24 Baby-Proofing Products That Parents Actually Swear By

You've goo goo ga got to check out these reviewer-favorite baby-proofing solutions.
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Watching your little one grow and become curious about their surroundings is all fun and games until you realize even the smallest things in your home could be potential safety hazards. Luckily, there are tons of awesome products on the market that will make life with a little one both easier and safer. Best of all? Tons of parents swear by them! Keep on reading to find out the parent-approved baby-proofing products you’ll want to add to your cart ASAP.

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1
A pack of four self-closing outlets
These go way beyond those crummy plastic caps. Plus, they will make your home look way less baby-proofed, while keeping little ones safe.

Promising review: "We have been behind the curve on babyproofing and bought a big pack of the plastic two-prong outlet covers. My kiddo is determined to stick anything and everything he can into outlets and wants so badly to peel the individual outlet covers off. I bought a four-pack of these covers and they are AMAZING! They're easy to install (just don't forget the little plastic spacer between the actual bare outlet and the back of the cover) and SO MUCH BETTER than the cheap plastic covers. For the outlets that were the kiddo's 'favorites' to try to bust into, these are SO GOOD. The amount of force needed to slide the plate over to use is more than a toddler can muster, but not hard for an adult. It's very easy to plug things in, and take them out, but the baby doesn't even mess with these outlets anymore because the thrill of death is beyond his tiny finger strength. Installing a few of these in high kid-traffic areas has been WELL worth it! Thanks for a great product." — Katie Ackerman

Get them from Amazon for $10.99.
2
A magnetic blind cord holder
You can place this nice and high to keep window cords out of reach when your kiddo starts standing and reaching for everything.

Promising review: "I have 30 blinds in my house and, with a toddler and three cats, this makes for a lot of nuisances and potential dangers. I have installed these cord packs throughout the house and, while it was an initial investment, I am so glad I did. They look great, they do not impede our ability to open or close the blind quickly, they are easy to remove if I move or no longer need them, and most importantly, they keep the cords out of reach of curious kids and cats. I had one issue with a couple magnets and contacted the manufacturer, and received a replacement pronto. The person I communicated with was nice too (not a given)! I wholly recommend this product." — CK

Get a pack of two from Amazon for $13.99.
3
A set of five unbreakable flower vases
They have suction cup bottoms for parents with curious children who seem to do their darndest to see what things look like shattered and scattered on the floor.

Get them from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in three colors).
4
A lever handle lock
It'll help you ~handle~ every door you'd rather your baby not get into. Keep that pantry to yourself as long as possible! Once they're older, the snack storage will totally belong to your kids.

Promising review: "This is the only baby safety product I have found that works well for the lever-style door handles. It's fairly easy to operate one-handed and is very easy to install." — Chris Scott

Get it from Amazon for $12.76.
5
Or a knitted doorknob cover
It's to help you rock a baby-safe aesthetic.

Promising review: "These doorknob covers are perfect! I love it. It's made well and exactly what I needed. I would definitely buy again." — Pamela Pinchbeck

Get it from A & B Studio on Etsy for $8 (available in 12 colors).
6
A bath spout cover
It's gonna be whaley useful if your kid loves squirming around during bathtime.

Promising review: "This fits my tub perfectly! It's super cute and functional. It easily went on and the spout still functions with no issues! I definitely feel more confident my little one's head is safe from bumps with this. I would recommend this product to anyone!" — S. Barry

Get it from Amazon for $12.99.
7
A refrigerator lock
It's the key to keeping your kiddos out of the fridge. Your unbroken carton of eggs definitely appreciates your efforts.

Promising review: "This is a very nice item. It works great for keeping small children out of the fridge and from leaving the door open." — Thomas F Spaniola

Get a pack of two from Amazon for $22.99.
8
A pack of five clear stove knob covers
So you can keep your pint-size chef from cooking up mischief in the kitchen.

Promising review: "My son was reaching for the knobs as soon as he was able to walk and talk enough. These covers did the trick by making it impossible for my 13-month-old to turn the knob without opening it." — Spartacus

Get them from Amazon for $12.95.
9
A toilet safety seal
A solution for anyone who knows how crappy it is to wash a baby who just "washed" themselves with toilet water.

Promising review: "This is going on 16 months and still working. I don't have to worry about my water-loving baby playing in the toilet or flushing his toys down it (or worry he might drown himself in it, heaven forbid!). He is a pretty smart little dude (starting opening doors at 14 months), but he hasn't been able to figure out this lock. And he loves the toilet. I mean, loooves the toilet (who knew toilets could be so fascinating?) I literally can't keep him away. So I'd say this is a must-have for parents." — m

Get it from Amazon for $7.99.
10
A darn good lookin' portable crib
It'll give your child a safe and secure place to snooze and play when you've got a million other things to do.

