I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what to get my baby for Christmas. Of course, I want the day to bring her joy and laughter, but I know that it is completely unnecessary for me to overwhelm her with material objects in order to bring a smile to her face (and I pray that I never lose sight of that fact!). I’ve been thinking about finding just a few interactive toys for baby that are developmentally appropriate for her (looking for baby toys for 6-12 months), and that are affordable. If you’ve ever shopped for toys for babies, you know that you can certainly find cheap stuff out there, but that doesn’t mean that it will engage a child’s mind. You can also find some really engaging toys that hit your checking account awfully hard. In my opinion, Playskool is a brand that offers the toys that children can learn and grow with, minus the heavy price tag. If you have a baby or toddler on your Christmas list, I want to highlight a few really great affordable toys for babies from Playskool, all under $20.
For babies ages 6 months and up, the Tumble ‘N Twirl Top is an excellent option. Balls can be dropped into the chute, and then the button on top can be pressed to start twirling them around! A baby can also open the door to release the balls and enjoy crawling after them. This product retails for $19.99.
Another great option for a baby 9 months and older is the Blocksters Blockimals. These are stacking blocks with a twist! The outside of the blocks have different animal characters on them. The blocks also have an animal on the inside of the blocks for additional fun! The blocks come in sets of 3 and retail for $14.99.
If the baby in your life is 12 months or older, Playskool has a really cute and thrifty option for you. Wheel Pals are soft and squeezable animals on wheels! Your young toddler will really enjoy rolling these along the floor time and time again. The price also cannot be beat, as these retail for $3.99. These would be a terrific stocking stuffer, or put together a few of them (there are 12 varieties from which to choose) for a really fun gift.
For the kids ages 2 and up (and let’s be real, also for the grown ups), consider a Classic Themed Mr. Potato Head!
If you never had a Mr. Potato Head growing up, I encourage you to indulge yourself and get one! They are SO MUCH FUN, and of course, they are even more fun when you get to introduce them to a child for the first time. Pretty much everyone is familiar with Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head figures, but did you know that Playskool also offers a Firefighter Spud that comes with an extinguisher and Captain Potato Chips, complete with a peg leg, eye patch and hooked hand? Imagine the fun to be had with these toys, and for the low price of $9.99!
I hope that this post gives you some ideas for truly fun toys for babies at a price point that won’t make you squeamish. The folks at Playskool do an excellent job of creating great toys that children will reach for again and again. They are definitely buy-worthy, in my book!
They are also win-worthy! Playskool is offering a Stuff Parents Need reader some of these excellent toys! One of you will win a Firefighter Spud AND 2 Wheel Pals! You will be giving hours and hours of fun to the little one in your life who will receive these, I guarantee it! This contest will run until December 15th at 7:59pm CST when a winner will be selected via random.org. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to my email with requested information. Open to residents of the United States.
How to Enter
Mandatory entry: You must follow or subscribe to my blog! Options include following me through Google friend, subscribing through email, or subscribing via RSS. Let me know which one you use in your entry.
Additional Entries:
1. Follow HasbroNews on Twitter
2. Tell me another Playskool toy you really love!
3. Check out the For Parents section of the Playskool site, and tell me something you learned there!
4. Enter my giveaway for swaddling blankets (ends 12/12)
5. Enter my Delicae Gourmet giveaway (ends 12/13)
Disclosure: I received no form of compensation for this post. I just love Playskool! Affiliate links may be included at no cost to you.
alanna says
I recently came accross your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I dont know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Alena
http://bluetoothspeakerphone.net
Rajee says
Learned from the Eotional Roller Coaster article
Rajee says
love Mr Potatohead
Rajee says
follow hasbro news on twitter
Rajee says
follow ur blog,
Pls follow my blog too http://momsfocusonline.com
rajee@momsfocusonline.com
missrantsypants says
Awesome ideas!
I follow!
clarkmurdock@yahoo.com
MAC Mom says
I learned from one of their articles by Lawrence Cohen, PhD about the importance of empowering girls and connecting with boys. I like his statment that All Children need roots and wings. Playskool toys helps children through exploring.
