Toys & Play

When it comes to kids’ furniture, I love finds that blend fun and functionality. That’s a big reason why my family has loved Nugget’s modular play furniture for five years and counting. So, it’s especially exciting that Nugget launched the Smore, a cozy chair that’s sturdy enough for a reading nook and beyond durable for playtime. The brand sent me one to test drive with my nieces and nephew, and it was barely out of the box before the kids totally took it over.

Exciting for them, practical for their parents, and reasonably priced for you!

Read this before you go!

A screen-free activity FTW!

The perfect MDW activity!

The hood is basically a requirement.

For real life!

Because books can make a big impact.

It's a brand-new use for an old piece of furniture.

These bags hold everything.

Just add paint and one secret ingredient that you probably have on hand.

We put in the work so you don’t have to.

I’ll never forget planning my first-ever kid birthday party as a mom … and falling down the rabbit hole of first birthday party ideas. At the time, we were reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar on repeat in our house, and I went all in: cookie versions of the caterpillar’s favorite snacks, an enviable balloon arch, a full soft-play and ball-pit setup, and, yes, overspending on just about everything.

For crawling, crashing, and the occasional 5-minute yoga session.

It helps them get their energy out.

Step aside, Jellycats, Squishmallows, and Labubus! The newest Gen Alpha obsession is the squeezable, squishable, stretchable sensory toy NeeDoh. The resulting frenzy has parents crowdsourcing the viral toy in Facebook groups and lining up outside stores to take advantage of restocks.A modern twist on the stress ball, NeeDohs are available in various malleable textures and shapes that are fun for sensory play and can also help calm stress and anxiety.

Kirsten = prairiecore. Samantha = heiress energy. Felicity = horse girl chic.

If you’re parenting a kid with autism, you already know that autism awareness isn’t something families think about just one day or one month a year. It’s everyday life. But April has special meaning. In the U.S., it’s Autism Acceptance Month, designed to promote inclusivity and understanding. And the good news? More spaces are starting to get it.

Plus, a beautiful IKEA makeover.

We see you, Brown Bear.

As we (finally!!!) head into the warmer months, many parents, myself included, are brainstorming all the ways kids can spend time outside. I’m leaning into one thing: The messier the play, the better. It usually means the kids are fully engaged in what they’re doing — and outdoors, which is a win. That’s exactly why I love the mud kitchen. It’s just a small setup, but it can offer hours of sensory play.

Bluey is here for real life!

When a holiday rolls around, my feed inevitably fills with photos and videos of paper chains. I saw pink hearts and layered tulips for Valentine’s Day, and of course red and green at Christmastime and orange and black for Halloween. Most of these handmade decor projects use construction paper fastened together with staples or glue. Now one woman is going viral for her fresh, colorful take on the DIY paper chain — and one of the most surprising parts?

These just hit.

It's kind of magical.

Starting at $3!

Math, but make it fun.

It’s a Tonie. It’s a stuffie. It’s both.

Pinterest says parents are dreaming up more intentional family trips — vision boards included.

Starting at $5!

You don't have to hold onto it all. Here's how to choose.

Samantha, Addy, Kirsten, and friends, but make it 2026.

Small bag, big distractions.

Mini door, maximum magic.

A case for a simpler Valentine's Day.

It’s bobsled time!

I'm so ready for the candy.

It warms my millennial heart.

There are plenty of free options, too!

Tiny things have taken over my house

It's one of the more practical tiny-toy storage ideas I've seen.

There’s something for babies to teens!

Bindi Irwin, the Property Brothers, and Questlove are playing art teacher for the week.

A mom went viral for her kids’ “’90s day,” and millennial parents can’t stop laughing.

Plus a smiling carrot cake and a charming shamrock.

Forget storing all those bulky cardboard boxes. This $10 Amazon find is way better.

It’s the perfect way to say “I see you.”

No pine needles included.

What's old is new again.

The whole family will be happy!

This should keep them happy for a while!

10-year-olds are practically tweens, so look for gifts for their evolving interests and abilities!

From book bags to book lights, here are a few of our favorite gifts for young readers.

Cool gifts to get them excited and keep them engaged!

So much easier (and less messy!) than a real gingerbread house.

The world of toy options opens wide when your child reaches age 3.

20 gifts to fit a range of budgets — each promising to delight and engage any 9-year-old on your gift-giving list!

I love family traditions. As an only child of divorced parents who moved around a lot, I craved consistency when I was younger. Now, as a parent, I’m intentional about creating meaningful traditions for my family of four, especially around the holidays, to foster a sense of security and consistency. We’ve got Fond of You Fondue night for Valentine’s Day, tamale-making on Christmas Day, and beloved themed nights for Hanukkah, like game night and book night.

Educational and developmental toys for the little learning sponge that is your baby, from birth to 12 months.

The cutest (and most developmentally appropriate!) toys and gifts for 1-year-olds.