1. Little Tikes
My family was very hard on toys – if a company wanted to test durability they should have knocked on our door. With 3 kids all 18 months apart, there was a lot of playing (and fighting) going on. Little Tikes outlasted it all. Their plastic is thick and hardy. The nuts and bolts even stayed on through many years of use and misuse. Little Tikes specializes in toys that can withstand rough play and encourage imaginative play as well. I trust this brand to provide entertainment for kids and my grandkids someday.
2. Mega Bloks
Big blocks for little hands, this brand makes blocks that are durable and fun. Much like Little Tikes, the plastic Megablocks are made of is thick and not easily damaged. There is an unending supply of things you can do with these blocks – from building towers to making a house for dolls! Their big size is perfect for babies and their limitless possibilities is perfect for children. Your child will outgrow them before the blocks are broken or damaged.
3. Plan Toys Wood Toys
Wood is more sustainable and earth friendly and just as durable as thick plastic toys. The Plan Toys line has tea sets and pull along toys made 100% out of wood. The only bad thing about wood vs. plastic is that wood does not handle water damage as well as plastic. But the Plan Toys line is well made and will outlast many other brands.
4. Tonka
My little brother played with Tonka trucks as a little boy and I am thrilled to buy these trucks for my son – although my brother’s trucks are still in great shape and my boy loves to play with them. Since these trucks do not come with batteries and “sounds” they will amuse your little one for years without boredom. They are well made and worth every penny – just be sure to keep them out of the elements since they are made of metal and could rust.
5. Melissa & Doug
Another line of wooden toys, Melissa and Doug has expanded to include magnetic toys as well. They have stood the test of my 3.5 year old daughter’s rough play. Their puzzles are the best – they use the imagination as well as problem solving skills. I also highly recommend their magnetic dress up dolls. The pieces are large enough for young toddlers (but the shoes are a choking hazard) and they are thick and durable.
What are your favorite children’s toys? How have they held up in your house?
About the Author:
Annie blogs at her Kansas Mom Blog MamaDweeb.com. She writes about cloth diapering, babywearing, breastfeeding and life with her 3 children 4 yrs old and under.
trisha (mom blogger)
You know what we had that was nice was these wood blocks that were made from real trees…they were in tree shapes. They were a ton of fun. The most used toys in my house are….wait for it….hot wheels.
Louise
I have to agree with your choice of very reliable durable toys. Melissa and Doug are one of my favorite brands!
Brandi M
I have to agree with all of your recommendations. We love our Melissa & Doug toys, the girls have a set of pans that have been through the ringer including mudpies or whatever they said it was and they have held up wonderfullly!