January is the perfect time for indoor play, whether you’re snowed in with the kiddos or simply in the doldrums of winter break! But what do you do when kids get a lil’ bored? Battat is here to help with 3 cozy indoor play ideas for little ones (and their parents) that keep things screen-free. So, put on your comfy socks – it’s about to get snug ‘n’ fun! (read more)
Fill up stockings with toys that’ll keep the fun, learning, and laughter going! From classic wooden vehicles to a realistic play tool, this selection of unique stocking stuffers has something for every tot on your list. (read more)
We at Battat Toys believe that learning is key. That’s why we make educational toys parents and kids love! So, what are you waiting for? Put tried-and-true learning toys from Battat under the tree this holiday season! (read more)
We at Battat have been busy preparing for the giving season! What we’ve been working on, you ask? Lots of NEW TOYS to discover. So, what are you waiting for? Put the latest and greatest toys from Battat under the tree this holiday season! (read more)
Find the perfect toy for the little farm lovers in your life, thanks to Battat’s holiday gift guide! Get all the essential info you need, like special features and developmental skills the toys help improve. So, check out our top farm toys for toddlers – we’ll even throw in some fun play ideas! (read more)
The air is getting cooler, and you know what that means. Time for fun indoor activity ideas! Read on for great fall crafts that are perfect for home or the classroom. A little spooky and a bit silly, we’ve got 3 creative crafts to prepare for Halloween! (read more)
Young children don’t often think of the future, but parents sure do! One common concern for parents of Pre-K kids is reading. When will they learn to read? Will they even want to read? Will they ever become independent readers? These questions are typical, and they’re the first step to fostering a love of reading in young children. Read on for helpful tips and plant seeds for the future! (read more)
Backpacks, paper stacks, and mid-morning snacks – oh my! That’s right, it’s back-to-school time. Whether it’s the first day of pre-K for your kiddo or the return of Elementary school-aged children to class, we’ve got you covered. Read on for creative ideas to get kids into the back-to-school spirit! (read more)
Ahh, the summer road trip, where the line between a dream vacation and a nightmare journey is very thin. But there’s hope! Do more than simply survive road trips with toddlers and drive straight for family fun this summer thanks to our useful tips & tricks! Read on for lots of great ideas to keep kiddos engaged in the car while you’re on the road to good times this summer. (read more)
How do you show love to Dad when he already has a “World’s Greatest Dad” mug, and the garage is nice and tidy? Change things up this year for Father’s Day by not doing something for dad but doing something with dad! Check out these fun Father’s Day activities to celebrate dads and make memories together! (read more)
Let’s be real. Moms are heroes, and they deserve to be celebrated. And who better to celebrate them than the kiddos who call for “Mommy!” 3000 times a day? We asked some Battat-loving moms to share how their little ones show their appreciation, and the responses were beautiful. Time to show Mama some love! (read more)
This year for Earth Day, help kiddos prepare for the future. We only have one planet, and everyone shares it. So, it’s time to Reduce, Reuse & Recycle. Let’s pass on green values for tomorrow by raising planet-friendly toddlers today. Check out these creative and fun Earth Day activities for ideas you can use at home! (read more)
It’s time to celebrate Spring with pretend play toys! Find beautiful toys for Easter in Battat’s special springtime gift guide. Whether little ones are just starting to sort shapes, like ‘helping’ around the house, or just want to push a train, you’ll find beautiful toys for Easter that you’ll love seeing (and kiddos will love playing with) every day! (read more)
It’s time to celebrate Easter and ring in springtime with learning toys! To start, find toddler-friendly STEM toys for Easter with Battat’s special springtime gift guides. Whether little ones are just starting to stack and identify colors, or already discovering how things work, you’ll find a fun educational toy in this list! (read more)
It’s time. You’ve finished the itinerary, made the reservations, and packed everyone’s bags. Now, it’s time for spring break! Whether your family is taking a road trip, hitting the beach, or opting for a staycation, we have some helpful ideas for keeping toddlers happy on Spring Break. So, sit back, try to relax, and don’t forget to have fun! (read more)
Sharing is an essential life skill that’s far from natural. If you’ve spent time with little ones, then you know encouraging toddlers to share with others can be a challenge. It’s a lot of work, but small steps and clear examples will turn kiddos into sharing experts. Check ‘em out! (read more)
A new year means new plans and putting our best intentions forward. So, what better way to kick off the year than a resolution to finally keep the kids’ play area clean! It can seem like an impossible task – in part because the work is never truly finished – but we have some great ideas to help you keep toys nice and tidy in 2022 and beyond. (read more)