Jesskaufman at hotmail dot com
MAC Mom says
The Palyskool Gloworm is a favorite toy of mine.
Jesskaufman at hotmail dot com
MAC Mom says
I follow Hasbro on Twitter.
Jesskaufman at hotmail dot com
MAC Mom says
I follow your blog.
jesskaufman at hotmail dot com
Donna says
I already Entered your Delicae Gourmet giveaway
donna444444@yahoo.com
Donna says
I already entered your swaddling blankets giveaway.
donna444444@yahoo.com
Donna says
The sit n spin is nice.(playskool)
donna444444@yahoo.com
Donna says
I Follow HasbroNews on Twitter (donnak4)
donna444444@yahoo.com
Donna says
I am a follower.
donna444444@yahoo.com
lilyk says
I also love the Spud Buds Pets!
lilyk says
I learned that Playskool was founded in 1928 by two women who believed in learning through play.
lilyk says
I subscribed by email.
liliesrnice says
followin through email!
Gianna says
I subscribed 🙂
dvice12 says
I also like the DINO-ROARS Monty Rex
dvice12 says
I Follow HasbroNews on Twitter
dvice12 says
I follow your blog on google friend
Stephanie says
I learnt that PLAYSKOOL was founded in 1928 by two women who believed in learning through play.
thegrants(at)live(dot)com
Stephanie says
I also really like the DINO-ROARS Monty Rex
thegrants(at)live(dot)com
Stephanie says
I follow HasbroNews on Twitter @sgrant2005
thegrants(at)live(dot)com
Stephanie says
I follow via google friend
thegrants(at)live(dot)com
Miranda Ward says
I follow Via google friend connect
07violet says
entered your Delicae Gourmet giveaway
alterna7 at hotmail dot com
07violet says
following Hasbro on twitter (07violet)
alterna7 at hotmail dot com
07violet says
following blog
alterna7 at hotmail dot com
kathy pease says
i love the PLAYSKOOL PLAY FAVORITES BUSY LIL' LADYBUG
kathy pease says
following your blog as klp1965
Maja says
follower
Maja says
subscriber
Maja says
my son would love it
Hippie Mama Crafter says
I'm followin through google. Great stuff Mama!
dreamcleavers says
dreamcleavers@yahoo.com
entered delicae gourmet giveaway
dreamcleavers says
dreamcleavers@yahoo.com
entered swadling blankes giveaway
dreamcleavers says
dreamcleavers@yahoo.com
i love the sin and spin–ours is on it's second child
dreamcleavers says
dreamcleavers@yahoo.com
i learned playschool isn't just to entertain kids but to make their brains grow
dreamcleavers says
dreamcleavers@yahoo.com
follow hasbro news on twitter
dreamcleavers
dreamcleavers says
dreamcleavers@yahoo.com
follow you on google connect
dreamcleavers
Julie says
I like the Sit n Spin toy
aunteegem@yahoo.com
Julie says
I follow your blog as jelaws5
aunteegem@yahoo.com
giggling kids says
I subscribe to your blog.
heatherstamper09@aol.com
Jinxy and Me says
I'm following HasbroNews on Twitter (I'm @ThriftyJinxy).
Jinxy and Me says
I'm following your blog in Google Friend Connect.
Sharon says
Follow hasbronews on twitter @marillionflower
Sharon says
Follow you on google.
Tylerpants says
Entered the Delicae Gourmet giveaway already!
tylerpants(at)gmail.com
Tylerpants says
Entered the swaddling blankets giveaway already!
tylerpants(at)gmail.com
Tylerpants says
I love the pretty Playskool Dream Town Rose Petal Cottage!
tylerpants(at)gmail.com
Tylerpants says
I'm an email subscriber
tylerpants(at)gmail.com
Mom2anutball says
I also like the G.I. JOE RISE OF COBRA STEEL CRUSHER A.P.V. with NITRO-VIPER!
hawkgirl_16{at}hotmail{dot}com
Mom2anutball says
I follow them on twitter! mom2anutball
hawkgirl_16{at}hotmail{dot}com
Mom2anutball says
I already subscribe! 🙂
Thanks for the chance!
hawkgirl_16{at}hotmail{dot}com
Hotsnotty2 says
Following through Google Friend Connect, thanks!
