My little girl is about to turn 1, so it’s only natural for me to look around at the baby stuff in our apartment and decide that it’s time to change things up. Years of hanging out with other “girl moms” and babysitting for a bunch of awesome girls as well has me ready to stock up on cool, educational, and just plain fun toys to get through the next four years until kindergarten. When creating a safe place for imaginative play, I want to instill in my little girl that it’s okay to reach for “feminine” toys like dolls and play makeup. But I also want to encourage her to try out other things and explore interests that might traditionally be called “boy stuff” — like cars, fishing, and building blocks.
I’ve spent the past six months scanning the shop windows and dot-com marketplace for the best of the best toys for girls ages 1 through 5. This cumulative list by age includes classic must-haves, items I loved in my own childhood, handmade pieces that put the cash in the pocket of another American family, and innovative finds that reflect the times. I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to shop!
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31 Must-Have Toys for Girls, Ages 1 to 5
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Handmade Blocks
Age: 1
Why We Love It: Sweet Sage Studio handmade blocks provide (supervised) fun for 1-year-olds. She can build towers while you point out colors and descriptions of each piece, such as "shiny," "smooth," or "bumpy." Customize a set with her name or go for the whole alphabet. Once your girl is no longer interested in playing with the blocks, you can use them to add a pop of pretty to the bedroom (they're also a great prop for photo shoots). These blocks are handmade by a mother of a toddler and available on Etsy.
Price: $4 to $6 per block
Photo: Cristina Lee Marino Photography -
Baby Doll
Age: 1
Why We Love It: It doesn't get more classic than a Corolle doll. There's just something about the quality (and unique vanilla scent) that has had them melting girls' hearts since 1980. This sweet doll, the Mon Premier Bébé Bath, for girls aged 18 months and up, is specifically designed for bath play. My own daughter (who happens to loathe the bath) has this doll and adores her -- she makes splashing fun for even kids who aren't into bath time!
Price: $40
Photo: Corolle
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Faux Smart Phone
Age: 1
Why We Love It: My Smartphone is in my 1-year-old daughter's clutches at all times. If you can relate, make a swap she won't mind with this realistic looking play phone. LeapFrog's Chat and Count Smart Phone appears legit to littles, and also features educational benefits like counting music and light stimulation to keep her busy, curious, and entertained. My daughter totes hers everywhere.
Price: $18
Photo: Kohl's
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Whimsical Rocker
Age: 1
Why We Love It: Pottery Barn rockers are timeless, yet far from ordinary. My little girl has the unicorn, but these come in many whimsical designs and a gorgeous gift that will keep kids 18 months and older laughing and riding with glee. Don't be fooled by the soft, plush exterior -- these rockers are sturdily built and designed to allow easy rocking. Get it personalized with her name or initials for some serious nursery swagger.Price: $169
Photo: Pottery Barn Kids
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Wooden Doll's House
Age: 1
Why We Love It: A wooden doll's house is the stuff I used to dream of when I found out I was pregnant with a little girl -- this one doesn't disappoint. Manzanita Kids offers a wide range of handmade wooden doll houses, toy boxes, and more. The Modular Monkey House is a great choice for toddlers as it opens up plenty of opportunities for interactive play. As your girl grows, the sleek design serves as a multipurpose backdrop for creative play with dolls, toy animals, and more.
Price: $36
Photo: Manzanita Kids
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Retro Phone
Age: 1
Why We Love It: Not to compete with her smart phone, every baby needs the Retro-Fisher Price Chatter Telephone. It has an old-school aesthetic with a rotary dial, and the classic ring sound that will warm your heart. It's a tag-along toy she can drag around as she toddles about from room to room. The phone helps develop finger dexterity, fine motor skills, and number awareness while also being pure fun. My daughter received one for her first birthday and it's a mainstay in our home.
Price: $18
Photo: Fat Brain Toys
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Felt Board Story Set
Age: 2
Why We Love It: Take-along felt board story sets are functional and sweet, with the feeling of a far-gone era. There are beautiful handmade options to be found on Etsy, including those by While They Slept. I love these sets because they encourage fantasy play, language development, and creativity. They're also easy to bring in the car, keeping toddlers' hands busy and minds stimulated at home or on the go.
Price: $9 to $12 per set
Photo: While They Slept
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Wooden Puzzle
Age: 2
Why We Love It: The entire collection of handmade wooden toys and puzzles from Bannor Toys is exceptional and there's something for every age. I'm partial to this precious fairy tale puzzle featuring a different design on each side. And "answer" tile is included, for reference as she plays. Puzzles help develop memory skills and hand-eye coordination, plus this one is inherently safe for curious toddlers as it is constructed of organic wood. The picture is permanently etched into the wood, making this a keepsake toy she'll pass down to her own kids, some day.
