Art Easel
Tobbles
Particularly for toddlers on the younger end, Tobbles is a great toy for honing their "mix and match" curiosity as they discover various ways to stack these wobbling shapes. As an added bonus, the bright neon colors and curved edges encourages sensory exploration, fine motor skills and coordination.
To buy: Fat Brain Toys, $27
Funky Brushes
Why ever settle for ho-hum paintbrushes when you can play with a funky brush? (That's what your toddler will think after giving these a whirl and a swirl.) Either use them for art projects or "water paint" with them on a chalkboard to avoid a mess without losing any of the fun.
To buy: Amazon, $9
Eco Dough
Get ready for hours of creative play with this eco-friendly sculpting dough. Naturally dyed by foods (including blueberries, beets and spinach), you won't have to worry if they happen to sample some of it. And check out the Eco Finger Paint as well.
To buy: Uncommon Goods, $20
Funny Jungle Magnets
While the educational purpose of these magnets is to help your toddler identify how to match corresponding pieces together, mixing up the pieces to create her own silly jungle characters is also encouraged. And building stories around the characters as she creates them makes the activity all the more fun.
MORE: 10 Alternative Christmas Trees
To buy: Imagine Toys, $20
House Play
Kids love playing house and pretending they're the ones in charge. What's better than this set where they get to build the house of their dreams and pretend they are mommy or daddy?
To buy: LEGO, $60
Count 'n Play
This Count 'n' Play cash register will bring an invitation for make-believe play as your child sets up shop. Better yet, it provides a prime opportunity to practice their counting skills as well as underscoring an understanding for how money (and credit) works.
To buy: Amazon, $30
