Author: Mary Sauer

The first time we took our oldest out to eat she was 6 months old.
It was awful.
She cried a lot during the meal, which meant my husband and I took turns taking her out for a walk around the parking lot of the restaurant so we could finish our food before taking her home and putting her to bed. It’s been six years since that dinner out, and we honestly haven’t done a lot of restaurant dining as a family since.

I think we were slightly traumatized by that experience. It felt a lot easier to order takeout, go to Chick-fil-A, or simply cook at home. When my husband and I decided we really needed a break from the same old, same old, we opted to hire a babysitter instead of taking our kids along.
The children are getting older now. Our youngest just turned 2. Sitting through a restaurant meal has become a more realistic goal, and it’s something we’re ready to do more of as a family. That being said, having slightly older kids still hasn’t made restaurant dining a walk in the park. It’s hard to wait for your food when you’re young, hungry, and full of energy. Plus, when the food finally does arrive, it seems like our kids always finish their plates in record time—while we’re left trying to keep them entertained so we can finish our meals.

What do we want? A more enjoyable dining experience. How’re we going to get it? With these 38 screen-free products from Amazon that are perfect for distracting young kids.

1. Water Wow! Reveal Activity Pads

According to a friend of mine, these activity pads from Melissa & Doug are the end-all, be-all of road trip activities. I suspect they’d be great for family meals, too. Using a pen with refillable water storage, little diners can reveal the colors of each picture on the pad.

Water Wow! Reveal Activity Pads are a low-mess painting option, and they’re reusable, so they’re basically every parent’s dream. When wet, the outlines of the pictures fill with color. When the water dries, the paper returns to white with black outlines.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-Reusable-Water-Reveal-Activity/dp/B017OW251I/”]Water Wow! Reveal Activity Pads, $9.99 for 2 from Amazon[/link-button]

2. Silly Faces Magnetic Tin

If your kids are over the age of 3, this on-the-go activity is a great way to keep them entertained while you finish your meal in peace (or at least without screaming). With blank faces as their canvases, your kiddos can create works of art by placing ears, eyes, and accessories wherever their hearts desire.

The Silly Faces Magnetic Tin comes in a set of two and includes 49 magnets, giving your kids plenty of different ways to fill their time once they’ve pushed away their chicken strips and moved on to making “free lemonade.” Amazon reviewers love this toy, and more than one recommends it as an easy way to keep kids busy while on the go.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Silly-Faces-Magnetic-Fun%C2%A8-Tin/dp/B003DNINB4/”]Silly Faces Magnetic Tin, $8.92 from Amazon[/link-button]

3. Magica Clutching Toy

I’m honestly not sure if it’s harder to keep a busy toddler seated at the table or an infant happy during the course of the meal. Younger kids might be easier to contain, but they’re also more prone to emotional outbursts when they get too bored or tired.

The Magica Clutching Toy is a beautiful, wooden collection of large, rainbow-colored beads attached to each other on an elastic string. It’s perfect for an older infant who can sit and grasp on their own. Your baby can shake it, shape it, and gum on it while you and your co-parent enjoy your food.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/HABA-Magica-Clutching-Made-Germany/dp/B0033M22LM/”]Magica Clutching Toy, $15.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

4. Little Chef Activity Book

One of the difficulties of bringing toys to the restaurant is keeping track of the many pieces that can be dropped, thrown, or lost during the meal. What’s so great about a toy like the Melissa & Doug Little Chef Activity Book is that it includes all kinds of fun, interactive activities with parts that all remain attached to the book.

Made from soft fabric, this busy book is perfect for older babies and toddlers. Chef-themed counting activities fill the pages. Your baby can decorate a slice of cake, count the scoops on an ice-cream cone, or even build a sandwich with felt and fabric pieces attached with a string.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-Soft-Activity-Baby/dp/B00JBJ0C54/”]Little Chef Soft Activity Book, $12.42 from Amazon[/link-button]

5. Learn to Dress Kitty

My little ones love to zip, button, tie, and more, and I love that activities like these encourage the development of their fine motor skills. Learn to Dress Kitty by ALEX includes 11 different activities for dressing this soft toy kitty, like tying her shoes and buttoning her buttons.

At 21 inches long, this is a larger toy, so it probably needs a spot in a chair or the diaper bag once your food arrives. That being said, it isn’t so big that you’d feel uncomfortable bringing it into a restaurant to distract an antsy child.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0039AQS90/”]Learn to Dress Kitty, $29.77 from Amazon[/link-button]

6. WikkiStix Travel Playset Craft Kit

Our family is new to the world of WikkiStix, and we’re kind of in love. These bendy, twisty, brightly colored sticks can be molded and shaped into flat and three-dimensional objects without leaving a trace of mess behind. Basically, they’ve got all the characteristics of PlayDoh that kids love without the untidiness that moms hate.

The WikkiStix Travel Playset comes in a hard carrying case and includes 144 sticks total in 16 different shades. A booklet full of activities and two connect-the-dot activity sheets are also included in this take-along kit.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/WikkiStix-Traveler-Playset-Molding-Sculpting/dp/B00TF805DK/”]The WikkiStix Travel Playset, $10.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

7. Colorforms Fun Pack

Since stickers are endlessly popular with kids, playing with them makes a great activity while you’re waiting for food to arrive. Stickers are also a great distraction to pull out when the kids decide they’re ready to go, even though you’re still not through with your entree. Colorforms Fun Packs aren’t just any old stickers, either. They’re restickable. Included in the each package is a folding backdrop for placing, peeling, and moving the stickers to create new scenes.

No matter what your kids are into, you can probably find a Colorform they’ll love. Choose from PJ Masks, Barbie, Peppa Pig, and more. At $3.53 each, this restaurant activity can’t be beat!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0743N7NP4/”]Colorforms Fun Pack, $3.53 from Amazon[/link-button]

8. Toy Story Tin Pinball Game

You might remember handheld tin pinball games from your own childhood. This collection features updated themes, including modern Disney favorites like Toy Story, Finding Dory, and Cars. Kids ages 4 and older can pull back the lever, then tilt and tip to collect points.

This game is completely contained. It’s 10 inches tall, so don’t confuse it with those cheap, small knockoffs you can buy at the dollar store. Still, the toy is small enough to throw in a purse or diaper bag, take along on a car rides, or carry into restaurants for a fun few minutes of quiet play.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Disney-Pixar-Story-Classic-Pinball/dp/B06Y167PRC/”]Toy Story Tin Pinball Game, $12.27[/link-button]

9. Toysmith U-Fidget Toy

If you’ve got a kid with the fidgets, take a toy like the Toysmith U-Fidget with you on your next trip out to eat. This toy looks like a ton of fun, with 21 pastel triangles attached by tiny hinges.

To play with this fidget toy, your kiddo only needs to flip the triangles. There are endless shapes they can create by changing the direction of each triangle.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Toysmith-TSM2125-U-Fidget-Toy/dp/B012B9YE0E/”]Toysmith U-Fidget Toy, $5.30 from Amazon[/link-button]

10. Plan Toys Memo Game

We’ve been playing memory games with our oldest since she was around 3 years old. Most of the games we have are big and bulky, requiring a lot of table space and leaving behind a considerable mess. What I love about the Plan Toys Memo Game is that it is so petite. Kids roll a small wooden die with a different color on each side and then choose from 12 little pegs to find the number they rolled.

For our family, small games have been a good way to turn family dinners out into more interactive experiences. Instead of simply keeping kids entertained, they build meaningful interactions among the entire crew.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/PlanToys-4128-Memo-Game/dp/B06VW3H7CT/”]Plan Toy Memo Game, $7.95 from Amazon[/link-button]

11. Toysmith Peg Game

If, like me, you spent many family meals in a popular home cooking chain called Cracker Barrel, playing the Tricky Triangle or Peg Game probably stirs up a little nostalgia. I spent plenty of time passing this game between myself and my siblings during my childhood, and I love the idea of introducing my kids to the same mealtime challenge.

