Brand Love

Toys So Fun They Won’t Know They’re Learning

First comes March Break, then Easter and before you know it, summer is here! With long, sunny days comes the realization that we’ve completely run out of ideas to keep our toddler busy.

 

We’ve visited the farm, the zoo, the neighbours and had playdates with any other parents that’ll help occupy the small one for a couple of hours, but when it comes to toys, they don’t seem to last long.

 

With new purchases for my daughter, there are only a few criteria that I really care about. Firstly, can she learn anything from playing with it? Secondly, is it going to withstand being run over by a tricycle? Because it’s coming. Lastly, can she play with it by herself for more than a few minutes? She needs to learn solo play for her imagination to grow. Also, I just need two minutes to finish a cup of coffee that’s already gone cold.

 

This Easter, Fisher-Price® has come to the rescue with educational (and solidly built) toys for all ages. Want to hear more? Here’s a guide!

 

Age: Baby – Max weight 25 lbs.

 

Fisher-Price® Sweet Snugapuppy™ Dreams Cradle ‘n Swing.

 

Fisher-Price, laugh and learn, educational toys, vancouver blog, parenting blog, toy testing, dad blog, father's day vancouver, celebrate father's day, vancouver, socialdad, social.dad, socialdad.ca, james smith, james r.c. smith,

 

The ultra-plush seat pad is super cozy (and machine washable) and has an over-head mobile with three cuddly friends.

 

When my daughter was brand new, we used to put her under a little mobile and she’d either fall asleep or be occupied long enough for my wife and I to talk in full sentences. It was bliss.

 

Plus, the gentle motions, soft fabrics, cuddly friends overhead and soothing music will help stimulate developing senses.

 

Why don’t they make these for adults? It sounds incredible.

 

Available at Walmart, Babies“R”Us and Amazon

 

Age: 0- 36 months

 

Fisher-Price® Deluxe Kick & Play Piano Gym

 

Fisher-Price, laugh and learn, educational toys, vancouver blog, parenting blog, toy testing, dad blog, father's day vancouver, celebrate father's day, vancouver, socialdad, social.dad, socialdad.ca, james smith, james r.c. smith,

 

As your baby grows from lay and play to tummy time to sitting up at the piano, you can change up the music and learning, too. And when they’re ready to sit up and rock out, little ones can tap the piano keys to hear short tunes about animals or songs and phrases introducing them to colours, shapes and numbers!

 

I wish we had this when we were trying to get our daughter to have ‘tummy time’.

Available at Amazon

 

 

Age: 6 – 36 months

 

Fisher-Price® Learn with Me Zebra Walker

 

Fisher-Price, laugh and learn, educational toys, vancouver blog, parenting blog, toy testing, dad blog, father's day vancouver, celebrate father's day, vancouver, socialdad, social.dad, socialdad.ca, james smith, james r.c. smith,

 

There are light-up buttons, book pages, and things to spin on this walker, which will keep your little one busy until they’re ready to start walking. The four wheels will give them some much-needed stability.

 

Other parents will constantly ask you ‘is she/he walking yet?’ like it’s a pleasant conversation opener, even though we both know they just want reassurance that whichever stage their own kid is at, they haven’t done the terrible job we all fear.

 

 

Age: 9- 36 months

 

Fisher-Price® 2-in-1 Sit-to-Stand Activity Center

 

Fisher-Price, laugh and learn, educational toys, vancouver blog, parenting blog, toy testing, dad blog, father's day vancouver, celebrate father's day, vancouver, socialdad, social.dad, socialdad.ca, james smith, james r.c. smith,

 

As baby sits in the comfortable fabric seat, a platform full of animal toys and exciting activities encourage your little one to spin around and explore all 360 degrees of fun. Then, when your toddler is ready, convert the 2-in-1 Sit-to-Stand Activity Center to a play table and attach the ramp for sliding play!

 

This is so cool! I’d be kept busy while my daughter is napping.

