Every mom knows that all toys are not created equally. When someone hands your kid a box of paint or sand, you can’t help but think of the mess that is to come. So when shopping for a mom who needs a break, you should try to look for things that can give her a little hand. Whether it’s a toy to keep her kid busy, or something that will make her daily toddler struggles easier, there are some low-key genius gifts for kids that make moms’ lives easier.
Moms may need a tiny break here and there, but young kids tend to get bored with toys pretty easily, so it’s essential to choose toys that can offer a variety of play options. (With little input from you, that is.) Educational, creative, and pretend-play toys can provide a lot of stimulating play, which can keep kids engaged and entertained, giving mom the chance to take a breather. (Or a shower. Or a hot cup of coffee.)
And with all the cool, new innovative kiddie products out there, everyday tasks like feeding and grooming can also be a lot easier. From playtime to potty time, here are some great gift ideas for moms who could use a minute.
1Boon Spiff Toddler Grooming Kit
Boon SPIFF Toddler Grooming Kit, $15, Amazon
For moms who are teaching their toddlers to self groom, this Boon SPIFF Toddler Grooming Kit is the perfect gift. It comes with an adorable Boon grass tray that holds a comb, brush, and mirror, all with small, easy-to-grip handles for little hands. There’s also a side storage area perfect for rubber bands, barrettes, or cotton swabs. The simple, colorful design will definitely entice kids to practice good grooming, and get them on their way to great hair days without the struggle.
2SoapSox Bathtime Washcloth Buddies
Tank the Shark Gift Set, $12, SoapSox | Scorch the Dragon Gift Set, $12, SoapSox | Hunter the Gator Gift Set, $12, SoapSox | Jackson the Whale Gift Set, $12, SoapSox | Ray the Manta Gift Set, $12, SoapSox | Disney SoapSox, $13, SoapSox
For an easier, happier bath time, Soapsox makes adorable plush animals that can go from playtime to bath time — just add some bath soap to the inner pocket and kids can scrub a dub. These cute washcloth buddies come in a variety of characters, including a few Disney favorites, and they have terrific gift sets which include a SoapSox and bath time book.
3The Brushies — Toothbrush Finger Puppets Gift Set
The Brushies Gift Set, $25, Amazon
Getting a toddler to brush their teeth can be tough, but The Brushies Gift Set brings brushing to a whole new level of fun. Created by a mom, who also happens to be a dentist and a psychologist, The Brushies set comes with four toothbrush finger puppets and a corresponding book, which inspires kids to finally enjoy brushing their teeth.
4PlayMeal Kid’s Adventure Food Bowl
Kid's Adventure Food Bowl, $5, Amazon
For fussy toddlers, who hate eating their veggies, PlayMeal has created a Kid's Adventure Food Bowl that motivates kids to finish their food to find a surprise toy in the bottom compartment. The bowl is chemical-free and dishwasher-safe, which makes it a breeze to clean.
5Koolaburra by UGG Boots
Koolaburra by UGG, $50-$70, Koolaburra
Getting kids to stay warm can be a feat, especially when it comes to shoes. Kids prefer comfort over style, but with UGG’s new line of stylish and affordable boots for kids, moms don’t have to sacrifice either. Koolaburra by UGG boots are made of soft suede and lined with faux fur to keep kids' feet warm, and have non-skid soles for active playtime. The boots are lightweight, and made of durable materials, so they will definitely last the winter without any complaints.
6Mommy’s Helper Potty Seat Step Stool
Mommy's Helper™ Padded Potty Seat with Step Stool, $30, Amazon
Life isn’t easy for a mom who’s potty training. Running to put their toddler on the toilet every time they have to go can be a pain, so help make their life a little easier with the Mommy's Helper™ Padded Potty Seat with Step Stool. It is a foldable step stool with an attached padded toilet seat that can help kids climb onto the potty all by themselves. It features non-slip handles and legs, offering perfect support for potty training time.
