Toys not tossed aside...

The favorite toy under the tree this year by far has been

Melissa & Doug's Cutting Food box.

It has yet to get tossed aside. I'm even addicted to it.

There is something very tactile and oh so satisfying about cutting these wooden vegetables held together by velcro.

Perhaps it's the sound it makes or the effort it takes?

Whatever it is, the kids love it.

It's very interactive, fun and they don't realize they are learning.

There was also a surprising side effect after playing with this toy all Christmas morn.

When the appetizer tray was put out - both kids grabbed the carrots instead of the chips and dip.

Whose children are these ? I thought.

Hmmmmmm. Perhaps it's just a coincidence. If not, wow, thank you Melissa & Doug!

Then I thought what else do our kids play with constantly? There are always the trains. Those are a given for both kids.

Here are the other popular toys in our house.

Two items from Leap Frog -

Both of these are great for learning and keeping the kids busy while you fill the dishwasher or cook.

Leap Frog Fridge Phonics - there is a song that becomes an ear-worm "A, A, A says Ah, and A says Ayy..."

But I'm telling you my kids both totally learned their alphabet letters from this toy. Next step after that one is

This toy allows kids to spell three letter words and can help your child learn to read.

I don't think a day has gone by when they haven't played with either of these for at least a few minutes.