I'm glad that you are watching taking note of what is working and not working with your son. I also think you're doing a service to all mothers who have similar concerns. Not only are you explaining what you're doing but you also give a forum to other mothers who have experience and can offer advice.
A play sink with working tap was a hit with my son around this age. The lovevery play kits are great but expensive. I get them for my little girl, 20 months but my 4 year old enjoys them too and they are very well made. The way we play insta/RU-vid has great ideas and links to amazon for various gift guides
Was just going to recommend The Way We Play but I see you’ve beaten me to it! Gemma is The Hidden Gem on YT. Also Becky O’Cole has lots of content for toddlers.
An easel with white magnetic board on one side and a blackboard on the other side. Both my youngest loved theirs. Started with chalks and magnets.. then moved on when older to a white board pen which helped them write.xx
Ahh Mary, I was absolutely creasing up watching Gabe with the yoghurt and the open cup 😂. As a fellow toddler mum, I just felt like I was watching myself 😂 x
Also a baby doll is a great one! My son cuddles his and looks after him and eased my mind about his emotional development x He of course also throws it all around the house 😂 balance x
I taught full day kindergarten Prep for 36 years. My mother taught second grade for over 45 years. Great advice from my mother- was to never purchase a toy that is over their age, as stated on the box. Life shouldn’t be rushed. I wouldn’t allow any screen time independently ( if possible )whatsoever. So, if Gabe is watching a cute show or movie you are sitting next to him watching it with him. I know everyone’s going to roll their eyes but shows like Barney, that don’t flash and move so fast are absolutely wonderful for that age …and beyond. *Books, art supplies & Blocks, lots and lots of blocks. Just the fact that you are asking about it shows you are an amazing, loving, supportive Momma.
My son is 3 now but the toys he loved the most the past year were his brio train set, duplo, Dinosaurs and his ikea kitchen! All so good for his imagination
Quick note on the bubbles for anyone who is interested in saving a bit of money: You can easily refill the bubblething with a bit of dishsoap and water. Works great!
Hey Mary 🤗 I don’t have any kids and I’m not planning on having any but I still find the content interesting as I am an Aunty ☺️ I love the little Lamaze toys - I’ve got something from that range for all my nieces and Nephews as they are colourful and have the different textures on them. I’ve also got them different sensory toys from Amazon which can be great but these are both suggestions for your newborn but you might find something on Amazon for Gabe. Jigsaws are always great and board games for when he is a little older. Have a lovely week ahead 🥰 xxx
My daughter who is around the same age as Gabe, loves stacking blocks. We just got her a little Dutch kitchen oven/stove (it’s on sale in John Lewis atm) and it’s quite small so you can move it around/doesn’t take up much space. she is obsessed with it. It’s really good quality as well. She also very into arts and crafts so we have box full of stuff then I randomly get out - stickers, paints, crayons etc. I just get a big mat out and let her go wild with the stuff for a bit.
My daughter has just turned two, also pregnant similar timings to you:), we got her a wooden afternoon tea set and pizza set, wooden market.. these have defo really helped her imagination and means we can play with her more , play shops etc with wooden money.. also a toy baby she will now get the baby and pretend to give her tea/pizza so really has helped her imagination xx
Sand and water tables are so good for 2 year olds, if you have an outdoor space to contain the mess. I only put water in mine, which cut down a lot on the mess. My daughter loved it. A play kitchen is also a great toy for 2 year olds. Duplo / bucket of bricks also great. Happy shopping. O and kinetic sand too.
My two loved toy kitchens with mini saucepans etc and toy food. Brilliant for role play. Ikea are good value. Sand/water tables are great for outside. You’re doing a great job so be kind to yourself xx
Hi! I wondered if you have thought/ read about the Reggio Emilia Approach. It has aspects of Montessori but in my opinion is not so rigid and a fairly middle ground 😊
Would love to see a 2nd bday haul and what you think of the new stuff you get. My boy turns 2 in oct so would be nice to get an idea. Thank you for blessing us with clips of Gabe, obsessed with his hair! If you have any hair care tips or routines that would be lovely too x thank you
My son is 2 the same day as Gabe and I have no idea what to get him but we did get my daughter (she’s older) when she was younger some magnatiles (you can get dupes on Amazon) and he has really gravitated towards those for building and he loves duplo. Being child number 2 we already have a fair bit but these he likes a lot just a shame in someways we already have them on the bday present front 😂. Oh he likes toot toot drivers with tracks too if you don’t have those x
Mary... Have you ever thought about your faith in God? It really helps to know God is with you and His joy gets in you. I'm a Christian not one of those prosperity type but really someone the reads the bible and finds great encouragement in God. Bad days come and go but the best part is God is good and Jesus died for your sins and you truly find peace in knowing Him. You might have your reservations about Jesus Christ but... God bless your journey in finding Joy in Him! 😊 X Ps I enjoy your vlogs take care 🤗 x
Oh Mary, Gabriel has got so big and he's gorgeous! He will get there in his time I know what you mean I have 3 boys and its hard to know how much to do for them. Like you say plenty of encouragement and for you to have bucket loads of patience! You look fantastic by the way xx
So wonderful to see you and congrats 🥰. In terms of relaxing channels you should try My Self Reliance, he is a good watch xx also Dianxi Xiaoge, I think I have spelt that wrong though 😊
You should watch The Newbys as well, they recently moved to Portugal, I think the husband is English, the wife is Zimbabwean and they have a little boy. They make me want to quit my job and become a farmer tbh.
Please share the recommendations you get and the toys you decide on! My son’s 1yo and I’ve been trying to decide what’s best to get now/in the future. 🙌🏽🤎
