Riddle me this: How do such small creatures require so much stuff? I’m talking about kids, of course. From the moment they enter the world, they need all the things. It’s an endless parade of bottles and wipes and diapers and don’t forget about the bouncy chairs, bassinets, swings, loungers, toys, pacifiers, diaper bags … phew. All of that for a tiny little human who can’t even hold their own head up yet. (Slacker.)
The amount of stuff you need for kids doesn’t decrease over time. In fact, the older they get, the more they need want … anddddd, it only gets more expensive. But, not always, especially when Amazon is involved. This list is full of great gadgets for those of you with little goblins kiddos in your house. They’ll love their own headphones. You’ll love getting out of the house faster with no shoes to tie. And, everyone will love a good family game. All of those plus 19 more products are awaiting you below!
Hold The (Head) Phone
Just because you’re an adult doesn’t mean you like to share, especially when it comes to something expensive like headphones. These are designed just for small ears with cushioned ear pads, an adjustable headband and volume limiting so there’s no risk of ear damage. These come in seven fun colors and are highly rated among Amazon shoppers like this one: “Got a kid? Get these.”
Lace Up
If I’ve seen one fight about getting shoes tied before heading out the door, I’ve seen a million. These crazy laces eliminate the need to tie shoes, thus stopping the shoe battle and saving you time. They’re fun, too, with their pastel or neon color choices and curly design. Each pack comes with 10 pairs so you can doctor up all their favorite shoes.
Lower The Boom
Quality family time can look like a lot of different things but one of my favorites is game night. This card game, called “Don’t Go Boom!,” is great for two to six players from age seven up. The goal is to get the lowest score across three rounds of competition. I don’t typically like games that involve math (or anything that involves math, really), but this one is pretty cute.
Rank And File
Have you ever tried to wrestle a mountain lion on only one cup of coffee? That’s basically what it’s like trimming a baby’s fingernails. This glass file does the job safely while eliminating sharp scissors and traditional nail clippers. A more gentle option, it comes with its own travel case so you can slip it inside the diaper bag.
Lock And Load
The time to start childproofing was yesterday. These magnetic cabinet and door locks require no drilling and no screws, making them as simple to install as sticking them on. You’ll appreciate how these stay out of sight, but more than that, you’ll appreciate how everything in your kitchen cabinets isn’t spread all over the floor when you turn your back for three seconds.
Hanging Around
Tiny clothes need tiny hangers, and you’ll appreciate these velvet-coated ones that keep everything firmly in place. This 50-pack should get you through a season’s worth of clothes (unless your kid is Paris Hilton) and comes in a variety of colors if you’re into matching. The swivel hook is exceptionally handy. You can also snag these in baby size for all those tiny, adorable rompers.
Gut Check
You can’t start too early focusing on a healthy gut and immune system. This chewable probiotic supplement has a refreshing orange flavor they won’t turn their nose up at. The tiny pearl tablets are easy to swallow and they’re free of all the bad stuff: Gluten, dairy, soy and sugar. A time-release formula, these are gradually released over eight to 10 hours to the intestinal tract.
Having A Ball
Summer’s coming, I promise! Now’s the time to stock your pool and beach bag with new favorites, like this watermelon pool ball. Think of this like football, basketball and rugby in the water. You fill the ball with water and then the fun begins. Choose from two different sizes and three color options. They’ll look forward to pool days even more.
Too Cool For School
Um, is it weird that I want these little monster ice packs for myself? Pint-sized and utterly adorable, these are guaranteed to stop the tears and maybe elicit some giggles. These little monsters have an adjustable elasticized band and are flexible at all times, even after removing them from the freezer. The hardest decision they’ll have to make? Picking their favorite.
If The Shoe Fits
Kids are hard on shoes; in particular, the insoles. Plus, the smell? Overpowering. These silly shoe inserts are fresh and fun and scented in fragrances like grape lollipop and bubble gum. They just feel great, too, made from a soft, cushioned foam that mimics gel. Instead of buying new shoes, maybe you can extend the life of them? For $13, it’s worth a shot.