Promising review: "This travel crib exceeded my expectations! Folded, its roughly the same size and shape as my Pack and Play, but a little lighter. Unfolded is when it shines, it is slightly narrower and longer than a pack and play, ideal for my long toddler as she grows. She has to lay diagonal in other mini cribs, but here, she can lay straight with room to spare. I also love the little zippable 'door' at floor level, it really helps if I want to give her the freedom of getting out on her own. Both my kids were especially delighted with this too, they loved to use it as a 'tent' and play in the open crib. It gave them a special place to feel was theirs in a tight guest room." — Jade Klinger

Get it from Amazon for $119.99.
11
A pack of corner guards
These are sure to make sharp surfaces safe while still letting your style stay sharp.

Get a pack of 12 from Amazon for $8.45.
12
A pack of nonslip bathtub stickers
So you can prevent slip-ups during bath time.

Promising review: "I bought these so my baby wouldn't slip around when sitting in the tub. They work great (without these he would slide very easily). I had to buy two packs to cover the entire tub. They have been sticking really well and it's been six months of daily use for three people (follow the instructions and take the extra time to clean the tub thoroughly and use alcohol to rub it down, then apply). My only complaint is that dirt does seep a little under the outer edges, so the tub looks a little messy even though I've scrubbed it clean." — kikanator

Get a pack of 12 from Amazon for $6.99 (available in five colors).
13
A pack of four sliding door locks
So you can secure patios and shower doors if your inquisitive kiddo has started exploring everything around them.

Promising review: "I live in military housing so it's always been hard to find good safety products that don't require drilling or leaving marks when removing. I was very hesitant when I got these. They looked like they couldn't possibly hold back my 2-year-old when he is on a mission to open our patio door. Due to how simple it was to lock and unlock and the adhesive. But how wrong I was to judge! First, the price is amazing for the amount you get. Secondly, they are beyond amazing. My son is pretty strong when it comes to our heavy patio door. Just ONE of these has stood up to him. Of course this does not replace parental supervision, but it is a nice sigh of relief to have a product help safety-proof one of our biggest issues! I live in military housing so it's always been hard to find good safety products that don't require drilling or leaving marks when removing. I highly recommend these!!!" — Chrystal

Get them from Amazon for $14.99.
14
A bedside bassinet
A dreamy bedtime solution so you can keep your sweetheart safe and snug near you while you sleep. (It's great in particular for breastfeeding moms.)

Promising review: "This is a cute, trendy, functional bassinet! Overall, I think this is a great bassinet. I love that you can raise it up and down to the desired height. It also has a zip down side which is great for easy access and there is still a small side wall when it's down so the baby cannot fall out. It's very spacious, I have a three month old who is the size of an eight month old and there is still plenty of room. It seems like my son also really likes his new bed, his head is always pressed up against the side closest to me. It also has legs that allow it to slide it under your mattress and anchors to anchor to your bed if you should choose. Overall, I love the trendy design and functionality!" — Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $135.99+ (available in five colors).
15
A pair of safety straps
It'll keep your heavy furniture (or television sets) from being pulled down by your tiny mountain climber.

Promising review: "I was so happy that I bought these! They are super strong and secure and easy to install. I have a one year old and five year old who both run around and bump into everything, not to mention climbing on stuff, and these give me peace of mind as a father. Definitely a great value and much cheaper than a trip to the emergency room. A definite must for any parents wanting to baby proof their home. I will continue to buy these for any future televisions I may have because I don’t like to mount my televisions to the wall. These are perfect for anyone living in an apartment as well, that way you don’t damage the walls." — Jamie Arredondo

Get a pack of two straps from Amazon for $8.78.
16
A pool gate
It's sure to go swimmingly with safe summer fun, even when you have a water baby who would love jumping in when grown-ups aren't around.

Promising review: "This is LITERALLY a lifesaver when our grandchild is here. There's no way our 18-month-old grandchild can get through this sturdy netting, which is such a relief. We roll it to the side when we're not using it, so it's perfect! If we did not have this fence, our grandchild would go right to the pool every time. Now she plays and we have no worries that she will go into the pool." — Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $92.29 (available in two colors, and two sizes).
17
A four-pack of finger pinch guards
You can attach these to any part of your door to keep them open at all times. No hurt fingers in your house!

