Mother’s Day picture books are a great way to teach our kids how to appreciate moms.

As a mom of 2 young kids, I have received many picture books for my baby showers and Mother’s Day. To this day, I still read these heartwarming books to my children as part of our bedtime routine.

Whether you are looking for Mother’s Day gifts for that mighty mom, or a mommy looking for books to add to your child’s library, these children’s books are perfect for celebrating mom’s unconditional love.

This post is all about the best Mother’s Day picture books to show why mom is so special.

_{This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure here.}

Mother’s Day Books for Babies

Mother’s Day Books for Toddlers

Mother’s Day Books for Preschoolers

Books About Mothers And Daughters

Books About Mothers And Sons

Whether you are looking for a Mother’s Day gift for that mighty mom or a mommy who is looking for books to add to your baby’s reading collection, these heartwarming books are perfect for celebrating mom’s unconditional love.

Mother’s Day Picture Book Related Posts

• First Mother’s Day gifts that she’ll actually use
• 10 toddler fine motor activities you should do at home
• Beginner’s Guide to Sensory Box For Toddlers
• Developmental activities for a smarter baby (3-6 months)
• 35 developmental toys for a smarter baby (0-3 months)

15 Mother’s Day Picture Book To Show Why Mom Is So Special

The post 15 Mother’s Day Picture Books To Show Why Mom Is So Special appeared first on SoCal Mommy Life.

As a parent to two active youngsters myself, I’ve been hunting for useful gifts that will last my kiddos beyond just this holiday season. Each suggestion here helps kids explore different activities beyond playing with plastic pieces. Plus a few practical items are thrown in the mix so they can learn about being organized and responsible.

Whether it be the perfect present for their birthday or a Christmas surprise, these thoughtful ideas will open up a world of learning opportunities.

_{This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure here.}

Play tents & tunnel

Kids Teepee Tent

Our tent is my kids’ favorite corner in the house.

They love cuddling with their stuffed animals in there and pretend they are camping out. This tent is so cute that it has a see-through window and a compartment inside for books. The canvas is thick and the wooden poles are super sturdy. My kids have climbed on the poles several times and it’s still going strong!

This tent can be easily personalized too. I decorated it with a cute rainbow macrame and fringe trims. You can decorate and even paint on the canvas to make it a super special gift for your toddler.

3 in 1 Pop up Tunnel Tent 

This pop-up tunnel tent is perfect for outdoor or indoor.

There are multiple pieces to this tent and each part can be used together separately. It’s foldable and lightweight making it perfect for families on the go. You can bring this to a park, beach, or even grandparents’ house.

What makes this tent useful is that it really helps with gross motor skills and is perfect for pretend play.

This pop-up tent is large enough to be enjoyed by kids of all ages too.

Sports-related gifts for toddlers

Roller Skates and Gears

Your toddler is never too early to learn how to roller skate. These innovative skates easily convert from a tri-wheel to inline skates.

Madi was only 1.5 years old when she received these skates and she has been learning how to skate ever since. These skates are also adjustable for sizes 7-11 and come is many vibrant colors.

Also, don’t forget that helmet and knee pads. Madi fell a lot when she started roller skating so be sure to protect your toddler whether it be skating or biking.

These elbow and knee pads are soft yet heavily padded. It even comes with bike gloves!

Balance Bike

A balance bike introduces toddlers to the feeling of being on a bike, building up their confidence by encouraging striding and allowing them to practice bike-handling skills.

Balance bikes are proven time and again to teach boys & girls to ride faster than training wheels. Toddlers will learn balance & steering, which makes transitioning to a bicycle with pedals much easier (when the time comes).

This top-rated balance bike is one of the best out there. Basically, everything on this bike is adjustable. Plus, the foam tires will never go flat!

Potty training accessories make useful Gifts for toddlers

Gotta Go Flamingo

Seriously the most genius invention for potty training kids. This Flamengo will be your toddler’s new best friend.

Sherbet is an interactive, toilet-trained flamingo who loves to sing, wiggle, chat back, eat, and poop – on the toilet! Feed him the magical quick dry food. Watch him chew the food and sign “Uh Oh! Gotta Go!” you’ll know it’s time to place him on the toilet and watch as he poops!

This useful toy is designed to bring hours of laughter for toddlers while they learn how to use the potty.

Potty training books

P is for Potty! (Sesame Street) 

This is the book that helped potty train both of my kids. Sesame Street is known for its high-contrast colors that instantly capture any kid’s attention. Neither of my kids are Sesame Street fans but they both love this interactive book.

P is for Potty is the perfect mix of fun and learning for potty-training toddlers—especially while they practice sitting on the potty.

There are more than 30 flaps to find and open. After 2 kids, these sturdy flaps are still holding up.

I teach my kids about potty training through the visuals of this book. And when it comes to potty training, we bring this book to the restroom. My kids would sit on their training potty and have lots of fun finding surprises under the flaps.

Other useful potty training books for toddlers:

• Children’s Toilet Training Sound Book (Daniel Tiger) – for Daniel Tiger fans
• Potty Training Sound Board Book (Cocomelon) – for Cocomelon fans
• Learn To Potty With Dino – for dino fans
• 5-Button Potty Training Sound Book (Peppa Pig) – for Peppa Pig fans

Soft Potty Training Seat

For all potty training tots, this soft potty seat will help to make potty training fun. My son is a fan of Paw Patrol. Having this removal seat makes going to the bathroom easy and fun. It also comes in many other colors too.