The holidays are upon us, and soon kiddos will be home full-time looking for things to do. It’s the perfect opportunity for low-key and cozy family activities! So, stay warm inside with the little ones thanks to these laid-back play ideas for a snug holiday break. (read more)
Musical toys can be tricky. They should play catchy tunes without wearing out their welcome, and they should be as enjoyable for parents as they are for kiddos. But when musical toys are good, few things are as fun as humming along to a beat, whether that’s “Mary Had a Little Lamb” or your toddler’s very own composition! (read more)
Tiny farmers are going to be jumping the fences for these new and classic farm toys. Toddlers can imagine their way to full fields and farm friends – here a moo, there a moo, everywhere a moo-moo! (read more)
Have you ever wondered what makes wooden toys so special? Maybe it’s because wood is a natural and renewable resource you can feel good about. Or it might be the long tradition of wooden crafts that connects us to the past. Whatever it is, there’s no denying that a good wooden toy is fun and makes a great gift! (read more)
In a world of bigger and bigger screens, a child’s imagination is still their best resource for growing up. Pretend play contributes to social and emotional development and it’s fun! That’s why imagination is the power and inspiration behind everything we do at Battat, and our pretend play gift guide can help bring that magic home this holiday season. (read more)
Halloween night is fast approaching, and trick or treatin’ should be more fun than frightful. That’s why we’re opening our bag of tricks to share quick and easy (and cute!) Halloween costume ideas for kiddos. If collecting candy wasn’t already exciting enough, little ones can also bring along a favorite toy to complete these last-minute costumes! (read more)
Skritch-crunch, skritch-crunch We’ll help you get started with practical tips and tricks that’ll have your little ones hitting the trails with the rest of the fam before you can say trail mix!
(read more)School-aged kids are back in class, summer vacation is officially over, and the fall is just around the corner. Even though the weather is turning brisk, there’s plenty of sunshine left to enjoy a day outdoors. Whether you’re sending little ones out with the grandparents or making it a whole-family affair, autumn weekends have plenty of crisp and cozy vibes to offer. (read more)
Combine sunshine, fresh air, and our beach and sand toys for fun-filled outdoor play this summer! Whether you’re headed to the beach, the park, or just to your backyard, our outdoor toys will have your little one giggling and learning all day long. What are you waiting for? Grab your hat, sunscreen, and water bottle, then head outside for some scrapbook-worthy moments. (read more)
As we approach the end of the school year, let’s take a moment to show our appreciation to teachers. Thank you, teachers, for your hard work, patience, and dedication to enriching and broadening the minds of little ones—every school year, but especially this one! Here are some DIY teacher appreciation gifts you and your kiddo can make, right at home. (read more)
We often talk about how our toys teach cause-and-effect…but what exactly is it? Well, it’s exactly what it sounds like—when something (the effect) happens as a result of something else (the cause). You are viewing this blog post (the effect) because you clicked on a link or came across it while browsing our website (the cause). Maybe you watered a plant this morning (the cause) to make it strong and healthy (the effect)! (read more)
Playtime doesn’t have to just be for the kids… grown-ups can get in on the fun too! In fact, playing a game with your child or getting involved in their imaginary world opens up endless opportunities for bonding. Try out these family bonding activity ideas with our toys to create many memorable moments with your child or grandchild! (read more)
Come one, come all! Step inside the Battat Toys theatre—our toys have been hard at work in rehearsal in preparation for this super special production. This blog series, “In the Spotlight,” will feature rave reviews and awards won by our talented cast of toys! First up is the classic, the cool, the tried-and-true…Wooden Activity Cube! This familiar favorite has shown that a sturdy wooden construction and diverse learning activities never goes out of style. Whether it’s in a waiting room, at the grandparents’, or right at home in the playroom, it’s always ready to play the starring role. So without further ado, let’s get on with the show! (read more)
Sweet smells, calming music, and plenty of pampering—who doesn’t love the spa? Share the rest and relaxation with your whole family with a spa day right at home! This parent-child bonding activity has plenty of opportunity for creativity and learning, as well as for quiet moments of comfort. Try it out for Mother’s Day this year, or any day of the year! (read more)
May flowers have come early this year—we’ve got a brand-new batch of educational toys to share with you! Whether you’re looking for a birthday gift for a grandchild, have a new kiddo in the family, or want to congratulate a preschool graduate, we’ve got you covered. With the help of these colorful and durable toys, you’ll be hearing a whole lot of “ahas” and “wows” from your kiddo this spring! (read more)
For babies, the world is a big mystery—a million-piece puzzle to be solved by their curiosity! Little ones learn about the world around them through their senses: touch, smell, taste, sight, and hearing. Sensory play, or activities that engage children’s senses, boosts sensory development by providing opportunities for learning! If that wasn’t enough, sensory play also improves skills in other key developmental areas—here are 3 additional reasons why integrating sensory play into your child’s day makes total sense! (read more)
