PLAY DIRECTORY

As a former early childhood educator, nanny, and ongoing part-time babysitter, I've both tested and seen a lot of toys and play space setups.

After nearly four years of saving, logging, and categorizing hundreds of toys and children's brands, the databases are finally ready to share with my readers.

This is the place to find all the links to the coolest toys and playroom stuff I've ever come across.

Happy searching! ☺️

Premium Toy Brands

🔥 Hot Take: Quality toys are worth 100% worth the investment.

Since premium and heirloom toys tend to be priced at higher price points, it might mean you can't buy as many toys.

👏🏽 But, this is a good thing because it means we get to be more intentional about the toys we do buy.

I love coming across companies and brands to add to this list, but they're hard to find, so here ya go. With 80+ listings, you're sure to find a new brand you haven't heard of!

Aw man, if you’ve scrolled down this far, I’m guessing you didn’t quite find what you’re looking for— feel free to reach out if you want help finding something special for a kiddo!

Diverse Toys

Representation is so important, especially in the toy industry. This list features toy products across races/ethnicities, nationalities, regions, religions, and languages.

For children that frequently occupy spaces with a homogenous race or cultural norm other than their own, owning or using a toy that actually looks like them can make them feel seen.

And regardless of a child's individual skin color, religion, or nationality, exposure to playthings that represent diverse backgrounds is a simple way to introduce cultural awareness at an early age.

Literally, some of the coolest toys are on this list!

Playroom Furniture & Storage

Playroom furniture? It's one of those things that totally seems unimportant until it is.

Having safe, reliable, accessible, and expressive components- like play furniture and play structures- allows kids to explore more independently and navigate their environment with confidence and curiosity.

With that said, I don't want you spending 2+ hours putting a shelf together, just to find it buckle after a few months.

So, here's a list of carefully vetted brands to explore:

Inclusive Toys for All Abilities

Toys and products are separated into two categories based on their design: is the function of the product to offer representation or to provide adaptive support (improve accessibility)?

Both features are super important for inclusivity. Currently listed are toys toys that support kids with everything from vision impairments, to providing representation (dolls with cochlear implants, plushes with different sized ligaments and missing limbs, dolls with down syndrome, bling for wheel chairs, and so many other conditions).

Top Toys & Recommendations

My "Top Toys & Recommendations" list is a carefully curated mix of my personal favorite kid's toys, as well as toys that have been the most popular amongst kiddos that I've toy tested them with.

Let's just say, there's a reason each toy made it to this list.

Some toys are classic, while others are subject to availability. If you're having a hard time finding any of these, you can also check Ebay or Facebook Marketplace (although I try my best to keep the list and links updated)!

Toys Made in the USA

Toys made in the USA tend to have a smaller carbon footprint because they travel shorter distances instead of overseas to get to your door.

Here's a list of brands to look into if you're gung ho about shopping at retailers that make their toys closer to home.

💡 Fun Fact: Did you know that Crayola is owned by Hallmark

(yup, that Hallmark)??

🤯 Me neither until I went down a rabbit hole after traveling abroad for the first time and noticing that Crayola was nowhere to be found.