Promising review: "These door guards are excellent! They are thick and sturdy. I'm able to put them on my inside doors with ease and they stay in place. My 16-month-old can not pull them off. The doors DO NOT shut with these on. You can put them on any side of the door. I have one door where my little one could pinch his fingers in the hinges. I'm able to insert the guard on the side with the hinge! The door barely moves open/closed and does prevent fingers from pinching. I highly recommend these." — HTHONLINE

Get them from Amazon for $8.95.
18
A crib tent
Great for babies who are at the age where they think crawling out of the crib sounds a lot more fun than sleeping in it.

Promising review: "I have never written an Amazon review before, although I literally buy everything off Amazon and read reviews like crazy. However, this has LITERALLY SAVED MY LIFE and all parents must know. Two days after we brought our second child home from the hospital, our 20-month-old started flipping out of his crib so we transitioned to a toddler bed. I’ll save you the details (because if you’re reading this you clearly have young children and are sleep deprived) but we did not sleep for six straight days. I was desperate and bought this. Three days in and our son started sleeping through the night again. It’s been two glorious weeks of using this and I secretly hope he never grows out of it so we can use it forever." — Katie McDermott

Get it from Amazon for $64.98+ (available in two colors).
19
A bannister guard
It's sure to help you breathe easy if your baby's first steps are the first time you realize you have to cover up your bannisters.

Promising review: "I can't say enough great things about this product. After I ordered it they sent me an e-mail with an illustrated installation guide with tips, VERY HELPFUL. I LOVE that the zip-ties are adjustable! I had to readjust them several times to get it looking great (I'm a perfectionist) It was easy to install and a great comfort to have it set up knowing that my little one will be safe. We have a split level and this works great!" — Andrea Miller

Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in two colors and two sizes).
20
A magnetic drawer lock
It works so well you're gonna be attached to it from day one. The inside lock sticks on with a provided adhesive. Once you've applied it, be sure to find a nearby, high spot to hide the key so you don't lose it!

Promising review: "No kidding – these things are a gift from God himself. FINALLY, my young children are not getting into the cabinets and leaving handfuls of smashed up goldfish and tortilla chips in their wake. It's like a game to these little monsters. Thanks to these locks I have some sanity." — JT

Get a pack of two from Amazon for $14.89.
21
Or turning cabinet locks
Perfect for anyone who is just as worried about losing the cabinet key as they are worried about their baby getting into the cabinets.

Promising review: "These work! I know a lot of us struggle finding good child protective locks/straps but these worked on my 3-year-old. Five minutes after installing he noticed them on the bathroom cabinet and they did not budge! I recommend before you peel and stick these to make note of measurements and clean the surface where you will install. They set up and install in less than 10 minutes! A++" — jennifer beaulieu mcgill

Get a pack of four from Amazon for $8.49.
22
A three-piece padded crib rail
It'll protect your baby from bonks and keep your rail from being eaten alive when teething begins.

Promising review: "My husband and I absolutely love this product! More importantly, our teething 10-month-old does too. It adds character to the crib and gives the protection we were looking for. It's a great addition to our crib! This is an awesome product!" — Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in nine styles).
23
A window lock
It'll let a fresh breeze into the room while still preventing your children from opening the windows wide enough to climb out.

Promising review: "We have a third floor playroom and my kids kept opening up the windows all the way to let some fresh air in. Between them horsing around and a toddler who gets into/climbs on everything, I wanted to make sure the window didn't get opened too far so everyone stayed safe. These have done the trick! It's very easy for someone to override them to get the window open all the way if needed, but they are out of reach for my younger kids and helps EVERYONE know where to stop when opening them. With the blinds down you don't even notice them. I plan to get more for the kids' bedrooms." — toinfinityandbiond

Get a pack of four from Amazon for $12.95.
24
And finally, a water thermometer
It's here to make sure the temperature is just right and to remind you and your kiddo that rubber duckies really DO make bath time so much fun!

Promising review: "We use this when we bathe my son. I love being able to check water temperature because what my husband thinks is hot is different than what I think is hot. This solves that problem and our son is safe. The light is great because sometimes water splashes on the display and the numbers are harder to read. Even the beeping when too hot is great when you're filling up the tub and not looking at the temperature." — A. Hunsberger

Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in three styles).

Before You Go

37 Of The Best Toys For The Toddler In Your Life
A Learning Resources Spike the Fine Motor Hedgehog(01 of37)
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This helps kids build motor, counting and sorting skills by fitting peg-shaped pieces into its back. Just don't ask him if he knows Sonic.

Promising Review: "Love this product. It says 18+ months but it was fun for both of my kids (11 months and 3). It’s meant to help with fine motor skills. The spikes are rubber with different colors and you can put them in and take them out of the holes in the hedgehog. The best part is that when they’re done playing the hedgehog opens and you can store all the spikes in there so they don’t get lost." — Tony Wexler

Get it from Amazon for $9.59.
(credit:Amazon)
A set of Magna-Tiles(02 of37)
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Your little one can recreate the works of children's author Eric Carle while building 3D versions of characters from beloved books like "The Very Hungry Caterpillar."

