This is a subject that is very near and dear to my heart. Before Barbies and American Girls, there is a small window of time when you can buy your sweet little girl all the pretty, artsy, hip, wooden toys you want (or can afford!), without a single objection. Lola is still very easygoing when it comes to gifts, and she is 4 1/2. Over the years, I’ve bought her many “sure things” that missed the mark, and some that became instant favorites, like her play silks, Sky King tricycle, and Melissa and Doug and Kid-O puzzles. These are some of the toys I am eying this year, besides the usual assortment of American Girl stuff for Lola and baby doll stuff for Eva!
Giant Nesting Rainbow, $78: We have the smaller nesting rainbow, and the girls (and their friends) play with them all the time. I think this Giant Nesting Rainbow will be a huge hit when Eva gets it from my mother for her December birthday!
Haba Doll Pram, $170.99: This wooden pram is pricey but really worth it, in my opinion. Eva got it for her first birthday and it is so well made and sturdy – the girls even love giving each other rides in it! The rubber wheels are perfect for protecting your floors, and it is just so pretty to look at! Early on it functions as a sort of walker, and later she can carry her dolls, her toys, even her friends!
Fairytale Village Wooden Building Toy, $73.50: These beautiful wooden pieces can be configured in an infinite number of ways to create a magical abode for fairy friends! I also love this sweet tower of stacking birds!, $36.50, and this Fairy House toy, about $60.
Market Stand, $169: This market stand can be used as a grocery store, a lemonade stand, a bake stand… Whatever her mind comes up with! I also love the addition of wooden play food and a wooden scale.
Doll in Trunk with Outfits, $24.98: This pint-sized personalized trunk comes with a petite fashion doll and her adorable wardrobe. I also like this fabric doll, which comes with its own wardrobe in a carrying case, $19.98. Both are great for travel. Pottery Barn makes an even cuter version, but it’s pricier, at $49.
Fairytale Castle, $249: It’s no secret I love Le Toy Van. I think their toys are beautifully designed and made. This magical wooden castle comes with accessories, including furniture and a unicorn-drawn carriage.
Ballet Accessories: My daughter got this dancing “partner” for her third birthday, and she loves it. I think they will love this little bar and how-to mat set, too! $34.99
German Waldorf Dolls, $135: There is something about these old-fashioned homespun dolls that makes me feel nostalgic for long lazy days with nothing to do but play. They have an innocence that I love.
Princess and the Pea, $98: Eva has the Haba Princess and the Pea Game, and this is like the supersized version. It’s so pretty and whimsical – I think I might want it more than she does!
Fairy Tree House, $129: This magical multi-level treehouse provides the perfect rustic home for a whole fairy family! If you don’t have this much space, this scaled down version is also adorable, as are the sets of furniture and fairy dolls. $99
Music Player with Microphone, $50: My little performer would love this durable pink music player, which plays up to four hours of music (you can transfer your MP3s), and the attached microphone!
Baby Mouse in a Box, $24.99: I am a little obsessed with this tiny, adorable Danish toy. This tiny mouse comes dressed in it’s own little matchbox house. There is also a teenage mouse version for $34.99. Too cute!
Bird in a Cage, $14.95: This feathered friend tweets when you wind her up, and she comes with her own pretty little cage!
The Enchanted Take Along Cottage, $59.99: I love this folksy, portable cottage, with its plush posable inhabitants and wooden furniture.
Equestrian Set, $59: This adorable, retro styled wooden play set features a poseable doll, horse, and cart.
Household Helpers: Your little one will love playing mommy with these scaled down, realistic pieces. The ironing set, with wooden ironing board, $49, and pink iron, $19, the metal shopping cart, $49, and the cutest toy vacuum I have ever seen, $49.
Doll Furniture: Give her best friend her own little world, complete with a doll kitchen, bunk beds, and a vanity. Over-the-top cute!
Leave a Reply