Before I had Nathan, I was really interested in wooden toys. I saw several cute brands on Instagram when I was pregnant so I took note of them and, once Nathan was born, I ordered A LOT of them. I ordered wooden toys, wooden teethers, wooden blocks, wooden puzzles, and more. I just loved their look and feel so much better than plastic toys. The wooden toys are so minimalist and timeless. After almost 15 months
(wahhhh how did he get so big so fast?!) of playing with the toys, I can safely say that the following are his favorites: this push car, these blocks, this rattle, these keys, this name puzzle (he always takes the “A”s out first), and this donut teether (he is my child, after all).
While Nathan loves his wooden toys, he also loves plastic toys. Unfortunately, I think this love is unavoidable. Kids love bright shiny colors, music, and flashing lights. I felt bad depriving him of them so I have definitely bought a few, including these Fisher Price Little People and this walker. #momguilt
For Nathan’s first birthday, E and I decided to buy him a rocking horse. I saw this one on Instagram and knew Nathan HAD to have it! I had a rocking horse growing up that my parents had specially made for me that I named Dandy, and I have the fondest memories of playing with him. Dandy still lives in Los Angeles and is in pretty amazing condition. He lasted through FOUR kids! No plastic rocking horse would have survived that long. He LOVES his new rocking horse. It was actually handmade in Los Angeles (a little nod to my home city).
Over the last week or so, I have started picking up gifts for Nathan for Chanukah. I have picked out a few new wooden toys to add to his collection, including this shark puzzle, this rainmaker, this colorful marine puzzle, this tuk tuk (because E and I honeymooned in Thailand and LOVED riding in tuk tuks), and this dancing alligator. I cannot wait for him to open all of them. They are all so cute and incredibly well made. I know he will have them forever!
Scroll down for a few pictures of Nathan on his rocking horse and to shop my favorite wooden toys!