 

Available at Walmart and Amazon

 

 

Age: 6 months +

Fisher-Price® Bright Beats™ Juniors – BeatBo™ and BeatBelle™

 

We’ve seen these in the store a few times and my daughter can’t help but press the chunky buttons on these little characters’ tummies and start dancing when the music plays.

 

Get the party started by batting at their bobble heads to bring BeatBo™ and BeatBelle™ to life with bright lights, playful tunes and silly dance moves that will stimulate growing minds.

 

Fisher-Price, laugh and learn, educational toys, vancouver blog, parenting blog, toy testing, dad blog, father's day vancouver, celebrate father's day, vancouver, socialdad, social.dad, socialdad.ca, james smith, james r.c. smith,

 

 

Available at Walmart and Amazon

 

 

Age: 18 – 36 months

 

Fisher-Price® Laugh & Learn® Servin’ Up Fun Food Truck

 

Fisher-Price, laugh and learn, educational toys, vancouver blog, parenting blog, toy testing, dad blog, father's day vancouver, celebrate father's day, vancouver, socialdad, social.dad, socialdad.ca, james smith, james r.c. smith,

 

This is probably our favourite toy. My daughter can’t get enough of standing behind the counter and making me pretend hamburgers and pizza. It’s a great way to work on imagination and make learning fun.

 

The assembly just needed a few screws (Philips-head) and 3 AA batteries. The rest just snapped together and needed a couple of stickers.

 

 

Fisher-Price, laugh and learn, educational toys, vancouver blog, parenting blog, toy testing, dad blog, father's day vancouver, celebrate father's day, vancouver, socialdad, social.dad, socialdad.ca, james smith, james r.c. smith,

 

 

 Available at Walmart, Toys“R”Us and Amazon

 

 

Age: 12 months +

 

Fisher-Price® Laugh & Learn® Smart Stages Chair

 

Fisher-Price, laugh and learn, educational toys, vancouver blog, parenting blog, toy testing, dad blog, father's day vancouver, celebrate father's day, vancouver, socialdad, social.dad, socialdad.ca, james smith, james r.c. smith,

 

In the armrest is a little number pad that lets you input your child’s age. This selects the appropriate level for the games, songs, and lessons.

 

Level 1 – Explore – 12M+

First words and sounds spark baby’s curiosity

Level 2 – Encourage – 18M+

Prompt baby though questions and simple directions

Level 3 – Pretend – 24M+

Imaginative fun and early role play

 

 

Fisher-Price, laugh and learn, educational toys, vancouver blog, parenting blog, toy testing, dad blog, father's day vancouver, celebrate father's day, vancouver, socialdad, social.dad, socialdad.ca, james smith, james r.c. smith,

 

Available at Walmart, Toys“R”Us and Amazon

 

 

Age: 2-5 years

 

Fisher-Price® Bubble Mower

 

Perfect for the warmer weather, just add the included bubble mix and push around the lawn.

 

With a spinning motor and tons of bubbles, this mower will get baby up and moving. Plus, learning to accomplish a “grownup” task like mowing the lawn nurtures self-confidence.

 

Available at Walmart, Toys“R”Us and Amazon

 

Fisher-Price, laugh and learn, educational toys, vancouver blog, parenting blog, toy testing, dad blog, father's day vancouver, celebrate father's day, vancouver, socialdad, social.dad, socialdad.ca, james smith, james r.c. smith,

 

 

 

Disclaimer: Fisher-Price was very kind to sponsor this post. I really appreciate the work they’re doing to include an educational element to their already super-fun toys. In fact, their little musical doctor kit bag has been a staple of my daily check-ups. Although I really should check the two-year old’s qualifications!  

 

 

Pin this:

educational toys, spring break activities, easter toys, easter fun ideas, crafts, Fisher-Price, laugh and learn, educational toys, vancouver blog, parenting blog, toy testing, dad blog, father's day vancouver, celebrate father's day, vancouver, socialdad, social.dad, socialdad.ca, james smith, james r.c. smith,

 

 

1 Comment

  1. Mariah

    March 23, 2018 at 8:43 am

    So helpful! I’ve been looking for toys to buy my friends son. Thanks!

    http://moosmusing.com

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.