My Old and New Favorite Toddler Items

Fun stuff to discuss today! Shopping! I actually feel lucky that there are so many new things available out there to make our mommy lives somewhat easier nowadays. From gadgets to strollers to recipes or containers, there are plenty of options to choose from making shopping for the kids so much more fun. By the way, I think you really are adulting when a container actually “sparks joy” haha! I have a few new favorite items and I am sharing items that I’ve purchased for my daughter that I still currently love and use for my son.

Summer Infant Pop Infant Pop and Sit Booster:  

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I     I love love this one and have proven its usability so many times. I even get compliments on my preparedness whenever I take this one out. I purchased this a long while ago for Isla since Jeb and I are always jumping from house to house, restaurant to restaurants and would always have trouble keeping Isla to stay put during meals. We keep this in our car at all times and Quino now uses it the most. It comes in handy when I go over to a friend’s home and especially handy since I assist two young toddlers during meal time so having at least one of them strapped in a chair during meals makes it easier specially if I’m out with them on my own. It’s handy while eating at those not-so-child friendly restaurants at Chinatown or somewhere in the city or if you're at a relative's or friend's home that do not have smaller kids at home. Also, it folds so small and weighs close to nothing that the portability is just really great, I will more than likely carry this along with me when we go to our Florida trip. Best thing for me too is how affordable it is and you're really going to get great use of this item. 

Stasher Reusable Silicone Food Bag:

Newest favorite item recommended by my favorite blogger. I purchased one for each child and it has saved me from using ziplocs. Yes, you do have to wash it but it being silicone (much easier to wash than plastic) is barely any trouble. Amazingly, the lock system on this thing is great! It is very unlikely that it will accidentally open in your bag and smaller toddlers can’t easily open it either (and ziplocs do have that problem sometimes), less mess. Kids love it because it’s easy to carry and is colorful. It’s also not bulky, great for packing everyday. It is a little pricey for me (being that it’s just a small container) but you only have to purchase this once or maybe twice if it actually wears down but definitely a great buy.


OXO Tot Waterproof Silicone Roll Up Bib:

I first found this at Tjmaxx, came in two colors for about $14.99 and ever since then I stopped using all other silicone bibs. This one has great coverage on both of my kids’ chest, and being that my kids are such messy eaters it immediately became my favorite because it certainly done its job in keeping them cleaner during meals. It holds up really well so I have never experienced food spill out like most of the bib food catchers I’ve used. Again, folds and locks which is a huge thing for me because it doesn’t take as much space as others do in our diaper bag. I do carry two all the time so you know I'm always in the hunt for space saving items. Only downside is the top half of it is not silicone and does retain some moisture it seems like, so eventually you will have to repurchase this, but since price isn’t that bad either, I didn’t mind having to at all. 

Melissa and Doug Stamp Pad Set: 

If your kid is into arts and crafts, this is a great option! We found ours on sale at TJmaxx as well for $4. It has saved me from having to buy sooooo many stickers and like a lot of the Melissa and Doug items (check them out, they make such great toys) they come in their wood containers and easy to organize and put away. The ink is washable!!! Isla has stamped her face, her arm as much as I remind her to keep it on paper but all were very easily washed off. She has also stamped her activity table and it also came off of that. I also particularly love the long handle ones because for younger toddlers, it was easier for them to grip and use. 

Project 62 Round Woven Basket from Target:

I think my house has become a home of baskets. I have only about 50 of them so I’m a basket expert at this point right? I recently found this basket from all moms' happy place Target, and I love it! My son who is still not very careful or stable have been getting a lot of booboo’s from regular rattan baskets, he falls and hit it, or scratches himself when he’s picking a toy from inside the basket. I was on a hunt for a new toy basket for our living room and found this and loved it altogether. It’s kept formed and sturdy by thick wires so no slouching or deforming issues, it’s wide but not too tall, and it is covered in this super soft yarn looking thing, super cute and just $24.99, not bad all.

Delonghi Espresso Machine:

Well no, my toddlers don’t drink espresso but I need it more than ever now! This was gifted to me by my super thoughtful husband, he’s great at gifting and always know what to get me and man o man, this has been great! It has saved me tons of money since I have not been going to Starbucks and less need to buy my iced lattes from DD. I also love that it is not as expensive as the other machines (given those are probably much better) but if you’re looking for a price-friendly espresso machine, this one is a great option. I honestly feel that my espresso drinks taste as good as store brought. It comes with 3 settings, whether you want a single shot, double shot or for convenience, want to use espresso pods as well. There’s a model one down to this from Delonghi and I actually returned that one because this came with the pod feature and a much better frother for only $15 more. Amazon sells it cheaper compared to other places we’ve checked; same model sells for $150 at target but purchased this for $113 from amazon. Accessories like the tamper/measuring spoon combo does come with it but I decided to purchase a metal tamper instead based on advice that it has a little more weight and you do have to tamper your grounds pretty good to get the best espresso taste. Places like Tjmaxx or amazon sell the syrups at very good price so I’ve been able to make a decent caramel macchiato out of this machine. Moms….coffee is life! Go get this one to keep you going!