Promising review: "If you're a parent, chances are there is an Eric Carle book in your child's library, be it The Grouchy Ladybug or The Very Busy Spider or a personal favorite of mine, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?I introduced the Papa Please Get the Moon For Me set to my 1-year-old and he's totally into it. Well, he's totally into destroying whatever I build with it. As an added bonus, the Magna-Tiles kind of feel and sound like cassettes, which will immediately take you back to the days of your youth making mixtapes." — John Mihaly

Get it from Target for $34.99.
(credit:Target)
A five-stage folding tricycle Doona Liki Trike S3(03 of37)
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This tricycle for 10- to 36-month-olds is small enough to fit in a trunk or airplane overhead bin, but is also a total lifesaver for entertaining a toddler around the house.

Promising review: "After some considerable research, I set my sights on the 'smallest folding trike on the market.' This three-wheeler will grow with your toddler, from a parent-push-operated vehicle to an independent, pedal tricycle. In that regard, it's a solid two-year investment. While the Liki is ideal for travel, thanks to the easy and compact way it folds up, it's also handy for apartment living where storage space is at a premium. The not-too-soft, not-too-hard wheels are perfectly fine on hardwood floors and carpeted hallways. Also, the cup holder and storage bag (that attaches to the adjustable parent handle) are so clutch. Super thoughtful design all around and a super happy little tike riding his trike all around the building." — John Mihaly

Get it from Amazon for $237.49+ (available in three colors).
(credit:Amazon)
An Educational Insights "Design & Drill Bolt Buddies" rocket(04 of37)
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There's no better way to get kids into STEM than by building a spaceship for an astronaut and his puppy pal — and using the eco-friendly packaging as a play set.

Promising review: "My 3-year-old son had an old toy drill that recently stopped working and he asked me for a new one. This little set caught my eye, so I bought it and he loves it! I love that they put a little window on the side of the drill to show the gears inside spinning. Nice touch to show curious minds how these things work internally. Fits little hands perfectly and he’s been assembling and disassembling this rocket at least a couple of times a day since we got it! The little astronaut characters are cute and can lock into spots inside the rocket (like LEGO pieces). Another nice touch is that the box that the set comes in doubles as a space backdrop to play with or display on a bookshelf or table." — CK

Get it from Amazon for $24.99.
(credit:Amazon)
A three-piece space astronaut play tent(05 of37)
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Not only is this indoor/outdoor tent easy to assemble, it includes a castle tent, crawl tunnel and square tent so kids can reenact your favorite scenes from "2001: A Space Odyssey" — or, you know, use their own imagination for playtime. Totally their call.

Promising review: "My 2-year-old loves this tunnel and play tent set. It appears well-made, the tunnel is flexible and easy to adjust to different spaces (ha). Sadly, no plastic balls are included in this product (despite the images, which appear to be merely a suggestion), but for a child as young as mine perhaps this is for the best. My daughter loves pointing at the planets and other celestial objects and identifying them. So it's an educational toy, too." — MamaMaiasaura

Get it from Amazon for $36.99.
(credit:Amazon)
A "Silly Poopy's Hide & Seek" game(06 of37)
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This game, from the makers of What Do You Meme?, actually involves hiding a fake plastic poo that talks and gives clues to its whereabouts.

Promising review: "You know when your brain tells you, 'This might be a bad idea!' but your gut tells you 'Nah, this is going to be hilarious! Maybe.' Luckily, my gut was right this time. Silly Poopy is beyond silly and not poopy at all. It is indeed a poop-ton fun for the whole family thanks to its infectious song that sounds like it was taken straight from a 1970s game show. Best of all, my kid loves it and hopefully, this is the only poop he tries to hide around the house." — John Mihaly

Get it from Walmart for $12.98.
(credit:John Mihaly / BuzzFeed)
A Learning Resources "Learn-A-Lot Avocados" game(07 of37)
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One's love of guacamole's main ingredient can start at an early age. Plus, this toy really helps with color identification and matching skills.

Get it from Target for $16.99.
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A LeapFrog Yum-2-3 Toaster(08 of37)
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This talking and singing appliance will help your kid learn all about numbers, colors and the most important meal of the day! (Note: This requires two AAA batteries.)

Promising review: "This is the greatest thing ever! YUM toaster for life!" — Sophia

Get it from Amazon for $23.89.
(credit:Amazon)
A 12-pack of all-natural pure beeswax crayons(09 of37)
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These durable and sustainable crayons are nearly unbreakable and even come with a money-back guarantee. You better bee-lieve it!

