Lovevery Toddler Play Kits

Toddlers

The Ultimate Toddler Playdate With Lovevery’s Newest Play Kits

Written by Erin Feher

Photography by Emily Scott

Aug 1, 2019

If you’re anything like us, you are always on the lookout for that parental holy grail—the perfect toy. Most parents are all too familiar with the hunt, constantly searching for the toy that will keep their high-energy tots entertained while also teaching them a thing or two during playtime. But let’s be real, picking out toys is no easy feat. Is it developmentally appropriate? Is it safe? Will our kids still care about it tomorrow? (Probably not). Will its blinking lights and beeping noises drive us completely insane? (Most definitely). That’s why we are so enamored with Lovevery’s newest offering: A set of four brand-new Play Kits aimed squarely at those babbling, jumping, ever-curious toddlers.

We’ve long been fans of the brand’s baby-focused Play Gym and Play Kits designed for baby’s first year, so when we heard about the brand-new kits for those terrific ones and twos (that’s how the saying goes, right?) we called an emergency playdate and let our little crew of tots go wild with the new collection, which includes The Babbler (13-15 months), The Pioneer (16-18 months), The Realist (19-21 months), and The Companion (22-24 months).

The moment we brought those pretty, simple boxes out to the lawn, our toddlers knew it was party time—they dove right in and started gleefully exploring without any encouragement or instruction. And us mamas knew all those pretty Montessori-inspired toys were giving their brains and bodies a little workout, and encouraging the play-based learning that is so important at this age.

Since our group ranged in age from 13 to 27 months, all four boxes were huge hits. Each is filled with a variety of spot-on toys for our ever-changing toddlers, from colorful wood puzzles, to cheerful board books, to mini animals for imaginative play. Each expert-designed kit also comes with a detailed guide that explains why each toy, book, and object was selected, based on the latest in developmental research. The booklets include handy advice for the best way to play and engage with your toddler during their pivotable second year, taking the guess work out of when and how to introduce new concepts to your knowledge-hungry kiddo.

What’s more? All Lovevery products are made with non-toxic, premium materials—including sustainably harvested wood and organic cotton—which makes them safe for tots still mastering the difference between a real carrot and that convincing-looking garden-inspired puzzle piece. Once you sign up, a new kit comes right to your door every few months, providing a perfect new assortment of toys for your kiddo.

To take a closer look at what’s inside these expertly edited, eco-friendly Play Kits (and to peep the fun playdate the kits inspired), check out our slideshow below.

This post is brought to you by Mother x Lovevery.

: Each curated Lovevery Play Kit comes with minimal packaging, maximum fun.

: "I really like the concept of a curated toy box for specific ages, especially because in the first two years their growth rate is extremely exponential. And as a first-time mom, it’s challenging finding toys that are educational and entertaining that aren't terribly noisy. Also, babies move on from toys quickly. For two months they will love one toy, then the next month won’t even look in its direction! This concept allows for exciting new toys to arrive while allowing the previous box to be easily stored away and saved for a sibling or passed down to a younger friend—all while saving space in our home!" says Tami Busia, mom to Zella, 16 months.

: Vega, age 2, dives right into The Companion (22–24 months) kit.

: "I love that it takes the research out of toy hunting. The whole concept seems so well-researched and timely. It would be a great gift!" says Natalie Bowen, mom to Hawk, 15 months. Isao wonders what is inside the Carry-Along Kit.

: Cruz, watched over by his mama, Lea Sabado, explores The Companion (22–24 months) kit while Hawk looks on.

: Vega and Isao discover the Buckle Barrel and the Mosaic-Button Board. "Zella is also a huge fan of the Buckle Barrel. A few months ago she figured out how to start buckling the things around her (stroller, car seat, backpacks, etc.) and so having a portable toy with all the different types and colored buckles keeps her focused and entertained," says Tami Busia, mom to Zella, 16 months.

: Cruz disassembles the Flexible Wooden Stacker.

: "I love the variety that the play kits offer and the quality of the toys. Each toy is calm, challenging, and age appropriate. Sometimes children’s toys can have too much going on with music, voice buttons, and lights overwhelming both the child and parents. Lovevery toys are educating but not over stimulating," says Tami Busia, mom to Zella, 16 months.

: Zella finds lots of surprises while playing with the Circles of Friends Puzzle.

: "I love that Lovevery takes the research out of the process for me. My kid was super engaged because the toys were perfect for his age. In the past I have found myself buying toys that are too advanced and then I forget to pull them out again. I also liked that they were visually pleasing and made in natural fibers and nice colors. That was SO refreshing," says Natalie Bowen, mom to Hawk, 15 months.

: Everyone took turns taking care of the Little Quinn doll.

: "Ro immediately gravitated towards the Race and Chase Ramp and the Slide and Seek Ball Run. Anything that goes fast! But what held her attention for the longest time was the Transfer Tweezers and Felt Stars. I could see her mind working out how to first hold the tweezers and pick up the stars, then lining them up neatly. Next, she figured out how she could pick up the stars and place them in each cup with matching colors. I don't know who was more amazed, her or me, watching as she navigated her curiosity and discovery," says Deb Heyrana, mom to Rowan, 2 years old.

: We loved how so many of the toys encouraged the kids to share and play together.

: "I love how much thought went into every piece. From the packaging, the color palette, down to how each toy felt in my hands. How even the Chunky Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle had rounded edges, comfortable for little hands to hold. I could see why Ro's eyes lit up as we took each and every toy out. I can tell a lot of heart and experience went into each box," says Deb Heyrana, mom to Rowan, 2 years old.