If you’re not familiar with the game, the goal is to get rid of all but one peg from the small triangular board by jumping pegs. It’s surprisingly difficult and requires a ton of concentration, so it’s perfect for a quiet dinner out!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Toysmith-TSM1954-Peg-Game/dp/B004AFVKLE/”]Toysmith Peg Game, $6.13 from Amazon[/link-button]

12. Dover Little Activity Books

For a few years now, we’ve stocked up on these Dover Little Activity Books and hid them away for times when we were desperate to keep our kids entertained. These tiny, pocket-sized books each contain a different interactive activity, usually involving stickers. Build your own cupcake, decorate a butterfly, or spot the differences between two images.

One trick we’ve employed with the Dover Books is to keep a handful tucked away for as long as possible during the meal. They’re our Hail Mary, allowing us to introduce a brand new activity just as the chaos reaches a fever pitch.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Cream-Sundae-Stickers-Little-Activity/dp/048644192X/”]Dover Little Activity Books, $1.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

13. Play Smart Vehicle Picture Puzzles

This book is pretty involved, full of picture puzzle for kids over the age of 3. According to the seller, this book was created from a teaching style used in Japan for many years. It’s all about using fun to learn new things.

These puzzles encourage problem-solving while following a vehicle theme. Your kids will count the boats, guide a rowboat through a maze, and build a road from panels that must be placed just so. Bring along a pair of safety scissors if you take this one to your next dinner out; many of the puzzles involve cutting of some kind.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/4056300259/”]Play Smart Vehicle Picture Puzzles, $6.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

14. Table Topics

Sometimes it’s nice to create a dinner environment that allows parents to talk while kids quietly color and play—but it’s often more desirable to find a low-energy activity that encourages interaction between all members of the family. It’s fun to find something that can turn a normal dinner out into a time of family bonding.

Table Topics aren’t new. They’ve long been a popular way to stir up conversation, and this set created for kids is perfect for the restaurant table. Draw a card from the stack and ask kids to answer in turn. Questions like “What was your favorite Halloween costume?” and “What makes you feel better when you’re sick?” are sure to make for enjoyable and meaningful conversation.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/TableTopics-TG-0210-A-To-Go-Kids/dp/B07F8DRTV3/”]Table Topics To Go for Kids, $8.50 from Amazon[/link-button]

15. Rainbow Scratch Mini Notes

This past week, we picked up a package of scratch art sheets after a few rainy days stuck indoors. We’ve been using them at home, but I can see how bringing them along to shake up your typical kids’ menu coloring sheet would change the dynamic of a family meal out.

I love this set of Scratch Art Mini Notes from Melissa & Doug. The small size makes it simple to throw into a purse or diaper bag and dig out when you need to keep a rowdy set of kids entertained.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-Scratch-Rainbow-Wooden/dp/B005K0B8WO/”]Rainbow Scratch Mini Notes, $7.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

16. Silly Putty

Dinner-time peace and quiet doesn’t have to be complicated. Silly Putty is a classic, and for good reason! Kids can mold shapes from this mess-free, pliable putty. They can smash it into their kids’ menu and watch the text transfer. They can press it onto flatware or other small objects to make molds.

One word of warning from someone who learned this lesson the hard way: Set a ground rule early that throwing or bouncing silly putty needs to be reserved for outdoors. It’s never allowed at the dining table!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Crayola-08-0313-Original-Silly-Putty/dp/B00C8T0TJI/”]Crayola Original Silly Putty, $4.12 from Amazon[/link-button]

17. Left Right Center

Left Right Center is a dice game for anyone over the age of 5. The goal of this game is to be the last player with chips, but hanging onto your chips is a game of chance. Rolling the dice decides if you will pass your chips left or right, or push them into the center pot.

This game is wildly popular on Amazon, with over 1,590 reviews and an aggregate score of five stars. Reviewers suggest the fun idea of swapping out the chips for other objects, like M&Ms, but we’d recommend saving that option for dessert!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000F9YDKY/”]Left Right Center $6.10 from Amazon[/link-button]

18. Spot It!

My first two kids are just now reaching an age that they’re old enough to be interested in card games, and that’s a whole lot of fun! Available in both a Junior and 7+ version, Spot It! is going to be the next take-along game we add to our family’s stash.

This is a visual perception game. Images are scattered across round playing cards. The goal is to find the one image that two cards have in common as quickly as possible. The cards come in a tin case for easy transportation and quick clean-up when your dinner arrives. I honestly can’t believe we’ve only just learned about this game, since it has five stars and over 6,650 reviews on Amazon.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0075XNGGK/”]Spot It!, $7.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

19. Tegu Travel Kits

We don’t own these magnetic wooden blocks, but a friend recently convinced me to place an order. I plan to pull them out when my kids need a little distraction. This Tegu Travel Kit includes eight wooden blocks, all magnetic, that can be stacked and shaped in a variety of combinations.

Since this set comes with a felt pouch, it’s great for taking along to a restaurant, where it’ll provides simple entertainment for kids of all ages. Choose from eight different color themes, including mahogany, tints, and blues.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Tegu-Piece-Pocket-Magnetic-Wooden/dp/B004WMCZGY/”]Tegu Travel Kit, $30.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

20. Unifix Cubes

If you’re looking for a stacking and building activity for the dinner table, but would rather spend a little less cash, this Unifix Cubes 100 Piece Set might be the better option for you. This set includes blocks of 10 different colors, and each block can be stacked on another.

Included in this kit is an activity book for guided play. In addition to building, Unifix Cubes work great for counting and math games.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Didax-DD-225-Unifix-Cubes-count/dp/B0007PC9CK/”]Didax Unifix Cubes, $14.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

21. Crayola Color Wonder Kit

Color Wonder has become super-popular among parents because it’s entirely mess-free. The magic markers included in this kit only color on the provided coloring sheets, so you won’t have to scrub marks off of tiny fingers, the tablecloth, or restaurant dishes.

Crayola Wonder Kits come in a ton of different themes, like the animal-themed version linked below. All 30 pieces of this art kit are contained in a hard carrying case, so it’s ideal for restaurant entertainment.  
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071G4G3LT/”]Crayola Color Wonder Art Kit, $24.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

22. AquaDoodle

Let’s be honest: Keeping track of 30-piece kits might not always be what you’re hoping for in restaurant entertainment. If you’d like an art project with fewer pieces, the AquaDoodle Travel Doodle might be more in line with what you’d like to buy.

This doodle pad includes two pieces, a folding portfolio, and a refillable water pen. The pen changes the color of the surface of the portfolio, allowing for mess-free doodling that disappears when the doodle pad dries.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/AquaDoodle-Accessories-Travel-Doodle-Neon/dp/B00FXWBARM/”]Aquadoodle Travel Doodle, $12.88 from Amazon[/link-button]

23. Jaq Jaq Mess-Free Chalkboard

My kids love drawing with chalk, but chalk comes with a lot of mess. When we discovered this mess-free, portable option from Jaq Jaq a few years back, we were sold. Available in a variety of prints, these Doodle It Books are compact and ideal for taking along on trips to the restaurant, medical waiting rooms, or airplanes.

