Thanks to Fisher-Price for sponsoring this post.
I tapped lightly on the same knocker that has adorned my grandmother’s front door all my life. The kids kicked off their shoes and scampered up the same staircase I ran up as a child to the spare room with all the toys. I slid into the same built-in banquet and sat at the same Formica-topped table that my father was bathed on as a baby. We drank tea from the same teapot we always do.
There is such comfort and warmth in having these constants in my life. I can’t help but think that my Ikea furniture won’t make it another five years, let alone 50. And as I watch friends and family buy and sell houses, always angling for bigger, better, newer or nicer, I can’t help but wonder what we’re trading away. Nothing lasts forever, of course, but it’s nice to have a few important things last a really long time.
Now I know I’m laying it on a bit thick here because I’m about to start talking about Fisher-Price toys. But bear with me, please. I had just been assigned this campaign when I visited my Grandma. I went up to check on the kids and suddenly noticed they were playing with this:
I have vivid memories of playing with this toy at my grandparent’s house as a young child myself. A closer look confirmed that it is indeed a Fisher-Price toy and that the doorbell still works.
Fisher-Price doesn’t make that toy any longer, but they do still make products that last.
Looking through a list of Fisher-Price favourites, I saw a couple that my own kids have used and used over the year.
The My Little Snugabunny Cradle N Swing has actually served six or seven babies in our extended family. I borrowed it from Ed’s cousin for each of my newborns who used it for her own three babies and then passed it along to another family member as well. It feels like new every time I put a baby in it and is a total life saver for those first few weeks.
We all know this one, right? Even if you don’t have kids, you’ve seen the Brilliant Basics Rock a Stack kicking around. The reason is that there’s simply no improving on this simple stacking toy. All of my babies played with this intently for a solid six months and then I packed it up for next time. This time, alas, I shall be packing it up to give to someone else because there’s lots more life left in those plastic stacking rings yet.
If you’re shopping for baby gear for your own kids or anyone else’s, I’d definitely recommend starting with the Fisher-Price Favourites web page.
And, as if you needed another reason, use the coupon code FISHERPRICE20 to save 20% off Fisher-Price favourites at Toys ‘R Us by April 30.
Disclosure: I am part of the Fisher-Price Blogger Campaign with Mom Central Canada and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.