2 Year Old Gift Guide

Put together a quick two-year old gift guide for the holidays!  Although a lot of these toys would be great for a 1-3 year old too!  This is the age of pretend play, so most of these are geared towards that. I wanted to only put quality toys on here, wood toys that can be passed down.  Also, they are all from AMAZON! And several of these toys are running sales today and on Cyber Monday.  Links are below! This list has toys for both little boys and girls too, but if you missed my Little Girl Gift Guide from last Christmas you'll want to check that out too (there's tons of stocking stuffers there)! Also check out my Best Toys for Baby's First Year post from awhile back if you have an infant.  Happy shopping!

1. Tea Set in a Basket-I looked long and hard at all the tea sets (there's a ton out there!), and this one is by far the cutest! Love the basket and that it comes with napkins and utensils.  

2. Grocery Cart-We have a plastic shopping cart already, and it's the second one we've owned because they all break (she plays with it every day)!  I love that this one looks like the real thing, and will look really cute in our playroom (instead of the bright blue one we have now!).

3. Rocket Ship Playset- How adorable is this?  It's like a dollhouse, but rocket ship themed!

4.  Help Find Frank Book-This is a favorite in our house.  It's like an upscale I Spy book, and Marlowe loves the story!

5. Wooden Camera-I have a Christmas Tree ornament that is a little hanging camera.  Marlowe found it and was running around pretending to take pictures of everything.  She was laying toys on the floor and taking pictures of them.  She is a photographer's daughter after all!

6. Wood Doctor's Kit-Marlowe is always running around pretending she's a doctor.  But she has a plastic set that is completely falling apart.  Love that this is wood so it will last!

7. V-tech Learning Table-Marlowe got this table last Christmas and it's served us well for a year, she uses the table most for painting and coloring as the table flips up and has a spot to clip paper. There are two different color options too!

8.  Escargot Book-I've been wanting to get this book for awhile! Its an adorable story about a snail with some fun laughs. 

9.  Cutting Fruit Set-I just know Marlowe will play with this nonstop. She's all about that play food! 

10. Blender and Mixer Set- More kitchen items! She's always trying to climb up on the counter to play with my Kitchen-Aid.

11. Wood Cleaning Set-Again, pretend play all the way! Love that this is quality wood and that it will look super cute left out in the playroom. 

12. Clifford Books Boxed Set-Clifford is a favorite in our house! Such great stories for this age!

13. Wood Toolbox Set-Marlowe is always trying to steal the hammer and our screw driver and pretend to hang things (probably sees her daddy do it all the time!) It's time for a tool kit for her!

14. Pots and Pans Set-We've been needing a quality pots and pans set in the play kitchen for awhile.  (We are running on very old plastic blue hand-me-downs!)  I also know that kids like it more when their kitchen items look like the real thing!

15. Little Critter Books Boxed Set-Marlowe loves every Little Critter Book we own, and they are a favorite at bedtime! How cute is this boxed set?

(Post contains affiliate links!)

The Perfect Baby Shower Gift

I don't know about you, but shopping for a baby shower gift can be daunting!  I always try and get my friends something that they will actually use and not return.  For me, that means never buying clothes as a gift because let's be real and say that allllll the pink or blue stuff is obnoxious.  Plus every parent has different clothing tastes.  It also means, gifting something that I've used, and can stand by.  Enter Primally Pure's natural baby product line.

I am always looking for products that are safe to use on Marlowe's delicate skin. Common name-brand products often contain chemicals and toxic ingredients that I wouldn't dare put on a baby.  I don't have to worry about this with Primally Pure's baby line because each product contains pure, natural ingredients with NONE of the other junk.  In my opinion, THE PERFECT baby shower gift is, The Baby Kit //$48// pictured above.  It has all 4 of Primally Pure's baby products in an adorable little bag with the sweetest Winnie the Pooh quote on it.
To receive 10% off your order, use the code MARLOWEANDMAMA at checkout (valid until June 30th).  

Baby Balm //$16//
I swear by this stuff.  This little jar contains a mixture of tallow, beeswax, extra virgin olive oil, calendula, emu oil, and marshmallow root (all organic!) that you can rub on just about anything.  It's perfect for diaper rash, cracked nursing nipples (this stuff cured mine!), and growing bellies for stretch marks.  I even put it on my lips when they are super chapped!