What makes this seat a practical gift for toddlers is that it’s lightweight so travel-friendly, easily removable, and will last for years.

Other great toilet training seats:

• Potty Training Seat With Step Stool
• Disney Princess Potty Training Seat
• Folding Travel Potty Training Seat

Realistic Potty Training Toilet 

We received this training toilet as a gift. As a mom, I can say that this is one useful gift my toddler and I appreciate. Not only is this toilet a split image of our actual toilet, it feels and makes flushing sounds just like the real one.

Madi was stubborn when it comes to potty training. She’s scared of being high up in our normal toilet but she would actually practice sitting on this one. We did a lot of pretend play with this training toilet (there is a storage compartment to store toys and books). This makes potty training and transitioning to the real thing easier.

Bookcases & toy organizers are useful gifts for toddlers that save parents’ sanity

Bookshelf With Storage Organizer

Any family with a toddler can benefit from better organization, and a bookshelf is a must-have. This one upgraded bookshelf has small pockets to fit all the tiny stuff and pull-out storage to store bigger stuff.

What I love about this bookshelf is that all the corners are polished smooth and round, making it very safe for active toddlers.

Extra Large Toy Organizer

We used to have a smaller toy organizer but soon my kids outgrew them so I upgraded to this one instead. This extra-large toy organizer stores 25% more than other ones.

I love that the toys are easily accessible. The top shelf can be easily reached by my 1.5-year-old.

What’s best is that this toy organizer makes clean-up a breeze for the kids too.

Toddler-size furniture are very useful gifts for toddlers

Activity Table and Chairs

This was a gift from the grandparents and the kids absolutely love it. They spent a big chunk of their time playing, drawing, and building on this desk.

What I love about this multi-functional table is that one side is for building legos and you can flip the tabletop to create a smooth surface for drawing and any creative play. The two storage drawers are large enough to fit more than 5000 pieces of Legos each.

My kids have been using this table and chairs set for a couple of years already and they are no wear near outgrowing it.

Picnic Table with Umbrella

Your toddler will be able to enjoy the backyard fun with this cute picnic table. Comfortably fits six kids, any family will appreciate this useful gift for their backyard.

This realistic sandstone and paver-styled picnic table include a removable 5′ wide umbrella. Rugged molded plastic is easy to clean and resists fading. Great for picnics, games, and projects. Available in 2 color options.

Outdoor Toddler Playset With Slide

This will be your toddler’s favorite spot in the yard! W loves to go on the slide and watch as the 10 balls zig-zag down into the ball pit.

Sometimes, I’ll stop the plug in the ball pit, and fill it up with water or water beads for some serious sensory play.

This playset helps kids with their motor, sensory, and creative skills, making it a useful gift for any toddler.

Learning Tower is a very useful gift for toddler

Do you have a curious toddler who loves to watch what grownups are doing in the kitchen? This learning tower makes a practical gift for kids who wants to be involved.

Unlike other learning towers, this one has the option to be enclosed on all sides so if your toddler is younger, you can drop them in and out and they’ll stay safe in there.

When your child is older, you can remove the screens once he’s better at climbing in and out safely.

Both toddlers and parents will sure to appreciate this useful gift!

Educational gifts for toddlers that are useful and fun

Toddler Approved Books

Ah, books! You may be wondering why more books if your toddler has lots of books already. For me as a mom, books are the only thing that a toddler can never have too much of.

Kids nowadays are glued to electronics, making a good ol’ fashioned read a precious commodity. Not only does it expand their minds, but it’s also a fantastic opportunity for parent-child bonding.

We read books as part of our bedtime routine and my toddlers appreciate reading different books every night.

Here is a list of my toddlers’ favorite books

Floor Puzzle

This USA floor map puzzle by Melissa & Doug makes a useful gift and will grow with your toddler.

All 51 pieces have customized details, including the state name and capital, with most states including a primary industry or hallmark of the state such as the Statue of Liberty for New York.

My toddler wasn’t able to complete the puzzle all by himself when he first received it. However, he loves to play it with me helping him. We’d made lots of great memories playing this puzzle together. Now that he’s older, he’s able to piece everything all by himself. And in a few years, he’ll be able to learn all the states and each hallmark thanks to this floor puzzle!

Other amazing floor puzzles for toddlers

• Melissa & Doug Fire Truck Jumbo Jigsaw Floor Puzzle
• Melissa & Doug Busy Barn Shaped Jumbo Jigsaw Floor Puzzle
• Unicorn Floor Puzzle

Flower & Herb Gardening Kit 

Teach your toddler about gardening and the appreciation of nature with this complete gardening kit!

Kids will have fun decorating their pots, then planting seeds. The included peat pellets make growing an herb and flower garden easy!

What’s useful about this kit is that kids can learn the science behind their garden as they watch it grow and track its progress.

Toddler Busy Board

Lightweight and travel friendly, this busy board is a must-have whenever we travel.

This Motissori-inspired busy board develops toddlers’ fine motor skills and basic life skills through play. This makes a useful toddler gift because it helps them learn about life skills through buttons, snaps, shoe-laces, zipper, and various types of buckles.

This busy board doesn’t make sounds so no batteries are required and this is also a good quiet time activity.

