https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 08 Apr 2026 19:23:02 +0000 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-2927696 Sat, 03 Dec 2022 23:36:53 +0000 Lahela017 2927696@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It looks like we are in for a cold winter, stuck inside a lot. I'm freaked out about all the illnesses running rampant right now since we have a pretty young baby, so I'm trying to find some more inside activities for my 3.5 year old to get her energy out. With all the toy sales right now I've been seeing all the deals. Is 3.5 too old for a ball pit? Do you need an actual ball pit, or if I just get balls and put them in our kiddy pool is that fun? Am I just setting myself up for balls all over the house or just another thing sitting around not getting played with?</p> <p>Any other ideas for some gross motor play? We already have a tent/tunnel, some big foam blocks for climbing on, a sit and spin, and some ride on toys. None of these get much play anymore though after the excitement of taking them out of storage wears off. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/saving-toys-for-the-future#post-2927285 Wed, 27 Jul 2022 10:24:43 +0000 Mommy Finger 2927285@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We're in the middle of a huge toy purge as my kids have outgrown a ton now that they're older (7&amp;9) and into sports and , let's be honest, video games) so I'm happy to revamp the toy room and gain back space. But then I started to think that maybe I wanted to keep some of them for if I happen to have grandkids in the future. My mom kept toys from when we were little and it is always fun to see my kids, nieces and nephews continue to play with them. Not a ton but we do have storage space. </p> <p>Things that I'm thinking:</p> <p>Legos<br /> Magnatiles<br /> Animals from Terra by Battat (my kids were obsessed with these)<br /> Maybe some of their dinosaurs that aren't battery powered</p> <p>Thinking about more classic toys. Wondering if I'm crazy or just giving into hoarding tendencies? Anyone else? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hoverboard-recommendations-for-9-year-old#post-2926382 Tue, 22 Feb 2022 21:19:27 +0000 Purpledaisy 2926382@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So my daughter is turning 9 pretty soon and has been wanting a hoverboard for a long time now. Anyone have a recommendation? There are so many and I’m overwhelmed by it, I need someone to tell me what to get lol! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toys-for-the-train-obsessed#post-2926181 Fri, 21 Jan 2022 15:42:09 +0000 LadyDi 2926181@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DS2 is about to turn 4. He is obsessed with trains and that's primarily what he plays with. I have NO idea what to get him for his birthday in less than 2 weeks. Does anyone have any unique train-related suggestions? We have a ton of wooden thomas and Brio trains, a nice Lionel train set, train DVDs, a train conductor outfit. I am taking him to see a train documentary at one of those HUGE surround-type movie theaters for his bday and we already have plans for a steam train ride in April. When he's not playing with actual trains he is pretending other things are trains or he's pretending that HE is a train and refers to himself as "the polar express" in third person ("Mom, the Polar Express wants a snack") Any suggestions???? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/beyblades#post-2923834 Mon, 24 May 2021 08:55:57 +0000 LadyDi 2923834@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Can someone tell me what to buy if my son wants beyblades for his bday? We don't have any and he's played them once at a friend's house. Is there a beyblade starter pack? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/outdoor-toys-with-a-small-footprint#post-2923271 Thu, 08 Apr 2021 15:27:32 +0000 LadyDi 2923271@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a large yard but it's basically a hill and it's too steep for a swing set, trampoline, or climbing dome. I really want to get the kids some fun outdoor toys. We have a small basketball hoop, some nerf guns, all different kinds of balls and wagons, a small baby pool, scooters. I REALLY want to get a small bounce house but DH has given that a big NO. My boys are almost 6, 3, and almost 2. What are your favorite/most used outdoor toys that don't take up a ton of space??? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sandbox-recs#post-2922916 Tue, 16 Mar 2021 09:55:30 +0000 LadyDi 2922916@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Looking for sandbox recs and advice on how to keep them pest and animal free </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-store-lego#post-2921176 Mon, 30 Nov 2020 15:32:20 +0000 LadyDi 2921176@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am sure there are threads about this, but how do you store built LEGO? I don't mean the loose bricks, I mean built structures, vehicles, etc. DS has a lot of sets (he's more into that than building something from his imagination) and he likes to play with them but his two younger brothers get a hold of them and destroy them. Right now they just sit on top of an ikea storage thing, and I hate the idea of putting shelves on a wall just for LEGO storage, but maybe that's the answer? