https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:32:07 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toy-hits-and-flops#post-2927854 Fri, 06 Jan 2023 20:57:25 +0000 Lahela017 2927854@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Bluemasonjar: yes!! We got my 3.5 year old a Toniebox last summer as a gift when baby brother arrived. She's really into it- uses it for hours daily still. Definitely worth it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toy-hits-and-flops#post-2927853 Fri, 06 Jan 2023 15:49:02 +0000 Bluemasonjar 2927853@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We got a Toniebox last minute for our 4 year old since his brother was getting a tablet. He has loved it, big win. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toy-hits-and-flops#post-2927852 Fri, 06 Jan 2023 13:29:52 +0000 Miss Ariel 2927852@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Chuckles: our break-your-own geode kit was a dud. They got tired breaking them up and I did most. Plus there were all the same inside with any colors. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toy-hits-and-flops#post-2927846 Tue, 03 Jan 2023 22:17:46 +0000 Chuckles 2927846@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For 9 year old DS, the biggest hits have been a break-your-own geode kit, a funny science book that's really for adults called What If?, and a giant nerf gun. He also loves playing with his little sister in her new sensory bin of beans with some wooden Montessori sensory toys.<br /> For 3 year old DD, the favorites have been a stuffed Puppy Dog Pals puppy that has a little carrier, the sensory bin and toys, and some Paw Patrol toys. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toy-hits-and-flops#post-2927843 Tue, 03 Jan 2023 09:26:37 +0000 josina 2927843@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DS, 8 got a hoverboard from Santa and is on it nonstop. I got it super cheap on a black friday deal and now need to find one for 6 year old.. .they're both awesome at it. I had a near disaster so will keep my feet on the ground, lol.<br /> He got a hand-operated drone from us that he immediately lost so I'd call that a miss. We had one before and loved it! I'm afraid it got lost in the wrapping and got thrown away. :sad: </p> <p>DD, 6 got a fort building kit and both kids love that. She loved her color reveal barbies but just the actual reveal part.<br /> Miss is a baby carrier that ended up being really big and she has yet to use it although I thought she'd love it.</p> <p>Both kids also got google nests and those are a huge hit. They love that they can watch youtube/netflix and play music in their rooms. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toy-hits-and-flops#post-2927829 Tue, 27 Dec 2022 16:09:53 +0000 catgirl 2927829@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Lahela017: yes! And it's the original style one not the newer high tech one - she is obsessed! Although she keeps remarking on how needy it is and asking me to babysit it so she can get a break :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toy-hits-and-flops#post-2927828 Tue, 27 Dec 2022 16:04:17 +0000 Lahela017 2927828@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@catgirl: a tamagotchi?! That's amazing!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toy-hits-and-flops#post-2927826 Tue, 27 Dec 2022 14:33:20 +0000 azbaby 2927826@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Lahela017: I've heard great things about the movie. It's probably time for her to watch it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toy-hits-and-flops#post-2927824 Tue, 27 Dec 2022 10:52:13 +0000 catgirl 2927824@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Corduroy: my DD is 8 and is twinning with your DD. I tucked ribbon wands into her stocking at the last minute and I am pretty sure they have been the most played with thing since Christmas. And her 20" squishmallow from Santa is always within arms reach! </p> <p>Other BIG hits are the magic mixies crystal ball from Santa, rock and roll it rainbow piano, and her tamagotchi! Oh and the shaved ice machine! Honestly - everything was really a hit this year and, like a previous poster, that is not always the case! </p> <p>Only things that aren't a hit are clothes that aren't her style and some board games that are similar to ones we already have. Oh, and some snow toys that she loves but can't use since we have no snow, so she's a bit grumpy about them </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toy-hits-and-flops#post-2927822 Tue, 27 Dec 2022 06:51:04 +0000 caitcat 2927822@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My kids are most into the pack of balloons and packs of glowsticks we threw in their stockings on a whim. They've played with them more than any "real" toy. Go figure! