Bennett's Wish List

First and foremost, we would just like to say we have been so very blessed by all the gifts of clothes, toys, gadgets, and gear throughout Bennett's first few months. We really appreciate everything that has been done for us and the outpouring of love we have received. We don't want to dictate future gift giving, but we would like to focus on things Bennett needs and high quality toys that will last not only throughout his childhood, but hopefully can be played with my his future siblings too. We're currently short on space, so we hope to acquire toys that are versatile and long lasting instead of toys in which interest will fade and end up in piles around the house. We want Bennett to have toys that encourage creativity and self-entertainment as opposed to simply entertaining him. We especially like more open-ended creative toys (ie. plain trains instead of Thomas or a plain animal book instead of a Dora animal book) so they'll still be fun if interest in a character wanes.

We have compiled a list of things that we think Bennett will enjoy not only now, but also in the years to come. These are not all things he needs now or even soon, but things we hope to accumulate for him over time. Some of these are playsets that can be added to as Bennett gets older. We've included links to several individual items and we also have a wish list set up on Amazon.com that includes both things on this list and some that are not. The things we most want for Bennett to have this year are in red.


Clothes
We were recently given a huge bag of size 2 hand-me-downs (Thanks Amanda!) so we especially have lots of pants and shorts in that size as well as some tops.

• Church clothes - Winter Items in a size 18 months and I'm guessing he'll be in a 24 month/2T by Summer. He currently wears button down shirts or sweaters with khaki pants, but wears overalls/outfits when we have them.
• Pants - He could use a pair of size 18 month khaki pants to wear to church.
• Shirts - Bennett could use a few more cute long sleeve t-shirts in size 18 months to wear with jeans or sweatpants.
• Jackets - Bennett is good to go for Winter, Spring, and Summer in outerwear.
• Shoes - Bennett will soon be wearing a size 6 shoe. We love soft soled shoes and they are easy for Bennett to walk in, but have had a hard time finding any above a size 5, so they would be a big hit in a size 6! He already has some cute crocs, but would also regularly white or navy keds type shoes (walmart has them cheap) and some brown, black, or white shoes to wear to church in size 6 or 7.
• Pajamas - Bennett could use some size 18 month cotton pj's that are two-piece pants and a long sleeve top.

Outdoor

• A swing - Bennett loved swinging at the park last summer and I'm sure he'll enjoy it more and more as he gets older. Here's a link to one I found, but any baby/toddler swing to hook on a swingset would work.
• A tunnel - I think they have this one at Target, but you get the idea (a collapsible tunnel to crawl through)
• A parachute - This will be fun to play with when he gets a little older.
• A basketball goal - Bennett and Brad are sure to have fun with a little basketball goal.
• Garden Tools - A rake, shovel, etc. so he can help in the yard too.
• Balls - Big balls, little balls, any balls. I'm sure our boy will love balls. This Gertie Ball is supposed to be a good inside ball, and every boy needs a few balls for inside too.

Building and Sets

• Legos and Duplos - Duplos for now. It will be a few years before Bennett's big enough for Legos, but Legos and Duplos work together, so the Duplos will always be fun.
• Wood Blocks - Brad is making him some for his first Christmas!
• Brio Train - Bennett has some hand me down Brio train tracks and trains, but it's one of those things that can be added to over time.
• Cardboard Blocks - These will be great in a year or 2. I remember my cousins playing with these for years and years. The Lillian Vernon ones are half the price of all the others I have found.
• Playmobil
• Imaginext
• Little People
  

Books, CDs, DVDs


Cloth Books - We would love to have a few quiet toys like cloth books for restaurants, church, etc. when noisy toys just won't do.

A Bible - The Child's Story Bible is our #1 pick, it has come VERY highly recommended and we would love, love, love to have it for Bennett. Another Bible we are interested in having is the Color version of Good and Evil. The Jesus Storybook Bible is supposed to be a good family devotion Bible.

Baby Einstein Discovery Cards - We would love to have some of these flash cards, they are supposed to hold up well and have nice illustrations and bright colors.

Board Books - Bennett is taking more of an interest in reading books and we would love to have some more sturdy books to add to our collection. Some books and authors we are interested in having their board books or regular books are: Sandra Boynton, Eric Carle, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Cheerios book.

Holiday Books - I would love to start collecting Holiday and Season specific books to take out at those special times of year.

Bath Books

Signing Time DVDs - Sam and I both loved this program on TV and learned a TON from them. We are no longer able to watch it on TV, so we would love to have the Signing Time DVDs in hope Bennett will benefit from them as well

CDs - the only CDs we currently listen to are classical music and silly nursery rhymes. I would love to have some Christian kids CDs that adults can enjoy as well. The Hymns for a Kids Heart Series has also been highly recommended. This ABC Bible Verse CD is also supposed to be good. I have also heard good things about Poetry Speaks to Children is a great change of pace.

Wood Toys - If you know me at all, you know I LOVE wood toys.

Wood Puzzles (especially ones with knobs) The Melissa and Doug puzzles definately make the top of our list.

Lacing Beads

Food toys (wood and velcro) - Again, Melissa and Doug are well known for play food. We really like the food you can "cut". We also like felt and fabric food and I know there are quite a few listed on etsy.com. Preferably foods that are considered healthy.

Other
A small cool mist humidifier. We have one, but it puts out hot steam so we can only use it when Bennett is asleep to keep him from burning himself.

An AquaDoodle or travel MagnaDoodle- We would love to have a travel Magnadoodle for in the car or also as a quiet toy. I was originally skeptical of the Aquadoodle, but have heard great things about it.

A kid size broom and mop. Bennett tries to play with the big broom every chance he gets and chases the mop across the floor.

A Noah's Ark set

Suitcase - Instead of a plastic kids suitcase that will inevitably fall apart, we would love for Bennett to have a simple, yet nice small suitcase. One that he can use for years to come. While a "Going to Grandma's" bag might not fit the bill, a bright colored, noticeable one would be great or even one with a small backpack to match.

Bath Toy Net - Now that Bennett is taking baths in the big bath tub, the bath toys are starting to overtake our bathroom. A net that will attach to the side of the shower and hold all the toys would be awesome.

Playsilks

Easel - Maybe by next Christmas he'll be ready for an easel to color and make pictures.

Please keep in mind this is our long term list intended to last for years and Bennett's current favs include a spoon, a funnel, his socks, his shoes, and jar lids.