Ask The Toy Maven

Choosing a dollhouse online can feel almost as daunting as scrolling Zillow for a real one! In my experience, the large stationary wooden dollhouses often end up as "decorative furniture" with surprisingly minimal use. The ones that live in a closet and get taken out specifically for "dollhouse time" get much more intentional play.

That's why I love the Li'l Woodzeez Honeysuckle Hillside Cottage. It folds in half, is nicely sized, durable, and charmingly designed. It comes with a sweet starter set of furniture and is perfectly compatible with Mitzvah Mentchies.

I have the perfect idea: Speed Stacks! While they were popular when I was a kid, they've somehow phased out — but they shouldn't have. These stacking cups are extremely good for hand-eye coordination and will definitely appeal to his competitive side as he tries to beat his own score. This set comes with the non-slip mat and timer, and you can purchase additional cup sets to stir up real competition with siblings and friends!

The Kikapabi LCD Writing Tablet is a great distraction in the car for all ages! It's like a Magna Doodle, just sleeker and much more fun. Let your kids scribble away with the attachable pen and watch the mess disappear with the press of a button. The built-in battery is easily replaceable, though mine has been going strong for years. Best feature: they slide right into the seat-back pocket for easy storage.

The B. Toys Rainbow Gumballs Gumball Machine is quite popular in our house! Babies love chasing the colorful balls as they roll down the chute, and it's great for refining fine motor skills and learning to follow a cycle. It also grows with your daughter — helping with color recognition and eventually counting (the balls are numbered!). Sturdy, durable, and very well-priced.