Write and Learn Creative Center

This magnetic drawing board provides a fun way to get a head start on learning how to write with writing and drawing activities. W learned a great deal about upper and lower cases by following along with the animated demonstrations. As a mom, I love that it’s mess-free so no clean up required!

Art & stationary supplies as a non-toy gift idea

Double-Sided Tabletop Easel

This double-sided tabletop easel is high on top of our list of useful gifts for toddlers. It’s lightweight and stows away easily. When it’s time for quiet screen-free play, just lay it on any table surface and your toddler can draw on the chalkboard. Easily flip it over for the magnetic dry-erase side.

This easel includes letters and numbers magnets for educational learning. Use the included paper roll to create even more masterpieces!

Water-based magic mat 

No ink, no paint, non-toxic, and never make a mess! This practical gift for toddlers is one of my favorites. It keeps my toddlers busy for hours and I don’t have to worry about them drawing or painting in places where they’re not supposed to be.

This magic painting mat only used water to create art and disappeared after about 10 minutes. It’s super lightweight and packs easily so we always bring it whenever we travel.

Beeswax triangle crayons

A must for all toddlers! These triangle-shaped crayons are designed for little hands, making them easier to grip and promoting proper pencil grip. Plus, their unique shape means they won’t roll away or break easily – perfect for budding artists on the go.

Best of all, these crayons are Handmade in New Zealand using 100% pure beeswax and food-grade pigments for color. It glides on smoothly and is completely safe for toddlers.

Useful gifts for toddlers that promote pretend play

Kids Yoga Mat

I never knew that toddlers can do yoga until my kids learned it at their daycare. Ever since then, they’ve been doing it at home and absolutely loving it.

I just let them follow Cosmic Kids Yoga on Youtube while I prepare dinner. I noticed that every time they do yoga before dinner, they eat and sit better.

A kid-sized yoga mat with a cute design is a great useful gift for toddlers!

Realistic toddler-sized Dyson toy vacuum

From the twist and turn ball to the clear cylinder, this toy Dyson Ball looks and works just like the real thing. Move from room to room and pick up small bits of paper! There’s even a removable debris drawer for when clean-up time is over. Little helpers will enjoy moving around independently while taking on “real-life tasks”. Truly a unique and useful gift for toddlers!

Apparel & accessories can be useful gifts for toddlers too

Raincoat and Rainboots

Comes in a variety of cute designs, from duck to firefighter, dinosaur to duck, this raincoat makes the perfect practical gift for toddlers!

This raincoat is made of high-quality material on the outside, which makes it weatherproof and very quick to dry. The inner lining is made of cotton which is very soft on the skin. It can be worn in all seasons and in various scenes which gives your toddler a layer of protection when it is windy and rainy.

This is not your typical rainboot. The makers collaborate with local artists to create patterns inspired by the joys of childhood that delight boys and girls. Available in over 30 designs your toddler will love wearing these and don’t want to take off!

These rain boots are not just for the rain. With easy-on handles, your toddler can wear these in the garden or anytime they play outside.

Personalized Toddler Apron

Cooking, crafting, and gardening, this apron is so versatile, it can be used in all sorts of activities. Toddlers tend to be messy so protect their clothes with this cute toddler apron. This apron makes a perfect gift because it can be personalized with embroidered name. Comes in 2 sizes and a variety of colorful designs.

Best non-toy gifts for toddler girls

Princess Dresses

There’s something truly magical about the way toddler girls light up when they get the chance to dress up. Ever since I surprised Madi with this mermaid dress and matching accessories for her birthday, she’s been absolutely smitten, practically living in it!

These princess dresses are not just any ordinary toy; they’re a delightful way for your toddler girl to let her imagination run wild, engaging in endless pretend play adventures. Plus, it’s perfect for Halloween too!

Travel gears: practical non-toy gifts for toddlers

Toddler Nap Mat

Whether it’s for daycare or camping, this nap mat will become the perfect companion for your toddler. The roll-up design allows the mat to travel with ease as well as the convenient fastening closures straps and the carrying handle. 

These mats wash and pack easily with removable pillows. Also available in adorable 16 colors.

Hooded Wrap Towel

With a fun design both kids and parents will love, this bath towel is perfect for indoor and outdoor use as a cute bathroom, home, beach or pool accessory. Handy corner pockets will let kids keep this cool towel wrapped comfortably around them.

The super soft and comfy texture of the high-quality cotton terry material keeps toddlers warm and dry with highly absorbent material for quick drying after bathing, swimming or showering.

Toddler Size Dome Umbrella

These fun and colorful bubble umbrella makes a useful gift for Christmas, birthday, or any special occasion.

This umbrella is also available in adult size so perfect for mommy and me style. The rounded tips and a pinch-proof closure keep little hands safe while opening and closing the umbrella. This useful umbrella is perfect for the independent kid while making life easier for mom and dad.

Award-winning toys for toddlers that are also practical

Moonjar – Save Spend Share Bank

It’s never too early to teach your toddler about money. This multiple award-winning 3 In 1 Moneybox: has three canisters that have either Save, Spend, or Share printed on the side.

Your toddler will learn about simple financial concepts about how to SAVE, SPEND and SHARE their money wisely. 

I love it that this Moonjar can be bundled together to be placed on a desk or stored separately inside the drawer.

This is truly a useful gift for toddlers that also encourages them to spend their money carefully while sharing with others.

