Now that it is 2024, which is wild to think about, I thought I would take some time to share with you all some of my family’s favorite purchases from 2023. From toys to drinkware, this short list is some of the purchases I made that I would, without a doubt, make again.
1. Learning Resources Smart Counting Cookies
These cookies have been a blast for our daughter. Not only do they make amazing additions to her play kitchen, but they have done what they set out to do – help her count. Taking them out of the cookie jar and putting them back in have both been instances where she counts. It is still a work in progress, but at two years old, she is doing great!
The cookies have numbers on the back side corresponding to the amount of chocolate chip. So, there are numerous ways they can learn. They can count the number of cookies, see the numbers on the back, or learn by counting the chocolate chips. The cookie jar is also perfect for putting them away on the shelf. My daughter prefers to keep her cookies in her “kitchen”!
Check out on Amazon: Learning Resources Smart Counting Cookies
2. Honest Baby Short Sleeve Tees
You will agree if you have a toddler or toddler – we go through some clothes. Messes, spills, playing, eating, you name it, and they will need to change afterward. We struggled to find a good “bang-for-your-buck” set of tees until we found these.
For a 10-pack, 30$ was pretty good. They are also durable, soft, and easy to clean. My daughter liked them, so that was enough for me. The options on Amazon are also pretty good, ranging from rainbow sets to gray or even designs (which might cost more).
This set is pretty good for the money if you want some excellent spring or summer tees. I have no complaints.
Check out on Amazon: Honest Baby Short Sleeve Tees
3. Simple Modern Insulated Tumbler (16oz)
Now, with all the Stanleys, Hydroflask, Camelbacks, and other trendy cups out there, I am sure you can find one that fits your needs. However, we found a little hidden gem (they might be trendy now, I do not know).
These Simple Modern tumblers are great for adults, but the 16-ounce size is great for toddlers. It is not spillproof (although fairly good), but it is easy to clean and gives them an “adult-looking” cup. Our daughter is forever taking ours because she likes the “adult” cups, so this one is perfect for her. It works great around the house, and we have taken it with us on day trips as it fits nicely in her car seat cup holder.
These come in tons of colors, and I highly recommend checking them out. Works great for a matching parent and child set too!
Check out on Amazon: Simple Modern Insulated Tumbler (16oz)
4. Fisher-Price Piggy Bank
This thing is incredible! One, it helps them learn counting and colors. Two, it has a Spanish mode that we enjoy.
This Piggy Bank comes with ten coins with different denominations and colors. This helps teach counting, colors, and sorting. While toddlers don’t need to understand finances at the wee age of two, the basic skills are so critical.
I would recommend this to anyone looking for a toy with a purpose. Like the cookies, it has been a great toy to get my daughter excited about learning.
Check out on Amazon: Fisher-Price Learning Piggy Bank
5. LA Active No Slip Socks
Like many, our floors are pretty slick. Our stairs are even more so. So, it was really important for us to find some socks to help our daughter, even just a little bit, with her stability. I was really impressed with these socks.
We have had these no-slip socks for well over a year now, and they have held up; the no-slip bottom is still tacky, and my daughter still loves them.
They come in numerous colors and have sizes from newborn to 4T. If you need some socks that your kids can play in, I highly recommend these.
Check them out on Amazon: LA Active No-Slip Toddler Socks
6. OXO Tot On-the-Go Cutlery
We have OXO brand kitchenware, so I already went into this cutlery set with high expectations. I have not been disappointed.
This set only has a fork and a spoon, but it comes in a little carrying case, which is excellent for throwing in the diaper bag for restaurants, picnics, and trips. They are also effortless to clean and easy for toddlers to use. We use the spoon for yogurt, which has dramatically helped our daughter’s confidence.
Check it out on Amazon: OXO Tot On-the-Go Cutlery Set
7. Re-Play Snack Stack
We have gone through a few different snack containers and I will be honest a lot of them are horrible. Some we have had are hard to clean, the lids don’t stay on, they do not stack like they are supposed to, and so on. This was not the case with the Re-Play version.
These containers screw into each other, you can mix and match them, and you can choose to use 2 of them in a stack or 6. It is entirely up to you. Our favorite part is that it comes with a snack trap lid for toddlers still struggling, not spilling. That lid is excellent for the car!
I highly recommend, at the very least, checking this item out. It is easy to stow in a diaper bag, is clean, and brings multiple snack types in a small space.
Check it out on Amazon: Re-Play Snack Stacker
8. Contigo Kids Tumbler
If you want to discuss a hot topic in my house, bring up sippy cups that don’t work. There is nothing I hate more than a cup that claims to be spillproof that spills. Even worse are the cups that claim to be anti-mold but seem to grow mold in seconds. I say all of that to let you know that if I recommend a toddler cup, it has been thoroughly vetted through the “Dad Quality Assurance Check.”
We had Contigo cups, and they were not my favorite. It was not the worst, but it still had room for improvement. I can happily say that Contigo has finally delivered a cup that holds up to its marketing. The new Contigo Leighton cups truly are easy to clean and spillproof, and so far, I have yet to find mold or wear.
The options are limited, but I promise the color doesn’t matter because these things work. They only have three pieces to clean, and none of those three have hard-to-reach gaps or pieces.
I HIGHLY recommend checking these cups out!
Check them out on Amazon: Contigo Leighton Toddler Tumblers
Bonus: IKEA Mala Easel
This one is the last one on our 2023 list, but it is by no means a lesser purchase. It has been an amazing addition to the playroom.
It is easy to assemble (it is IKEA, after all) and can be folded when not in use. It is also a chalkboard on one side and has a paper roll on the other. The height is great for toddlers, but I play with it as much as she does.
For those looking to add an excellent art addition to their house, and for only 25$, this easel is something I highly recommend!
Check it out at Ikea.com! (Please be aware there is a fake IKEA on Amazon!)
Thanks for reading!
I hope you liked this list and that its items bring you and your family joy! If you have recommendations for 2024, please be sure to share them with us on our Facebook page! Looking forward to hearing from you!
To learn more about DADVERSE, check out our Articles page for tons of great information for new and veteran parents!