Price: $14
Photo: Bannor Toys
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My Little Ponies
Age: 2
Why We Love It: Start building her My Little Pony collection with this toddler-appropriate collector's pack. The ideal size and texture to encourage grip and play for your two-year-old, seven different colors are included, complete with an exclusive Cherilee doll. The figures are compatible with Playskool Friends play sets and vehicles, so they make an excellent start to a collection she'll love growing over the next few years.
Price: $19.99
Photo: Toys "R" Us
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Stacking Spools
Age: 2
Why We Love It: Technology is fun, but I'm also pretty obsessed with concept of low-tech toys for littles. Like everything available from MAS Production Arts, learning and child development are the fuel of these stacking spools. Watch your toddler stack them up and knock them down, integrating color discussion while she plays. Nontoxic paint and food grade wood sealant make these a safe option for curious littles.
Price: $18Photo: MAS Production Arts
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Nontoxic Nail Polish
Age: 2
Why We Love It: Natural, nontoxic Piggy Paint is a must-have for little girls (and their mamas). Your squirmy 2-year-old might not typically sit still, but try painting her toes while she watches cartoons and she'll absolutely love the result. Since these all-natural paints are safe for use on tots, you can also hand her the brush and let her have at your toes for extra fun. Let them explore the world of mini-manis without the harmful chemicals most polishes contain.
Price: $7.99 per bottle
Photo: Instagram
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Play Doh
Age: 2
Why We Love It: What is childhood without Play-Doh? This awesome starter pack includes all colors shown and gears her up for hours of fun. Break out some cookie cutters and talk shapes while you play, practice rolling balls and cylinders, and make pretend pizza crusts. The options are limitless with this set -- accessory kits can be purchased separately for even more entertainment and learning.
Price: $9.99
Photo: Diapers.com
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Tool Set
Age: 3
Why We Love It: Melissa & Doug's Take-Along Tool Set is a classic favorite. Indulge her desire to bang things around and "build" pretend projects with her colorful, functional tools. Practice counting, shapes, problem-solving, making patterns, and more with this 24-piece set. Reviewers love the sturdy, attractive construction of the toy and say it's easy to assemble and transport.
Price: $14.99
Photo: Melissa & Doug
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Pots and Pans
Age: 3
Why We Love It: Child-sized play pots and pans are a blast for young toddlers and will hold their interest as they continue to grow. This colorful set comes with 11 realistic pieces to foster her early interest in cooking. Includes two sizes of lidded stockpots, frying pan, spoon, knife, skimmer, spatula, and ladle -- all perfect for tiny hands.
Price: $19.49
Photo: Target
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Kitchen
Age: 3
Why We Love It: She'll put those kitchen tools to good use in a gorgeous retro kitchen. Her own cooking station by KidKraft features a soft pink color, vintage styling, and realistic fixtures with the look of soft chrome. Statement-making design and funky extras like the wall phone, clock, and in-door water tap make this kitchen a decadent choice for the little lady who loves to play pretend.
Price: $129
Photo: Target
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Singing Elsa
Age: 3
Why We Love It: Just when you thought you'd never have to hear that absurdly catchy Frozen song again, the Singing Elsa doll has burst on the scene singing a few bars of "Let it Go" and featuring that swoon-worthy dress all the girls love. She makes an appropriate companion when watching the film for the millionth time, and she's sure to be your princess's new best friend. But don't worry, those on Team Anna have an option, too.
Price: $24
Photo: K-Mart
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Hand Kites
Age: 3
Why We Love It: Hand kites provide hours of imaginative play for preschoolers -- and I adore the multicolored, handmade options from Legacy Learning Academy. Inherently whimsical, and ideal for at-home or travel, these have many creative uses and there's a color combo for every kid. All of the toys from this shop are made in the USA with educational play in mind.
Price: $14.99
Photo: Legacy Learning Academy
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Ride-On Car
Age: 3
Why We Love It: Encourage a love of adventure with her own set of wheels. The Kid Trax Disney Minnie Mouse 6V Quad Ride On is a customer favorite and a much more affordable option that many of the motorized cars on the market. With polka dots and scalloped trim to emulate Minnie's dress and plenty of other pretty details, this super-sweet ride will appeal to the girly-girls.
Price: $59.99
Photo: Target
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Play Makeup
Age: 4
Why We Love It: Little Cosmetics are a mess-free solution your 4-year-old with absolutely love. The product line is ideal for the little girl who loves playing dress-up and can't get enough of your lipstick. Created by a fellow mom, this adorable collection is realistic in look and feel. Since it's all pretend though, it leaves no marks or stains. I'm all about the transportable toys, and cleanup is as easy as tossing the palettes and tubes in a drawer or bag. They also look cute on top of the dresser or right alongside your own cosmetics.
Price: $3.50 and up
Photo: Instagram
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Cash Register
Age: 4
Why We Love It: A play cash register helps her learn basic math and money skills, and later, budgeting. The more bells and whistles (and cash!), the better she'll like it. The Teaching Cash Register from Learning Resources is extra fun because it talks, adds up and displays an amount on-screen, and features a functioning scale and coin sorter among other features.