Baby Powder //$8//
Remember the days when moms would dump that good smelling white baby powder all over their little one's behind?  Those days are gone for most moms because the ingredients in common baby powder (talc) have some links to ovarian cancer.  Primally Pure's baby powder is talc free, and contains a mixture of arrowroot powder and kaolin clay that help to absorb moisture!

Baby Bar //$12//
Finally a baby soap that doesn't contain chemicals and fragrances!  This Baby Bar is made of goats milk, shea butter, and coconut oil and leaves your skin feeling moisturized...I would know because I actually love using it on my own skin in the shower.

Baby Oil //$26//
This pretty little jar has so many different uses for baby (and adults too!).  You can rub it over baby's skin after a bath as a substitute for "lotion", it works wonders for cradle cap, and I even use it as a cuticle oil on my own nails.  I used to rub it all over Marlowe's flaky head during those cradle cap days and the flakes would brush off with a comb!  It contains a combination of sunflower oil, apricot seed kernel oil, jojoba oil, and calendula flower that nourish the skin.

Any new mom-to-be will not only love this set of products, but will also feel good about putting it on their baby's skin.  Sounds like the perfect baby shower gift to me!  For more information about Primally Pure's baby line, read this blog post about the inspiration behind their products. 


**Disclosure:  This post is sponsored by Primally Pure.  All opinions and photos are my own.  

Father's Day Gift Guide

I'm not lying when I say shopping for my husband is one of the hardest things to do.  So, I actually sat down with him to have him help me with this post!  When I started researching "Father's Day Gifts" online I couldn't find a thing on ANY gift guide that was worth using. Most of the gift ideas that come up in a general search are geared towards men that are into BBQing or drinking beer, and well, my husband just isn't into either! Instead, Kyle is best described as a techy, athletic, coffee drinking, book-nerd dad.  If the dad you are shopping for is into any of those things...then this Father's Day gift guide is for you!

Encyclopedia Blazertannica Book //$16.73//
The World Cup is coming up and my husband is obsessed with all things soccer.  He told me he HAD to have this book written by The Men in Blazers (Roger Bennett and Michael Davies) as it tells you everything you need to know to be caught up before the World Cup.

Basketball and Other Things Book //$13.59//
This is a funny coffee table book about basketball written by Shea Serrano.  If the dad in your life is obsessed with basketball like Kyle, then this is the PERFECT gift.

Bean Box Coffee Subscription //$19 per month//
For the coffee-loving dad's out there, this is a super cool coffee subscription!  You can pick your plan and your roast and they will deliver some of Seattle's best coffee monthly.  Kyle got this as a gift a few Christmas's ago and it was a definite winner.

Board Shorts //$55// (and matching shorts for your little! //$22//)
We all know I love Kortni Jeane Swimsuits because I can match with Marlowe.  But did you know they also make super cute men's swim trunks AND matching trunks for little boys?  I love the pink and grey shorts above but there are a ton of other prints too!  This would be a fun gift since summer is finally here!

Pair of Thieves Matching Socks //$16.00//
Another option for twinning with your little, these Pair of Thieves socks come in a set of two...one for dad and one for a little kid!  Kyle wears fun socks to work almost every day, and I love all the designs from this company.  They also sell them at Target! Press on the link for all the other designs!

Leather Apple Watch Band //$49.50//
Originally I was going to link a new watch, but the reality is that most of the men I know just wear their apple watch everyday.  So instead of a new watch, how about a new watch band?  You can easily change out these leather watch bands from Etsy.

Quip Toothbrush //$25//
The Quip Toothbrush is the new "trendy" toothbrush.  It is electric with a minimalist design that supposedly gives you the best clean!  Kyle said he really wants one (and my own dad LOVES his) so I'm adding it to the list!

Outdoor Voices Workout Shorts //$65//
Outdoor Voices is Kyle's favorite company for workout clothes.  If you workout often, it's important to have quality clothes! He loves the workout shorts linked above and they come in multiple colors!