Promising review: "So I bought these worried about my 2-year-old potentially eating a crayon and having that toxic kind of stuff in her system. But, I really should have been more worried about my dogs eating crayons which so far they've snagged one and a half of these babies with no health problems for them after, so I'd say that's a major win. What's also fantastic about these crayons is that they are the perfect size for little hands. My daughter just loves to color with them and they color as smooth as Crayola and they're not all plastic and waxy like the crayons you get at the dollar store. So I'd definitely recommend these to anyone with a toddler, just watch for sneaky dogs. They'll gobble them up." — Cassandra S.

Get it from Amazon for $22.95.
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A VTech electronic drum set(10 of37)
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Trust that this is not as noisy as it looks. Your kid can freestyle with this (like Animal from the Muppets) or they can follow the lights as they learn about letters and numbers.

Promising review: "There are times when you know your kid is going to love something so much that you overlook just how very ridiculously annoying that thing can be? Well, I’m sure glad I took a gamble! This toy is not really as annoying as I thought it would be. I haven’t needed to hide it away or remove the batteries. In fact, I’ve recommended it in my mommy group to moms with other toddlers my kid's age. My son has yet to figure out how to change the volume but even in the loudest setting, it isn’t super loud. Just loud enough. I can't hear it when he plays with it and I’m in the next room." — Captainmaddux

Get it from Amazon for $17.99 (available in two colors).
(credit:Amazon)
A Playmobil Noah's Ark(11 of37)
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Toddlers tend to lose a thing or two, and this play set comes with pairs of figures (doubles!) that can be played with on land and sea (but preferably not thrown into the air).

Promising review: "This toy far exceeded our expectation in the fact it has turned into a fantastic bath toy! At first, our 2-year-old would play with the animals on the floor but we quickly learned she had more fun with it in the tub. It is a great versatile toy for that reason. It is also nice in the fact it doesn't make any noises so she is encouraged to make her own noises for the animals, people, and when the boat moves. This really helps fosters her creativity and imagination." — Mhardee

Get it from Amazon for $41.25.
(credit:Amazon)
A three-wheeled micro scooter(12 of37)
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With an adjustable handlebar to grow with your toddler, this toy will be there as they improve their balance and motor skills. Also, it includes a two-year warranty.

Promising review: "Best scooter ever! It’s an easy assembly. It’s a smooth ride and the perfect size for a 2-year-old. Spend more money and go with the deluxe model especially if your child is only 2. I brought this to the park today and two more of my mommy friends went home and bought their kids these today too! They come in the most beautiful colors. Kids are not really taught how to use these, they seem to just get on them and go! It was amazing to see my 2-year-old-take off like a champ!" — TexSpaceman12

Get it from Amazon for $89.99 (available in 12 colors).
(credit:Amazon)
A 24-piece Melissa & Doug pet vet play set(13 of37)
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Help your toddler develop some serious empathy skills while taking care of a plush dog and cat with a toy stethoscope, thermometer, syringe, ear scope, tweezers, clamp, cast, bandages and, of course, the cone of shame.

Promising review: "My 2-and-a-half-year-old has not stopped playing with this since Christmas morning, definitely a favorite gift. I love the bag for all the storage of small parts! This toy teaches curiosity, compassion, fine motor skills and so much more. I love Melissa & Doug toys and this one does not disappoint. My child is now playing doctor and caring for her animals (and dolls, and everyone else) and asking really great questions as a result. You won't be disappointed in this purchase!" — Kayla Phillips

Get it from Amazon for $26.99.
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A solar-powered Pretend and Play calculator cash register(14 of37)
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This makes a "cha-ching" noise every time it opens and will introduce concepts of math and finance to your kids, as well as possibly soon-to-be-outdated-in-their-lifetime concepts of cash and coins.

Promising review: "This is another great toy by Learning Resources. I bought this for my daughter when she was 2. Now 3, she still plays with it daily. She loves punching the numbers in, but her favorite part is the open button that ejects the spring-loaded drawer. She loves the paper money and the pretend credit card. I can see her and my son playing with this toy for at least ten more years. It is very durable. She has dropped it many times and it hasn't skipped a beat. The plastic is high-quality. I would definitely buy this product again." — Ecinoderm4u

Get it from Amazon for $34.99.
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A 22-piece wooden instrument set(15 of37)
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Filled with shaking, tapping, beating and blowing instruments so your toddler can start their musical education at a young age. Maybe you have the next baby Mozart or even a baby Beatle.