Peg Board STEM Learning Set

This pegboard toy set is not your average learning toy. We’ve brought this with us wherever we travel. Since it comes in a neatly packed bag and is super lightweight, it makes it a great quiet toy for play. Both of my toddlers can play with this set for an hour without interruption. Talking about the best toy to pack when you travel!

Monthly subscriptions as useful gifts for toddlers

While there are many subscription boxes that simply offer toys, I wanted something that my toddlers can learn how to build.

After doing tons of research, I gave Kiwico a try. We started with the Koala crate when W was a year old. It’s been years since we’ve been subscribing and my toddlers are always so excited to receive them.

I love that these subscription boxes are not just toys, they are projects that inspire toddlers’ creativity and curiosity through fun hands-on activities.

I’ve written a detailed review about Kiwico here.

Final verdict

There you have it! The ultimate list of useful gifts for toddlers.

Although shopping for toddlers can be really tricky, there are plenty of great options out there to choose from! It’s important to keep in mind their interests and development when it comes to gifting them with something that will engage their minds, creativity, and stimulation.

Pick up some of these useful gifts ideas for your toddler today – you won’t regret it.

And hey, why not have a bit fun too? After all, isn’t that the best part about being a kid?

Let me know in the comments below what type of gifts have been the biggest hit with your little ones.

Useful gifts for toddlers related posts

• 15 Of The Best Card Games For Toddlers We’ve Ever Found Online
• Best Airplane Activities For Toddlers That’ll Make Your Travel Less Miserable
• 15 Best Toddler Table and Chairs With Storage Every Family Should Own
• 10 toddler fine motor activities you should do at home

This post was all about useful gifts for toddlers

The post 37 insanely useful gifts for toddlers that aren’t toys appeared first on SoCal Mommy Life.

If you’re like me, the thought of traveling with a toddler makes your skin crawl. It seems like every trip is a battle between entertaining them and keeping them from disturbing other passengers. But with the right airplane activities for toddlers, you can make your travel experience much less miserable.

I’ve always loved traveling and I’m not letting having kids hold us back from exploring the world. Before Baby W turned 3, we managed to fly across 3 different countries including a 2-weeks vacation in Asia – that’s about 80 hours total on flights around this great planet of ours (not to mention countless hours waiting to be boarded)!

I’ve put together a list of our favorite activities that will keep your little one busy and happy during your trip.

So don’t pack any extra stress along with your bags – just let your toddler have fun with these activities and enjoy your trip!

_{This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure here.}

What To Look For In Airplane Activities For Toddlers?

When choosing activities to do on the plane, look out for these features:

Weight and Size

We don’t want to carry around anything unnecessary other than our luggages, so the lighter it gets for us as passengers-the better! Bring something that’s lightweight and compact such as coloring pages and lego pieces.

Concentration and sensory-driven

Activities that require concentration or sensory perception will help toddlers stay engaged and distracted from the airplane surroundings.

Mess-free

Air travel with young kids is stressful enough so to make the experience more pleasant for everyone involved, it is helpful to plan ahead and pack some “mess-free” activities for toddlers. Some good options include books and puzzles. These items will help keep your child entertained during the flight, and they won’t create any extra mess for you to deal with.

Contained in a box or pouch

Small toys can easily get lost under the seat so be sure to bring activities that can be stowed in a box or pouch. If you must bring small toys such as crayons or lego pieces, you can make them more travel-friendly by storing them in ziplock bags.

Quiet

Leave musical toys and anything that requires batteries at home. It’s important to be considerate of others when flying. That means no loud toys that could disturb other passengers.

If you’re bringing new toys for the flight, make sure you wait until the plane has taken off before giving them to your toddler. The excitement of meeting new toys and exploring them will keep your toddler happy while traveling.

Puzzles Games

One way to keep your toddlers busy on a plane is to give them puzzles to solve. Not only will this help to pass the time, but it will also help to develop their problem-solving skills. There are a variety of puzzles that are designed specifically for airplane use, so be sure to pack one before your next flight.

I highly recommend this travel-friendly wooden puzzle. The puzzle pieces are chunky so you won’t have a hard time looking for them if they fall underneath the seat. They’re compact – each board is less than 6″ wide and you can choose between a 4-pack or 6-pack. And better yet? It comes with a cute little bag to store all the puzzle pieces together.

Toddlers will be so addicted to this lightweight foam puzzle kit that they won’t want it any other way. The pieces are made of material perfect for little than. Even though the finished product may seem simple at first, there’s always something new about exploring how each piece goes together!

Bedtime Books

Reading books is a great activity for passing time on flights because it’s easy to carry, educational, and does not make loud noises that can be disturbing to other seatmates.

If reading books is part of your toddler’s bedtime routine, read some books to ensure your child has gotten all the snooze buttons pressed.

You can’t be too careful when flying on an airplane- make sure your toddler’s naps are planned accordingly. If you have a full day of adventure ahead, it’s best to let your child sleep before landing. Conversely, if visiting at night and heading straight for bed, then make sure they are awake at least 2 hours before landing.

When traveling with my toddlers, I also bring along books from our bedtime collection. Since they’re so used to reading these books right before they go down for the night, reading these books on the plane will signal them that it’s time for bed.

The Going to Bed Book by Sandra Boyton is a short and silly board book. This little book even fits in my purse! Madi’s favorite is the Good Morning, Good Night! book by Tresa Imperato because she gets to feel the soft, fluffy fur of each animal in the story.