Included with the chalkboard sketchbook are four ButterStix, which are the dust-free chalk pieces from Jaq Jaq.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Jaq-Bird-Childrens-Doodle-Drawing/dp/B010CQKMWC/”]Jaq Jaq Bird Doodle it Book, $20.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

24. Spiral-Bound Sketchbook

Keep it basic. Bring a sketchbook along! Children have amazing imaginations and don’t always need a lot of hand-holding to keep themselves entertained. This spiral-bound sketchbook is only 7 inches by 10 inches, which means it should fit easily in a diaper bag or small purse.

Don’t be afraid to offer a few prompts if your child is having trouble getting started. Bring along some colored pencils or crayons, of course!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FF1Z9WQ/”]Spiral-Bound Sketch & Drawing Book, $9.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

25. Twistable Crayons

These twistable crayons pair perfectly with the spiral-bound sketchbook above. Instead of worrying about sharpening dull pencils or replacing crayons snapped between clumsy fingers, these twistable crayons sharpen themselves.

This pack includes eight different colors of Crayola crayons. Because of their plastic casing, they’re break-resistant. When your child runs out of crayon, simply twist to reveal more colorful potential.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Crayola-52-7408-Twistables-Crayons/dp/B00178Q28S/”]Twistable Crayons, $5.55 from Amazon[/link-button]

26. Take-Along Shape Sorter

Without a doubt, my youngest child is the hardest to keep content during a dinner out. Toddlers just hate to hold still, and a meal at a restaurant can go on for much longer than the at-home equivalent. Because of this, it’s really important to bring along age-appropriate activities when you want to have an enjoyable meal.

This Take-Along Shape Sorter is a portable version of an old classic. Older infants and toddlers are challenged to shove shapes through their matching holes. A handle and zippable soft case sets this option apart from others.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-Take-Along-Activity-Textured/dp/B00EYTM9IY/”]Take-Along Shape Sorter, $16.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

27. Travel Legos

All three of my kids spend hours each week with their Legos, but the idea of taking them out of the house, into the van, and then into a restaurant makes my head spin. Knowing this set of Travel Legos comes in a hard carrying case makes me feel a little better about the idea of bringing Legos along for our next family dinner.

This set of Legos contains 213 blocks, which is just enough for a few really great builds without totally trashing the table before you even start eating.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075QRWRYP/”]LEGO Classic Creative Suitcase, $15.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

28. Melissa & Doug Reusable Tape

Reusable stickers meet washi tape in this Melissa & Doug Tape Activity Book. This kit includes a spiral-bound notebook and four rolls of reusable washi tape. Activities include a fun variety of scenes, like creating the spokes of a bicycle, decorating a lollipop, or creating laces for shoes.

According to the sellers of this product, it isn’t just good for entertainment. It also helps young kids develop fine motor skills and improve their hand-eye coordination. Hand it over for independent play, or turn it into a parent-child activity by quizzing them on colors and shapes.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EX5JAAO/”]Melissa & Doug Reusable Tape, $4.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

29. Wooden Lacing Cheese Toy

The only thing better than a cheese-shaped toy is cheese itself, but this fun lacing toy just might keep your toddlers happy enough to prevent them from getting hangry. This wooden toy looks just like a wedge of cheddar. Holes cover the surface, and your child can use a lacing stick attached to a string to work their way through the maze to the other side.

The reason a toy like this is so dang perfect as a take-along is that all the parts are attached to each other, so you don’t have to worry about chasing pieces across the restaurant floor.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073P3WD18/”]Montessori Wooden Lacing Cheese Toy, $9.54 from Amazon[/link-button]

30. Kids Mad Libs

Mad Libs is a game my kids and I all enjoy, so we love to bring these books along when we go out to eat. Typical Mad Libs are a little too complex for young kids, but this version was created with little brains in mind.

Even younger kids who can’t spell or write will get a kick out of chiming in with their answers while you transcribe their responses. Beware! Breaking out this game may introduce fart jokes to the dinner table.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Kid-Libs-Mad-Roger-Price/dp/0843128275/”]Kids Mad Libs, $4.49 from Amazon[/link-button]

31. Kids Mazes Book

This book is literally everything, or at least everything mazes. Bring a copy along for your puzzle- and maze-obsessed kids for a quiet activity while they wait for their meal (or wait for you to wrap yours up).

In this book, you will find 144 colored pages of mazes of varying difficulties. Based on the reviews, some of the mazes are simple enough for kids age 6 and older, while others are challenging enough for teens and adults.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/The-Everything-Kids-Mazes-Book/dp/1580625584/”]The Everything Kids’ Mazes Book, $6.68 from Amazon[/link-button]

32. Comotomo Silicone Baby Teether

Pro-parenting tip: Never leave home without an extra change of clothes and a teether. You never know when a diaper change is going to go badly, or when a perfectly happy baby will start experiencing teething pain.

This Comotomo Baby Teether is a great option for baby to gum on during a meal since it has an easy-to-grasp handle. It’s made from silicone, which means when (not if!) your baby drops it on the floor, you can hide it away and then boil it when you get home.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Comotomo-Silicone-Baby-Teether-Orange/dp/B00913DY1O/”]Comotomo Silicone Baby Teether, $6.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

33. Baby Animals Black and White

Books illustrated with pictures in high contrast color schemes, like black and white, are easily seen by the developing eyes of a young baby. Baby Animals Black and White features eight different baby animals on each of its pages.

It’s a board book, so it’s easy for smaller hands to hang on to. It’s also a lot of fun to read together, at home or out at your favorite restaurant.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Animals-Black-Phyllis-Limbacher-Tildes/dp/0881063134/”]Baby Animals Black and White, $4.76 from Amazon[/link-button]

34. Bubbles Plush Buckle Toy

I’m always amazed by what will hold a toddler’s attention and what won’t. I can try my hardest to keep them entertained with talking, silly faces, and funny noises with no luck, but if I pull out something that snaps, zips, or buckles, they’ll stay endlessly happy.

This Plush Buckle Toy, which is apparently named Bubbles, is a baby-blue figure with rainbow-colored buckles hanging from each side. The bright colors will keep kids’ attention and the challenge of getting the buckles to snap will keep them focused while everyone else chows down.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/BUCKLE-TOY-Bubbles-Learning-Childrens/dp/B01D3XGNBA/”]Bubbles Plush Buckle Toy, $21.99[/link-button]

35. Velvet Animal Finger Puppets

Puppets are my last resort. I hate being responsible for acting out scenes and making weird noises, but they almost always work when I need to cheer up a crabby kid. Thankfully, my husband is a much better sport when it comes to acting the fool to get a smile out of our kids.

These Velvet Finger Puppets are small enough to keep in the bottom of your bag so you can fish them out when things take a turn for the worse. Ten different animals are included in this set, including a hippo, a cow, and a frog. Since they fit on your fingers, they’re definitely a restaurant-friendly toy.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Velvet-Puppets-Children-Playtime-Schools/dp/B00VU5R8JA/”]Velvet Animal Finger Puppets, $7.99[/link-button]

36. Animal Figurines

It didn’t take long after my second was born to realize that the toys that kept my older daughter’s attention weren’t going to work with this one. While my oldest was into puzzles and challenges, my youngest loves pretend play.

Sometimes, making dinner out easier is all about trying different things until you find what works for each child. Once I realized my younger daughter preferred little people and animals for acting out scenes at the dinner table, we were able to eat happily as a family. This set of Animals Figures is identical to the set we pull out any time she gets bored.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Yeonha-Toys-Realistic-Toddler-Learning/dp/B01N30YNCA/”]Animal Figures, $13.98 from Amazon[/link-button]

37. Flappy the Elephant Plush Toy

Sometimes my babies just need to bring a friend along to make their meal a little more fun. Each of my kids have a take-along stuffie—we have a Lalaloopsy, an Olaf, and a Bitty Baby that all accompany us on outings on a regular basis.

