Today I’m rounding up my almost-two year old’s current favorite things (and things to do!) My parenting philosophy when it comes to toys is simple: fewer tiny toys I’ll step on, more things we do together. I’m a big fan of open-ended, multi-purpose items — things that get her climbing, creating, or helping me around the house. I’ll link everything I can so you can shop straight from this post if anything catches your eye.
Big thanks to HealthyBaby for sponsoring today’s free post!
No affiliate links are in this post beyond Bookshop.org which supports local bookstores.
Modi Modu play table + cushions — minimal, well-made, and the right size for her. She colors, does play-doh, and we even move it into the kitchen for her to eat some meals there if she asks. She uses it every day, and the legs fold up for easy storing. The cushions are also super cute, wipe clean, and stack up easily.
Art cart — I repurposed my postpartum cart into her art cart. It holds everything and rolls right up to the table. See how we organize our cart here:
Jarmelo crayons + dot markers — vibrant, smooooth colors. It feels like lipstick gliding on paper, but it washes off easily.
Sketchbooks — we go through these almost monthly. I actually started to date it and write a small blurb next to some of our drawings. So far, she has a March, April, and May sketchbook!
Usborne sticker books — love this for travel, restaurants, or quiet morning time. Every time we go to Barnes & Noble, we pick one out. I also really enjoy doing them with her too! Like, I want to buy my own sticker book and do it myself lol.
Magnatiles — She is just starting to build more with these! She got her first box when she turned one, but her interested didn’t develop until closer to two. It’s also fun for the whole family. We have a very tiny collection currently, but I’m adding onto it for her bday coming up.
Stapelstein Stepping Stones — Easily one of our most used items. She makes her own little obstacle courses, stacks them to reach things in her play kitchen, or stacks them so she can “be tall” and jump off. Total open-ended play, and they grow with her. For her birthday, I just bought one of these balance boards that are compatible with it. I would love to add on and buy some of the other boards they have, but they are quite pricey, so just starting with the one. They have off-brand stepping stones too, but I will say, given how much use it gets, I am happy we got the OG ones for longterm durability and safety.
Climbing triangle with slide — this was a splurge, but it’s gotten a lot of use. The one we bought on Etsy is sadly no longer available, but you can find so many different versions of “Montessori climbing triangles” at various prices. It’s helped her build so much confidence and balance!
HealthyBaby pull-up style diapers [Sponsor]— we’re in a size 7 already (how?!). These pull-ups are super soft, absorbent, and have a great fit. They provide up to 12-hour leak protection, which has been great for overnight, and they don’t rub her legs at the edges like some other brands have. I also love that they’re designed to be pulled up and down like underwear. These are EWG VERIFIED® meaning they’re made without 3,900+ chemicals linked to potential health harm — and they’re the first diaper to earn that certification. They’re also the only certified Microbiome-friendly® pull-up, which means they’re proven to support a healthy skin barrier. Fun fact: HealthyBaby was the first brand of diapers I ever purchased before my daughter was born. And now they will be the last diapers, as she’s showing signs that she’s almost ready to start her potty learning journey soon. Full circle moment, and grateful to be able to partner with such an excellent brand! // Use code “Jules-HealthyBaby” for 10% off for first-time customers!
HealthyBaby Diaper Cream — This is another HealthyBaby product that’s been a longtime staple. Love the ingredients. We use it a couple times a week just to prevent diaper rashes, and her skin is very happy. It is also EWG VERIFIED®.
Babo Botanicals Body Soap — Gentle, plant-based for shampoo and body soap. Been using it since she was a newborn.
Bath letters — These are the foam kind that stick to the tub wall.
Nail file — Still going strong with our electric nail file, as I’m still not brave enough to trying actual nail clippers.
Toddler toothbrush — I’ve mentioned this toothbrush several times, but I still love it. Electric is the way to go, imo! We’ve had to get very creative with our teeth brushing ritual, so if you’d like some slightly unhinged toddler tips read below:
Guidecraft Flex Kitchen Helper — As I mentioned here, I feel really good about recommending this toddler tower. It took me a while to find one I loved. This thing is sturdy, safe, and it has a permanent spot in our kitchen. We use it every day, multiple times a day.