A New Hat //$25//
Every man I know loves a good hat.  Kyle is always in need of a new one since he wears them so much! The company '47 has a wide selection for every style and every team!  I linked the Dodger's hat above but you can easily search for your favorite team.

All Birds Shoes //$95// (and matching Small Birds //$55//)
The joke is that these are the shoes that all the tech guys wear.  It's because they are the perfect mix of work shoe and casual shoe!  Better yet, they also make "Small Birds" shoes for little kids so daddy and kid can match!

Chemex //$36.95// (+ Electric Pour Over Kettle //$34.99//)
Another gift for the coffee loving dad.  In my opinion using a Chemex/Pour-Over is the only way to make coffee.  Kyle uses his EVERY morning and we love it so much we got rid of our Keurig (it just doesn't compare).  I recently bought Kyle the electric kettle linked above and it was a game changer for heating up water!

iPhone + Wallet Case ($14.99)
A simple iPhone case that also has a couple slots on the back to hold his most important cards and replace his wallet. I really love the two-tone design but this one also comes in a brown leather version.

Mickey T-Shirt //$15//
Have you seen Target's line of Disney clothing recently?  If you are a Disneyland pass holder like us or just an overall Disney lover then this is a cute solid black Mickey t-shirt.  Marlowe will love her Daddy wearing it and Kyle needs something for all our Disney trips! This brand runs HUGE so size down.  I also think you'll have better luck finding this shirt in store than online!

Daddies are Awesome Board Book //$7.99//
The cutest little board book to throw in your gift bag as a book that baby and dad can read together!  Plus every page has cute dogs on it!

The Perfect Grandpa Gift: 

How to Babysit a Grandpa Kid's Book //$11.45//
If you need a little gift for grandpa then take a look at this book! I LOVE this adorable story that Marlowe can read with her grandpa when he visits!  The narrator gives important tips on how to babysit a grandpa and it's pretty darn cute if you ask me.

**All pictures of products are taken from the site linked.

A Little Girl Gift Guide

Marlowe on her Nugget Comfort (linked below!)

Can you believe Christmas is just 11 days away!? HOW did that happen so fast?  Even though Christmas isn't about gifts, let's be real and say we buy them anyways.  So, I put together a gift guide for all the little girls in your life around Marlowe's age!  I'd say there's something on this list for any little girl from age 1-3!  Also, there's a lot of gifts on here that boys would love too, especially the stocking stuffers list!  Some of these things Marlowe has and loves, some of these things I bought her for this Christmas, and some are things I totally WANT to buy her, but then I'd be out of money so it's just not happening yet.  For all you last minute shoppers out there, most of these things are from Amazon and can be sent with 2-day shipping! I tried to come up with a list of things that are useful for more than just a month, that encourage imaginative play, and toys made for learning. Everything is linked below (just press on the purple headings).  Merry Christmas!

The BIG Gifts 

1.  Nugget Comfort - Seriously the BEST thing ever.  It's a fort/couch/bed all in one.  

2.  Radio Flyer Tricycle - Love this little tricycle because it can grow with your toddler!

3.  Trampoline - Does your kid have a TON of energy like mine? Trampoline to the rescue.

4.  Basketball Hoop - A great outdoor toy!  There are also soccer and t-ball equivalents by Little Tike if you prefer those!

5.  Doll Bed - Marlowe is obsessed with dolls and taking care of them.  I LOVE this quality wood bed for all her babies. 

6.  Ikea Play Kitchen - Any play kitchen really, but I love this Ikea one because of the modern look.  Marlowe has this already at her grandma's house and it's a hit.  Obviously buy all the play food to go with it!

7.  Rocking Animal - I linked the Zebra rocker from Land of Nod, but they have a cute lion and a pig too!  Amazon also has a bunch!

8.  Frozen Dollhouse - Does your little girl love Frozen like Marlowe?  I've heard great things about this Frozen Dollhouse.

9.  Foldable Couch - Marlowe has this couch in the pink Minnie Mouse version.  It's AWESOME because it folds out into a little bed.  She acts like a big girl sitting on it, puts her babies on it, jumps on it etc.  The best part is I don't really care what she does to it because it's only 35 bucks. 

10. Play Tent - There's all kinds of tents out there but they come with a hefty price tag usually.  This tent is from Cotton On and it's only 20 bucks!  Plus it's adorable!