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toy-hits-and-flops#post-2927820 Mon, 26 Dec 2022 14:42:41 +0000 Lahela017 2927820@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@azbaby: my daughter is pretty obsessed with Frozen. I think she watched it for the first time around age 2.5, and immediately took to it. I don't know what it is about that movie that kids really attach to. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toy-hits-and-flops#post-2927819 Mon, 26 Dec 2022 13:50:54 +0000 poppygirl15 2927819@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DS (6) loves the Ghostbuster Lego car just as much as I hoped. He hasn’t stopped talking about it. Didn’t care for the Grinch lovey. DD (10) loved a portrait of herself as a Gravity Falls character even more than I thought she would. She was not that into the Squshmallow. Overall, presents were a massive success! Which I can’t say every year. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toy-hits-and-flops#post-2927818 Mon, 26 Dec 2022 13:38:31 +0000 azbaby 2927818@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My daughter (2.5) loves her baby dolls,doll stroller, and walking battery control dog. She could care less about the frozen character set. She hasn't seen Frozen yet so maybe that's why? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toy-hits-and-flops#post-2927817 Mon, 26 Dec 2022 13:24:11 +0000 LadyDi 2927817@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DS1 who is 7.5 loves his perplexus ball that my parents got him and a surprising hit was an NFL jersey from Santa. He wasn't as into LEGO this year as he's been in the past. Normally he would tear open a box and build as soon as he could but right now he hasn't shown a ton of interest in the set he received yesterday. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toy-hits-and-flops#post-2927815 Mon, 26 Dec 2022 10:15:42 +0000 Corduroy 2927815@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Both of my kids (9 and 7) asked for fancy chocolate this year. They were thrilled with the 1lb box of chocolates Santa left them. </p> <p>I got my daughter (9) a wand with a ribbon like she had seen in a ribbon dance at her dance studio. She liked it more than I expected and everyone in the family took turns performing their own dance with the ribbon. She and her 20" squishmallow we're inseparable.</p> <p>DS 7 asked for a golf course with (only) three holes. Strange request for a kid that doesn't even know anyone who plays golf. He's been thrilled with his indoor putting toy - with three holes. His big gift is an aerial hammock/swing. He's shown no interest in it yet but I'm hoping it's because we haven't hung it up. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toy-hits-and-flops#post-2927814 Mon, 26 Dec 2022 07:36:42 +0000 Lahela017 2927814@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Which toys were a complete win for you this year? Which did your kiddo not care at all about?</p> <p>My daughter (3.5) is totally in love with the Thomas the Tank wooden train set that she asked for from Santa. I'm pretty pumped because I put a lot of effort into putting different brands together to make it more affordable. I got different off brand wooden tracks and freight cars and then I just got the actual Thomas brand to get the characters.</p> <p>She wasn't very into the Slumberkins I splurged on though. I kind of figured it might take her awhile to care about it though and really got it more for the educational aspect of the books that go along with it. She was also disappointed with a dress up Elsa dress my grandma got her since she already had one and wanted an Anna dress. Luckily my Grandma wasn't there for the unwrapping because my daughter had a fit about it. Pretty embarrassing, but I was able to quickly calm her down and get her to try it on for a photo. 😬</p> <p>DS is only a baby and didn't have any clue what was happening, but loves a new teether my mom got him. I'm happy he's into something she got. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/age-for-ball-pit-other-play-ideas#post-2927781 Tue, 13 Dec 2022 19:41:57 +0000 Lahela017 2927781@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SteelerGirl: yeah, I decided against the ball pit. I don't think I could handle the balls everywhere and I questioned whether or not she'd actually like it at all after the newness wore off.