We're planning on using a tiny bit of our tax return to get Sadie some fun stuff for the backyard. We're thinking either a slide and a water table, a playhouse, or a little climber that has a slide. Sadie is about 12m, and I want her to enjoy it now through at least next summer. We're thinking around $150 or less.
Which outdoor toys do your LO's like the most? What do you recommend?
ETA: She already has a little pool that we'll bring out when it gets warmer.
cantaloupe / 6164 posts
@Bao: I was thinking about a sandbox, but I'm worried she'll just eat the sand and/or roll around and get it in all of her holes & crevices! I don't know if she's old enough to enjoy it properly...?
clementine / 990 posts
Sand box. My sister played in hers until she was like, 10. Our in laws have one up at their place and all the kids still like to play with it (5, 4 and 2).
clementine / 990 posts
@photojane: she will totally eat the sand. And life will go on. Ours got a sandbox last summer when she was 18 months. She ate the sand a few times. It was gross. Then she quit doing it. Just make sure you get one with a good cover, and use it.
wonderful clementine / 24134 posts
I didn't want to deal with the maintenance of a sandbox (covering it up, cleaning sand off her, etc).
She loves this climber: http://toyzie.com/little-tikes-endless-adventures-climb-and-slide-castle/
GOLD / wonderful apricot / 22276 posts
@photojane: LO got hers for her first birthday and it only took her about 2 times and then she realized the sand in her mouth wasn't pleasant. She loves it though! You could always fill it with rice or something instead, less messy.
pear / 1723 posts
We got a pirate ship slide and sandbox combo thing at costco for $60. It's this one: http://www.toysrus.com/buy/outdoor-play-climbers/step2-dockside-sandbox-and-climber-727800-12530132
Got it for them around 11 months and they got the hang of it quickly, though I had to be right there to catch any slips. Now at 18 months, they are all over it and totally stable. I can be across the yard. We also put plastic play balls in the sandbox part instead of sand. It worked fantastic and we can use those inside during the winter.
Other things my kids liked: a tent that we set up with sleeping bags and pillows and toys (all stuff we already had), a kiddie pool, a ride on horse, their cozy coupe, and big play balls (like in those big nets at walmart). Goodwill is awesome for the big plastic outside toys. Ours always has a ton and they are usually $5 or less.
admin / watermelon / 14210 posts
sandbox was their favorite toy... moreso than the water table. i don't think 12 months is too young!
GOLD / wonderful coconut / 33402 posts
We are asking for a water table and Cozy Coupe for her bday.
What about a wagon for walks around the neighborhood?
persimmon / 1223 posts
My parents got this for us - http://www.littletikes.com/slides+teeters/endless-adventuresr-swingalong-castle/invt/620256
We are going to set it up inside for now and then move it outside probably in the summer. The only thing I will say about a sandbox is that I had one as a kid and we were always finding cat poop - so gross.
hostess / papaya / 10540 posts
My LO loves his sandbox. It's not too big, came with a lid, and was FREE on CL! Check there for some deals and I bet you can stretch your dollar even more! 
pomegranate / 3890 posts
My boy loves his playhouse like plays with it for hours a day. He lo as opening the doors and windows
cherry / 248 posts
My boys loved their watertable! You would definitely keep an eye on Craigslist or a local Facebook swap and sell or even the curb for used outdoor stuff. I wouldn't buy new since it seems pretty easy to find used. I got a step 2 swingset that retails for $800 for $100 on craigslist.
bananas / 9118 posts
Everything we have gotten from Step 2 has been awesome! We have a little tree house/slide (half off from a used kid's store) from them that is C's favorite thing on earth
cantaloupe / 6164 posts
@MerryC: $60?! Wow! I don't think we have a Costco around here, but I'll keep my eyes out for a deal. I really love that.
@Smurfette: I don't trust my kid in a wagon. She doesn't like to sit still. She will dive out. You should see her in a shopping cart... ay yi yi.
@dojo: I was actually looking at that one, but it looked like the swing might not work for her for long. Is it bigger in person?
Thanks everyone for the recommendations. I scoured CL & didn't find much, but I'm going to check out the consignment down the street.
persimmon / 1223 posts
@photojane: I'll let you know! It came the other day and I'm assembling it right now!
GOLD / wonderful coconut / 33402 posts
@photojane: They have a plastic wagon that has a strap. That is the one I wanted for R but the ILs got her another one. I think that I am going to strap a belt the slats till R gets older and doesn't need to be strapped down.
| Today | Monthly Record | |
|---|---|---|
| Topics | 0 | 0 |
| Posts | 1 | 0 |
Ask for Help
Make a Suggestion
Frequently Asked Questions
Bee Levels
Acronyms
Most Viewed Posts
Hellobee Gold
Hellobee Recipes
Hellobee Features
Hellobee Contests
Baby-led Weaning
Bento Boxes
Breastfeeding
Newborn Essentials
Parties
Postpartum Care Essentials
Sensory Play Activities
Sleep Training
Starting Solids Gear
Transitioning to Toddler Bed
All Series
Who We Are
About the Bloggers
About the Hostesses
Contributing Bloggers
Apply to Blog
Apply to Hostess
Submit a Guest Blog
Hellobee Buttons
How We Make Money
Community Policies
- Google Plus
- Stumbleupon
- Twitter
- Facebook
- Pinterest
- Favorite0
18 comments