Shopping·7 min read

10 Toys Your Kids Won't Get Sick of After Two Minutes

Toys your kids won't get sick of
Design: theSkimm | Image: Amazon
April 11, 2023

Products you buy through our links may earn us a commission. Oh, and if something's out of stock, oops, it was there (and all prices were accurate) at time of publication.

Of all the toys that will pass through your house (bought, borrowed, handed down, picked up from the well-chewed reject pile in the sandbox), only a few will earn a coveted place on the Favorite Toy pedestal. These will have your kids coming back after days, months, even years — and give you at least a few minutes of peace (and hopefully many, many more). Here are some toy investments that are totally worth it.

Baby Mirror toy
Amazon

A mirror that babies are obsessed with…

There’s a reason this mirror already has tons of fans. From tummy time days well into the first year, this simple toy has so much to offer: subtle sounds and textures, contrasting colors, and of course, most importantly, that way-too-cute baby reflection. ($14.36+, Amazon)

Buy it
Baby play mat
Amazon

An interactive baby mat they won’t outgrow immediately…

This mat has a lot going on, all at a pretty great price point, and with 50K reviews to boot. Infants can lie down and kick the piano keys or play with the hanging toys, and as they learn to sit and stand, they’ll keep using detachable pieces (like the keyboard itself). One day they’ll even be old enough to run around the house scattering pieces everywhere. *Sigh*...they grow up so fast. ($39.88+, Amazon)

Buy it
Baby Piano
Amazon

A wooden piano that really does feel magical…

You may be buying this for your kid, but you won’t be able to resist playing it yourself — the “magic” keys are just that smooth and satisfying. With both free play and pre-programmed music options, it should earn a permanent spot on the toy shelf. ($24.99, Amazon)

Buy it
Kids Easel
Amazon

An arts-and-crafts HQ for the playroom…

Perfect for the budding artist who excels in a number of disciplines — like chalk, crayon, and whiteboard marker. And it comes with storage bins and paint cups, too. Next stop: MoMA. ($109.31+, Amazon)

Buy it
Coloring book
FriendsArtLab via Etsy

A truly massive coloring project…

Switch things up and trade the coloring books for one loooooong coloring page. (Ten feet long, to be exact.) Choose from themes like flowers and outer space, or go for a birthday or seasonal option. They won’t last forever, of course, but there’s lots more where they came from. ($27.95, FriendsArtLab via Etsy)

Buy it
Cleaning toy set
Melissa & Doug

The perfect tools for your helper-in-training…

Despite being absolute icons of mess…many kids deeply love pretending to clean. Whether they’re using it for actual (mildly helpful) cleaning, or borrowing pieces from the set to use as swords, magic wands, or microphones, they’ll be playing with this thing for years.($34.97, Amazon)

Buy it at Amazon https://amzn.to/42Sal5KBuy it at Melissa & Doug
Car dashboard toy
Melissa & Doug

A portable dashboard for little car fans…

We’re not saying the subtle-but-still-noticeable noise this makes while it’s “driving” won’t eventually, er, drive you crazy. But we are saying this toy is still worth it, because it turns any couch, chair, or bed into an instant car. You’re welcome. (And sorry.) ($48.99, Amazon)

Buy it at Amazon https://amzn.to/3nBviScBuy it at Melissa & Doug
Boombox radio toy
Amazon

A screen-free boombox that can be dropped again and again…

Perfect for the kid who loves listening to music but doesn’t need a tablet just yet. This boombox is covered in soft padding and doesn’t have traditional buttons — you just smack the sides to skip back or forward. Pop one of the “Tonies” (figurines featuring music and stories from Disney, “Sesame Street,” “Cocomelon,” and more) on top and listen away. You can also record your own stories and songs via phone on certain figurines. ($99.99, Amazon)

Buy it
Stuffed animal
Amazon

The squishiest stuffed animals around…

If you’re new to the Squishmallowverse, you should know that while these incredibly soft stuffies may look like they’re perfect for toddlers (and they are), teens are actually crazy about them, too. Whether you’re just starting out or adding to your kid’s collection, there are lots of sizes, shapes, and characters to love. ($24.99, Amazon)

Buy it at AmazonBuy it at Target
Wireless microphone
Amazon

A wireless microphone for at-home singalongs…

Music fans young and old can use this microphone to sing karaoke and even record their best work (when the microphone is plugged into a phone). Need something cool for the wannabe rocker in your life? Nailed it. ($19.99+, Amazon)

Buy it

Live Smarter

Sign up for the Daily Skimm email newsletter. Delivered to your inbox every morning and prepares you for your day in minutes.