</p> <p>I've heard amazing things about the nugget, but I'm still struggling with where I'd want to have it set up. I'm worried she'd grow bored of it, like she did with our foam climbing blocks things, and then I'd be out a lot of money. I'll have to really think about it I guess. Too bad we don't have a friend with one to test it out. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/age-for-ball-pit-other-play-ideas#post-2927778 Tue, 13 Dec 2022 16:19:21 +0000 SteelerGirl 2927778@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Agree with the nugget couch, if it's in the budget. Or the ultimate fort builder. </p> <p>We had a ball pit and I couldn't wait to get rid of it. I was so tired of picking up balls. The day we finally put it in the trash I did a little dance. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/age-for-ball-pit-other-play-ideas#post-2927747 Fri, 09 Dec 2022 22:54:20 +0000 LemonJack 2927747@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This is kind of a big thing, but if you have space to set up a kids bounce house in your basement, it would be a great way to get out some energy. We have friends who do that! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/age-for-ball-pit-other-play-ideas#post-2927722 Mon, 05 Dec 2022 16:35:32 +0000 MountainBaby 2927722@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a ball pit. It's great for about 2 weeks at a time and then the novelty wears off and balls end up all over. We keep it out for a few weeks in a time and then put the balls in the attic for a few months, rinse and repeat. Ours is inside a pop and play and we fill it with balls, so not an official pit, but deeper than a kiddie pool. </p> <p>Other ideas could be twister game or a balance board (wobble board). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/age-for-ball-pit-other-play-ideas#post-2927712 Sun, 04 Dec 2022 23:23:14 +0000 Lahela017 2927712@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PinkElephant: thanks for the ideas! Stepping stones and obstacle course type set up seems like a good idea. She's into balance beams at playgrounds, so I bet she'd love that.</p> <p>I know I've heard amazing things about the nugget, but I don't know where we'd put one...</p> <p>Thanks for all the ideas ladies!! This has been really helpful! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/age-for-ball-pit-other-play-ideas#post-2927711 Sun, 04 Dec 2022 22:18:23 +0000 PinkElephant 2927711@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a swing similar to what @Chuckles: posted. It's attached to our basement ceiling beams using an anchor hook intended for a TRX that holds something like 500 lbs. Every kid who comes over loves it (and my daughters are now 10, 8, and 6). </p> <p>We also have the pogo thing and they all liked that; my oldest uses a regular pogo stick both indoors and out to get gross motor input, which she really needs.</p> <p>If you're into setting up obstacles, these two items (stepping stones and hoops) are fun; if you want something that serves a purpose for adults as well, there are fun balance activities you can do with a Bosu ball.</p> <p>Stepping Stones: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/National-Geographic-Balance-Stepping-Stones/dp/B07H7RGM89" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/National-Geographic-Balance-Stepping-Stones/dp/B07H7RGM89</a></p> <p>Hoops - for the life of me I can't find our set; I thought it was Melissa and Doug - we have six rings in two sizes, similar makeup to these: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Worldwide-YS-AR-20-Spectrum-Hoops-Agility/dp/B00P48UG2A/ref=asc_df_B00P48UG2A/?tag=hyprod-20&#038;linkCode=df0&#038;hvadid=222720245886&#038;hvpos=&#038;hvnetw=g&#038;hvrand=17088473793497982514&#038;hvpone=&#038;hvptwo=&#038;hvqmt=&#038;hvdev=c&#038;hvdvcmdl=&#038;hvlocint=&#038;hvlocphy=9003744&#038;hvtargid=pla-364921986635&#038;psc=1" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Worldwide-YS-AR-20-Spectrum-Hoops-Agility/dp/B00P48UG2A/ref=asc_df_B00P48UG2A/?tag=hyprod-20&#038;linkCode=df0&#038;hvadid=222720245886&#038;hvpos=&#038;hvnetw=g&#038;hvrand=17088473793497982514&#038;hvpone=&#038;hvptwo=&#038;hvqmt=&#038;hvdev=c&#038;hvdvcmdl=&#038;hvlocint=&#038;hvlocphy=9003744&#038;hvtargid=pla-364921986635&#038;psc=1</a></p> <p>Nugget couches are also a huge hit - they use these combined with gymnastics mats for fort and obstacle building. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/age-for-ball-pit-other-play-ideas#post-2927709 Sun, 04 Dec 2022 10:20:43 +0000 Lahela017 2927709@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Chuckles: oh, that looks so fun! