Day 1450 | Our Top Kid Buys

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Years ago, I made a list of all the baby purchases that we were big fans of when the boys were teeny. I realized it might be helpful (for me, mostly) to do another “best of” list now that the kids are older and we’ve given some products lots (and lots) of use. Warning: some of these items are pricey, but sometimes you really do get what you pay for, you know? 

Best Product Purchases for Long-term Use

  • The Micro Mini scooter. We’ve got two of these and they’ve been used and abused for years. Chase’s scooter finally fell apart this summer (note the worn out wheel on the left above), but because the design of the scooter is modular, we could replace just the pieces that were broken instead of the whole thing (for less than half the cost of a new one). 
     
  • This picnic blanket. We got this a gift from a friend for a baby shower for Chase. We used it all the time when the boys were little (and immobile) and continue to schlep it to outdoor occasions six+ years later. It’s a great baby gift—at least in my opinion. 
     
  • The City brand strollers. We got the City Mini when we were pregnant with Chase and then upgraded to the City Select when we were pregnant with Robbe. We were glad to have both (one is small and compact but still a comfortable ride/push and the other is bulky but still a condensed double stroller option). They’ve both held up remarkably well and have been worth every penny. 
     
  • The Diono Radian car seats. We’ve installed and used several different car seats over our years of travel and none of them compare to this seat. They’re super heavy (so not great for airplane travel), but the latching mechanism is incredibly easy to use (some are not) and the fabric and appearance still look new after 5+ years. 
     
  • The Stokke high chairs. My sweet parents bought these for the boys as a splurge when they were ready to start eating solids. They’re pricey but are SO worth it. This one chair has grown with them from 6 months (you need to add this infant insert) through today (you can adjust the height as they grow). It’s so much easier for the boys to keep their wiggles at bay and stay focused when they’re at the right height at the table. Without question, we’ve noticed the difference when the boys are eating at tables without them (even though they’re definitely old enough). I don’t see Chase moving to a regular chair any time soon. 
     
  • The portable high chair/booster. This was a thrift store buy on a whim and I’m so glad I snatched it up. We’ve used it for our boys here and there but, more so, it’s been nice to have an extra seat for friend’s kids when they’re eating at our house. We can accommodate an additional little one without having to kick the boys out of their (loved) seats.
     
  • This baby blanket. This was another gift from a friend when Chase was born and I've bought it for others after I fell in love with it. Such a soft and cozy blanket and just the right size. 
     
  • Corelle Plates. I didn't know what I was missing until I broke down and got a set of Corelle plates. They're ultra durable so the boys have been using them since they started solids and they're super lightweight and easy to put away from the dishwasher. I just wish I would have bought more of my set from the beginning.
     
  • L.L.Bean slippers. Chase needed slippers for his classroom last year. An entire year of full-day kindergarten and these things are still going strong. Most of the other options that his friends were wearing didn’t make the full year. I just ordered Robbe a pair for his upcoming school year because I was so impressed.  
     
  • These underwear.  For some reason, underwear is a hard fit with my boys. The adorable little briefs we find at Target are either too small for them or too big. Nothing in between. The set we bought on Amazon, though, is just right. And there's really nothing cuter than little boxer briefs on them.