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I am often asked what does she like to play with or do with herself, so I thought a little post would be in order for those looking for ideas for their 18 month olds.
Although she spends a vast majority of her day trailing her 2 older brothers (3 and 4 years of age) she loves to play and explore certain toys, books and various activities also. I am going to break it down into a few sections for easier reference.
Toddler Toys
There are many toys that interest my 18 month old from duplo to building blocks. Her current favorite is the geometric stacker from melissa & doug. She also still loves the plastic animals when she has someone to play with her.
We have also started with puzzles and she improves everyday with placement. Her favorite is an animal puzzle and beginner pattern blocks, the triangles are currently a challenge she is determined to master.
Toddler Books
Touch and feel books have been a big hit since she was old enough to get her hands on them.
She also loves looking at a few others such as Ten Little Ladybugs, The Very Hungry Caterpillar and First 100 Words.
This of course excludes getting her hands on her big brothers Richard Scarry’s Cars and Trucks and Things That Go book!
Homemade Activities
Our activities have been a large source of entertainment for my toddler as most often she does these activities with her older brothers.
The Ball Pit – Balls are great and if they are in a box or small blow up pool even better! We have had some kicking practice with the balls around the lounge which always make her giggle. Teaching to pick up said balls has been made fun for all 3 kids by folding our floor mats into a box shape and letting the kids “post” the balls into the holes.
Play with Craft Sticks – I have craft sticks, lots and lots of them. We love to play with them in so many ways. For my toddler she will use the sticks and prop them up in duplo blocks, post them a special little bottle and play pick up sticks with them in our colorful container.
The Artist – Painting is fun and sometimes messy, well 90% of the time anyways 😉 It is great for sensory, finger paints and just about anything you want to add some color to. I think she had the most fun with the paint and squeeze bottles for sure!
Practicing Our Skills – I would think almost everything a toddler does they do it with purpose. My Toddlers loves pom poms even more so if she can put them into holes! Color is another big attraction for her, our latest color sorting craft was fun for all 3 kids.
Watching and Learning – Although she loves to watch her brothers she very often joins in on our play. Play dough is high on the list of “join in the fun” as well as anything that involves a paint brush or sticking.
These are just a few of the things my toddler is currently enjoying at 18 months. I anticipate that she will only get more and more involved in our every day play as she gets older.
oh! This is just one of MY favorites. It kind of shows how she must know what said brothers are doing. All the way to look at what he is looking at!
Rosemary Gow says
I am now able to print the print ables
Thanks
Rose Gow
Carol says
I love the idea about the ball pit. What kind of balls are you using? Thanks for sharing these with us. It gives me great ideas to use.
Nicolette Roux says
it is fun ballz, there is more info in the individual post. 😀 have fun!