Fun and fuzzy toys that occupy little hands
Got a pint-sized explorer in your life? Does your baby love stuffies? For this year’s holiday season, there’s plenty to put on the list for Santa to bring — from classic toys to discover to soft plushables that are perfect for your baby’s arms.
Eco Dump Truck Toy
($19.99, Home Sense stores) This pink and purple truck, which is environmentally friendly since it’s made from 100 per cent recycled plastic, has a workable dumper that’s perfect for little hands. That makes it easy for the babies and toddlers in your life to haul things around, from a handful of baby cookies to a load of sand at your nearby park or beach. Baby Einstein Roadtripper Ride-On Car
($49.99 Toys R Us, toysrus.ca) Winters are long in Canada and if you’ve got an active emerging walker, you’re going to need something inside to help keep your child physically stimulated. This car, which children can push and walk with, sit on, or just poke and play with, is sure to engage your child thanks to the real car noises, the shifting gears, the tooting horn and much more. Not to worry though — the car’s lock button ensures that the vehicle stays in “scoot” or “push” mode, whichever you choose. Indigo Baby Plush Animal Polar Bear Small
($12, Indigo stores, indigo.ca) Give your baby a taste of the north with this white plushy cub, which is perfect for evening snuggles to help calm your little one down for the night. This 100 per cent polyester toy is also available in medium and large if you think your child’s up for some largesized cuddle time. Fisher-Price Classics Music Box Record Player
($39.95, Indigo stores, indigo.ca) How early is too early to introduce your little one to some vinyl? While these records aren’t technically vinyl, this classic Fisher Price electronic toy, which was first introduced in 1971 (and which needs batteries — don’t forget those for under the tree) is sure to start a love of music for your toddler. GUND Flappy the Elephant ($54.99, Mastermind stores, mastermindtoys.com) While this stuffy looks like it’s all about the snuggle, it’s actually a singing plush toy. Press his right foot to hear “Do Your Ears Hang Low” and press his left to start up a game of peek-a-boo. And he’s not called Flappy for nothing — Flappy’s big ears wave along during the song and game, making this stuffy a truly interactive toy.