Promising review: "I saw these and immediately thought: I cannot wait to buy this for my nephew and friend's kid because it's going to absolutely drive the parents insane. Unspoken rule of parenthood right? You buy other kids the stuff you know will make a ton of noise. I was not let down. It was delivered to my sister today and shortly after arrival I received the long-anticipated text, 'Did you send these devil tools?' Yes, sister, yes I did. I will most definitely be ordering another set for my friend's kid in a couple of weeks!" — Amanda Wiley

Get it from Amazon for $33.99.
(credit:Amazon)
An 18-piece Fisher-Price "S'more Fun" campfire play set(16 of37)
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Trade all the danger of wood-chopping, roaring-fires and grizzly bear attacks for kid-friendly wood accents and soft fabric. Plus, no marshmallow and chocolate stains!

Promising review: "My daughter is almost 4 and has recently gotten into building tents and forts out of pillows. We used my phone to 'make a fire' but I wanted to get her something cute she could play with instead of my phone. This fits the bill and is affordable. It’s cool that you can cut the firewood with the felt ax. The marshmallows are double-sided, one side is uncooked and the other is cooked. It’s also nice that the mat for the fire can double as a picnic pad too. The material seems very durable as well. The box that this comes in is cute and doubles for storage as well." — Christie

Get it from Amazon for $24.
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A Liberty Imports remote control race car(17 of37)
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Not only do the horn and headlights function on the car, but there are also three removable driver figures for toddlers to get their first taste of simplified RC-fun with forward and reverse left functions.

Promising review: "This car is so easy to work as there are only two buttons. My one-year-old has figured it out and giggles while it soars backward in circles. It's surprisingly off-road-able! It can climb over light blankets and other thin things on the ground. This requires batteries so don't forget them! The bright colors are fun and the music/lights are wonderful. It's a little on the loud side, but bearable. The race car driver makes noise when you click him into place and this makes my son laugh." — Kenneth S. Foord

Get it from Amazon for $15.94.
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A Manhattan Toy wooden pony activity center(18 of37)
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With flapping ears, gliders, spinning dials, bead runs, a shape sorter and letter recognition, this activity center will make total horse sense for your toddler (and keep them occupied for an exorbitant amount of time).

Promising review: "This keeps my son entertained for quite a while. Good for developing motor skills. It also looks like a Dala horse, which is a symbol of our Swedish heritage. Very cute and fun toy." — Larissa

Get it from Amazon for $61.59.
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A VTech Smart Shots Sports Center(19 of37)
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This should inspire you and your kid to get up off the couch, stop watching "SportsCenter," and learn about numbers and counting through the scoreboard, gears and buttons. Also, please resist the urge to dunk on your child.

Promising Review: "We all know that with most toys, kids will not stay interested for long. We have had this toy for three months now and my son still enjoys playing with it. He also loves to see the numbers flash on the screen because he will say the number. Putting the toy together was super easy and simple, just make sure you buy the required batteries because this toy does not come with them." — Fran

Get it from Amazon for $54.99+ (available in two colors).
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A 600-piece set of Plus Plus interlocking puzzle blocks(20 of37)
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Build flat or 3D creations that are less likely to injure adults who step on any errant pieces in the middle of the night.

Promising Review: "These are now my go-to toy if I need my 5- and 3-year-olds to stop tearing the house apart for just five GD minutes. My kids are notoriously hard to impress, but these keep them engaged and occupied for as long as I need. Even my dad is enjoying them! Well worth the money!" — Lily Saxon

Get it from Amazon for $34.99 (available in three colors and four sizes).

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A Melissa & Doug wooden railway set(21 of37)
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The set includes 100 track sections, a freight train, a passenger train and a flatbed truck, so kids have plenty of options to choo-choo-choose from without ever getting bored.

Promising review: "This is literally everything you could ever ask for from Melissa & Doug. Everything is well made, not a single piece with a blemish. Strong sturdy box with a handle on it to help with carrying it around. (It's heavy considering that it's for children. Adult recommended for moving the whole thing) Possibilities are endless with track set up. My son plays for hours on end and there is no end to his enjoyment when he opens up the box and starts to set up. Great toys don't have to have batteries and this one proves it." — Jerevmy W.

Get it from Amazon for $97.99.
(credit:Amazon)
A push or pull V-Tech "Drop & Go" dump truck(22 of37)
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Teach the kiddies counting by dropping colorful boulders in the back bucket while playing melodies and phrases for learning about tools and colors.