If your baby doesn’t have a stuffie they love, consider picking one toy to bring along every time you head out to a family meal. This battery-operated plush figure is adorable and perfect for getting some giggles and smiles out of a cranky baby. The floppy ears on this stuffed elephant flip and flop, covering his eyes for an impromptu game of peekaboo.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Gund-Animated-Flappy-Elephant-Plush/dp/B01AC7SF7K/”]Flappy the Elephant Plush Toy, $32.00 from Amazon[/link-button]

38. Melissa & Doug Felt Friends On-The-Go

Melissa & Doug is a company that’s really corned the portable toy market for young kids. The Felt Friends On-The-Go series comes with 142 felt stickers in different shapes and colors for building 12 different felt animals.

If the phrase “142 felt stickers” makes you twitch a little, there is something you should know—the creators of Melissa & Doug designed this kit to be incredibly portable and easy to pack up. A resealable compartment keeps all loose parts dependably contained.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-Friends-Activity-Stickers/dp/B00US8BYYU/”]Melissa & Doug Felt Friends On-The-Go, $6.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

Back to school season is here and it won’t be long before backpacks and homework folders are filling your entryway. Before you can fall back into your school year routine, you’ve got to do your back to school shopping. For many, that’s a huge expense.
Although the cost of school supplies has dropped a bit, most parents can expect to spend the same amount on preparing a single kid for their first day of school as they would on a single mortgage payment, according to the 2018 Backpack Index by Huntington Bank.
For kids in elementary school, the average cost of school supplies is $637. For middle school students, stocking up on binders, pencil, and paper is probably going to cost around $941, and for high schoolers $1,355. Kind of wild, right? Now imagine you’ve got not one, but three or four kids to send back to school fully stocked with clothing and supplies. For many, it simply isn’t realistic. It costs too much!

So, should you just bite the bullet, swipe your credit card, and worry about the bill later? Maybe not. As it turns out, parents might be spending on school supplies that never get used, or they might be spending too much on what their kids really need. Check out these school supplies that are a total waste of money—and our suggestions for what you can buy instead.

What Not to Wear

Shopping for school clothing is by far the biggest expense parents face as they get their kids ready for the new school year. One report, compiled by the National Retail Federation, estimates that parents are spending an average of $236.90 on school clothes per child.
One example of overspending is buying school uniforms through the school sponsored retailer, at a specialty uniform store, or even a high-end retailer. These high-cost uniforms quickly add up when you’re trying to purchase enough items for a full week of school. Take Land’s End, for instance, a popular retailer of school uniforms. Polo shirts cost as much as $35.50 each and khakis as much as $45.50.
The good news is that this expense can be lessened by buying the right things from the right retailers. These uniform options still meet most school guidelines and won’t totally deplete your back-to-school budget.

An Essential Item for a Girl’s Uniform

Many schools include solid jumpers among their approved uniform options. It’s a good basic that can often be worn multiple times without a wash.

This Girls’ Uniform Jumper from the Amazon Essentials brand is available in both navy and khaki, ships through Prime, and only costs $14. Perfect for the hustle and bustle of the school day, all of the uniform options from Amazon Essentials are made with fabric that has a slight stretch.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Essentials-Uniform-Jumper-Blazer/dp/B079B9KWR2/”]Amazon Essentials Girls’ Uniform Jumper, $14 from Amazon[/link-button]

A Two-Pack Wardrobe Staple for Boys and Girls

Available for both girls and boys, this two pack of polo shirts is a great value and perfect for layering under jumpers or sweaters. These long sleeves are tagless, making them perfect for kids with sensory sensitivities.

Because you can choose from 10 different color combinations for boys and eight combinations for girls, it’s likely you’ll be able to find an Amazon Essentials 2-Pack Long-Sleeve Polo Shirt set that works with your school’s’ colors. Plus, with free shipping, this is the likely the easiest back-to-school shopping you’ve ever done.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Essentials-2-Pack-Long-Sleeve-Interlock/dp/B079CHK1S7/”]Girls’ 2-Pack Long-Sleeve Polo Shirts, $20.00 from Amazon[/link-button]
and
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Essentials-2-Pack-Long-Sleeve-Pique/dp/B079C524JT/”]Boys’ 2-Pack Long-Sleeve Polo Shirts, $20.00 from Amazon[/link-button]

Durable Pants for Everyday Wear

These boys’ uniform pants are a bestseller on Amazon, with 370 customer reviews and an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars. More than one reviewer has nothing but good to say about these Children’s Place Boys’ Uniform Chino Pants, pointing out how great that adjustable waist is for getting the sizing just right.

Like many of the clothing options on Amazon, these pants are a part of the Amazon Wardrobe option. This means they ship to you through Prime and you have seven days to try them on and make sure they fit properly. If they don’t work for you, you can act within the seven days and return the items for free.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Childrens-Place-Boys-Chino-Pant/dp/B00QCCP7H6/”]The Children’s Place Boys’ Uniform Chino Pants, $8 from Amazon[/link-button]

Backpacks, and Lunch Bags, and Pouches, Oh My!

There’s no getting around the fact that kids need a sturdy bag to carry around their books all day long. Spending an arm and a leg on a backpack doesn’t have to be the norm. Many parents purchase a completely new set at the start of the year, including a new backpack, a new gym bag, lunch bags, and a litany of pouches for pencils, markers, and more.
Don’t purchase what you can reuse. If your kids’ bags are still in great shape from last year, say no to the pressure of buying shiny and new. This is especially true for things like pouches and lunch bags, which don’t see as much wear and tear as backpacks.
If you do need to replace last year’s stash, pay attention to the price. At Pottery Barn, the backpacks cost as much as $59.95, and a basic backpack from L.L. Bean costs around $40. Instead of shopping with a big brand, check out these affordable (but high quality) options we found on Amazon.

A Small, Floral Backpack

For younger kids, a standard backpack isn’t often unnecessary and weighs them down. This High Sierra Mini Loop Backpack is not only on the small side, it’s also an incredibly affordable option that quickly ships through Amazon Prime.

Multiple compartments help students stay organized and padded shoulder straps allow for comfortable, all-day wear. This same sized backpack is also available in light blue, navy and lime, and lilac and lavender.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/High-Sierra-Backpack-Prairie-Leonade/dp/B07885G7FZ/”]High Sierra Mini Loop Backpack, $19.95 from Amazon[/link-button]

A Bestselling Backpack Available in 23 Colors and Prints

Sending your child to school with an affordable backpack doesn’t have to be boring. With 23 colors or patterns to choose from, you can find a High Sierra backpack that matches your kiddo’s unique style.

This High Sierra Loop Backpack is a bestseller on Amazon, with over 2,000 customers reviews and 4.3 stars, with one reviewer sharing that they were able to carry around a laptop, textbooks, and a ton of art supplies in this roomy bag.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/High-Sierra-Backpack-Roswell-Purple/dp/B017EGL952/”]High Sierra Loop Backpack, $26.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

A Fun Lunch Bag for Under $10

Finding a durable lunch bag for under $10 is almost unheard of, but this option by Wildkin has rave reviews. This lunch bag is super compact, but it isn’t lacking in space for your little one’s lunch. Inside, you’ll find room for a sandwich, fruit and veggies, and a strap for a water bottle.

The Wildkin Olive Kids’ Lunch Box It is also water resistant, which means you don’t have to worry about leaks if your little student keeps it stored in their backpack during the day. Choose from 44 different colors and prints including Trains, Planes, and Trucks or Horse Dreams.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Wildkin-Olive-Trains-Planes-Trucks/dp/B004NWLYRO/”]Wildkin Olive Kids’ Lunch Box, $9.49 from Amazon[/link-button]

A Printed Pouch for Staying Organized

While we can’t promise that this pouch will help you avoid cleaning out your kiddo’s backpack once a week, it might help them keep track of small items so you’re not constantly repurchasing essentials like pencils, erasers, and colored pencils.