Hotsnotty2@hotmail.com
Erica C. says
I'm a google follower. Thanks 🙂
paula michele says
I'm a follower.
hafner611{AT}gmail{DOT}com
Molly K says
I follow on google friends.
Jammie says
I follow Hasbro News on twitter Jammie79
Jammie says
Love Potato head. I subscribe and follow your blog
Karen says
The busy ball popper looks like SO much fun 🙂
ktgonyea at gmail.com
erma says
I am followering you through Google friend.
erma.hurtt@sbcglobal.net
ellie says
I'm following Hasbro News on Twitter as eswright18.
eswright18 at gmail dot com
ellie says
I follow on Google. Thanks for the giveaway.
eswright18 at gmail dot com
JulieMoe says
I follow you
bison61 says
I subscribe by e-mail
tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com
Laura says
I also love the glow worms they're a classic cuddly toy.
bookloon@gmail.com
Laura says
I follow through Google.
bookloon@gmail.com
Desi @ Wee Share says
We really love the sit and spin. I know that Raileigh is technically too young for it. true, she can't actually sit and spin. but, she loves to press the top of it and hear the music! Plus, she'll hold on to it and dance. We gave it to her at a year and I am glad we did.
Desi
weeshareblog@gmail.com
Desi @ Wee Share says
I agree, Tiffany. I love Playskool toys. i follow with google friend and subscribe by email
Desi
weehshareblog@gmail.com
Jen @ Blog Giveaway Directory says
I follow Hasbronews on twitter as greatgiveaways.
ssovrnej (at) gmail.com
Jen @ Blog Giveaway Directory says
I follow your blog on google friend connect as Jen V.
ssovrnej (at) gmail.com
Heather @ Girl Gone Mom says
Entered delicae Gourmet giveaway
Heather @ Girl Gone Mom says
entered swaddling blankets
Heather @ Girl Gone Mom says
I learned that children need guidance from their parents to avoid bias and prejudice.
Heather @ Girl Gone Mom says
I also like the PLAYSKOOL BALL-TIVITY CENTER
Heather @ Girl Gone Mom says
following hasbro as pennypinchingma
Heather @ Girl Gone Mom says
following your blog!
maxfate says
I've entered your Delicae Gourmet giveaway.Thanks!
supe61@hotmail.com
maxfate says
At Parenting Solutions it was interesting to read the Benefits of Frustration. I had not thought of it as being good at times, but what they say is true.
supe61@hotmail.com
maxfate says
I'm following HasbroNews on Twitter as maxfate.
supe61@hotmail.com
maxfate says
I like the playskool Dinoroars dinosaurs,especially the hatchlings.
supe61@hotmail.com
maxfate says
I'm an email subscriber,and follow on Google. Thanks!
supe61@hotmail.com
Robert says
I entered your Delicae Gourmet giveaway (post 27)
Robert says
I love the PLAYSKOOL BUSY BALL CHOO CHOO
Robert says
I follow your blog via email
Momnerd says
My twins love Mr. Potato head, this would make a great gift! I follow!
Candace says
Our favorite is the Musical Sit n Spin.