It’s never too early for kids to start learning and caring for the environment! With Earth Day fast approaching, take the opportunity to explore the planet’s marvels and learn how to protect it with your little one. Head to the kitchen, the living room, or the great outdoors and follow these fun-filled activities to show your kiddo how they can do their part to keep the Earth happy and healthy. (read more)
Welcome a warmer season and all its new adventures with a clean and tidy home! Tidying doesn’t have to be a bore though—together with your kiddo, an afternoon of chores can turn into special moments to cherish. Here are tips for getting little ones involved in spring cleaning, and keeping it fun! And in classic Battat style, we’ve highlighted plenty opportunities for learning along the way. (read more)
As bare trees put their lush green coats back on and the sun decides to stick around a little longer at night, spring break rolls around to tell us, “Do stop and smell the roses!” Embrace your kiddo’s break from school with some quality parent-child bonding. But that doesn’t mean the learning has to stop—we’ve compiled creative spring break activities that will keep your kiddo’s minds active. Plus, these ideas involve no screens, just good ol’ fashioned fun! (read more)
Looking for something that will satisfy your child’s sweet tooth for learning this Easter? Add a little educational fun to their basket this year with these 5 fun toys. From fine motor skill development to early mathematical learning, their developmental and educational benefits can help your little one’s mind bloom! (read more)
It’s hard to imagine growing up without pretend play — and for good reason! Along with building language and motor skills, pretend play can boost little ones’ social and emotional development. Turning objects into something magical or role-playing as someone else allows kids to develop empathy, explore emotions, and so much more! To inspire imaginative make-believe moments, we’re highlighting 3 of our pretend play toys that can nurture your child’s imagination and support their social and emotional development. (read more)
There are big ships and small ships…but the best ship is friendship! With a little creativity, there are lots of fun ways kids can connect in our new reality. Whether that involves setting up a play date virtually or sending a homemade craft via snail mail, kids can show their friends they care from the comfort of their homes. Distance doesn’t stand a chance against the power of friendship! (read more)
All aboard the Battat express! For years and years, wooden trains and train sets have chugged along as a childhood favorite — maybe you have memories playing with these timeless toys yourself! Well, there are plenty reasons why we keep returning to them: their sturdy wooden construction, timeless charm, and, of course, the many educational and developmental benefits they have to offer. These classic toys can help your kiddo develop many vital skills — and we’re going full steam ahead outlining 5 of them here. (read more)
The winter holidays are a great time to kick back, relax, and take a lil’ pause from our regular routines — but that doesn’t mean the learning has to stop! We’re offering a free and printable holiday word search to keep your kiddo’s hands and minds active while they’re on winter vacation. (read more)
For the little ones with huge imaginations and a curious spirit, every playtime is an opportunity for a big adventure. Their creativity can take them to imaginary places far and wide, and these fun-filled toys are the perfect vehicles for their exploration and discovery! So this holiday season, tell your kiddo to buckle up — they could unwrap a pretend off-roading expedition or a quest for glimmering gems. Adventure waits for no one — so let’s get to it! (read more)
Celebrating the winter holidays with your little one makes them that much more magical — somehow, the food is tastier and the lights shine brighter! Mark these warm and joyful moments with a very merry gift for the toddlers and babies in your life. Not only do these toys act as great keepsakes, but your child can keep playing and learning with them for years to come! Take a look to find your kiddo something extra-special this holiday season. (read more)
Holding auditions to find the right gift for your outgoing kiddo? Look no further - we’ve compiled our top toys for kids who thrive in the limelight! Whether they have dreams of starring in their very own cooking show, winning a nail-biting sports car race, belting one out on the big stage, or giving an Emmy-winning performance, these toys can help grow your little one’s confidence and imagination. So without further ado, let’s get this show on the road! (read more)
The temperature outside might be dropping, but we at Battat are starting to feel the warmth of the winter holidays. As you begin to prepare for the fun festivities to come, we’d like to help check one item off your to-do list - thinking of gift ideas for your little ones! Over the next 4 weeks, we’ll be rolling out themed gift guides to suit the wonderfully unique kiddos in your life. Whether they’re a math whiz, natural performer, imaginative adventurer, or celebrating their very first holiday season, our gift guides have got you covered.