These Floral Canvas Pencil Pouches come in a four pack and only cost $9.96, so you know you’re getting the most bang for your buck. Each pack has two zipper pouches, allowing for optimal organization of different items.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/IPOW-Flower-Cosmetic-Stationery-Pastoral/dp/B00MIAX994″]Floral Canvas Pencil Pouch 4 Pack, $11.76 from Amazon[/link-button]
If florals don’t appeal to your little student, these ZIPIT Monster Pencil Cases come in 14 different colors and patterns. While they’re not quite the steal of the floral canvas pouches, they’re still fairly affordable at $6.97 each.

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/ZIPIT-Monster-Pencil-Case-Royal/dp/B00IP34XB6/”]ZIPIT Monster Pencil Cases, $6.97 from Amazon[/link-button]

Stock up on the little stuff.

One of the most surprising expenses parents face at the start of a new school year is the cost of stocking up on the little, inexpensive supplies. A few dollars here and there for crayons, pencils, and glue might not seem like a big deal in the aisle, but you’ll watch your total quickly add up in the checkout line thanks to big differences in price between name-brand and store-brand options.
Even more shocking, perhaps, is that fact that Amazon isn’t the best place to stock up on the little stuff. While we found a ton of great deals on backpacks and uniforms, many of the small school supplies were more than twice the price of buying them from various brick-and-mortar stores. Save $.50 or more on each of these school supplies by buying from the right supplier (and selecting the most cost-effective brand).

This off-brand option is half the cost.

Most lower-grade students are expected to show up to school with crayons. Although this school supply isn’t typically considered a huge expense, it’s a good idea to save money whenever possible! While on-brand crayons get a lot of praise, these Target-brand crayons have pretty great reviews and they’re half the price.

Buy a 24 pack of Crayola for $.50 or the same set of colors from Up & Up for $.25. A penny saved is a penny earned, right?
[link-button href=”http://shopstyle.it/l/QTGD”]Crayons 24 Count by Up & Up, $0.25 from Target[/link-button]

Another Brand Swap Out That Will Save You Big

Okay, so a few bucks isn’t going to make or break your back-to-school budget, but it will buy you a latte on your kids’ first day. No. 2 Pencils are the school supply you absolutely can’t send your kid to school without, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend a lot.

Do another brand swap and reach for the Up & Up 24 Count #2 Pencils instead of the Ticonderoga Brand, which cost $4.49 for a pack. The Target-brand option isn’t just a fourth of the cost, they also have better reviews online. Talk about a win-win!
[link-button href=”http://shopstyle.it/l/QTJ8″]Up & Up 24 Count #2 Wood Pencils, $1.19 from Target[/link-button]

Don’t overspend on tissues.

Is it just us, or do classrooms go through a bizarre amount of tissues each year? Help your kids’ teachers prep for head cold season without overspending on tissues this year. Your school might recommend Kleenex-brand tissues, especially if they’ve partnered with Target on School List Assist.

Opt for the Up & Up brand instead and save over a dollar on a 640-count pack of tissues. While the Kleenex brand costs $5.99, the store brand costs just $4.49.
[link-button href=”http://shopstyle.it/l/QTLc”]Up & Up 640 Count Facial Tissues, $4.49 from Target[/link-button]

Avoiding the Electronics Trap

If you want to save major money on your school supply shopping, be sure you’re paying close attention to what you’re spending on electronics this year. These are the items that really add up! They’re also the school supplies you can probably get away with saying no to—or at least avoiding the pressure of buying the newest model.

Opt to go against the status quo with this phone.

If your little student isn’t asking for a cell phone yet, they probably will be after school starts. More and more parents are sending their young kids to school with a cell phone, but you shouldn’t feel afraid of going against the status quo.
We don’t have to tell you how quickly the cost of a smartphone can add up. A new iPhone can set you back up to a $1,000 and comes with monthly expenses to pay for minutes and data usage. There is also a good argument to be made that giving kids a smartphone to take to school isn’t a great idea, even if they’re in middle school. Wait Until 8th is an organization that advocates for delaying giving kids smartphones for as long as possible, ideally until they’ve reached eighth grade.

If you need your child to have a phone so they can reach you during after-school activities or while they’re hanging out with friends, there are better options. The Consumer Cellular Alcatel Go Flip is your basic flip phone, free from distracting apps or the expensive data costs. Load it with your child’s’ regularly called numbers and send them to school without worries about how much time they’ll be spending online.
[link-button href=”http://shopstyle.it/l/QTJL”]Consumer Cellular Alcatel Go Flip, $29.99 from Target[/link-button]

Same Brand, Better Price

One item we noticed on school supply shopping lists this year that could easily because a big expense were earbuds with a mic. Skullcandy earbuds seem to be a popular recommendation and they’ve got pretty great reviews, so that makes sense to us. One important thing to know about Skullcandy is that their earbuds can be pretty affordable if you know what you’re looking for.

While the Amazon’s Choice recommendation from Skullcandy is a set of sweat resistant, lightweight earbuds designed with running in mind, these $29.99 earbuds probably aren’t what your child needs for school. Instead, opt for their more affordable option — Skullcandy Ink’d. This set only costs $9.77 and still includes the mic and volume control your child will need for school.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Skullcandy-Microphone-Tangle-Reducing-Noise-Isolating-Precision/dp/B007136EDG/”]Skullcandy Ink’d 2.0, $9.77 from Amazon[/link-button]

Which Extras to Skip

Your school’s supply list won’t dictate all of your back-to-school purchases. Certain kids will have needs outside of what’s listed by their teacher, and that’s okay. Whether it’s clothes for sports or those sparkle gel pens they feel they simply can’t do without, you don’t need to spend an arm and a leg on the last-minute extras. Skip some of these items when possible and make sure you’re shopping smarter for the items you decide to keep on your list.

Fancy Writing Utensils Your Allowance Earner Can Afford

When it comes to buying extras or novelty items before school, a lot of parents opt for asking their kids to cover the cost, and we think that’s really smart. If there is a trendy pen, trapper keeper, or bag your child wants, help them find an option they can afford to pay for with their allowance or birthday money.

One school supply that can easily add up is fancy writing utensils like gel pens and mechanical pencils. The Colorful Gel Pen from NYKKOLA comes in a pack of 12 pastel colors and they’re much more affordable than other, name-brand options.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/12pcs-Colors-Colorful-Sweet-style-Design/dp/B00VQ6Q90C/”]Colorful Gel Pen 12 Pack, $3.84 from Amazon[/link-button]

Novelty Paper Without the Novelty Cost

Whether you’ve got a type-A student who loves to keep their life on track with a planner or a little Hemingway who swears they need a fancy journal at the start of each year, you’ve probably already noticed that novelty journals and planners get pricey very quickly.

If your child decides to purchases these items for themselves, guide them to an affordable option like the 2018–2019 Student Planner by Creative Notebooks or the 5 Pack of Brightly Color Field Books from Elan Publishing Companies.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/2018-2019-Academic-Teenagers-Students-Teachers/dp/1985888165/”]2018–2019 Student Planner by Creative Notebooks, $7.99 from Amazon[/link-button]
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BB5GVLY/”]Field Book 5 Pack, $9.79 from Amazon[/link-button]

Getting your home ready for baby can be downright overwhelming.
Becoming a new mom is a huge transition and stocking up on baby supplies is a good way to get a head start and prepare yourself for the change. Unfortunately, with so many options to choose from, it’s almost impossible to decide which products are worth spending money on and will actually come in handy down the road.
No one wants to end up with closets stuffed with baby gear taking up space. One of the best ways to separate the wheat from the chaff when it comes to buying baby gear is seeing what other parents have bought, used, and loved before. Check out these 40 baby and toddler products with high ratings and gushing reviews on Amazon, and put what you need on your baby registry ASAP.