Down To A Fine Art
I love to see kids being creative and this double-sided tabletop easel lets them do it all with magnetic shapes and letters, dry-erase markers, pattern cards, chalk colors and an eraser. One side whiteboard, one side chalkboard, this is twice the fun at all times. Reviewers love the quality of this set and its components that let little imagination soar.
Catch Fire
Some of my most vivid memories from childhood involve water. Whether it was playing in the pool or running through the sprinkler, water fun is big fun. This Spray ‘N’ Sprinkle bath toy has four interchangeable fireman accessories including a flexible hose, water gauge, fire wheel and spray nozzle. It attaches simply to the tub with the included suction cups.
Get Your Beauty Sleep
I’m sure you’ve heard of the book, “Go The F**k To Sleep,” but if you haven’t, here it is. Ultimately, you just want them to go to sleep. These magnesium gummies are a safe and natural supplement with no added sugar in a tasty raspberry flavor. Not only do these help little ones relax and fall asleep easily, but they support the nervous system and release muscle tension.
Give Me A Ring
Fidget toys have certainly improved from those basic spinning doodads of a few years ago. These are magnetic rings that also glow in the dark (because fidgeting isn’t limited to daylight hours). You’ll get a set of six, each with a smooth rotation that can help calm, relax, clear your mind and stimulate your imagination. Kids and adults alike will love these.
Back In Full Swing
All living situations are not created equal. You may want to have a yard or a park nearby but it may just not be feasible. This six-piece indoor gym only requires a door frame for physical fun. It includes a pull-up bar, trapeze, plastic rings, ladder, swing and knotted rope for climbing. This is the perfect pick-up for rainy days when they still need to blow off steam.
Spill The Beans
You know what’s cooler than a bean bag chair? A bean bag chair that doubles as storage. Instead of the traditional filling, these can be packed with stuffed animals, soft toys, blankets, pillows, towels and more, making them a multipurpose purchase everyone will enjoy. Choose from a dozen colors and patterns as well as two different sizes.
It’s A Toss-up
How many purchases have you made that you said were “for the kids,” but were really for you? This Tiki Toss ring toss game doesn’t take up much space and will quickly become a new family favorite. The objective of the game is simple: swing the ring and land it on the hook. Add it to your game room, play area or man cave for automatic fun for everyone.
Bad To The Bone
Extra nutritional support never hurts, especially if your diet is limited to chicken nuggets and Danimals yogurt. These D3 + K2 drops improve mood, bone health and the immune system. And, unlike tablets, a liquid formula offers faster and more efficient absorption. (Plus, you can hide it in said yogurt.) Reviewers say it’s easy to administer (“best way to give vitamins to a picky toddler,” one said) and works great.
Sock It To Me
The one thing nobody tells you when you have a baby is how socks disappear. So, you’re going to need more of them than you think. These non-slip ankle socks are great for little ones as they learn to crawl, walk and run. There are 11 color combinations to pick from including the rainbow set pictured as well as pastels, earth tones and your basic black and white.
Blanket Statement
Weighted blankets aren’t just for adults; kids love them, too. This one offers the warmth and comfort of a big hug, with a gentle pressure that’s designed to help kids fall asleep (and stay asleep) or even just relax and wind down. Available in weights as low as five pounds all the way to 30 pounds, you and junior can have a matching set.
As Far As I Can See
Budding explorers will appreciate these kid-sized binoculars, whether it’s for bird watching, hiking, camping or just exploring the great outdoors. These binoculars are designed to handle the wear and tear only kids can do, and have soft rubber eyecups for comfort and a durable neck strap for security. These come in six fun colors for both little boy and little girl adventurers.
Cap It Off
Kids aren’t the greatest at navigating toothpaste tubes. (Adults aren’t much better, to be honest.) These silicone caps make it as easy to get a tub opened and closed with just a flip. It allows for the perfect amount of toothpaste every time while also keeping toothpaste build-up off your tube and your bathroom counters. You’ll thank me later for this one.