn how to sew, and I thought it would be so fun to get her one of her very own–more her size.
19. Crayola Ultimate Art Case with Easel
We can never have enough art supplies at our house!
20.Learning Resources Gears! Gears! Gears!
Kids from 3 or 4, clear up to 10 or 11 would enjoy this, and experimenting with mechanics and gears. This is one that I know all of my kids would love.
21. Learning Resources Primary Science Lab Set
22. Lincoln Logs Redwood Junction
One of the most popular items in our playroom, and has been for a long time. My boys were just telling me last week that they don’t have enough “roofs”, so it looks like we need to add to our collection!
23. Melissa & Doug Deluxe Standing Easel
I have wanted one of these for a long time. This year might be the year.
24. My First Disney Princess Frozen Snow Glow Elsa Singing Doll
This is one of the cutest Elsa dolls I’ve seen, and it sings! :)
25. Classic Twister
This is a game that the whole family can play–all ages! I think everyone should have it! It’s SO fun!
I’d love to hear about what’s on your favorite toys list, and what you’re shopping for this year!
Julie Johnson says
We LOVE the jumbo waffle blocks. We actually have 2 set and my kids are always playing with them. Even my teenagers will play with them. Best purchase ever.
Simply Kierste says
yes! My teenager plays with them too. :) Seriously the best purchase ever!!!
Julie says
I love hearing what the favorites are at other houses. Thanks SO much for sharing! How/where do you store the waffle blocks? Favorites at our house include the Little Tikes black classic pickup truck (we actually use it as an inside basement toy and love the space to haul stuff), Magformers (really similar to magna-tiles), dress up clothes (Halloween clearance is helpful), and Legos for sure!
Simply Kierste says
We form them into squares (six in a block), and stack them in the corner of the playroom or closet. They’re really too big to put inside anything-especially since we have more than one set. The Magformers sound awesome, and we’re huge dress-up lovers too!!
Amy says
Thank you! I’m struggling with what to get my 3-yr-old. You have some great ideas!!
Simply Kierste says
You are so welcome! I’ve totally been there, so it inspired this post. :)