THE BEST RESTAURANT APPROVED SCREEN FREE TOYS FOR YOUR TODDLER
- August 13, 2024
- Baby, Family, Foodie, Toddler, Travel
ALL PRODUCT LINKS SHARED may be ELIGIBLE FOR A SMALL COMMISSION. THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTing DEPARTMENT OF DEPENDENTS
lets get into screen free toys . . .
Nowadays when my husband and i dine out, we’re accompanied by our toddler and a small collection of screen free toys for his entertainment. long gone are the days of walking into any restaurant on a busy Saturday night, bypassing all the families anxiously awaiting their table, and us heading straight to the bar for dinner and drinks. times have certainly changed; for the better of course.
so if you’re looking for the best restaurant approved screen free toys for your toddler, look no further. Tested time and time again, from a set of parents that rather be out than home, you’re gonna wanna add these to your cart immediately to peacefully (relatively speaking) enjoy your next meal out.
screen free toys | mini magnetic tiles
first up, is my #1 pick of mini magnetic tiles! Everyone in our family loves these tiny building blocks that allow you to build 2D and 3D structures with endless combinations. (40) pieces of colorful shapes, all well under 4” in size, make it the perfect activity for both an independent or collaborative screen free project. Even more so, the pieces are so compact that minimal table space is taken up by this activity. It’s an absolute win-win for all.
screen free toys | lcd writing tablet
Another all time screen free favorite. And don’t let the word “tablet” scare you off. this is still very much a screen free activity. From roadtrips to restaurants, the 12” screen offers a large drawing space for practicing letters or one’s creative art skills. And the absolute best feature of this tablet is the attached pen. No more lost crayons, markers, or pencils will this sturdy attachment. It’s been an absolute lifesaver whenever we’re in the car for an extended period of time, and even when we’re just hanging at home. Oh, and it’s reusable, so no more traveling with multiple coloring books or art supplies. Yes!
screen free toys | magnetic puzzle book
With multiple puzzle layouts in one book, magnetic puzzle books offer more play and critical thinking to keep your toddler focused on completing each task on hand. Each magnet has a strong enough hold to keep to the board, but not too strong that your toddler can’t maneuver the pieces from place to place. I love a magnetic toy simply because it keeps all the pieces together and limits any potential loss. i said limits, not guarantees loss – don’t come for me! The screen free design is 7” in width and height, so it is very easily transportable and fits comfortably in a diaper bag or purse.
screen free toys | suction cup fidget toys
I initially bought these collaborative suction cup toys to entertain my little guy when on a flight. yet they have proven to be just an entertaining when seated at a restaurant. The adhesives stick easily to everyday surfaces from windows, to tables, and even baths, and leave no damage or residue once removed. Each piece bends, connects, and offer countless ways to keep your toddler’s hands busy. I have been very pleased to see just how much use these toys continue to get inside and outside our home.
screen free toys | spelling bee
While I was working as a server, I once saw a mom and her daughter playing this together and I immediately asked where I could get one for my son. This is certainly a more advanced activity geared towards school-aged children, but I’m not opposed to any early intervention. Even if that means my son takes the lettered dice and builds towers with them, opposed to creating legible words, I still find value in him familiarizing himself with each letter. And if its safe, and he’s entertained, the recommended age range on the box makes no difference to me. We’ve already gotten a solid (2) years of screen free fun, and we’LL CONTINUE TO HAVE years MORE to utilize its FULL CAPACITY. Definitely worth the investment.
screen free toys | numbered pop- it
This pop- it was a welcomed happy surprise. Like most toddlers, our little guy loves to push those bubbles back and forth. So when he started learning numbers and counting at daycare, this made a great a stocking stuffer over the holidays. With numbers 1- 100, he punches down each colorful circle while reciting out loud the numbers he’s attacking. Then he does it again. And again. And again. It’s educational, sensory, independent, and ignites his memory.
screen free toys | coloring
Ah yes, the ole classic. I realize I said above that the LCD tablet eliminates the need to carry around paper, coloring books, and art supplies, but the classics are classics for a reason. I have no strong preference over a specific brand of coloring supplies, so to each their own. Some parents don’t mind their kids using markers, while others see disaster on the horizon when their kid gets there hand on a marker. So do what feels best, and let your little one coloring to his/her heart’s desire, as you enjoy a well deserved cocktail.
screen free toy | stickers
Similar to coloring, another classic activity that’ll never go out of style. Just throw down some paper, grab some sticker packs from your local DollarTree, and let those kids create their own storyboard. Keep the fun even lasting longer by incorporating reusable stickers that can be moved time and time again.
final thoughts . . .
each of the screen free toys above has allowed our family to explore the food & beverage scene in each of the different cities we’ve been fortunate enough to call home. it’s a hobby my husband and i took part in frequently before we expanded our family, and now through some trial and error, we’ve found ways to keep our busy toddler busy in his seat. with our second child on the way, these screen free toys will continue to get even more use for years to come. Each is absolutely worth the investment, and will prove to be a great addition to your own child’s screen free playtime routine. Let me know in the comments what screen free toys or activities your family swears by!
CHEERS BABES!
jenna
MADAME PRESIDENT AT DEPARTMENT OF DEPENDENTS