Price: $40
Photo: Jet
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Easel
Age: 4
Why We Love It: The Step2 Easel for Two lets her play with a friend, and features both a chalkboard and metal dry erase board. The kit comes with 77 foam magnets in numbers, letters, and signs to encourage educational play. The center storage area and deep pencil ledges make it ideal for loading up with all her favorite art supplies -- and make cleanup a breeze for you.
Price: $40
Photo: Walmart
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Sticker Purse
Age: 4
Why We Love It: Kids love stickers, and when they're corralled in their own carrying case, it's even better. This sticker purse is basically the cutest thing ever, and it keeps her favorites safe and organized. It contains over 500 stickers and spreads inside that will spark her imagination. Plus, it'll keep her entertained on car rides or at restaurants without the use of a screen.
Price: $7.80
Photo: Amazon
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Vet Checkup Center
Age: 4
Why We Love It: The Doc McStuffins Pet Vet Checkup Center creates such a unique play area. It features working lights and sounds, and includes tons of official-looking vet tools like a scale, brush, and medical tools -- plus doggie treats and a water bowl, of course. Playing vet helps her learn responsibility and naturally opens up a dialogue about responsibility and animal care. Whether she has real pets or not, her faux furry friends will get expert care at this facility!
Price: $79.99
Photo: Toys "R" Us
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Princess Guitar
Age: 4
Why We Love It: Playing her First Act Disney Princess Mini Guitar, she'll hardly know that she's learning and strengthening her hand and finger development in the process. The guitar features a traditional shape, real tuning gears, and nylon strings that are shaped and textured specifically for little fingers. Whether she's strumming or just toting it around in her favorite dress-up heels, this is one toy that lays the groundwork for music practice later. Plus, it sparkles, just like she does.
Price: $24.99
Photo: Jet
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Let's Go Fishin' Game
Age: 4
Why We Love It: Let's Go Fishin' is an action-packed game that's easy for 4-year-olds to pick up, and they won't want to put it down. Bold colors are visually stimulating, and the fast movements from 21 snapping fish will keep your little girl and her buddies on their toes. Sharpen her hand-eye coordination and listen to endless squeals of joy with this good, old-fashioned fishing game.
Price: $9.99
Photo: Jet
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GoldieBlox Story and Building Set
Age: 5
Why We Love It: GoldieBlox and the Spinning Machine is just one of tons of products from this awesome brand. This particular one was a 2014 Toy of the Year award winner and comes with a book, animal figurines, wheels, axles, blocks, washers, a crank, and ribbon. The book gives building plan suggestions and the rest is up to your savvy little lady. GoldieBlox was created by moms with the hope of empowering their girls in the fields of math, science, and engineering.
Price: $29.99
Photo: GoldieBlox
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American Girl Doll
Age: 5
Why We Love It: It goes without saying that the entire American Girl Doll collection instills joy in the hearts of girls from coast to coast. And to make these modern classic dolls even more appealing, the company is now donating one doll to a child in need for each one purchased. Consider one of the Truly Me dolls that feature your daughter's coloring and hair style.
Price: $115
Photo: American Girl
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Barbie Doll
Age: 5
Why We Love It: Every girl needs a Barbie. I personally prefer the ones that come with creative themes and accessories, like the Barbie Hair Glitter Doll. She comes with a hair styling system that pens up a whole new channel of play for kindergarteners. The set includes a hair tool, glitter sheets to create shapes and patterns on Barbie's hair, barrettes, elastics, a comb, and of course the doll in a glittery outfit.
Price: $24.99
Photo: Mattel
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Singing Machine
Age: 5
Why We Love It: A portable singing machine lets girls and their friends star in their own shows, providing tons of entertainment and fostering a love of music. I'm partial to the pink, because I tend to reach for all things girly, but the SML283 by Singing Machine also comes in black. Features include a front-loading CD player, built-in speaker, echo and balance controls, and separate microphone jacks so she can sing with a friend.
Price: $49.99
Photo: Singing Machine
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Memory Card Game
Age: 5
Why We Love It: Hello Kitty is a familiar mainstay on the girls' toy scene and her Make a Match Memory Game is not only cute, but educational. These games are especially important for Kindergarten-aged children as they strengthen the mind and set the stage for focus in school and social situations. The set includes 48 cards and a figurine -- she can play with up to three other kids.
Price: $12
Photo: Jet
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FurReal Friends Magical Unicorn
Age: 5
Why We Love It: There's no wonder the whimsical FurReal Friends StarLily My Magical Unicorn is on all the hot toy lists this year. Her horn features over 100 different visual, positional, and audial features, she can lie down or stand, her wings flutter, and she her own smart device app that allows for customizable, interactive play. Your little girl will love styling her hair, and watching her dance to the music.
Price: $119
Photo: Toys "R" Us
