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Play-based learning ideas, favorite toys, and everyday tools to help toddlers and preschoolers learn through play

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Before kids can write small, they need lots of practice making BIG movements. That’s why I love using giant craft paper for letter tracing!

I matched colored markers with Glitter Stix so my kids could practice letter formation, color matching, and fine motor skills with a sparkly twist. Best of all, the glitter doesn’t get all over the house.

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Followed my child’s interest in construction to sneak in some letter learning. I dyed the alphabet pasta with food coloring.

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My kids love a treasure hunt sensory bin and this one sneaks in letter learning!

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Combine 1 part shaving cream, 1 part school glue, a couple drops of food coloring to make DIY puffy paint. Applying the paint liberally with a spoon helps it stay puffy even after it’s dry.

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We are headed on a beach trip and here are some of the essentials we are bringing for the family.

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This RC shark has been the surprise favorite at my mom’s pool!

The kids love chasing it, the adults keep stealing the controller, and it’s been the perfect way to switch things up when everyone wants a break from diving but isn’t ready to get out of the pool.

If you’re looking for something fun to add to your next pool day, this has been a huge hit.

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I love when travel toys get played with at home too.

These magnetic people + my favorite small toy storage case have been such a good combo. What I didn’t expect is how often my kids play with them at home too. Open-ended toys like this don’t just do one thing, they shift into whatever kind of play my kids imagine (I love my son’s ball run idea).

Which also means… less packing for trips 🙌

We’ll definitely be bringing these on the plane to Maui this summer.

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These were the top 5 things that my kids played with on our last road trip (besides their tablets). My kids are 4 and 5 years old.

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Why is having the stickers right next to the scene page so revolutionary? All sticker books should be like this.

I’m pretty sure flipping back and forth stopped my kids from liking other sticker books because this one was a hit on the road, in the hotel, and at restaurants on our last trip.

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Construction sensory bin. The Little Blue Truck was purchased from The Sensory Mess.

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Sweets and Treats sensory bin. Perfect bin for summertime!

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Mermaid counting sensory bin. The filler is from The Sensory Mess.

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Easter basket ideas for active kids

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Easter basket ideas for kids who love cars and vehicles

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Easter basket ideas for kids who love dolls

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This is one of our favorite books about emotions and it’s also a fun one for Valentine’s Day!
The printable heart book is available at outsidethetoybox.com

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These foam hearts are so versatile! If you don’t have a Dollar Tree you can find them on Amazon.

You will be set for all sorts of budget-friendly Valentine’s Day activities.

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Look, sometimes I like to DIY things and other times I like to simplify my life with an activity that’s ready to go! Valentine’s Day is not my favorite holiday, but one of the things I do love about it is it encourages so many opportunities for writing. This Mondo Llama kit is so cute and fun! It got my reluctant writer to at least attempt some practice, plus all the stickers are great fine motor practice.

All the seasonal stuff at Target seems to fly off the shelves, so if this is something your kid would love, I would suggest grabbing it before it sells out.

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Valentine’s Day

I love this 3-drawer bin to store sensory trays. It makes rotating them way easier. I always try to find things that don’t dry out so they can just be left on the shelf and my kids can have more choice and control over their playtime.

Special shoutout to some small shops included: Lytl Store for the silicone rainbow and stacking cups (they made great dens for the penguins) and The Sensory Mess for the fun filler that I use for way more than the “Celebration” that it is made for.

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Ok, this light box made this writing activity 1,000 times better and gave way more of a New Year’s feel!

It has been important for me to work in handwriting practice, especially now that my daughter is in kindergarten and struggles with that skill. This makes it fun and low pressure. Definitely one to try!

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Fizzy play is my go to way to celebrate the New Year with kids. It’s so simple just vinegar and baking soda (and a little extra glitter if you are feeling fancy) and the fizzy reaction is just so exciting and satisfying to watch.

Are you doing any celebrating with your child?

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I know it’s only August… but I couldn’t pass up this Halloween find for just $7! 👻 It comes with a UV flashlight so kids can search each page for hidden ghosts, making storytime feel like a game.

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I know it’s still blazing hot outside, but I couldn’t resist these rainbow ghost loose parts. There are 120 acrylic ghosts in 10 different colors, and they even glow in the dark! They’re adorable for sensory bins, color sorting, patterns, counting, and all kinds of early math activities. I already know these are going to be one of our favorite Halloween learning tools.

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Did you know that developing new fears is a totally normal part of early childhood? 🎃 As their imagination grows, so do their fears—especially around Halloween when everything’s a bit spookier!

That’s why I created this Halloween-themed calm down basket. It’s full of tools to help kids express their fears in a fun and practical way.

Get the breathing prompt cards and the Color Monster writing prompts as part of my Emotion Explorers printable bundle available at outsidethetoybox.com

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Try this fun Easter egg activity using bath crackles in a sensory bin

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Perfect family game for Springtime and family game night. Take this game to your Easter celebration!

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Skip the traditional egg dye and try decorating Easter eggs by spraying tissue paper (make sure it is bleeding tissue paper). Works on craft or real eggs, but transfers better to real eggs.

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Non-Toy Gift Ideas Travel and Personal care items for toddlers and preschoolers

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Non-Toy Gift Ideas for Active Toddlers and Preschoolers

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Non-Toy Gift Ideas for preschoolers Art and Sensory suppliess

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