RELATED ARTICLE: How To Get Your Child To Sleep Alone

Mess-Free Coloring Activities

If you’re looking for airplane toys for toddlers that will keep them entertained without making a mess, the Crayola Mess-Free Coloring Pages are a must. These kits come with special markers where the colors appear only on the special paper, not on skin, clothing, or anything else.

Plus, there are so many themes to choose from: Frozen, Blippi, Baby Shark, Cocomelon, Disney characters, you name it! Baby W’s favorite is the Paw Paltrow version and you can see his masterpiece below

In getting ready for our upcoming trip, I got this mess-free coloring kit that has added stamps and stickers. And better yet, it comes in a portable box. I let my 18-month-old toddler try it out at home first and she literally drew for 30 minutes straight!

Window Clings or Stickers

If you’re looking for airplane activities for toddlers that will keep your little one entertained, window clings or stickers are a great option. These reusable stickers can be attached to the airplane window, providing a fun and engaging way for your toddler to look out at the sky. And when it’s time to land, simply peel them off and store them away until your next flight.

We love these puffy sticker playsets by Melissa & Doug. There are 3-Packs in each set and include double-sided glossy backgrounds and reusable puffy stickers. This puffy sticker activity set comes with a convenient carrying handle that makes it great for travel and on-the-go play.

No-Mess Sensory Box

It can be hard for little ones to focus on just one activity. That’s why I’ve found that a sensory box is a perfect solution. By filling a small plastic box with small household items, you can give your little one something fun and interesting to play with throughout the flight. Plus, with no mess or loose pieces involved, you won’t have to worry about spills or clutter in the cabin.

This ingenious invention is simply an assortment of small items with different textures. No fillers (think rice and beans in a traditional sensory box) are needed so no mess to clean!

Here are some textures and toys ideas:

• Soft – cotton ball, feather.
• Hard – golf ball, rocks, seashell, pine cone, wooden cube
• Rough – air-dried washcloth, scrub sponge, sandpaper, rough fabric like corduroy
• Smooth – plastic spoon, a piece of silk
• Slimy – slime toy
• Stretchy – rubber band, rubber/latex glove, stretch toy
• Fuzzy – pompoms, Chenille Stems
• Spiky – dish brush, spiky ball toy

Gather all items in a container with a lid or simply put everything in a zip lock bag and you’re good to go.

RELATED POST: How to Make a Mess-Free Sensory Box for Toddlers That Will Save Your Sanity

Sorting and Stacking Activities

Sorting and stacking activities are great for occupying toddlers on a plane. Children can sort objects by color, shape, or size, and then stack them in towers or build other structures. These activities help to improve problem-solving and fine motor skills while also keeping little ones entertained. This type of activity is so simple yet addicting!

Baby W can spend hours stacking the colorful pegs in this Pegboard set. Since it comes in a travel-friendly bag and is super lightweight, we carry this toy wherever we go.

Here’s also a great stacking toy for toddler girls!

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If you have a toddler who’s coming with you on your next airplane trip, make sure to include these activities! Not only will they keep your little one occupied and out of trouble, but they may also help make the experience less miserable for everyone involved.

Do you have any other favorite airplane activities for toddlers? Let me know by leaving a message below.

Airplane Activities For Toddlers Related Posts

• 15 Of The Best Card Games For Toddlers We’ve Ever Found Online
• How to Make a Mess-Free Sensory Box for Toddlers That Will Save Your Sanity
• 10 toddler fine motor activities you should do at home

6 Simple Airplane Activities For Toddlers That Actually Keep Them Happy

The post Best Airplane Activities For Toddlers That’ll Make Your Travel Less Miserable appeared first on SoCal Mommy Life.

]]> https://socalmommylife.com/koala-crates-review/ Sun, 21 May 2023 20:38:33 +0000 https://socalmommylife.com/?p=5809 In the world of flashing toys and overstimulating gadgets, doing fun and educational activities with your toddler is more difficult…

The post KiwiCo koala crates review (2023) – Best subscription for toddler’s toys appeared first on SoCal Mommy Life.

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Kiwico Koala Crate Summary
	Our Verdict 5/5
	koala crate for me is an easy and convenient way to build, explore, and create projects together with my toddler. This is why I put this review together. To show you how to inpire your toddler’s creativity and curisoty through fun hands-on activities.
TRY KOALA CRATES TODAY!

In the world of flashing toys and overstimulating gadgets, doing fun and educational activities with your toddler is more difficult than ever.

Thanks to Kiwico, hand-on fun projects delivered to the doorstep have sparked learning and fostered creativity for toddlers around the world.

But what’s included in these crates? Will my toddler like it? It it worth subscribing to?

In this honest review, you’ll learn all about Kiwico koala crates, and how they can benefit your toddler.

_{This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure here.}

What are KiwiCo crates?

KiwiCo crate is a monthly subscription that delivers hands-on projects to kids from 0 – 14+ years old. These are enriching STEAM projects that are designed to spark creativity, tinkering, and learning.

Every crate you receive has different themes. For our koala crates, we have received rainbows, insects, music, transportation, bioluminescence, rainforest, reptiles, and more.

All projects, inspiration, and activities are created by a team of product designers in-house in Mountain View, CA and rigorously tested by kids. 