1. The Basic Onesies You’ll Want in Every Size

There is a good reason why this five pack of Gerber onesies is a number one bestseller on Amazon—this basic wardrobe piece is so useful! It might seem like nothing special at first glance, but a white onesie is perfect for layering under sleepers on cold nights or acting alone for lazy summer days at home.

Order a five pack or two in every single size. Always keep a spare in the diaper bag; you’ll be so glad you did the first time you come face-to-face with your first changing table fiasco or your gassy baby spits up all over an outfit.
Gerber Unisex Baby 5-Pack Short-Sleeve White Onesies, $9.99 from Amazon

2. A Manual Breast Pump for Easy Expression

Having an electric double pump is perfect for working moms expressing breast milk several times a day, but there’s something so simple about having a manual pump on hand at home.

An electric pump can be cumbersome and takes time to set up. Plus, if you’re pumping out and about, you have to find an outlet or keep your bag stocked with batteries.
Whether you’re slowly starting to build your freezer stash for a return to work or need an easy way to express milk on date night, the NatureBond Silicone Manual Pump provides efficient milk expression and it’s one of the most affordable pumping options out there.
NatureBond Silicone Manual Breast Pump, $14.79 from Amazon

3. A Discreet, Milk-Saving Cup

While we’re talking about amazing breastfeeding products, we can’t fail to mention Freemie Collection Cups. At $59.99, these are definitely an investment, but they could be a lifesaver for working moms struggling to find a few moments alone to pump.

Since they can be worn under your shirt, they’re easily concealable. This allows you to pump while working at your desk, completely hands-free so you can stay on task on busy days. The Freemie Collection Cups can be used with most electric pumps and collect up to eight ounces in each cup. Once you’ve finished pumping, the milk can be easily dumped into a storage bag.
Freemie Collection Cups, $59.99 from Amazon

4. A Multi-Functional Nursing Cover

Nursing covers should be all about what makes mom most comfortable, and this nursing cover accomplishes just that. It’s a lightweight fabric that slips over your neck like a scarf, allowing for full coverage in the front and on both sides, but an easy view for mom from the top.

This nursing cover is also multi-functional, which is awesome. It serves as a car seat cover, meaning once mom is done nursing, she can stretch it over the infant carrier to ensure complete shade from light in or outdoors so the happily fed babe can rest. The cover can also be stretched over highchairs or shopping carts to protect your baby from germs, be worn as a poncho, or be wrapped like an infinity scarf.
Breastfeeding Scarf and Baby Car Seat Canopy, $16.99 from Amazon

5. A Sustainable Baby Bottle

Even if you plan to breastfeed, it’s a good idea to have bottles on hand in case your baby needs to eat during short spurts of separation. Plus, with all the extra breast milk you’ve been stashing away, you just might decide you need a date night or solo trip to the coffee shop for a little peace and quiet.

The more we learn about plastic, the more clear it becomes that it’s better to avoid this hard-to-recycle product that can come with potential health risks. A glass baby bottle is a sustainable alternative and Evenflo Bottles have a ton of amazing feedback from moms who have used them. It’s a vented bottle, which means it may help reduce colic in babies dealing with gassy tummies.
Evenflo Glass Premium Proflo Vented Bottles, $18.99 for a 6-pack from Amazon

6. A Safe Option for Warming Up Bottles

Since microwaving bottles can overheat the milk and even create unexpected hot spots that can burn your baby’s tongue, most people heat their baby bottles in warm water. This has never been a perfect solution because it takes a lot of time. When you’ve got a very hungry baby on your hands, it feels like it takes forever.

The Philips AVENT Warmer is a safe option for warming up bottles because it warms the milk evenly by circulating it during the warming process. It’s also a quick option, taking only three minutes to warm a bottle to a perfectly drinkable temperature.
Philips AVENT Bottle Warmer. $22.62 from Amazon

7. A Simpler Solution to Bottle Cleaning

Sometimes we don’t realize something is a problem until a product solves that problem for us. Keeping bottles clean is likely one of those annoying little tasks you didn’t know could get a little easier.

The bottle brush from OXO not only has a brush for cleaning the bottle itself, it also has a brush the size of a pipe cleaner for scrubbing out bottle nipples. This particular bottle cleaner comes with a stand, so you can keep it handy and clean on your kitchen counter no matter how cluttered it might be with other newborn baby supplies.
OXO TOT Bottle Brush with Nipple Cleaner and Stand, $6.99 from Amazon

8. A Darling Drying Rack for All Those Baby Bottles

Once you become a mom, baby bottles, sippy cups, dishes, and tiny spoons will quickly start to take over your kitchen. Why not give them an adorable place to rest?

This Boon Lawn Drying Rack looks like a well-manicured lawn and the flexible blades of grass are perfect for drying tiny dishes of all sizes. It is also a part of a collection, with add-ons like trees with branches for bottle lids or flowers to hold freshly sanitized pacifiers. The rack easily disassembles into two pieces for a quick clean between uses.
Boon Lawn Countertop Drying Rack Green, $21.99 from Amazon

9. For Warming Up Cold Wipes

Brrr! Wipes right from the package can startle sleepy babes during midnight diapers changes. A wipe warmer keeps wet wipes at a more comfortable temperature, ready to go for diaper changes at any time of the day or night.

There are a lot of wipe warmers out there, but this particular model by hiccapop enjoys a four-and-a-half star rating on Amazon. Here is what Shannon, a mom and Amazon reviewer had to say:

I wish we had one these back when my oldest child was a baby…I can tell the baby enjoys it as well…No more visible flinching when touched with a cold wet wipe!

hiccapop Wipe Warmer and Baby Wet Wipes Dispenser, $34.92 from Amazon

10. A Mess-Free Diaper Cream Application Option

Many diaper creams are made to be water resistant, protecting tiny tushes from the irritation of a wet or soiled diaper. Unfortunately for the caregivers doing the applying, this also means that washing your hands after application involves a lot of scrubbing and the smell can take hours to dissipate from your hands.

Allow us to introduce an amazing little tool made for the sole purpose of taking some of the mess out of diaper changing. The Diaper Cream Brush by BabyBum is literally a spatula for diaper paste application—genius! This particular option is a two pack that includes a full-size spatula for home and a travel size to keep in your diaper bag.
BabyBum Diaper Cream Brush, $17.99 from Amazon

11. A Little-Discussed New-Mom Healing Product

Giving birth comes with all kinds of little surprises, and the healing process after giving birth often doesn’t get a lot of airtime until you’ve already had your baby. After giving birth, you’ll quickly learn that it is going to take a bit of time before you’re healed enough to wipe without pain.

From the same geniuses responsible for the NoseFrida (more on that later), this easy-to-use portable bidet is exactly what a new mom needs for a gentle cleaning option. It’s the baby product you never knew you needed that will quickly become your new best friend.
Fridababy Fridet, The MomWasher, $14.99 from Amazon

12. An Easy-to-Clean Bib That Actually Works

Your life may be all bottle warmers and breast milk now, but it won’t be long before your suckling babe is ready for big kid food, and it’s going to come with a lot of mess. Bibs may be a no-brainer for parents everywhere, but not all bibs are created equal! Some bibs require a run in the washer after every use and others do very little to guard your baby’s lap from dropped food.