Promising review: "Super cute toy for the toddler age! Plus for all moms out there who go nuts when the same five songs go off this one actually has an off switch! Yay! It also has a low and medium sound setting which is a must for any toy I buy. The buttons and lever on the dump truck are great for little hands. Definitely worth every penny!" — Liesl

Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in two colors).
(credit:Amazon)
A "Monkey Around Wiggle & Giggle" board game(23 of37)
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With a beanbag banana that involves simple skills like balancing, hopping and marching (as well as high fives and hugs), this game encourages motor skill development, coordination, understanding spatial concepts and, most importantly, fun with the family.

Promising review: "I love, love, love board games and my kiddo is a little young for them so I have been looking for things that he might be interested in and found this game. He isn't quite two yet, but we have tried to play a couple of times and he likes it! There isn't a winner or loser here, there aren't really a lot of rules, it's just a fun structured play with your kiddo and helps them learn how to follow directions and make choices. It's so much fun and I know that he will be able to understand it better in the coming months and enjoy it even more!" — Shannizzle

Get it from Amazon for $17.99.
(credit:Amazon)
A Learning Resources "Peekaboo Learning Farm"(24 of37)
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Help little hands develop motor skills and little minds to begin to master some math with five barnyard finger puppets and their respective colorful barns.

Promising review: "This is an amazing learning tool that I highly recommend buying. I am a therapist for kids with autism. My materials get a lot of use from different kiddos, so I can attest from my experience that they are very durable and excellent quality. Many of my younger clients are barely starting to speak. This product has motivated them to make animal noises, label animals, count numbers, label colors, request for more, point at the barn they want to open, ask for help to open and close the barns, and sing along to songs with me! There are so many fun and different ways to play with them to target different goals! The animals and barns are so cute! Definitely purchase this product!" — Katie

Get it from Amazon for $13.46.
(credit:Amazon)
A VTech "Touch and Learn" activity desk(25 of37)
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With five interactive pages and more than 200 "touch and learn spots" on each card — plus a music player, toy phone and LED light-up display — this desk is here for nonstop learning and playtime. Also, it transforms from a desk into an easel and chalkboard for more lo-fi fun.

Promising review: "I've had this for over a year and my son still plays with it. The key is to get the expansion pack to rotate the different activities. My son was a late talker (he's starting to pick it up), but one day he was playing with the desk and it would ask him to pick number x and he chose the number. He was consistently picking the right number. He wasn't talking yet but knew numbers 1 through 9. I was a little shocked because this was before we had to send him to daycare. Having the extra cards to change out keeps him interested and it helps reinforce what he's learning in school. It's the first thing he plays with when he gets home." — Islandblue

Get it from Amazon for $69.90.
(credit:Amazon)
A 10-pack of Play-Doh(26 of37)
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It's all nontoxic, nonirritating, nonallergenic and the packaging is recyclable. But, yeah, it still smells like Play-Doh.

Promising review: "Colorful, nontoxic Play-Doh has been great for my son who has many allergies including skin allergies. He has had no problem with these. This keeps him occupied for quite some time, often when I am cooking or cleaning. I played with this as a child myself and have fond memories of it." — Brandy P.

Get it from Amazon for $7.99.
(credit:Amazon)
A 36-piece wooden pattern blocks animals jigsaw puzzle(27 of37)
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The set has patterns for creating animals, vehicles and whatever else your child's rampant imagination can come up with while developing skills such as hand-eye coordination and problem-solving.

Promising review: "My children (ages 2 and 4) love this activity! It keeps them busy at the kitchen table while I make lunch. I enjoy seeing the creative solutions to the problems they set up for themselves. ('I am going to make a dog!') The blocks are a nice size for little hands, the colors are bright, and there are no rough edges. The cards have interesting design problems to solve. One side of the card shows the block pieces needed to create the design and the other side shows the completed design. The product comes in a nice cardboard box with two tins inside - one for the blocks and one for the cards." — B.S.

Get it from Amazon for $16.99.
(credit:Amazon)
A 14-piece Tegu magnetic wooden block set(28 of37)
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This built-to-last, no-lead, no-plastic and nontoxic set can help kids create all manner of creatures and objects that will serve as a soft introduction to all types of modern art.

Promising review: "The wood is excellent quality and very nice and smooth. Magnets are strong enough but not too strong. I actually like that the magnets are not on every single side because it teaches the kids to use their brains and troubleshoot. I do wish they were a little more affordable so we could get a large set, but understand why. The quality is definitely there. Thank you for providing a fun, toxic-free toy!" — Dorothea Gerber

Get it from Amazon for $35+ (available in six different sets).
(credit:Amazon)
A four-wheeled, Hape "Scoot Around" wood bike(29 of37)
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This bike will take it easy on your floors thanks to its rubber wheels, and your toddler can develop motor skills as well as strength and balance.

