One of the most important things I look for when selecting toys and books for my daughter is quality. As a toddler, she is still learning what it means to be gentle, which means that her belongings are often thrown, stepped on, chewed, dropped down the stairs… you get the idea. I am looking for products that can stand the test of toddlerhood and time. Aside from the obvious fact that broken toys can be disappointing and even dangerous, I am also looking to extend the life of my daughter’s toys and books for sustainability. When she is done with them, I aim to pass them down to a younger sibling, a friend, a thrift store, or a donation center. Higher quality materials make longer lasting products, which enables more children to enjoy them and prevents them ending up in a landfill. This also means that I love finding toys and books that will capture my child’s attention and imagination across multiple developmental stages. In short, when I shop for my daughter, I am looking for longevity.
We recently had the privilege of playtesting the Bababoo and Friends Play Figures in our house, and I am pleased to say that they will support the longevity we’re looking for! You can tell that these play figures are high quality toys just by holding them in your hand. Made of smooth beech wood, they are simple, colorful, attractive, and safe for little mouths. While perfect for open-ended imaginative play, the set also equips an adult to engage their child in guided play if desired. Inside is a PlayTales™ story card with play prompts for young toddlers and a short narrative to inspire older children. Perhaps my favorite feature is the way the box itself can be set up as a sort of diorama background, picturing a world of adventures for Bababoo the lion and his friends that ties into the PlayTales™ narrative.
An ideal companion to the Bababoo and Friends Play Figures is Hi There! Let’s All Be Friends!, a board book by Eliana Martínez Tomalino and Anna Taube. The book introduces Bababoo and his animal friends from the play figure set by name and personality in a rollicking rhyme. What’s more, little finger holes on each sturdy page promote engagement, curiosity, and silliness with the opportunity for puppeteering. Baby’s little fingers can be wiggling bunny ears, an elephant’s waving trunk, a whale’s splashing tail, and more. I love that the book concludes with an invitation to become friends with its whimsical animal characters.
If your little one adores the Bababoo and Friends Play Figures and accompanying book Hi There! Let’s All Be Friends!, then I have good news for you! A whole expanding universe of Bababoo and Friends stories and toys is available for babies and toddlers of all ages. Plush toys, bead mazes, wooden cars, puzzles, block sets, and a range of board books are just a few of the ways you can play. To meet little lion Bababoo and his animal friends for yourself, you can explore their website here.
Wishing you and your child curiosity, joy, and long-lasting play!
GeekMom received samples of these products for review purposes.