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/winter-outdoor-toddler-toys#post-2920708 Wed, 11 Nov 2020 11:46:01 +0000 Lahela017 2920708@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>With covid and the winter coming/already here, I'm really nervous as to how I'm going to keep my 1.5 year old busy with none of our normal activities available. We got through the summer and fall by going outside a ton. I want to keep up our outdoor time, but I'm wondering what we can do outside besides just go on walks. We have a sled she can ride in, but that doesn't get her energy out...</p> <p>We have too much snow for her to walk around the yard much, but I keep our large deck and driveway pretty clear. I was hoping to find a push toy with skis or really huge wheels, but am having a hard time.</p> <p>Any experienced moms have any ideas? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/building-materials-for-kids#post-2920507 Thu, 05 Nov 2020 17:27:52 +0000 JennyPenny 2920507@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My son loves making these creations out of paper he cuts up and tape. I feel like there had got to be a better type of building material for him that would ideally be safe and reusable. We already have legos, magnatiles and play dough. Has anyone else seen something that they think might fit the bill?</p> <p>See below a giraffe-mobile, stroller, and cruise ship. </p> [attach=2543/20/qjch2g.600x600.795B6BD1-6866-4581-A95B-107491B40D89.jpeg] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/favorite-nintendo-switch-games#post-2920217 Tue, 03 Nov 2020 13:25:11 +0000 bpcmarj 2920217@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Do your LOs use a nintendo switch? What is their favorite game? </p> <p>We are a big splatoon 2 family! But also Mario Kart. DH and I like Animal Crossing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/outdoor-play-equipment#post-2919882 Wed, 21 Oct 2020 11:50:10 +0000 castilrm 2919882@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi all! It’s looking like distance learning is sticking around through at least the rest of the year (if not longer) in my school district. We’re in an area with mild weather so as long as it’s not raining, the kids are happy to play outside, so I’m looking for play equipment that works for a 3 and 5 year old. Our current backyard has a decent sized cement back patio which leads out to a down slopped yard, so large play structures don’t really work in our yard as there’s no place to anchor them.</p> <p>Also, we’re currently in a rented house while we figure out whether we’re staying in our (very expensive) city long term or moving elsewhere, so play equipment that is easy to move is preferable.</p> <p>We currently have a small playhouse (some Little Times cottage) that the kids are getting too tall for, so I was thinking maybe a larger playhouse? Is there one you all recommend?</p> <p>Anything else your kids have loved in terms of play equipment (indoor or outdoor)?</p> <p>TIA! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/scooter-for-7-8-yo#post-2919545 Wed, 14 Oct 2020 11:14:41 +0000 lindseykaye 2919545@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DD1 never really got into her bike and has now outgrown it. We are thinking of getting her a scooter instead of replacing the bike right away, mostly because she is pretty resistant to riding (and definitely is not interested in learning to ride without training wheels yet).</p> <p>I am not sure whether to go with a 3 or 2 wheel scooter. I like the idea of added stability for the 3-wheeler but the ones I’m looking at are much pricier than 2-wheels (Like $100 more) and don’t fold up :/</p> <p>I don’t want to push her too much right away (she’s an anxious kid who struggles with new things, especially physical activities) but I just have no experience to know if there’s that much of a difference between the two.</p> <p>Thoughts? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-store-hot-wheels-tracks#post-2917819 Wed, 29 Jul 2020 16:37:38 +0000 Corduroy 2917819@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DH got DS two sets of Hot Wheels tracks at the start of the summer. Some straight tracks and a triple loop. How/where do you store these? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/show-me-your-play-area-storage#post-2917583 Thu, 23 Jul 2020 06:52:10 +0000 LadyDi 2917583@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We are sectioning off part of our basement as a play area and I need better toy storage. I can't deal with pinterest and I need to see real life play spaces. How do you store toys? My oldest is 5 so we have a mix of things from small legos to baby toys. I already have cube storage and we plan on getting some trofast storage bins from ikea, but I would also like a flat space for lego building or play dough. We have a train table but my toddler LOVES trains so it's always in use. What does your play area look like? