Have kids they said. It will be fun! Well, whoever “they” is, they were right! Being a parent is, without a doubt, a ton of fun and with the right toys in your home, you can certainly provide your child with hours of FUN (and maybe set yourself up for a few moments of relaxation, too).

As parents we are constantly on the lookout for the best developmental and age-appropriate toys for our children. It is overwhelming, especially for those first-time parents, to find toys that they think their child will enjoy…and let’s be honest; toys that aren’t too loud, too big, require too many batteries, contain small parts, and as you can already guess, the list goes on and on.

Audrey & Bear to the rescue, fellow parents! After copious amounts of research, product development, and product testing, we are confident that we have created a wide range of play-based products to meet the needs of children ranging from infancy- 8 years old. 

We take pride in our products and love that they are perfect for open ended play. Our goal is to engage the minds and imaginations of babies, toddlers and children everywhere! 

Take a look below at our play by age guide based on your child’s current needs and/or interests:

The 1st, 2nd  and 3rd  Years: Discovery, Observation and Playing with Others

During the first year and up to about the age of 3, babies and toddlers are learning about themselves and the big world they live in. They are making new discoveries and observations daily, as their curious minds constantly move in a forward motion, absorbing everything in their surrounding environment. 

Nesting Bears are a fan favorite! Pull them apart to discover what’s been hidden inside, stack them, line them up, hide them and then seek after, and more! Their small size makes them perfect for playtime, bath time, travel, and storing in a cute basket or displaying on a shelf.

Hex Balls serve as the ideal teething and grasping toy for your little one. They can easily discover the soft and pliable material/texture using their hands, while also figuring out how to grab, squish, and throw the hex ball. Take it with you wherever you go! They also attach easily to our loveys!

Link rings are the perfect addition to your baby’s toys as they are multi-purpose. Hang toys closer to baby’s grasp when lying on back, hang link rings from a play gym, car seat, highchair or any safe place baby plays in. Link rings also attach well to our loveys and serve as a teething option!

The 3rd, 4th and 5th Years:  Playing with Others, Teamwork and Learning

Years 3, 4 and 5 are formative years for playing with others, making friends, working cooperatively, and learning abundant amounts of new information.

Play capes are the best of all worlds! They are perfect for kids of all sizes as we offer 4 different sizes, along with an easy to open and close plastic snap. Get ready to watch their imaginations soar as they put on their capes and their play transforms as they interact with others or play independently. Capes are durable for both indoor and outdoor play and they’re even reversible!

Aprons are a must if you want your child to have fun as they learn through messy experiences without ruining their clothing! There are endless possibilities when it comes to our apron use…playdough, clay, painting, gardening, baking, water play, any type of messy sensory play, and more! The 2 front pockets serve as a place for children to put their tools or store their special treasures; not to mention, stimulate imagination through creative designs. They are super easy to put on and take off, fold up easily and small for storage, and wash well.

Hideouts are what every child and family needs! A place for all kids to play in without taking up too much space in your home. It’s easy to set up by using twist ties, reusable hooks, and/or soft suede ribbons, and small enough to store when not being used (click here to setup a hideout). The hideout is portable and your child can set it up throughout your home, at Grandma’s house, while on a playdate at their friends, or even bring it on vacation! Let your child explore the wonders of their imagination, engage in teamwork as they build, and connect with family members and friends as they play for hours in their new favorite A & B hideout!

Everyday Bags are so versatile! Have a busy child that’s always out and about or a child that loves to collect treasures? Our everyday bags are the perfect addition for your child! They are the ideal bags for piano lessons, gymnastics class, karate, church, and more, as well as a wonderful bag to use for the car, restaurants, or playtime around the house…cue those curious minds and imaginative busy bees. Use any of our designs to make it special for your child.

The 5th  6th, 7th, and 8th Years: Learning, Friendship, Self-esteem, and Acceptance

Without permission, your little ones continue to grow up right before your very eyes, but don’t fret. They still LOVE you and they still LOVE to play! Audrey & Bear knows just what children need as they progress toward different age-appropriate milestones!

As mentioned, capes, aprons, hideouts and everyday bags grow with children ages 3-5, and they also serve are wonderful products during years 5-8. While a child’s form of play may differ as they get older, these items encourage independence, boost self-esteem, inspire learning, provide opportunities for friendships to blossom and mature, as well as teach children acceptance.

Our open-ended items not only captivate the hearts and minds of children, they continuously amaze and please parents.

As with all of our products, the products featured may be fully customized using any of our designs to suit the likes and personalities of the recipients; thus, exciting them to set forth and play!

A child’s happiness and their world of play is important to us. We are so honored to be a small part of your child’s journey as they navigate the world through independent and social play. 

Thank you for “playing” along with us here at Audrey & Bear! We wish you and your loved ones fun to last a lifetime!

-Tracy Klipfil, Audrey & Bear Community Manager