These are a few of my favorite things - 1 Year: Toys

It's been a long time since I've done a Monthly Favorite Things post. A number of you have been asking what toys Carina is currently enjoying, so I figured it would be a good thing to revisit. I'll follow up with a non-toys post next week.

Melissa & Doug Wooden Abacus: At this point, she just likes to bang on the abacus and make the beads spin. I hope it will continue to be fun for her as she grows. A while back I took some cute pictures of her playing with the abacus.Fisher-Price Rock-a-Stack: We've had this since she was 6 months old and she has just as much fun with it now as she did then. Recently she started actually putting the donuts on the stacker, instead of just sticking the donuts in her mouth lol

Fisher-Price Chase & Race Ramp: A friend of mine just gave this to Carina for her birthday. When we were at her house on a playdate, I remarked that I really liked all of her son's "boy" toys, and thought that Carina needed some (she has a few too many purse toys). It was so thoughtful of her to give this to Carina! And wow, she is in love with this toy. She dances when it plays music after the car goes through, and waves her arms up and down. Adorable.

USA Map Magic Wand Puzzle: I saw this puzzle a while back on Zulily and it instantly reminded me of the giant USA map on the blacktop of my elementary school back in Westborough, Massachusetts. I was a geography nut when I was younger, and I guessed {correctly} that Carina would have a lot of fun with this. At this point she pretty much just takes all of the pieces out and stick them in her mouth, or in other strange places. The Carolinas are currently missing hahaha. I took some cute pics of her playing with this a while ago, too.

Melissa & Doug Band in a Box: This was one of Carina's two Christmas gifts and she just can't get enough of it. She loves the maracas, the triangle, and the tambourine. She's just recently figured out how the cymbals work, too. Despite the loud noises that emanate from this toy, it is so much fun to play the instruments with her.
Fisher-Price Tea Set: Every morning Carina and I have a little tea party right before I get my actual coffee. She hands me one of the cups and "eats" the little cakes. We have been practicing "open" and "close" with the top of the teapot as well.

Sandra Boynton Board Books: These are a huge hit in our house. Carina picks one up, brings it over to me, hits in my lap, and I read it to her. Then, she gets up, goes and gets another, and comes back. We sometimes read four at a time, all in a row. I love our snuggly reading time.
Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Storybook Rhymes: This toy is the only way we are able to make it through diaper changes sans screaming. I put it next to the changing pad and Carina watches in awe as I take care of her dirty diapers. When not mid-change, she likes to sway back and forth to some of the nursery rhymes.
Fisher-Price Baby's First Blocks: We've had this toy since before Carina was 6 months old and she's just beginning to understand how the blocks go in the different shape holes. Before, she would simply play with (or try to eat) the blocks, or just put them all in the bucket.

On the Night You Were Born: I quoted this book in Carina's Happy Birthday post. Every single time I read this book, I tear up while reading the last page. This book is so special, and so perfect, I think every child needs it.

What toys did your little one love at 1?