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/best-blocks-for-a-25-year-old#post-2917465 Mon, 20 Jul 2020 13:23:50 +0000 JJ2626 2917465@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>A non-covid post! Anyone have suggestions for a set of blocks for a 2.5 year old? We have a Melissa and Doug set but they are super slippery and she has a hard time with them. At her playgroup they had these really old, plain wood ones she liked but I can’t find them. Ha I know this is a trivial question but let me know if you have ideas! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kinetic-sand-3#post-2914247 Mon, 20 Apr 2020 22:49:55 +0000 CatchAFallingStar 2914247@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Can you recommend your favorite brand and play set? And it can be played with indoors, right?<br /> Thank you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/surface-under-swingplayset#post-2914185 Sat, 18 Apr 2020 11:40:32 +0000 muffinsmuffins 2914185@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We just got a playset with a trampoline, swings and slide. Our area is mashed down muddy grass and I’m quickly realizing we need something under it. Did you put sand, wood mulch, rubber mulch, something I’m not thinking of? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/playhouse-suggestions#post-2914130 Fri, 17 Apr 2020 12:03:07 +0000 LemonJack 2914130@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Seeing as we’ll be spending even more time in our yard, we’re thinking of getting our kids a playhouse. The two bigger ones are almost 6 &amp; 3. Our yard has a lot of tree cover, so the playhouse will take some beating with leaves and sticks occasionally falling on it, so we want something relatively durable. We already have a swingset and sandbox, so we’re looking for a standalone playhouse.</p> <p>I’ve seen the kid kraft ones, but am not sure about durability.</p> <p>Suggestions? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/best-toyactivity-for-self-quarantine#post-2912342 Thu, 19 Mar 2020 07:57:19 +0000 wrkbrk 2912342@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Good morning! I thought it might be fun and useful to share the toys and activities that are keeping our little ones successfully busy while we try to work etc from home. I got a full hour out of these yesterday. They transform from letters to little robots:<br /> <a href="https://www.lakeshorelearning.com/products/ca/p/AC225/?utm_source=google&#038;utm_medium=ppc&#038;utm_campaign=PLA&#038;CATARGETID=520011010000096969&#038;CADevice=m&#038;gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzMnMjMum6AIVlv_jBx1eIAdgEAQYASABEgKiefD_BwE" rel="nofollow">https://www.lakeshorelearning.com/products/ca/p/AC225/?utm_source=google&#038;utm_medium=ppc&#038;utm_campaign=PLA&#038;CATARGETID=520011010000096969&#038;CADevice=m&#038;gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzMnMjMum6AIVlv_jBx1eIAdgEAQYASABEgKiefD_BwE</a><br /> Can I count that as an at-home alphabet lesson for my four year old? 😂 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/calling-on-play-kitchen-experts#post-2905168 Mon, 09 Dec 2019 21:58:00 +0000 Umbreon 2905168@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wasnt planning to buy a play kitchen until my son's first birthday but this one is on sale at costco and thought maybe I would buy now and get a good deal. His bday is in april. </p> <p>But I wanted to check with the experts! This is the one:<br /> <a href="https://www.costco.ca/step2-urban-city-kitchen.product.100459181.html" rel="nofollow">https://www.costco.ca/step2-urban-city-kitchen.product.100459181.html</a></p> <p>Or is there something better out there? (I'm.in canada so price is CAD)</p> <p>There is this one too but I'm not sure how I feel about all the red.</p> <p><a href="https://www.costco.ca/kidkraft-red-vintage-kitchen.product.10346563.html" rel="nofollow">https://www.costco.ca/kidkraft-red-vintage-kitchen.product.10346563.html</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cube-shelf-toy-storage-options-not-standard-fabric-boxes#post-2850439 Wed, 10 Oct 2018 14:15:15 +0000 brownepiano 2850439@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Anyone use alternatives to the fabric boxes for your cube shelf? </p> <p>I have one of those BIG Ikea Kallax (the 16 cube one) and love it for toy storage. We have kids books, board games, and most of our toys stored in it. I got 8 of those fabric covered cardboard boxes for the bottom two rows. The lowest row has collections of things (duplos, trains, balls, misc little vehicles) and the kids are slowly destroying those. They pull them out and lay half in them while digging for the specific thing they want. The level of fabric boxes above them are fine because they are mostly things they have to ask to get out so the boxes stay put in the shelf 90% if the time. </p> <p>DH thinks we should just wait a few years and get a new set of the same boxes and assume they won't have to practically lay in them to find what they want (right now they are 2 and 4). I want to find an alternative.