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/age-for-ball-pit-other-play-ideas#post-2927707 Sun, 04 Dec 2022 09:01:16 +0000 Chuckles 2927707@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree with @karenbme: about the trampoline and bar. We also got a rope swing thing and attached it to the ceiling of our basement during the height of the pandemic. Our 3 and 9 year olds still use it most days. Very similar to this one LAEGENDARY Tree Swing for Kids - Single Disk Outdoor Climbing Rope w/ Platforms, Carabiner &amp; 4 Ft Tree Strap - Playground Accessories - Multicolored <a href="https://a.co/d/bOSZ7wc" rel="nofollow">https://a.co/d/bOSZ7wc</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/age-for-ball-pit-other-play-ideas#post-2927704 Sun, 04 Dec 2022 08:43:04 +0000 Lahela017 2927704@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@catgirl: I love the pogo stick thing. That's a great idea, and very affordable! We do have a little slide, but she's pretty much outgrown it. I hate to replace it with a bigger one at this point because little brother will be able to use it in awhile. Thanks for the ideas! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/age-for-ball-pit-other-play-ideas#post-2927703 Sun, 04 Dec 2022 07:55:58 +0000 catgirl 2927703@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh, and this! Flybar My First Foam Pogo Jumper for Kids Fun and Safe Pogo Stick, Durable Foam and Bungee Jumper for Ages 3 and up Toddler Toys, Supports up to 250lbs (Blue) <a href="https://a.co/d/dTfy8F6" rel="nofollow">https://a.co/d/dTfy8F6</a></p> <p>It does make an insanely annoying squeaky noise, but worth it! DH and I occasionally jump around on it too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/age-for-ball-pit-other-play-ideas#post-2927702 Sun, 04 Dec 2022 07:53:57 +0000 catgirl 2927702@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was going to suggest the little tiles trampoline, too! That got so much use from my DD! And we had an indoor slide that got a ton of use! We got a larger size one so it could last longer. This is the one we had: Little Tikes Easy Store Large Slide , Blue/Green <a href="https://a.co/d/6UQYhrL" rel="nofollow">https://a.co/d/6UQYhrL</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/age-for-ball-pit-other-play-ideas#post-2927701 Sun, 04 Dec 2022 07:02:51 +0000 karenbme 2927701@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Lahela017: Ick… it’s way too early for temps that cold. I’m in VT near the Canadian border and we’ve had a few days of single digit windchills so far but nothing below zero yet (thankfully). This is the trampoline we have: <a href="https://www.target.com/p/little-tikes-easy-store-3-39-trampoline/-/A-53664704#lnk=sametab" rel="nofollow">https://www.target.com/p/little-tikes-easy-store-3-39-trampoline/-/A-53664704#lnk=sametab</a> we got this one because friends recommended it and their 7 year old still uses hers. Plus it looks like Target has it in n sale right now. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/age-for-ball-pit-other-play-ideas#post-2927699 Sun, 04 Dec 2022 00:01:42 +0000 Lahela017 2927699@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@karenbme: a trampoline! I totally forgot about those. I'll have to see if I can get a good deal on one, I bet she'd love one.</p> <p>We were really good at going outside last year, but baby brother has some skin issues and the cold weather is just too much for him sometimes. We're in Minnesota, so it's already cold. Today we had a wind chill of -5 degrees. Ugh. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/age-for-ball-pit-other-play-ideas#post-2927698 Sat, 03 Dec 2022 23:53:28 +0000 karenbme 2927698@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Lahela017: I would guess that a kiddie pool plus balls is just as good as an official ball pit. In terms of other gross motor play, my 3 year old has so much fun with a little tikes trampoline. She also has a wedge mat that folds into an ~30in cube that has been endless entertainment for rolling/jumping/etc. and we have a foldable kid sized gymnastics bar that’s her big Christmas present because she really wants to be able to swing on the handle on the trampoline and it’s not made for that at all. We also thought about getting one of those pod swings since they are appropriate for active play and quieter time, but ultimately think she’ll have more fun with the bar. But we also go outside in just about any weather (heavily bundled of course). Last year DH made a slide in one of the snow banks on the side of the driveway and she LOVED it. </p>