Promising review: "This is the perfect scooter for a 1- to 3-year-old. When my son was learning to stand/walk, he'd use this as a walker by grabbing the handles and pushing it around. Sometimes he'd push from the back and scoot on his knees. He learned how to get on and off by himself after a year old. Now he can scoot. Pretty soon (When his legs grow a little longer) he'll get the idea and can really go!" — Muffin

Get it from Amazon for $67.65.
(credit:Amazon)
A set of Blockaroo magnetic foam building blocks(30 of37)
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These are sure to "click" with the young builder in your life. Plus, they'll take a beating but come back looking nice and clean after bath time play or a run in the dishwasher.

Promising review: "If you love unique toys that require no batteries, look adorable, make cool sounds, inspire the imagination, feel soft and fuzzy, and are super easy to clean...you will not be disappointed with these innovative new Blockaroos! I’ll definitely be picking up a few more sets!" — Lesley Sullivan

Get it from Amazon for $29.99.
(credit:Amazon)
A three-chord Loog Mini acoustic guitar(31 of37)
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Start teaching your little punk kid the entire Ramones catalog. This toy comes with flashcards of chord diagrams and full access to the Loog Guitar app. Hey! Ho! Let's go!

Promising review: "My daughter and I learning how to play the guitar together. Even if we don't become rock stars the quality time we are spending together is all the justification I needed to make the purchase. The strings are perfect for her little fingers." — JSpriggins

Get it from Amazon for $79 (available in six colors).
(credit:Amazon)
A Munchkin Mozart Magic Cube(32 of37)
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Your kiddies can compose and remix some of Mozart's classical music masterpieces. It's baby's first beats lab but, like, totally classy.

Promising review: "My son plays with it for up to 15 minutes many times a day. I never get sick of the songs. Like another reviewer said, it's the perfect size for the baby to use as a counterbalance while learning to sit up. Every baby/parent needs this toy. If they came out with another cube with new songs/instruments I would buy it in a heartbeat!" — Kevin

Get it from Amazon for $24.49.
(credit:Amazon)
A "Build-a-Flower" toy set(33 of37)
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This 112-piece set will help give any aspiring botanist or florist a start — with no dirt tracked into the house.

BTW: Axel Adventures is an Etsy shop and family-run online toy store established in 2020 and based in Nevada.

Promising review: "The flowers are a big hit, and arrived on time!" — Dean

Get it from Axel Adventures on Etsy for $33.37.
(credit:Axel Adventures / Etsy)
A LeapFrog Pick Up and Count vacuum(34 of37)
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Teach your toddler to pick up after themself while making it seem like fun with this toy that lights up and has bouncing balls in it. (It does require four AA batteries.)

Promising review: "I bought it for my son's birthday. So far so good. He obsessed with the vacuum cleaner. This one seems to capture his attention!" — Miss t

Get it from Amazon for $27.49 (available in two colors).
(credit:Amazon)
A personalized superhero cape(35 of37)
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Get your kids into cosplay while encouraging them to create their own characters and stories. Plus, who doesn't look great in a cape?

Select a cape and add on options like a mask, wristbands and a belt. Then personalize it by choosing the cape color, shape and shape color, and letter and letter color.

Capes and More is an Etsy shop founded in 2014 that makes original superhero capes for kids and adults.

Promising review: "We love this cape! I got this for my 15-month-old because she loves taking my dish towels and trying to put them on as capes. The cape is a little big for her yet lengthwise, but she still loves it! :) and it came so fast!" — Katelyn Maxson

Get it from Capes and More on Etsy for $16+.
(credit:Capes and More / Etsy)
An "itsy pack" of Clixo building toys(36 of37)
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Combining origami, magnets and building blocks, this toy is a completely new and unique way for kids to create and play.

Promising review: "When I first discovered Clixo I thought, 'Wow, that's something I haven't seen before. I bet these will be different than other building toys.' Not only are they different, but they're super fun and satisfying to play with (that click the magnetic parts makes just sounds and feels so good). Maybe when I'm done 'testing' them out, I'll actually let my kid take a shot at playing with them." — John Mihaly

Get it from Clixo for $29.99 (available in three colors).
(credit:Clixo)
An indoor/outdoor Wack-a-Tag game(37 of37)
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Trade the squishy mallet you'd find at a Chuck E. Cheese for more hand-eye coordination and some actual exercise-based fun. Recommended for ages 18+ months.

Promising review: "This is easy for my 14-month-old granddaughter to push down! She laughed hysterically when they would pop back up!! Survived the dogs carrying them around too! Great fun!" — ANNETTE MINICUCCI

Get it from Amazon for $24.99.
(credit:Amazon)

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