For our first guide, we’ve picked out our top STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) toys to fuel your child’s curiosity and creativity! Early childhood is a great time to start introducing STEM concepts to your little ones and these toys combine learning and laughter in classic Battat fashion. Give the gift of learning-by-doing with a STEM toy this holiday season! (read more)
What’s that in the shadows? Uh oh - looks like the sweetest holiday of the year creeping up on you! If you feel like October has flown by and you had no time to plan the perfect Halloween costume for your kiddo – we’ve got you covered! We’ve compiled some quick and easy costume ideas you can assemble with materials you likely already have lying around the house! And what’s more - they feature some of our favorite Battat toys that are sure to spark imaginative pretend play moments. So pull out your scissors, markers, and creativity - it’s time to get spooky! (read more)
New schedules and worksheets are up on the fridge, pencils are getting their second sharpening, and for some this year, computer screens are on every morning – all signs that we’ve settled into a new school year. To keep up the school spirit, each week we’ll be rolling out a subject-focused activity that’s fun for all. The best part? These activities are completely screen-free! So put screen-time on pause and have fun together the old-fashioned way. (read more)
Being a 3-year-old is all about curiosity, exploration, learning, wonder, and of course – play. That magical age is right around the time when kiddos start to become more social, form their own ideas, and give independence a try (a whole lot of “I’ll do it!” is a-comin’). To inspire their creative thinking and to help them soak up as much information as possible, here is our selection of toys for 3-year-olds: (read more)
When little ones arrive into the world, they’re eager to see, smell, touch, grasp, and explore everything around them. This also means that anything within their reach becomes a kind of toy – from the pendant around your neck to the TV remote lying on the couch. But what about actual toys? Knowing how to introduce these colorful creations to your child plays a key role in their development, so here are a few tips and tricks to guide you along the way! (read more)
Camping usually means heading out of the city, pitching a tent in the woods, and soaking in what nature has to offer. But that isn’t the only way to go about it – all you need to do is crank up the imagination to give camping a lil’ twist. (read more)
Packing up the car, hitting the road, turning up the tunes, and snacking a tad more than usual is a summer staple for many families. And if you’re planning a road trip with your little ones sometime soon, turn the car into a mobile playroom and have family fun on-the-go! (read more)
From local parks to great big forests, playing in open and sunny spaces is a summertime must for toddlers. Parks give little ones the opportunity to run around, jump about, play a sport, discover, and learn! (read more)
We’re moving summer along with another activity for your kiddos to enjoy! This week, we’re diving into fun with a splashy treasure hunt that’ll fuel your little one’s curiosity and help them beat the heat on those hot summer days. (read more)
School is out, sun is in, and we at Battat are gearing up to offer you a selection of summer activities for your toddlers to enjoy this sunny season. Each week, we’ll be coming to you with a new and fun activity that’s made with little adventurers in mind. Whether you’re kicking it back in your backyard, playing at the beach, heading to the park, hopping in the car, or going camping, we’ve got your kids covered this summer! (read more)
Your kiddo can turn a tent into a submarine and explore the depths of the sea with a plushy crew. They can drive their mini cars around the streets of a magical city they dreamed up that afternoon. Or they could take the stage with a toy microphone and perform their greatest hits at a sold-out show. Toys unlock the door to the land of make-believe, so your child can enter a world where imagination knows no bounds. And toys have another secret superpower – they can help your little adventurer learn about the importance of caring while they play. (read more)
Kids play with toys, sleep with toys, and nibble on toys. They do so at home, in the car, or out in the yard. Toys can end up under the couch, on the kitchen counter, or buried deep in the sandbox. Your little one’s favorite toys travel with them wherever they go – and they can easily collect some dust and dirt along the way. That’s when you step in, to make sure that these constant companions stay clean and keep your child healthy! (read more)
Whether you’re stepping away from your home office to enter the land of make-believe that your little one dreamed up, planning educational lessons from the comfort of your living room, or baking mud pies out in the backyard during the weekends, one thing is for certain – there’s a whole lot of family time going around. So in honor of parents and kiddos everywhere, we decided to check in with our Battat fans to find out more about what defines “family” for them! (read more)
