There are a lot of great book-toy gift sets, already packaged and ready for giving. The only problem? Most of them are books with a story character stuffed animal. Now I don't know about you, but to paraphrase my grandmother, we have more stuffed animals than we do brains. I am *certainly* not looking to add to the collection (which seems to grow of its own volition anyway!)
So I put together this list. The books are favorites for toddlers and preschoolers and would be a wonderful gift all on their own. But to add a little something extra, I added a toy suggestion to each one, too. (No stuffed animals...promise!)
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I've found a few fun ideas to go with Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site! The quickest one is also the most obvious - CAT trucks.
If you have the time and/or inclination to go a more DIY route, a construction play set would be a big hit. Or maybe a play dough construction site? Even minus the play dough this would be an awesome gift kit!
A fun book...a fun toy! It just makes sense. "Interrupting Chicken" with a ball-popping chicken toy.
These two were just made to go together - "Mix It Up" and good ol' finger paints!
These dinosaur figures would be a great set to go with any of the "How Do Dinosaurs" books!
These dinosaur figures would be a great set to go with any of the "How Do Dinosaurs" books!
Shadow puppets to retell The Gingerbread Man These are beautiful! Adventure in a Box offers free printable templates, or, if you're not feeling the creative thing, you can buy them at her Etsy store.
One of our favorite books, The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry and the Big Hungry Bear paired with a fruit cutting set. The toy strawberry would be perfect for retelling the story!
I live in Boston - I couldn't skip over the Make Way for Ducklings book! This homemade wooden duck set is the perfect pretend play accompaniment to the story.
Either of these books, "The Dot" or "Beautiful Oops", would go well with some art supplies like this craft set.
Quick tip: It would be less expensive (and more fun, in my opinion) to buy some art supplies individually - markers, glitter glue, paint, heavy paper. With a little luck you could get it all for well under $15!)
I haven't read this book, Little Blue Truck, but the title alone fits perfectly with this beautiful homemade toy truck!
Maybe it's because I'm a huge Curious George fan, but thesepeg dolls really caught my eye! They'd be great for reenacting any of the Curious George stories (and there's a ton!) or making up your own!
Which of these would the child in your life love to get? Have another idea? I'd love to hear it!
Maybe it's because I'm a huge Curious George fan, but thesepeg dolls really caught my eye! They'd be great for reenacting any of the Curious George stories (and there's a ton!) or making up your own!
Which of these would the child in your life love to get? Have another idea? I'd love to hear it!
This post is part of the Festive Family Holiday Hop and (wait for it!) Giveaway, hosted by Bare Feet on the Dashboard. Check out the other bloggers taking part, follow along on Pinterest and don't forget to enter the amazing giveaway! Good luck!
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