KiwiCo offers eight different product lines spanning a variety of interests and age ranges. Here is a breakdown:

Panda Crate	0 – 24 months old	helps babies learn by doing what they do best — playing, exploring, and interacting with the adults in their lives
Koala Crate	2 – 4 years old	fun hands-on activities to engage the natural curiosity and creativity of toddlers in play-based learning
Kiwi Crate	5 – 8 years old	fun hands-on projects that explore art, science, and engineering
Atlas Crate	6 – 11 years old	sparks kids’ sense of adventure and curiosity, inspiring them to see themselves as citizens of the world
Tinker Crate	9 – 16+ years old	allows young innovators to discover and learn about science, engineering, technology, and math through hands-on activities
Doodle Crate	9 – 16+ years old	invites young designers to build creative confidence by experimenting with art & design techniques
Eureka Crate	14+ years old	apply principles of science and math to engineer solutions
Maker Crate	14+ years old	experiment with a new technique, draw inspiration from real designs, and take pride in a finished project

What comes in a Koala crate? The magic inside the box

The activities that come in the crates monthly have different themes.

The materials for the crafts, an instructions guide, and a bonus magazine are all perfectly packed in each crate.

Materials needed for 3 activities

Materials that come inside the crate will be used to make 3 different activities within the same theme. For example, the crate we received on glowing creatures will have materials that will make a jellyfish, a glowing mushroom, and a firefly.

What’s so clever about KiwiCo is that some of the materials will be shared between the activities. The glowing stickers will be used on the jellyfish and a glowing mushroom in this example.

Everything is very kid-friendly in that there’s nothing rough, sharp, or toxic. Each piece is big enough for the little hands to maneuver but small enough for some fine motor practice.

Illustrated instructions guide

The step-by-step instructions guide is extremely easy to follow. The illustrated steps are very detailed and cute. My toddler can follow most of the instructions just by looking at the illustrations.

Each step also has a detailed explanation for us adults to follow. The instructions guide also tells you creative ways on how to play with the finished toys.

What I love about the instructions guide is that it provides a summary of how messy each project is and how much grownup involvement is needed. I can choose which activity to work on depending on how much time we have and if I’m up for cleaning up later.

Imagine! magazine

Imagine! is a mini-educational magazine that is filled with engaging stories and games.

This little booklet expands upon the theme by including photos, games, stories, and more projects.

We’ve learned so much about the rainforest, for example, by reading the stories and facts from the magazine. These magazines we’ve accrued over the months have become part of our book collection now!

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Koala crate pros and cons

All of the projects are designed to spark creativity, tinkering, and learning. It is evident that lots of research and thought have been put into designing these crates by KiwiCo.

Throughout the process of creating, my toddler is exposed to new materials, tools, and concepts.

Since the materials are very high-quality, he still plays with the toys he created month after months.

Koala Crates Pros and Cons
Age appropriate   Sparks creativity, tinkering, and learning   Perfect for parent-child bonding time   High quality material. Toys are reusable	Price

As for drawbacks, I honestly can’t think of anything I don’t like about these koalas crates.

If I were to name one thing, I would say it’s the price.

Sure, these materials probably don’t cost $20 if you were to curate at your craft supply store.

But for a busy mama like myself, it is worth it for me to spend that extra dollar to have everything delivered to my doorstep.

Koala crate examples

The Rainbow-themed crate is the very first crate we received. My toddler immediately picked up the colorful felt rainbow stickers and started making his own rainbow cloud pillow. He was able to complete this activity with very little guidance from me.

All I did was to help him stuff the fibers and perfectly lined up the velcro closure at the bottom of the pillow.

This activity is really good for fine motor development as my toddler places the rainbow stickers on top of each other.

The second thing we made was the rainbow tote bag.

This is such a creative activity that exposed my toddler to color-mixing by designing and dyeing a rainbow tote bag. Colorful papers are placed on the white tote bag. And with dabs of water, the colors are transferred to the tote bag creating a tide-dyed effect!

Within this crate, we also created a stained glass landscape using colorful squares and cut-out shapes of mountains and trees. Through creating toys from this crate and reading the accompanying magazine, we discovered how rainbows are formed and learned all the colors in the rainbow.

In this bioluminescence crate, we made a firefly, glowing mushroom and jelly fish.

All of these creatures light up after dark!

In this insects crate, we’ve made a bug dress-up, a ladybug pouch with a mini kaleidoscope, and an insects matching game.

My toddler loves to dress up in his bug costume and we’ve received so many compliments playing in the park with it!

Our latest crate – reptiles!

This is the snake we made. Included in this month’s crate are a plushy snake, a turtle treasure box, and a chameleon.

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How much do KiwiCo Koala crates cost per month?

Koala crates is a monthly subscription. I usually get charged a couple of days before the crates are shipped out. And I receive them within a week after it’s shipped.

If you choose to be billed month by month, it’ll be $19.95 per month. You get to save more the longer you subscribe to their crates. You can cancel your subscription anytime.

Below is the current cost for Koala crates.

Are Koala crates worth it?

If you are looking for an easy and convenient way to build, explore, and create projects together with your child, Koala crates are for you.

My toddler was never into arts and crafts but he loves every single activity that comes in these crates.

And that’s not it.

The finished toys are high quality and interactive. To this day, he still plays with the toys he made from our very first crate!