Bringing a baby into this world is a different experience for every parent, but what unites them all is the excitement of saying hello to a little bundle of joy for the very first time! And to celebrate that moment, what comes before it, or what follows it, each culture has its own set of traditions and customs connected to birth and parenthood. From food ceremonies to crawling races, here are 10 unique baby traditions: (read more)
At Battat, we like to think outside the toy box. We believe that there is no one way to play and that the same toy can be used in a ton of different ways – a creative exercise we encourage every kiddo and parent to try out. So, to switch things up and get your little ones started, we came up with 5 unexpected play ideas featuring some of our Battat favorites! (read more)
Does your kiddo spend hours in the backyard, watching birds and catching critters? Do they want to help out every time you make cookies? Maybe they’re always humming a tune? Or they love solving puzzles? Activities related to biology, baking, singing, and STEM are just a few of the ones that may pique your child’s interest. And you as a parent can make a big difference when it comes to discovering what they enjoy, recognizing a skill, and honing your little one’s talent! (read more)
Many parents are stepping into the shoes of remote workers, temporary educators, and part-time playmates as they embrace this new reality. Juggling parenting, working from home, or taking care of loved ones is a different experience for every family – and we want to celebrate these experiences! So, we turned to the parents on our team and asked them about the peaks and valleys of staying at home with the little ones. (read more)
Knowing that there are chores to do is not something that will bring a smile to a kiddo’s face… but there’s a way to turn that frown upside down. The answer is simple – games. By turning each task into an exciting activity, your little helper will not only learn about important life skills and develop responsibility – they will also have tons of fun along the way! (read more)
We’ve always stood by the idea that playing and learning can be easily combined. That a playroom can double as a classroom where children learn about English, mathematics, science, and art – all through the power of play. And to help you pick which playful teaching tools to use, we’ve put together an educational toy kit for you and your little learner! (read more)
We at Battat believe that when one door closes, another one opens. You might not have to take your kiddo to school these days, but you can bring the school to them through 3 easy steps and the magic of pretend play! By playing school in the comfort of your home, your little student will be able to step back into their actual classroom as if they haven’t skipped a beat. (read more)
Spending more time with your kids at home means adjusting to a new day-to-day. And although we know that parents are often busy bees in every situation, we also think that an extended period of time with the kids is an opportunity to make more memories, to fire up the imagination, to learn new things, and of course – to play! Here are 10 screen-free and hands-on activities for your children to enjoy in the comfort of your home or in a sunny backyard! (read more)
Ah, summer! School’s out, the living is easy, fish are jumping, and the toys are fun! Summer is the best season for kids to get outside and do what kids do best…play! And, with the right summer toys for kids, they'll have so much fun they won’t want to go back in until fall.
The good news is picking out summer toys for kids is as easy as putting on flip flops. By engaging kids with fun activities, they're more likely to get off the couch and away from those pesky screens. My family’s goal has always been less screen time, more play time, especially in the summer! (read more)
Let’s face it, kids love getting dirty! Don’t let their small size fool you—whether it’s spilling food, chasing siblings at the park, or roughhousing with pets—little ones are big dirt magnets. Unfortunately, though, bath time isn’t always fun time for some tots. And, with threats to contend with like slipping in a soggy tub or the dreaded shampoo in the eyes, who can blame them?
Game on! Here’s an idea that might help clear the water: put some toys in the tub and make bath time another chance to play. Yay! By making fun—not cleanliness—the priority during the bath, your little one will be both happy and clean! (read more)
Playing is kind of a full-time job when you’re a kiddo. Also, “Let’s pretend… One more time!” has been Battat’s slogan ever since it started. Coincidence? I think not! If you think about it, all of Battat toys are powered by tiny imaginations. Ok, ok yes, sometimes powered by batteries too. But mostly, by the vivid minds of the younger generation.
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"RAINBOW is my favorite color! - Connor, 4 and 1/2"
At what age should a toddler be able to know his colors? Well, it’s a bit of a gray area. Pun intended!
Some will start as early as 18 months, but generally, it’s around the age of 3. Around the same time he starts noticing similarities and differences in shapes and sizes. Hmmm… Shapes, colors, and sizes! (read more)