Big Gifts That Your Kids Will Play With for More than 5 Seconds-Christmas 2021

I think it's quite fitting that your kids get a whole slew of new gifts when it's freezing cold outside. Santa was really watching out for us with that one, knowing we would need anything and everything to maintain our sanity indoors. These are my Pediatric PT + Mama approved "wow gifts" that can be used for years! Most are considered open-ended toys: meaning there's more than one way you can play & explore them which = increased imagination, creativity, and time spent engaged in play.

This page contains affiliate links that aid in supporting Movement Mama LLC.

(Gifts in order from top right to bottom left and links are found by clicking on the name of each item)

Canvas Swing: This can be hung indoors with a hook screwed into the ceiling + used outdoors. It's great for getting the wiggles out of your movement-craving baby/toddler. Use code: MOVEMENT15 for 15% off

Pikler Triangle: I could go on and on about this toy + the rainbow rocker (bottom left) but just take it from me: it's worth every penny. It's like bringing the playground indoors and endless play can be had! When you're struggling through a chilly day at home, whip these out for guaranteed great naps. Use code: KAILEE10 for 10% off + BONUS...I just saw they now offer payment plans! Woo!

3-wheeled Scooter: this is a great starter scooter for littles and can be used safely indoors! Don't forget a helmet! These are appropriate to explore from the time they are a super confident walker and beyond!

Balance Bike: I find balance bikes to be amazing for overall strength, balance, and coordination. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a tricycle or bike with training wheels, but I adore a balance bike for more independence and control early-on, when pedaling a tricycle might be hard. Same with the scooter, these can be used from the time they are a confident walker and beyond, but always always wear a helmet, even with indoor use! And if you're not into pink :) we love this one too!

Sensory Table: Another boring day at home savior + bonus is that it converts to a nice flat-surface activity table. You'll also want these bins for sensory play! Our friends actually just made one for us with plans similar to this.

Kitchen Helper: One of my favorite ways to spend time with my kiddos is to cook together. It's messy and wild but it's so FUN and I love imagining holidays cooking together when they're older! There are ENDLESS opportunities to learn through cooking together and this foldable kitchen helper makes it so easy for them to be right there with you! We're actually about to get this one from a small, family-owned business and they've offered me a discount for you guys. Use code: KAILEE15 for 15% off!

Multi-stage Bike: My jaw about hit the floor when I saw how expensive these were as a first-time Mama. BUT, we bought a cheaper version and I actually hated it. SO many of the Mamas in my community swear by this one that takes them from "stroller" mode all the way up to independent tricycle! I truly do believe if you want one catch-all bike, this is it for those little years!

Balance Wobble Board: Not only is this great for balance, but it also can be used as a reading rocker, tabletop, slide, and car track (+ many many more open-ended play opportunities).

Stroller/Shopping Cart: I love this one because it's sturdy enough to be a push-toy, yet also can function as a pretend-play stroller, shopping cart, or home for stuffies!

Tool Bench: You'll be amazed at how your toddler's play transforms with this one through the years! So fun for both genders and great for STEAM/fine motor work. This is another great option, too.

Play Mat: A super high-quality play mat isn't just for the baby phase. We use this one + our Shwally mat for gross motor play indoors + a soft space to land for book reading. We adore both of these small, family-owned businesses. The Shwally is able to be wiped clean, but the Toki has a waterproof cover you can purchase, so you're good to go for all of the messes with either one. For the Toki, use code: MVMTMAMA10 for 10% off! For the Shwally, use code: MOVE10 for $10 off

Play Tent: A safe space for hide & seek, a cozy reading nook, or just an adorable feature for your child's room: this one is a big hit in our house. But pro tip: put some spider traps in the back corners just in case :)

Play Kitchen: One of my number one first Birthday/Christmas recommendations--you will not believe the pretend play that happens and grows here. It is just SO fun to watch. I've got some in the Amazon list but I just couldn't resist this modern wooden kitchen, this retro one, or this one that is hashtag Kitchen goals for Mama too :)

Montessori 4-in-1 Table: We use this every.single.day. It can be a table with low chairs, high chairs, a bench seat, or a desk. I love that it's sturdy enough for me to sit on one of the chairs as a low stool to help the kids and it wipes clean so easy but still looks beautiful in our home! Adore this!

Tunnel: Pop this one out on a cozy day indoors and you're set. I've linked several in the idea list but my all-time favorite aesthetic-wise is this one from Lovevery.

Reading Chair: How perfect is this cozy little spot for your babe? I am imagining milestone pics taken and many pages turned here :)

Foam Play Couch: Whether it's the Nugget or the many other beautiful foam couches that have come out of the last year, these are one of my top recommendations for families. Beauty + endless ways to play + comfort = an all around win for everyone in the family. We use ours every single day and these can even be used for the baby stages, too! We are also adding on a Joey couch (which is similar but has options for amazing pillow pack add-ons for even more fun indoor play).

Wooden Rocker: This one can be a rocker, a boat, a bridge, a tabletop, etc etc etc! It is the definition of open-ended play and we were so excited to get this from grandparents last year! Use code: KAILEE10 for 10% off and check out their payment plans which make this a much more cost-effective option for many families!

I hope this brings you some peace of mind knowing that dropping some major dollars is totally worth it for these items that have proven to give our own family + friends endless hours of play!

I can't wait to see your little ones thriving indoors this winter. Remember to tag me in your photos with @themovementmama so I can see their adorable excited faces on Christmas morning!