"Wish List"

As I mentioned in my last toy post, The Bean's play has become a lot more imaginative/creative over the course of the past year and I can only assume that trend will continue.  This year we are trying to focus a lot of our gift-buying and wish-listing on toys that encourage this.  I feel that these types of toys tend to grow with the child. They can be used in a wider variety of situations and offer a variety of possibilities for play.

The "big" gift from us this year will be a train/block table.  He already has a tupperware of duplo, so we probably won't add to that, but a few new engines or some tracks might make it under the tree. 

Since he's very into vehicles right now, he'll also be getting a ramp/garage thing for his Matchbox cars and Wheelies.

In addition to that, there will be quite a few musical (percussion) instruments.  The Bean LOVES music, and almost every kid I know loves banging on blocks with a mallet, so we picked out a variety.  A harmonica might have snuck it's way in there too.  We'll see how long that lasts before Mama and Mommy have to hide it away. 

In line with the muscial theme, there will be a pack of movement scarves.  The Bean's little cousin will be getting some of these too.  They're great for dancing with, but also peek-a-boo, dress up and creating landscapes for pretend play with figures. 
 
My sister was also saying how much her little guy enjoys textures, so some textured bean bags will make it under the tree for The Bean as well as his cousin. 

Some early games as well as two-piece puzzles are on the list, though it may be a while before The Bean shows an interest in these.  That's okay, with the majority of the gift-giving (Christmas and birthday) happening all around the same time, it's nice to have some things tucked away in the closet for a few months down the road. 

We're hoping that The Bean's art supplies will also get beefed up a little bit.  Some rolling pins for play dough.  Finger paints and water colours.  Maybe some stamps with a washable ink pad. 

There will also be a few puppets, some animal figures, and potentially some dress-up clothes for pretend play. 

Oh, and I almost forgot, a kid's digital camera.  It seems pretty fun and hopefully will keep his focus off of grabbing ours. ;)

If money and space were not considerations, I'd be inclined to put a nice wooden barn or dollhouse on his Christmas list, but I think we'll hold back on those ones until Sprout is bigger and we're able to unload some of the baby toys.  We did put a curvy board (from Etsy) on his wishlist, but it's a pretty big-ticket item, so I don't know whether he'll get it or not.   

...and, of course, some new books.

What will be under the tree for your little one(s) this year?

Also, for those that celebrate Christmas, does Santa bring ALL the gifts?  If not, how do you decide what comes from you and what comes from him?