Now that we are planning to get away for a small portion of the summer (amen and hallelujah — my children need that space!), I have been researching possible backyard and beach activities and gear for my toddler. Below, a roundup of my favorite finds:
MINI INFLATABLE POOL (THIS GELATO ONE IS ALSO SUPER CUTE)
PERSONALIZED BEACH PAILS (THESE ARE SELLING FAST AND HAVE SOLD OUT IN THE COLORS I BOUGHT FOR HILL AND EMORY, SO INCLUDING SIMILAR STYLE HERE)
MONOGRAMMED COVER FOR PUDDLE JUMPER
MELISSA & DOUG TOSS AND GRIP (THE CATCHERS ARE REALLY “STICKY,” MAKING THE BALL EASY TO CATCH!)
HARD TO OVERSTATE HOW MUCH MINI LOVES HER T-BALL SET — WE BRING IT TO CENTRAL PARK DAILY
SMASHMALLOWS (AND OF COURSE THE REAL THING — S’MORES WITH PLAIN HERSHEY BARS YESSSS)
THIS RAINBOW SPRINKLER!!! OR OF COURSE A CLASSIC OSCILLATING STYLE
BINOCULARS AND FLASH LIGHT*
PICNIC BASKET OR “LUGGY” (SEEN ABOVE)
A BUTTERFLY KITE OR A JELLYFISH ONE — SO FUN!
BANWOOD SCOOT BIKE FOR MINI AND WOULD LOVE THIS PUSH TRIKE FOR MICRO
STACK AND POUR BUCKETS AND THIS SAND SET, WHICH MINI HAS LOVED FOR TWO YEARS NOW (PERFECT FOR SPLASH PAD, BEACH, POOL, OR BATH)
MY FAVORITE TOWELS TO KEEP ON HAND IN THE STROLLER/DIAPER BAG (SUPER THIN BUT ABSORBENT)
THIS HYBRID WATER TABLE / PICNIC TABLE IS AMAZING
*Mini will lose her mind over these. We have been “using” a pair of “noculars” we made out of toilet paper rolls — she’s obsessed with the idea of spying on things with them. And once, Mr. Magpie let her borrow his flash light when we were building a fort out of boxes and she kept flashing it in our eyes so we had to take them away — she was absolutely distraught and did not stop talking about the flash light for a good 24 hours. She will go wild with these possessions.
For swim/beach/backyard fun wear, mini’s closet is stocked with these exact items:
SEVERAL SAL & PIMENTA STYLES, BUT SHE’S OBSESSED WITH THIS BUNNY ONE AND SHE’LL BE WEARING THIS ON THE FOURTH
NATIVE SHOES AND SUN SANS FOR WATER-TO-GRAVEL EASE
FLAP HAPPY SUNHAT AND HARDING LANE BALLCAP
I’m also currently eyeing this two-piece (so so cute) or this one.
And for the parents supervising (or, ideally, sit-er-vising, ala bath time)…
THIS WATERPROOF PORTABLE SPEAKER (TOP OF THE LINE BRAND)
PRO KADIMA SET (MR. MAGPIE AND MY BROTHER IN LAW LOVE THIS)
FEEL LIKE MR. MAGPIE WOULD DIE OVER A SUPER SOAKER
MR. MAGPIE’S BELOVED COLEMAN COOLER (OR A SMALLER TRAVELER COOLER IF MORE APPROPRIATE)
Finally, while on the subject of children’s gear, I have been looking for ways to diversify both our library and toy chest. The Conscious Kid has great suggestions on literature. A few toys I have discovered:
DIVERSITY BUILDING FAMILY MAGNETS
FISHER PRICE LITTLE PEOPLE (BTW – THESE LITTLE PEOPLE TOYS CONTINUE TO BE THE BIGGEST HIT FOR BOTH HILL AND EMORY)
MANHATTAN TOY PLAYDATE FRIENDS DOLLS
KAPLAN CHILDREN AROUND THE WORLD WOODEN FIGURES
P.S. More outdoor entertaining gear in this post.
P.P.S. Indoor activities for rainy days.
excuse the typos and the misuse of you’re*!
Hi Katherine — You are absolutely right; there is space for both. I appreciate the feedback and your continued readership and encouragement.
xx