DR. BECKY'S
TOY PICKS
Dr. Becky shares how play can be a powerful tool for parents. Check out her favorite toys for helping kids learn life-long skills, like resilience and confidence, through play!
Dr. Becky is a clinical psychologist, mom of three, and founder of Good Inside, the all-in-one platform giving parents solutions and support at their fingertips — whenever and wherever you need it.
100 Piece Wood Blocks Set (2+ Years)
"These bright-colored blocks call a child’s attention and allow for hours upon hours of open-ended play. I’ve watched kids build towers, towns, unicorn castles, sports stadiums, and more. These blocks are truly the play item that keeps on giving - they’ll be a favorite forever."
Dust! Sweep! Mop! Cleaning Play Set (3+ Years)
"I truly credit this toy with helping my youngest become the responsible, independent kid he is. And I know it wasn't just a favorite in my house - so many parents tell me that their kids, like mine, played with the cleaning play set for hours, and that these kids are now much more amenable to chores and helping around the house."
Get Well Doctor's Kit Play Set (3+ Years)
"Want a toy that is fun AND helps you avoid fears and meltdowns around doctor’s visits? This is the toy that does both. Toddlers love feeling impactful and in control - which is one reason playing doctor is so compelling. Plus, use this kit in the weeks before your child’s actual visit to help them become much more comfortable at the doctor."
Slice and Bake Cookie Set (3+ Years)
"OK, maybe our kids can’t have cookies all the time … but they can use the Slice and Bake Cookie set all the time and I promise, this actually seems to help reduce the whining about dessert and the requests for one more sweet snack. This will be a go-to toy for your toddler - because now, at least in play, they can have full control over all things cookies. Plus, the slicing helps a kid’s fine motor skill development … icing on the 'cookie,' right?"
Wooden Fold & Go Barn (3+ Years)
“This is a classic for a reason. You’ll watch your toddler use this toy as they develop: First, they’ll name the animals and their sounds, then manipulate the animals in the barn, and then start to narrate entire play scenes. I love that this toy will grow with your child as they grow.”
Pattern Blocks and Boards (3+ Years)
“I love that these boards encourage independent play (truly, they do!). Kids implicitly know what to do with these boards as they match shape blocks to the beautiful, attention-getting pattern boards. I remember mornings where I could sit and drink my coffee (hot!) without interruption because my kids were excited to work all by themselves. Now THAT is a toy worth getting, am I right?”
Wooden Latches Board (3+ Years)
"My kids were obsessed with this latch board! And I have to say that I became obsessed with this toy, too. As I watched them manipulate the latches, take deep breaths as they had a hard time, and then sure enough figure things out, I felt like I was witnessing them develop fine motor skills and frustration tolerance skills. Play today that builds resilience tomorrow? Yeah, that’s my kind of toy!"
Vehicle Puzzles in a Box (3+ Years)
"I am obsessed with puzzles for kids. They help a child develop grit, frustration tolerance, perseverance, and the belief that “I can stick with hard things!” What I love most about these puzzles is that they are great for travel and on-the-go; I’d often pack them for a weekend trip or a visit to a friend’s house who didn’t have kids so that my child always had an activity they enjoyed."
Water Wow! Animals - On the Go Travel Activity (3+ Years)
"There is no child I have ever met who doesn’t love Water WOW! I mean, really: Fill up a pen with water and make beautiful scenes appear? Water WOW has always been a car- and plane-ride must; my kids are excited to take them out of their backpack and even better, they’re excited to use them over and over again. A real winner."