Baby Bibs makes a waterproof, silicone bib that addresses all the mealtime messes. Not only is it easy to clean, requiring nothing more than a dunk in soapy water and good wipe with a rag, it also has a shelf that can catch food that misses your baby’s mouth.
Waterproof Silicone Bib, $18.97 for a 2-pack from Amazon

13. A Sanity-Saving Placemat

Even if it’s only a phase, there’s nothing quite as aggravating as watching your toddler toss a plate full of food on the floor. Most babies don’t mean any harm; they’re just looking for a little fun. Make mealtime a little less chaotic with a placemat-and-plate combo that actually suctions to the table or highchair.

Made from silicone, this placemat from Silivo contains a plate shaped like a darling little elephant and separated into sections for different kinds of foods. It’s a parent favorite on Amazon, too.
Silicone Baby Placemat, $15.99 from Amazon

14. A Yummy Teething Solution

Introducing solid foods can create a lot of anxiety for moms. It is completely normal to worry about the risk of choking, and Munchkin has found a great way to assuage those worries with their Fresh Food Feeder.

Parents can place solid foods in the mesh bag, which is attached to an easy-to-hold, BPA-free plastic ring. Then, their child can happily munch on the food without the risk of them biting off more than they can chew.
Outside of serving as a safe introduction to solid foods, the Fresh Food Feeder can be used for teething relief. Instead of food, you can place a small chunk of frozen breastmilk or frozen baby food in the mesh bag so your teething baby can gum on it for pain relief.
Munchkin Fresh Food Feeder, $5.99 for 2-pack from Amazon

15. An Introduction to Lidless Cups, Without the Spills

Transition to a lidless cup without daily spills. The Miracle 360 Trainer Cup is another genius product by Munchkin. Although the cup has a lid, it’s a spoutless one, meaning instead of sucking a spout or straw, your child can tip the cup and drink just as they would from a lidless cup.

The cup has a seal around the entire rim that will allow your child to sip without dribbling or spilling their drink. According to reviewers, it is simple enough for young toddlers to figure out and it doesn’t leak (even when it gets thrown across the room).
Munchkin Miracle 360 Trainer Cup, $12.99 for a 2-pack from Amazon

16. A Snack Cup for Road Trips and Play Dates

When it comes time to pack snacks, any old ziplock will do, right? Not so fast. Think just how awesome it would be if a product existed that allowed toddlers to reach in and grab a bite or two at a time without spilling their crumbs everywhere.
 

Made with soft flaps instead of a lid, this cup is the spill-proof snack caddy you never knew you needed.
According to reviewer Katelyn Schreyer, these cups don’t leak crumbs in the diaper bag and were simple for her nine-month-old twins to figure out.
“You can fill it with Goldfish or Cheerios and throw it and nothing will come out. Of course, a baby will still get things out and make a mess, but this paces the mess-making,” she says.
Munchkin Two Piece Snack Catcher, $4.39 from Amazon

17. A Gentler Stuffy Nose Cleaner

Bulb syringes may be an efficient option for clearing out a stuffy nose, but they’re no fun for mom or baby! Whether you’ve got a newborn or a wriggling toddler, it’s awful having to pin them down to suction out their nose while they scream.

The Nose Frida is a gentler way to clean out a stuffy nose because you control the suction with your mouth. Before you get totally grossed out, you should know that a barrier sponge prevents snot from passing from the plastic snot receptacle into the tube you place in your mouth. PHEW! Another perk of the Nose Frida is that it is way easy to clean since it easily disassembles for quick sanitation.
NoseFrida the Snotsucker, $19.86 from Amazon

18. A Potty Seat for Any Toilet

When you’re potty training, it’s easy to feel like you’re confined to living your life within a few feet of the bathroom, ready to race your child to the potty chair at the slightest hint they might need to go.

This is the product that will help you regain your freedom without putting your toddler back in diapers. The Munchkin Potty Seats fits on top of the seat of full-size toilets, has handles for kids to hang onto, and is perfectly sized for little potty trainees. Pack it for vacation or send it to the in-laws when you and your partner need a night out but want to keep up with potty training efforts.
Munchkin Sturdy Potty Seat, $11.99 from Amazon

19. A Solution for On-the-Go Diaper Changes

A bestseller on Amazon, the Skip Hop Portable Changing Station is all about keeping diaper changes convenient and clean. Since it easily fits in a diaper bag, it’s a baby product you can bring with you anywhere. When your baby needs a change, it can be unfolded on any surface.

With a pocket for wipes and a few diapers as well as a handle, it can easily act as a small diaper bag when you’re just running to the store or don’t feel like packing the entire arsenal of on-the-go baby gear. One reviewer wrote that she uses it to store a onesie, pants, diaper cream, and hand sanitizer in addition to a diaper and wipes.
The changing pad is available in 11 different colors and matches many of the other Skip Hop baby products
Skip Hop Baby Pronto Portable Changing Station, $29.28 from Amazon

20. Keep Baby Cool During Summer Months

Stop worrying about whether your baby is staying cool enough in their rear-facing seat during summer months. This cute little fan can be charged in advance using a USB port and clips on the hood of infant carriers, blowing cool air into your child’s seat to keep them comfortable.

It’s a lightweight fan with a lot of power and it features 360-degree rotation, meaning it will really get the air moving. Because this is a chargeable fan, you can also attach it to strollers for outings in the summer heat.
Battery Operated Clip On Fan, $19.99 from Amazon

21. A Blind That Keeps Bright Sunlight out of the Back Seat

When babies are buckled tightly and safely in their car seats, there is little they can do to escape the glaring sun on hot summer days. Made by Enovoe, this set of window shades clings directly to the windows, providing baby with sun protection while they ride in the car.

This car window shade blocks 97 percent of UV rays. It’s an affordable no-brainer safety purchase that easily gets forgotten during the process of baby proofing.
Enovoe Car Window Shade, $12.97 for 4-pack from Amazon

22. A Mirror For Long Car Rides

Rear-facing is the safest, and legal, option for babies and young toddlers, but it also means baby’s face is obscured from view. This back seat mirror allows you to keep a close eye on baby or simply exchanged smiles during a long car ride.

Easy to install and fully adjustable, it works in most vehicles and gives you a wide view of the backseat.
Sonilove Baby Car Mirror, $13.98 from Amazon

23. A Carrier That Grows with Baby

A really great baby carrier can be a lifesaver for moms with their hands full. Whether you’re looking to free up your hands so you can hold onto to your older kids or carry groceries inside, or you’re looking for a way to comfort a needy baby while getting a few things done, you’re going to be glad you made this baby product a non-negotiable part of your baby registry.

The great thing about the Infantino Flip 4-in-1 Carrier is that it grows with your baby and can be used from eight pounds up to 32 pounds. It can also be worn in many ways, including on your back or with baby facing out to see the world.
Infantino Flip 4-in-1 Convertible Carrier, $29.69 from Amazon

24. A Hands-Free Backpack Diaper Bag

Bring everything you need to take care of your baby on the go without tying up your hands with an awkward or clunky diaper bag. This backpack diaper bag is seriously perfect for busy moms, with a pocket for keeping bottles warm, a waterproof interior liner, and plenty of room for diapers, teething toys, and an extra change of clothes.

Available in six different colors, including black, green, pink, and purple.
Multi-Functional Diaper Backpack, $35.99 from Amazon

25. A Cute Backpack for Toddlers That Keeps Them Safe

Leashes get a lot of criticism in the parenting world, but there is something to be said for a product that helps moms with multiple kids keep their busy toddlers safe. If you’ve got one of those toddlers who is hard to keep track of or you simply don’t have enough hands to walk all of your kids through a parking lot, this is a product that will bring you a lot of peace of mind.