The Little Gifts

1.  Water Baby (or a baby doll) - To be honest I could just buy Marlowe a million baby dolls and she would be the happiest kid in the world.  She's a bit doll obsessed so I linked this Water Baby (like the ones we used to have!) because it's a bit heavier and more "baby" like.  

2.  One Thousand Things Book - I found this book at Anthropologie originally, but then found it on Amazon for cheaper.  It's a beautiful book full of first words for little kids.  I can't wait to give this to her!

3. Seek-A-Boo Game - This is the coolest little game for toddlers.  It comes with big flashcards with recognizable pictures of everyday objects and makes for a useful learning tool. 

4.  Mouse in Box - This might be my favorite thing on here because it's soooo adorable.  Marlowe loves little animals and I know this will be a hit. 

5.  Cuddle and Kind Doll - For every Cuddle and Kind Doll you purchase, 10 meals are given to a child in need.  Not bad if you ask me, plus these would make the perfect lovey.  

6.  Melissa and Doug Toys - I really love all Melissa and Doug toys because they are sturdy and educational.  Search Amazon for more, but I linked a little magnetic farmhouse with latches that is super fun to play with Marlowe.  

7.  Lakeshore Personalized Picture Book - I made my own version of this book, using construction paper and page protectors, and it's literally her favorite thing to look at right now.  It's a neat little book where you put pictures of familiar people and identify their names.  Great for developing vocab!

8.  Character Pajamas - We went to Target the other day, and Marlowe saw these jammies and about freaked out because they had Elsa on them.  I bought them OBVI.  

9. Remie Girl Dress/Leo - Marlowe is allllll about twirling in her dresses.  Remie Girl makes the cutest dresses that are all perfect for twirling and are amazing quality, plus they have pockets! 

10. My First Brain Quest - Remember Brain Quest as a kid? Well I was thrilled when I found this set! They are never too young to start learning and I'm always looking for things I can bring with me at restaurants that will entertain her. Each card has questions and pictures that I can ask her to find or identify things. 

Stocking Stuffers

1.  Crayons and Coloring Books (dollar store!) - The dollar store has the BEST things for stocking stuffers, but Marlowe is really into coloring so I stocked up on their coloring books!

2.  Play-Doh - Cheap, easy, fun. 

3.  The Wet Brush - My kid LOVES brushing her hair, my hair, Mowgli's hair....The Wet Brush is MY personal favorite brush for my own hair so I love this little mini version of it!

4.  Dot Markers - A mess free way to paint!

5. Sippy Cup with Favorite Character - This Frozen cup is our special cup for smoothies and yogurt.  She points to Olaf constantly.  Search Amazon or Target for a cup with your little's favorite character!

6. Stickers, stickers, and more stickers! (First Word Stickers) - Stickers are cheap, and my girl puts them on everything.  I linked the First Word Stickers that go with the First Word Book (also a fav of Marlowe's right now!)

7. Bubble Podz - I'm always needing new things to keep bath time fun, and these little bubble bath pods are pretty cool. 

8. Ceiling Stars - Another cheapy, and we aren't necessarily going to put them on the ceiling, but I know she's going to have a blast with these in her dark room or for a fun bath!

9. Plui Rain Cloud Bath Toy - Another bath toy that has awesome reviews.

10. Motts Fruit Snacks - I could fill Marlowe's stocking with just these fruit snacks and she would think it's the greatest day ever.  

11.  Water Wow Books - Another great on-the-go activity by Melissa and Doug.

12.  Helping Hands Fine Motor Skills Set - A fun little set that is perfect for sensory play.  Stick these in a bucket of rice, cheerios, jello, and you have an instant activity. 

13. Magnet Wand - So many fun activities you can do with magnet wands.  Think using it for finding magnets in sand, paper clips...

14. Play Pack Grab N Go - They have these Play-Packs at both Target and the Dollar Store and they are perfect for those outings where you just need something for them to do.  They come with crayons, coloring pages, and stickers.  

15. Dollar Store Flashcards - The Dollar Store always has all kinds of different flashcards and Marlowe loves to look at the pictures and identity the object.  

Ikea Play Kitchen