</p> <p>So, have you tried anything else? I don't want wood or metal that will scratch up the shelf. I was thinking rope basket, canvas basket, wicker basket... something along those lines. </p> <p>These are some of the ones I have found. They are expensive to buy 4 without knowing if they will hold up any longer than the existing boxes. </p> <p><a href="http://a.co/d/7TOpRTF" rel="nofollow">http://a.co/d/7TOpRTF</a><br /> <a href="https://www.landsend.com/products/canvas-storage/id_295299" rel="nofollow">https://www.landsend.com/products/canvas-storage/id_295299</a><br /> <a href="https://www2.hm.com/en_us/productpage.0548677001.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjwxvbdBRC0ARIsAKmec9bpZAIbnOPrA91sXmOHEZhNG36MKVpHe_QRauctB-sbcmV4KH-Nzu8aApZREALw_wcB&#038;CAWELAID=120032800000060645&#038;s_kwcid=AL" rel="nofollow">https://www2.hm.com/en_us/productpage.0548677001.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjwxvbdBRC0ARIsAKmec9bpZAIbnOPrA91sXmOHEZhNG36MKVpHe_QRauctB-sbcmV4KH-Nzu8aApZREALw_wcB&#038;CAWELAID=120032800000060645&#038;s_kwcid=AL</a>!860!3!295501432464!!!g!325572803721!&amp;ef_id=V8y@NAAAAACh4wnq:20181010191319:s </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/osmo-30-off#post-2903443 Sun, 24 Nov 2019 17:56:11 +0000 crazydoglady 2903443@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I know a lot of bees were considering these for Christmas.</p> <p><a href="https://www.playosmo.com/en/" rel="nofollow">https://www.playosmo.com/en/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/scooter-recs#post-2903156 Thu, 21 Nov 2019 14:54:38 +0000 LadyDi 2903156@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What’s a good scooter for a 4 year old who is not naturally very athletic and has never ridden a bike or balance bike or anything with wheels? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-toy-purge#post-2902753 Mon, 18 Nov 2019 15:47:38 +0000 LadyDi 2902753@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>How do you approach purging toys? My 4 yo knows it’s coming and I’ve explained to him that other children aren’t as fortunate and would really like toys to play with so we’re giving some of ours away to make room for new ones. Last year I picked 10 or so of our least played with toys and hold him he could pick 3 to keep. This doesn’t include the toys that disappeared that he still hasn’t noticed. I want to give him some ownership of the process but still actually get rid of things. How do you approach it with little kids? Am I overthinking this? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/osmo-reviews#post-2900197 Mon, 21 Oct 2019 15:38:02 +0000 HappyBaker 2900197@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I’m thinking about getting one (or two) for my 5 and 7 year olds for a Christmas. Anyone have one and have feedback? Also they both have Kids Kindles so I was thinking of getting 2 bases. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-manage-toys#post-2902170 Tue, 12 Nov 2019 08:36:31 +0000 Jennibenni 2902170@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>How do you manage toys in the big picture?</p> <p>We just had a birthday with a small family party and now there are TONS of new toys. In the past we have done no gift parties but our oldest is now old enough to want allthepresents, so that isn’t as much of an option anymore. </p> <p>However, at this point we have more toys than they could ever play with. Kids are in daycare full time so our playtime at home is limited. </p> <p>Of course I could donate excess toys but I’m trying to understand big picture if there’s something I’m missing besides a constant cycle of purging and new gifts for birthdays, which seems so wasteful and pointless. </p> <p>What do you do? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/favorite-math-board-games-for-1st-grader-and-above#post-2899931 Fri, 18 Oct 2019 09:27:27 +0000 bakingdoodle 2899931@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My son is 6 now.<br /> Just after he turned 5, i bought him sum swamp and he loved it. We played a lot. then I bought a game from Lakeshore Learning (pop to win, 1st grade). I am glad I didn' t buy the kindergarten version, it was too easy. Then I bought 3 packs of math cards from amazon and used it with that game. </p> <p>What other math board games do you suggest? Should i just buy some more math cards ... I saw there was a discontinued game called Flip 4. Sounds interesting but I don't want to spend $20 if it's not really worth it. For reference, my son can<br /> do mental math quite well like 42+35... and knows the concept of multiplication...</p> <p>Thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kids-activity-tracker#post-2899850 Thu, 17 Oct 2019 12:31:15 +0000 PinkElephant 2899850@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My 7 year old is interested in some sort of touch-screen activity tracker watch (actually, she wants a Gizmo/Apple watch, but I’ve told her we are not going there!) we’ve seen some cute ones at Justice, but they get pretty poor reviews. I also know that there are kids’ FitBits...but no firsthand experience.</p> <p>Would love to hear the good/bad from someone who has used one. Thanks! </p>