7Skip Hop Zoo Monkey Safety Harness Backpack
SKIP*HOP® Zoo Monkey Safety Harness / Mini Backpack with Rein, $18, Amazon
For high energy toddlers who love to explore, the SKIP*HOP® Zoo Monkey Safety Harness / Mini Backpack with Rein is a great gift that will offer mom some peace of mind. Kids can strap on the backpack/harness and stuff it with their favorite toys, while mom can keep her hands on the rein, making sure her toddler doesn’t stray too far. Perfect for a stroll in the park, trip to the store, or for traveling.
8LeapFrog® LeapStart™ Interactive Learning System
LeapFrog® LeapStart™ Interactive Learning System, $30, Walmart
For moms who need to keep their toddlers busy while getting them excited about learning and reading, the LeapFrog® LeapStart™ Interactive Learning System is the perfect gift. It comes with two books and features a stylus that reads dots on every page. Each dot prompts a game, puzzle, question, challenge, song, or joke, and with a library of over 25 books (sold separately), each with over 30 activities, the LeapStart can provide years of interactive learning and fun.
9Boon Gleam Portable Light
Boon Gleam Portable Light, $18, Amazon
Sleeping in the dark can be scary for a kid, so Boon created the Boon Gleam Portable Light which can keep kids and moms at ease throughout the night. The portable light sits on a charging base and projects colorful starry skies, but when taken off the base it becomes a portable flashlight, perfect for a trek to the bathroom or to check under the bed for monsters.
10B.Box Toddler Cutlery Set
B.Box Toddler Cutlery Set, $8, Amazon
For a mom who is teaching her toddler to self feed, the B.Box Toddler Cutlery Set would be heaven sent. The patented fork design allows toddlers to easily pick up and eat their food, regardless of their angle. The set comes with a fork and spoon, both with easy to grip angled handles and made with no BPA, Phthalates, or PVC.
11Step2 Best Chef's Kitchen
Step2 Best Chef's Kitchen, $67, Amazon
Keeping toddlers busy can be hard, but with pretend play, toddlers can have fun for hours. The Step2 Best Chef's Kitchen is perfect for toddlers who want to play the chef with an interactive stove burner, working oven and refrigerator doors, a pass-through window, and plenty of storage space. It comes with a 25-piece accessory set, including food and utensils.
12VTech DigiArt Creative Easel
VTech DigiArt Creative Easel, $41, Amazon
Entertaining a creative toddler can be exhausting, but with the VTech DigiArt Creative Easel kids can have an interactive experience while they draw and color. The easel can transform into a drawing table, to a chalkboard, and to a light up dry-erase board. Kids can learn to draw more than 100 shapes and objects by following step-by-step lights, including letters and numbers. It also plays 10 songs to keep the creative juices flowing.
13K’Nex Budding Builders Building Set
KID K’NEX – Budding Builders Building Set, $30, Amazon
Every mom knows that blocks can keep their kids entertained for hours, so why not add some STEM play into the mix? KID K’NEX – Budding Builders Building Set allows kids to build endless shapes and characters as they click together the easy-to-handle pieces. Not only will the set keep kids busy, it can promote fine motor and problem solving skills.
14DC24 Dyson Ball Toy Vacuum
DC24 Dyson Ball Toy Vacuum, $18, Amazon
Kids love pretend play, especially when they are pretending to be mom or dad. The DC24 Dyson Ball Toy Vacuum looks just like the real thing and even has realistic sounds and parts. It’s sure to keep kids out of mom’s hair while she uses the real thing.
15Tray Haven
Tray Haven, $25, Tray Haven
Every mom knows that feeding time is often followed by cleaning time. Kids love throwing and dropping food while they eat, but whether it’s on a highchair or stroller, Tray Haven can help eliminate the clean up. It’s machine washable mesh enclosure system keeps all their food contained, which will save mom’s time and her floors.
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