Candace says
I follow via Google Friend Connect!
mogrill says
Everyone loves the Busy Ball Popper in our house too. Thanks for the chance.
mogrill@comcast.net
Kimberly L says
Email Subscribed
brn2lisn(at)gmail(dot)com
Linda says
Great toy ideas, thank you, I subscribed!
mintstatesportswear(at)juno(dot)com
sweetsue says
I am following HasbroNews on twitter as ptowngirl.
smchester at gmail dot com
sweetsue says
I follow your blog.
smchester at gmail dot com
Kristie says
I entered the Delicae Gourmet giveaway!
khmorgan_00 [at] yahoo [dot] com
Kristie says
I thought it was neat that "In general, we do a better job giving confidence to boys and comfort to girls." It was interesting to read about the 1970's study that went along with this.
khmorgan_00 [at] yahoo [dot] com
Kristie says
My kids would LOVE the Playskool Dance Cam!
khmorgan_00 [at] yahoo [dot] com
Kristie says
I'm a new subscriber via e-mail.
khmorgan_00 [at] yahoo [dot] com
shelley says
My nephew loves fireman (his grandfather is a fireman). He would absolutely love this!
jennielee226 says
I love the MY LITTLE PONY PINKIE PIE'S PLAYHOUSE playset
jennielee226(at)gmail(dot)com
jennielee226 says
I follow hasbro news on twitter as jennielee685
jennielee226(at)gmail(dot)com
jennielee226 says
I follow this blog
jennielee226(at)gmail(dot)com
Tracey says
I'm a Google follower.
traymona[at]aol.com
cdziuba says
Entered Delicae Gourmet giveaway
cdziuba says
I learned this from For Parents:
Modern Times, Modern Toys
By the late 1960s, Fink and Meythaler were ready to retire. They sold the brand to the Milton Bradley Company, then best known for board games, and PLAYSKOOL entered the modern era with a bang—or rather a "zap": We became the first brand to make electronic toys for preschoolers, beginning in the late 1970s with Alphie, a chunky and chatty robot. His cutting-edge talents included playing music and simple guessing games. Alphie was just the start of a long line of PLAYSKOOL high-tech toys that have entertained and inspired young minds. In 1984 both PLAYSKOOL and Milton Bradley were bought by Hasbro. As a result, we became the new home of those famous spuds, Mr. and MRS. POTATO HEAD, as well as the GLOWORM and other beloved early childhood classics.
cdziuba says
Follow HasbroNews on Twitter cdziuba
cdziuba says
I like this from Playskool: HELMET HEROES Police Officer
cdziuba says
I follow your blog! cdziuba@aol.com My email is easily seen in my profile
Kim says
and I learned: To learn how to balance, children have to move in lots of different directions to “train” their inner ear to know which way is up.
Kim says
I'd love to have some EXPLORE 'N GROW Tumble 'N Twirl Top
Kim says
twitter follow them – kgail11
Kim says
I follow this blog!
Jennifer T. says
I entered your swaddling blanket giveaway.
Jennifer T. says
I enjoyed the article about empowering girls. It suggests playing games with girls that foster physicality and adventure.
Jennifer T. says
I would love the Playskool Play Favorites Tubby Turtle for my daughter.
Jennifer T. says
I subscribe via e-mail.
Kim says
Our house loves the Busy Ball Popper from Playskool.
Kim says
I follow on google friend connect and would LOVE to win!
mverno says
i subcribed to email wow mverno@roadrunner.com
The Wheeler Homeschool Blog says
Always love hearing about new or improved toys for my girlie!
Anonymous says
Learned from the Eotional Roller Coaster article
Diane Baum
esldiane@gmail.com
Sara says
entered swaddle blanket giveaway
Sara says
I found the The Emotional Roller-Coaster article very informative. I didn't know they had so many resources on their website!
Sara says
I remember loving the PLAYSKOOL PLAY FAVORITES MUSICAL SIT & SPIN and a kid. I hope when my daughter is old enough she enjoys it just as much!
Sara says
follow hasbro news on twitter
saramama
Sara says
Follower!
Oh and how is work/daycare going. I read your blog post and have been thinking about you. Hope each day gets easier!
Anonymous says
love Mr Potatohead
I follow your blog
SlyTru@hotmail.com
Sonya says
I follow your blog as Sonya.
Everyone loves Mr. Potato head 🙂
Anonymous says
Cute toys.
tegelund57@yahoo.com
grndbaygal says
thanks for the great toy ideas,and budget friendly also. e-mail subscriber grndbaygal@gmail.com