Toys for everyone!

As the mother of four children spanning from 10 and 1/2 months to 14 years old, I am often struck with the frustrating chore of saying "that is not allowed in this area because 'blank' (usually baby or 3 year old) is too young and could choke on it/hurt themselves/ break it."

Luckily I have discovered that there are in fact some "toys/objects" that can be safely kept on the main level of our house without worry. Let me dissapoint all you seven year olds out there right now and say that this does NOT include Gogo's or playmobile. Sorry.

For the 14 year old: you may safely leave your jackets and sweaters all over the floor. I highly suggest you don't, but if you do I will allow the small ones to play dress up and/or destroy at will. If you leave money I will confiscate it, and I will also buy myself a present. Moving on...

Schleich animals. As long as they are the bigger ones (more commonly known in my house as the mama's and papa's as opposed to the 'babies') then they are safe. They are indestructible (baby can play too - yes? Yes.) and ridiculously fun to play with. They truly let the child's mind create and wander and yes, imagine!

Next is Ikea's children's pots and pans play set. Not terribly fun on the ears when the baby has a hold of them, but entertaining for all none the less. And of course - indestructible.

Staying on the Ikea kick here I'll also give a shout out to their cool sand toys. Not so much a household toy (unless you want it to be) but a great carry around toy for the yard or park that satisfies all. Weeeeellll, maybe not *all*. But the 14 year old isn't likely to be at the park with me anyways. These toys are colourful and made of good thick strong plastic that lasts. They are also made into really cool shapes. A brick maker set so your child can finally build you that castle he/she has been promising you. A cake making set that doubles nicely as very short cake shaped castles for the bucketless. Yes, I said 'bucketless'.

Super heroes not included (as seen in above image).

And an ice cream set to keep them coming at you for hours with "what flavour would you like?". It's a pretty easy game, but be on the look out for irritable behaviour from *yourself*, especially if you are having a conversation with another adult while they play it with you (and you will be).

Game instructions:
Child asks - what flavour would you like? Parent tells them a flavour. Child makes pretend ice cream and gives it to parent. Parent pretends to eat ice cream convincingly while saying things like 'yum yum'. Parents pretend to finish ice cream by dumping sand out and giving empty cone back to child. Repeat as necessary.

Another great one, and really should be top of my list since I'm pretty much the city building genius/champion (just saying) is the set of wooden blocks.

These puppies are amazing. Chalked full of game play for young and old - though do be wary of the potential use as weapons with sibling rivalry at foot.

And finally, there ain't nothing like the classic cardboard box. This last one can easily be found (not purchased) just about anywhere. I'm partial to the liquor store ones as they happen to be stronger, but again, it's all about personal choice here folks.