Whether you are a busy mama looking for more ways to bond with your toddler, or a parent seeking toys that stimulate thinking and enthusiasm for learning, KiwiCo Koala cates will live up to your standards.

Where to buy

Kiwico only sells its products directly on its website. All subscriptions include free shipping and they have discounts all the time. Just use the promo code provided by their website.

I hope you’ll find this review helpful.

If you have additional questions about our experience with koala crates, leave a comment below!

More from SoCal Mommy Life:

• Beginner’s guide to sensory box for toddlers
• All you need to know about potty training
• 7 tips to potty train a stubborn child

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The post KiwiCo koala crates review (2023) – Best subscription for toddler’s toys appeared first on SoCal Mommy Life.

]]> https://socalmommylife.com/signs-your-child-is-ready-for-a-toddler-bed/ https://socalmommylife.com/signs-your-child-is-ready-for-a-toddler-bed/#comments Sun, 05 Jun 2022 05:25:33 +0000 https://socalmommylife.com/?p=7323 Wondering when to transition from the crib? Here are the signs your child is ready for a toddler bed. Are…

The post Signs Your Child Is Ready For A Toddler Bed and Tips on How to Make the Switch appeared first on SoCal Mommy Life.

]]> Wondering when to transition from the crib? Here are the signs your child is ready for a toddler bed.

Are you getting ready to make the switch to a toddler bed? It can be an exciting time for both you and your child, but it’s important to make sure they are ready for the change.

Here are 8 signs that your child is ready for a toddler bed, along with some tips on how to make the transition go smoothly.​

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What exactly is a toddler bed?

A toddler bed is a small bed designed for toddlers. Most toddler beds are low to the ground and have rails on all sides to prevent your child from falling out. Toddler beds generally have a mattress size of 27.5 inches by 51.5 inches, which is about half the size of a twin bed mattress.

Many toddler beds also have unique designs, and some even come with built-in storage to help you keep your toddler’s room tidy.

Toddler beds are an important transition for toddlers who are outgrowing their cribs but are not quite ready for a regular bed.

How long can a child sleep in a toddler bed?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends transitioning your child out of a crib and into a big kid bed once the crib railing is lower than their chest. At this height, children are more easily able to climb out of the crib, which can lead to injury.

There’s no exact answer on when to move to a toddler bed, but kids usually made the switch between 2 to 3 years of age.

Baby W didn’t transition to a toddler bed until he turned 3. We wanted to keep him in the crib for as long as possible. But when one morning I saw him climb out of his crib and sat on top of the changing station waiting for me to pick him up, I instantly ordered a toddler bed that day.

Every child and family situation is different, so here are some signs your child is ready for a toddler bed.

Signs your child is ready for a toddler bed

Your child is too big for the crib

According to New York Times, most pediatricians recommend moving to a regular bed when a child is 34 to 36 inches tall.

Even if your toddler seems to be sleeping soundly through the night, it’s important to take a closer look at how she’s actually sleeping.

Is she able to stretch out and move around comfortably? Or is she cramped up in a small space?

If it’s the latter, it might be time to consider switching to a toddler bed. This will give her more room to move around, and also make it easier for her to get in and out of bed on her own.

Your child climbs out of the crib

It can be bittersweet when your little one starts climbing out of the crib. On one hand, it’s a sign that they’re growing up and becoming more independent. On the other hand, it means that it’s time to switch to a toddler bed.

One tip here if you want to keep your little one a bit longer in the crib, try to remove anything that can be a stepping stone. Your toddler may step on plushies, pillows, or small nearby appliances such as humidifiers and air purifiers.

Baby W’s changing station was right next to his crib so he managed to climb out of his crib by pressing on the changing station next to him.

Also, If you see your child trying to swing his leg across the rail, it’s time to switch to a toddler bed.

Your child asks for a bigger bed

Even if your child never climbed out of the crib, he may be asking for an adult-style bed because he simply doesn’t want to be in the baby bed anymore. Your child is feeling a sense of independence and switching to a toddler bed will be a breeze. So when your child starts asking for a bigger bed, don’t be surprised if a toddler bed is at the top of their list.

Your child is a good sleeper

The transition from a crib to a toddler bed can be an exciting and emotional time for both parent and child. If your child is a good sleeper, it’ll be easier to make the move.

Toddler beds are designed for children 18 months and older who are able to get in and out of bed independently. If your child is used to sleeping through the night in a crib, they’ll likely have no trouble making the switch to a toddler bed. In fact, they may find the toddler bed more comfortable since it’s larger and has more space to move around.

If your child is still waking up several times during the night or taking naps during the day, postponing the transition to a toddler bed may be best.

Your child jumps inside the crib

If your child is regularly jumping in the crib, it’s time to make the switch to a toddler bed. A toddler bed is stronger and more durable than a crib, meaning that it can better withstand your child’s movement.

Your child is potty training

The process of potty training can be stressful for both parents and children. One key to success is consistency. Once you’ve decided to start potty training, it’s important to stick with it.

A good way to be consistent is to switch from the crib to a toddler bed. This will give them more independence and make it easier for them to get in and out of bed if they need to use the restroom at night.

Of course, every child is different, so ultimately you’ll need to use your best judgment when deciding when to make the switch. However, making the switch before your child is fully potty trained can help avoid accidents and accidents battles at night.

RELATED POST: Everything You Need To Know About Potty Training

You have a baby on the way

The arrival of a new baby is an exciting time for any family. However, it can also be a time of upheaval, as parents scramble to make room for the new arrival.