Wooden Toddler Knife — another item she uses almost every day. Safe enough for her little hands, sharp enough to actually cut soft foods. She slices berries and zucchini with so much focus!
We read a lot of books. And a lot of the same ones over and over and over. We’ve received so many generous hand-me-downs from friends and relatives, and we always request books for holidays/birthday gifts! She has quite the library now.
Current top 5 books currently on rotation:
Where’s Halmoni? by Julie Kim — it’s a long book for a toddler, but it’s her top fave. It’s our bedtime book, and I read it a couple times in a row until she falls asleep at night. We love the art, the Korean folktales, and she loves the goblins specifically.
Is This a Plum? by Dan & Finn Ojari — the cutest!!
I Am: A Celebration of Mindfulness by Susan Verde — a big hit as she also likes to act out the different words / feelings
Bee-Bim Bop! by Linda Sue Park — a gift from our friend Aimee, it’s become an easy favorite. It’s a fun “song” to sing, and we are big fans of bibimbap over here.
No Kimchi for Me! by Aram Kim — a little encouragement to try (spicier) foods in different ways hehe!
I’m working on a post that is a round up of all our favorite books that anyone can enjoy. I know a lot of the above are Korean, so I’ll share that one soon. :)
This is our favorite bookshelf for ample storage! An investment that I would make again and again.
For listening:
Mini Yoto Player — still going strong with this! She loves listening to music, stories, and even Yoto’s free daily podcast. I think this is one of the best toddler gadgets ever. This is my favorite accessory to keep the cards organized.
The things Keira loves most don’t cost a thing.
Doing chores together is her number one. Washing dishes especially — she could go all day. I sometimes have to get creative just to get her to walk away from the sink. She loves prepping meals with me too (cutting berries with her little knife, washing potatoes, tossing zucchini into a bowl). She helps me put clothes in the dryer, she cleans the lint trap without being asked… I love it
I involve her in literally every facet of my chore list for as long as she is willing! They are naturally such sweet helpers at this age, and it’s meaningful quality time too!
Now she does so many helpful things unprompted. If water spills, she finds a towel and wipes it up. If she sees a dirtball the dogs tracked in, she brings it to the trash can. Dirty clothes go in her laundry bin without being asked. She’s been doing this since around 18 months and it makes me so proud!
Kinetic sand — she played with this at her cousin’s house and was sooo into it. We now have our own at home and play with it often!
Toddler Wooden Pull Up Bar — I am so intrigued by this!! I think my daughter would absolutely love it. We are in limbo with our living situation so I’ll have to hold off, but I could totally see this being a really cool addition to her play area.
Adventure Beam — Super interested in this as well. Pretty much any agility object that also burns some of that big energy is on my list. My daughter needs a lot of rough housing, jumping, climbing, and pushing just to get 9 hours of sleep at night. Low sleep needs & high energy. Whatta combo! hahah
What are you toddler’s faves at the moment? What are you wish list items? Please share, I love hearing from you!
And thanks again to HealthyBaby for sponsoring today’s post! (Code “Jules-HealthyBaby” for 10% off for first-time customers!)
Meals From My Camera Roll: A Week in June
Jun 11
I’m a toddler mom that enjoys making healthy food with whole, simple ingredients, and I want to sharing more what meals looks like in our home. These aren’t perfectly plated like a proper food influencer — it’s snapped on my phone right before digging in. #PhoneEatsFirst. I hope it gives you permission to let mealtime be easy!
A Day in My Life as a Working SAHM with a 21 Month Old
May 14
I’m back with another day-in-my-life as a working SAHM to a toddler. I love getting to document these little snapshots at different stages and ages — it’s like my own digital time capsule. (Catch up on my previous update here)
My Best Tips for Moms Who Work During Naptime
Jun 4
If you’re trying to build or maintain a biz from your kitchen table while your baby naps in the next room (or on you), you know how intense those 45–90 minutes can feel. This tiny window is supposed to hold your work, your rest, your emails, your laundry… all of it? But how??
🫶🏼 read more slow & thoughtful reflections here
☁️ browse my favorite cozy tools & resources here
💌 come say hi in our mom group chat
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