Available in green and blue or pink and gray, this backpack harness with an attached leash looks less like a leash and more like a fashion accessory for your tot.
Brica By-My-Side Safety Harness Backpack, $14.95 from Amazon

26. A Solution For All That Stroller Clutter

Babies come with a lot of stuff, and strollers rarely have enough pockets for everything you need on the go. Make your stroller a little more functional with a stroller organizer that attaches to the handle. With space for extra cups, your phone, snacks, diapers, and toys, you won’t even need to bring a diaper bag along on your next trip to the park.

One Amazon reviewer said she had only positive things to say about this organizer, that the design is sleek, and that it was obviously so well thought out by the manufacturers.
Stroller Organizer with Cup Holders, $31.99 from Amazon

27. Hassle-Free Cabinet Latches

If you’ve ever installed cabinet latches, you know they’re a total pain. Everything has to line up perfectly for them to work properly and adding them to every shelf is generally a tedious baby proofing project to take on.

The Xtraguard Dual Action Multi Latches are totally low fuss. Instead of attaching with screws, they attach using adhesive and are pretty easy to install and adjust to get the right fit. They’re also easy to remove and won’t leave holes or marks on cabinets, meaning you can ditch them all together once you’re ready to move past the locked cabinets phase of parenting.
Munchkin Xtraguard Dual Action Multi Use Latches, $7.99 for a pair from Amazon

28. An Easy-to-Open Baby Gate

Even if you don’t have stairs to worry about, it is nice to have the option to keep baby contained once they start to move. A baby gate that can be easily opened by mom but keep baby out is a great way to create boundaries when you want to keep them out of unsafe rooms or if you’re simply trying to keep the toy tornado contained to a single part of the house.

Finding a baby gate that fits doorways and hallways can sometimes be tough, but this extra wide option from Regalo comes with a kit for adjusting the size and adding six inches of width.
Regalo Easy Step Walk Thru Gate, $32 from Amazon

29. Corner Protectors for Newly Walking Toddlers

Keeping a newly walking toddler from injuring themselves can easily become a full-time job. Give your baby some room to explore and yourself a break from constantly intercepting them before they run into a corner by baby proofing the dangerous and potentially painful aspects of your home.

Toddlers seem to be the perfect height for running their heads right into end table and coffee table corners and that’s where these corner guards come in handy. They’re clear, so they’re not a total eyesore, and they’re easy to install with adhesive backing.
Clear Corner Protectors, $16.95 for 20-pack from Amazon

30. A Booster Seat for On the Go

Family get-togethers or dinner out can be a real pain if there aren’t high chairs or booster seats handy. The Summer Infant Portable Booster is easy to unfold and can be placed in a chair at the table or on the floor our ground outdoors.

Made for indoor or outdoor use, this is a baby essential that will likely get a lot of use. It includes a carrying bag and is available in aqua, blue, green, and pink.
Summer Infant Pop N’ Sit Booster, $29.99 from Amazon

31. Easy-to-Grip Nail Clippers for Tiny Fingers and Toes

Every parent has heard a horror story from a friend or family member who accidentally cut the tip of their child’s finger while trimming their nails. It’s hard not to be terrified of touching them at all!

The Steady Grip Nail Clippers from Safety First are perfect for adults hands but have clippers small enough for tiny fingers and toes.
Check out this hilarious, but oh-so-accurate review from James:

Clipping a child’s nails is like trying to wrestle a pig in mud at times. If you can relate, these are for you. The larger body and handle of these trimmers give you complete control as you try to pin down your little bundle of joy and try to not clip off their entire finger.

Safety 1st Steady Grip Infant Clippers, $3.49 from Amazon

32. A Toothbrush That Makes Brushing Baby’s Teeth Easy

Speaking of wrestling a pig in the mud, let’s talk about just how dramatic those first several months of brushing our babies’ teeth can be. Talking a teething baby into holding still for 90 seconds is no easy task.

Meet the finger brush. It has tiny rubber bristles and slips on your finger. You can use it to gently brush food away from your baby’s teeth and introduce the taste of toothpaste without too much fuss. According to reviewers, many babies actually enjoy chewing on the toothbrush (while it’s on a parent’s finger) for relief from teething.
Baby Finger Toothbrush by BabyBaus, $7.97 for a 3-pack from Amazon

33. A Soft Bath for Newborn Babies

Bathtime is a parenting ritual that is surprisingly nerve-wracking during the early months of your baby’s life. For months, babies are too wobbly to sit on their own and young babies make random jerks and movements until their muscles get stronger.

Made for very young babies, the Blooming Bath Lotus is like a pillow for bathtime. Shaped like a flower, it fits into most sinks, giving your baby a soft place to rest that is a great alternative to hard, plastic baby baths.
Blooming Bath Lotus, $39.99 from Amazon

34. A Bath Seat That Steadies Young Babies

Even after babies start sitting, they continue to take regular, unexpected falls and have trouble staying balanced, especially in the bath.

Parents should always hold onto unsteady babies in the bath and remain within arms reach once they’re sitting well on their own. That said, this special baby bath adds a little extra security to the bathtime routine by acting as an extra support for baby. The arms extend to suction in place on the tub walls, making it easy to set up for and pull down after each bath.
Summer Infant My Bath Seat, $39.99 from Amazon

35. A Bath Toy That Monitors the Water Temperature

Make sure your baby’s baths are always comfortable and safe with this baby bath toy that doubles as a water thermometer.

This fun rubber duck floats on the water and displays the temperature in Celsius and Fahrenheit as well as the time. If the water gets too hot or too cold, an alarm sounds letting the parent know they should take action.
Baby Duck Thermometer, $13.99 from Amazon

36. A Bathtime Rinse Without The Tears

Even if you find tear-free shampoo, kids hate having water and soap in their face during baths.

Eliminate bathtime tears with this amazingly well-designed bathtime rinser shaped like that a whale. A lip on the edge of the cup rests on your child’s head, preventing water from washing into their eyes and face.
Skip Hop Moby Bath Tear-Free Waterfall Rinser Bath Cup, $9.99 from Amazon

37. A My Size Potty That Makes Potty Training Fun

Is there anything cuter than this miniature potty seat that looks just like a big kid toilet?

Made by Summer Infant, kids can practice using the bathroom just like an adult with a lid that lifts and closes and a handle they can push after they’re all done. Wipes can be stored in a top compartment, too.
Summer Infant My Size Potty, $24.86 from Amazon

38. A Little Extra Protection for Deep Sleepers

A lot of moms find themselves troubleshooting heavy wetters and deep sleepers as baby grows older. Instead of waking them in the night for a trip to the potty or a diaper change, try adding a little extra protection to their overnight diaper.

The Sposie Booster Diaper Doubler is well liked on Amazon for being very absorptive and comes in packs of six through Amazon Prime.
Sposie Booster Diaper Pads, $49.99 for a 6-pack from Amazon

39. A Fun Toy for Bathtime Play

Make taking baths more than just bearable with this interactive bathtime toy.

Made by Munchkin, your little one can use their mini fishing pole to go fishing for magnetic toys that float on the surface of the water. So fun! The set includes a small fishing pole with a reel and three floating characters.
Munchkin Fishin’ Bath Toy, $7.95 from Amazon

40. A Decorate-It-Yourself Night Light

A night light is a nursery essential that often gets overlooked. Instead of using a bright lamp each time your baby needs a change in the middle of the night, an adjustable light night light provides just enough light to guide you without overstimulating you or your baby.

The VAVA Night Light is a lot of fun too. It comes with adjustable stickers that can be moved around the dome of the light to cast shadows on the ceiling and walls. This is truly a birth-to-childhood essential that will become your growing child’s comfort light if they start to struggle with fears of the dark.
VAVA Night Light for Kids, $19.99 from Amazon