Sometimes the most simple things are the smartest. This is one of my daughter's favorite toys. She stacks them, sorts them, fills them up, scatters them... the list goes on.

My daughter carries her baby everywhere. She gives it lots of hugs and kisses and we use it to learn the body parts. I love that this doll comes in a variety of ethnicities so you can get one that looks like your child.

Another surprisingly versatile toy. Pre-walkers can spin the handles to make music, use it to pull up on, and ride it with the help of an adult. Older kids can sit on it, bounce on it, spin on it, and stand on it (my daughter's personal favorite). Children can also pretend it's a real horse/zebra.

A big hit in both the bath and the pool!

My daughter discovered these after Mardi Gras last year. She likes to wear several at a time, put them in things, and swing them around. I always have a bunch on hand so she can share them with her friends as well. We have never had a problem, but they can be a chocking hazard... so never let kids play with these unattended.

This is great for kids learning to walk. Once your toddler is walking, she can ride on it, sit on it, and use it to push her toys around.

This stuff really does wash off of everything - hands, faces, clothes, furniture.

Ok, not exactly a toy, but a great playtime (or anytime) accompaniment. I've created several toddler-friendly playlists that my daughter loves to dance along with or listen to as we play. They also keep her preoccupied during car rides, doctor office waits, long walks, and naptime.