One way to ease the transition is to switch your toddler from a crib to a toddler bed. This way, you can reuse your toddler’s crib for the new baby. Not only is this more economical, but it also helps to keep things consistent for your toddler. After all, they are already dealing with the major life change of a new sibling.

Switching to a toddler bed will help them feel secure and comfortable in their own space. Plus, it will give them a chance to feel like a big kid – something that they are sure to enjoy.

You are ok leaving your child unsupervised

The switch from a crib to a toddler bed is a big step for both parent and child. Once your little one has the independence to get out of bed, he may try to do so in the middle of the night or early in the morning. As a result, it’s important to be consistent with bedtime rules.

If you’re okay with your child being unsupervised for a short period of time, then it’s probably time to make the switch. Let your child know that he can get out of bed when he wakes up, but he must stay in his room until you come to get him in the morning. This will help him to understand the new rules and boundaries. With consistency and patience, the transition from crib to a toddler bed can be a smooth one.

When Baby W first transitioned to the big kid bed, he always came to our room around 7 am when he woke. However, we don’t usually get up until 7:30 am so we had to tell him to either stay in his toddler bed or quietly play with his toys in his room. We were consistent in our rules so eventually, he learned to stay in his room until I go get him in the morning.

Tips on how to transition your child to a toddler bed

Pick out the right bed

The most important thing is to choose the right bed. Look for something that’s low to the ground so it’s easy for your child to get in and out of, and make sure there are no sharp edges or corners that could cause injury.

Most toddler bed fits standard crib mattress so your toddler can continue to use the same mattress from the crib.

You can pick a toddler bed with your child’s favorite character. From Paw Patrol to Disney Princess theme, options are endless when it comes to design.

We love this Dream On Me toddler bed because of its smart design with ample storage space. And better yet, with 6 different color options to choose from, you’re sure to find one that matches your home.

Let your child accessorize

To help make the switch as smooth as possible, try to let your toddler be involved in the process. If they’re old enough, let them pick out their new bedding and any other accessories they might want. This will help them feel ownership over the new space and make it more inviting.

You can also let them pick out a few favorite stuffed animals or dolls to sleep with. And if they’re old enough, involve them in the decision-making about where to put the new bed in their room.

Allowing your child to have a say in the process will help them feel more comfortable about making the switch.

Keep routines consistent

If your child is used to being put to bed at a certain time, stick to that schedule as much as possible. This will help them feel secure and relaxed in their new surroundings.

Our bedtime routine starts off with a warm bath, reading books, and going to bed. When I first introduced the toddler bed to my kids at night, they didn’t even make a fuss about their new beds because they know it was time to sleep.

Be patient

Some children take to their new bed right away, while others may need some time to adjust. It is also important to keep the crib available for a while, as toddlers often like to have a familiar place to rest or nap. With a little patience and understanding, the transition from a crib to a toddler bed can go smoothly for everyone involved.

How to keep toddler in bed while transitioning from crib

If you’re finding that your toddler is now climbing out of their bed, there are a few things you can do to help keep them safely in their sleeping area.

• Try using a bed rail for toddler bed. Bed rails provide a gentle barrier that will help keep your toddler from falling out and a sense of encasement like the crib.
• Make sure to teach your toddler about bedtime boundaries. Explain that they should stay in their bed during the night, and be sure to enforce this rule consistently.
• Be sure to praise your child when they stay in bed and stay calm if they do get up.

With a bit of effort, you can help your toddler transition successfully to a big kid bed.

Toddler Bed safety tips

As a parent, you want your child to be safe at all times – especially when they’re asleep in their bed. To help ensure your toddler’s safety, follow these tips:

• JAMA certified: Look for a JAMA-certified Toddler Bed. This certification means that the bed meets rigorous safety standards.
• Bed rail safety: Consider adding a bed rail to prevent your toddler from falling out of bed. There are many different types of bed rails on the market, so be sure to choose one that’s child-proof and easy to install. Also, check that the rails are securely attached to the bed frame and no loose parts.
• Toddler bed bumper: A toddler bed bumper can be placed on the bottom of the toddler bed. This will provide an extra cushion in case your toddler rolls off from the bed. Choose a bumper that is made of breathable material and that can be easily removed for washing.
• Child-proof: Take steps to child-proof the bedroom, such as installing door locks, window guards, and outlet covers. This will help prevent your child from accessing dangerous areas.

By following these tips, you can help ensure your toddler’s safety while they sleep.

Should I move my toddler to a toddler bed or twin bed?

If you’re wondering whether to move your toddler to a toddler bed or twin bed, there are a few things to consider.

• Cost – A twin bed may be more expensive up front, but it will last longer since your child can use it for years to come.
• Space – If you have a small bedroom, a toddler bed may be a better option since it takes up less space.
• Other children – If you have another child who’s close in age, it may be easier to have them share a room with two twin beds.

Final thoughts on signs your child is ready for a toddler bed

Ultimately, there isn’t one right answer when it comes to moving your toddler to a new bed – it’s important to consider what will work best for your family.

With a little preparation, transitioning to a toddler bed can be an exciting and positive experience for your child.

Have you made the transition to a toddler bed yet? If so, what tips would you add to this list? Leave me a message below and let me know!

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Signs your child is ready for a toddler bed and tips on making the switch.

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