Gift Guide: No Regret Toys For Kids

I know. It’s another blogger gift guide, but please hear me out.

In 2015, I wrote a gift guide that included all of the toys that our kids played with year after year. Within that post, I linked only the best-of-the-best. We are not huge consumers who must have the newest shiny thing. Hopefully, that sentiment shines through my writing all year. For all of our purchases, we strive to choose items that will get used, truly used, and enjoyed.

Keeping that in mind, this year, I thought it would be useful to write a similar post. However, when I reread the first one, I realized that it needed very few edits. The toys we loved then are the same toys we love now.  No regrets. Our four kids are getting older, but with a nine-year span between the oldest and youngest, these toys have stood the test of time.

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Here they are again, in no particular order:
The year in parenthesis is when they received the gift.

Makey Makey (2015) – Using alligator clips and the attached unit, the user can turn anything into something electronic by completing the circuits. The kids have turned fruit into a drum kit, and they made an Operation Game out of tinfoil and cardboard from the recycle bin. If none of this makes sense, don’t despair. The Makey Makey comes with a full project booklet and easy directions.

Piano Hands (2014)  – To use these gloves, piano playing experience is not required. However, prior lessons may improve the listener’s experience. For maximum effect, tap out a tune while walking down a staircase. You’ll make a grand entrance.

Lock Picking Set (2015) – This was my most controversial choice in 2015, and that’s probably true today too. However, I stand by my decision. Many kids love to solve puzzles and figure out challenging problems. For that type of kid, a lock picking set is perfect. It is worth noting that since 2015, none of my kids have become child criminals or adult felons. I suppose it is also worth noting that none of them have become locksmiths either.

Marble Run (2008) – Can you believe we have owned this toy for over ten years? While the marbles do present a choking hazard for small children, once that stage passes, it is the perfect toy for all ages. The kids still drag this out sometimes, and our youngest is twelve.

Walkie Talkies (2014) – This is the perfect gift for the spy-in-training. In addition to Special Ops, Walkie Talkies add an element of fun to hide-and-seek. The units are rechargeable, and they hold up well to rough treatment. (Note: We have a different set that is no longer available, but these are comparable.)

18″ Doll Kitchen (2015)  – M. uses this toy every single day.  She still loves her doll apartment, and this little kitchen is an integral part of that play. I keep waiting for her to outgrow it, but I guess she is still having fun making miniature pancakes and loading the tiny dishwasher. What’s not to love?

Apples to Apples Junior (2011) – Hand’s down, this was our favorite family game. We have graduated to the party box version, but the Junior version will stay in the game closet since we still have younger guests sometimes. Apples to Apples Junior is fun for all ages.

Timex Elastic Band Watch (2015)  – M. wore this for over two years. We replaced the battery once, and she only stopped wearing it when the battery died a second time. I almost did not include the watch in this list because it annoys me that Timex designates different watches for boys and girls. (And why is the “girl” version more expensive?) I am pretty sure that M.’s watch was a “boy’s” version, so I encourage you to choose the band pattern and color based on what your child will love, not their gender. (Hello, Timex. It’s 2018, for crying out loud.) Thanks to this gift, M. is almost never late. She takes full responsibility for getting herself ready for activities and out the door on time. That’s a parental dream-come-true.

Rubik’s Cube (First cube 2006)  – This toy is a classic for a good reason. While one of my kids eventually learned to solve them all, the standard 3X3 remains a perennial favorite. Currently, my daughter is speedcubing for fun.

A Suitcase Full of Magic Tricks (2012) – When I became a parent, no one told me that I would spend so much time watching magic tricks. All four of our kids have been into this hobby. While Andy understands every trick, I refuse to learn the secrets. I prefer to be shocked and awed. My grandchildren are going to love me.

Now, I want to hear from you. Do you have any of these toys in your house? Are there any that you would add to this list? Also, how do you feel about gift guides in general? If you do not mind them, what kind of list would you like to see?