Real Moms Share Their Favorite Toys for Baby

What's more annoying than a blinking toy that makes obnoxious noise? A blinking toy that makes obnoxious noise that your child won't play with! Save your sanity and your wallet by hearing what these moms say were the ultimate favorite toys for their tots.

"I love watching my girls play with blocks. I eavesdrop and hear them making up stories about the things they are building. They get really creative and come up with some pretty crazy stuff. "

–Sam (mom to two girls, 4 and 2)

"Seeing his eyes light up when he makes the proper connection is amazing. He's been doing puzzles since he was a baby. He started with simple shapes and can now do huge puzzles on all on his own."

– Julie (mom to one boy, 4)

"Our African drum takes a beating on a daily basis. I had no idea the kids would be so into it. They put on shows for us, the grandparents, neighbors … basically anyone that will listen to them. "

– Ally (mom to one boy and one girl, 3 and 2)

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"Now that my son is a little older and can actually sit still through a whole book, it's one of our favorite activities. He's learning a ton of words and language."

– Gigi (mom to one boy, 18 months old)

"I'm not sure why we named our children, because they've taken on new names since I brought the costumes home. Their role playing is off the charts. They go from Elsa and Anna to Ninja Turtles and Batman all day long. Best purchases ever!"

• Michelle (mom to two boys and one girl, 7, 5 and 3)

"I noticed my kids were always drawn to the toy kitchens at friends' houses and at preschool. I finally caved and made the purchase and it was well worth every penny. They use it daily and pretend to be a restaurant, grocery store and even a food truck!"

• Jodi (mom to one girl and one boy, 5 and 2)

"I'm not sure why chalk is more exciting than crayons, but it's definitely preferred in my home. Maybe because there are no rules with chalk and he can draw on anything he wants to outside. It brings out his inner rebel."

– Sheri (mom to one boy, 3)

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"I've never met a child that didn't like stickers. I babysat for years, and my trick to win the kids over was to bring stickers. Now that I have my own little ones, I always keep a stash. They are perfect for rainy days or long car rides."

• Sasha (mom to two girls, 4 and 1)

"Easiest way to get my girl to sit still for 60 seconds is to say, 'Tattoo Time!' She comes running and plops down for a session of temporary tattooing. I pray she grows out of this before she turns 18 and decides to get a real one!"

– Beth (mom to one girl, 2)

"When my son is turning into a vegetable in front of the TV, the easiest way to get him moving is with bubbles. He'll run around with so much joy and excitement chasing them. Watching him try to blow them makes me laugh every time."

– Betty (mom to one boy, 20 months old)