What Occupies Your Young Children the Best

My kids (2 1/2 and 6 yrs.) just got two Lego Duplo sets and boy, do they enjoy them. There are lots of different sets now geared toward both boys and girls. My younger son has my older daughter help him build things and it keeps them very busy with imaginative play. Congrats!

My 4 year old daughter is really into puzzles. She likes the 30-50 piece ones. A large cardboard box and markers to decorate her house. My daughter just spent the last couple days working diligently on a large box. I did have to cut her a door bc that was too hard for her. A plastic marble run she can put together herself. Some pre-Kindergarten workbooks. These are things that pop into my mind that my daughter will spend time on and loves doing by herself.

My little pony?

How about a mock camping set? We got one at Costco last year that my kids loved...they would build a fort and then camp.

Play doh for your daughter? And a broom to clean it up herself?

When my kids were that age they were best occupied by going somewhere to run around. Does your husband have access to a YMCA or someplace with an indoor play structure? That was when I got a break. I could sit at the Y or McDonalds Playland and have a coffee while they run around, and then when we got home they would be ready to sit and do a quiet activity. As for crafts, I usually took them places where they could do crafts, like the library, the craft store or a playgroup. That way I didn't have to worry about the mess at home.

If your two year old is past the phase of putting everything in his mouth, a light bright might be fun for your daughter. My daughter just turned five and she has been playing with her brother's obsessively.

Or one of the new crayola light up dry erase boards. Both are somewhat crafty, but not too messy.

I would always buy toys so I could rest third trimester. But really toys only go so far. Age 4 and 2?

We did preschool each day for the 4 YO, and even the 2 YO each day, so they'd be kept busy.

Wooden blocks and magnatiles (expensive but worth it!) keep my kids occupied for hours (I have a 5 year old daughter and a 2.5 year old son). We got my daughter a baby doll and stroller, etc., when her brother was born. As far as craft stuff, there are lots of foam projects that are fun to do and don't make a lot of mess (check out Oriental Trading for ideas).

Good luck!

Good luck mama! My dd just turned 5 and I'm due in the summer with #2... I can't imagine having younger toddlers (TWO) and another on the way (SOON)! Anyways, my first thought was a tablet of some sort... my daughter loves playing games and watching movies on our iPad--it will keep her occupied for hours! Next to that, she loves playing dress up (a basket of dress up clothes, shoes, accessories), drawing (dry-erase is her new favorite thing), and legos. Dad can teach the kids how to build a fort (drape sheets over the couch/coffee table), play board games with them (don't break the ice, cooties, matching, etc), or take them to activities out of the house (park, aquarium, kid's museum, indoor bounce house, etc).
I'm not sure how much independent play your kids do, but now is a good time to start working on that... teaching them to occupy themselves! Good luck and Congratulations!

Peerler beads for your daughter? My girls loved them and not real messy.

My 3 yo LOVES playdoh and any accessory that comes with it. I understand the mess part of it. However, we have a playdoh tray- basically a small tray table that is only used for playing with playdoh. I wrap it in wax paper, and when when she's done, we ball it up and throw it away.
Hope this helps!

The best thing I EVER bought my kids was a ride on tractor. (Pedal car- not electric!) They wore the wheels down they rode it so much. They loved it.

For a crafty 4 year old, there are some really neat Melissa and Doug stickering activities. Like a big pad of paper where you can dress up each person in different outfits? That is fun, not messy at all and can keep her occupied.

My older kids like rainbow loom but 4 is too young.

Also color wonder by crayola has a ton of painting pens, marker sets etc all of which are non messy at all!

Also crayola has a dry erase board which comes with crayons so it is non toxic, that is neat too.

For your son, another thing maybe would be one of those car ramp things where the cars can go around and around. So it is something he can sit and do. I have a 2 yo boy too. Fun!

For your daughter:
-baby stroller w/a baby
-Lil Tykes Shopping Cart
-Little kids toy microwave, blender & mixer
-Plastic tea set
-Girl kids' movie she can watch on portable DVD player
-craft kits
-kid jewelry making kit

For son:
-Matchbox cars
-car tracks to race cars
-Tire traveling case to store Matchbox cars in
-Alphabet blocks
-Soft balls to toss around house (basketball, baseball & football)

My older granddaughter loves crafts too. Pick less messy crafts or use a baking sheet on the table to contain the mess.

My DS is three. He's really into tracing letters, watching certain DVDs, baking cookies, making toast, certain puzzles, moving his cars around, playing with trains, playing catch or keep away, coloring on a magna doodle, thomas the train apps, and bo the giraffe apps, playing the piano, organizing a band, making the beds, folding the laundry, going to the grocery store/ coffee shop/ bagel shop, watching the trains, taking the subway or bus.

At his age, it's pretty hit or miss, that thing which kept him contentedly occupied for 1/2 an hour today, might not hold his interest tomorrow.

I say have plenty of options and by all means take them out.

Best,
F. B.

If she can't do it by herself then I would say don't buy it. Crafts are often a 2 person thing. Hubby may feel like not doing crafts and not even open it.

I'd have friends invite the kiddo's over for play time and let them just enjoy spending time with dad during bath time and bedtime.

You have people helping with meals and the kids while you're not there?