Before my first son Leo came along, I was a full-fledged girl mom. My then–three-year-old daughter, Mila, lived in a world of sparkle and imagination. Her days revolved around her princess tent, endless rounds of “cooking” in her pretend kitchen and elaborate makeovers for our very patient cat, Janis (who, by the way, had zero patience for every other human being). We painted our toes in neon pink polish, baked chocolate chip muffins in matching aprons and spent our afternoons twirling and singing to Disney songs. Our home smelled like vanilla Play-Doh and bubblegum shampoo—and I loved every second of it.
And then… came the boys. First Leo, then Eli. Two beautiful, boundless little hurricanes who blew into our pink-and-glitter universe and (lovingly) turned it upside down. Suddenly there were mini basketballs bouncing off the walls, hockey sticks scraping against the hardwood floor and golf balls mysteriously rolling under the couch. My mornings stopped smelling like glitter glue and started sounding like a scrimmage before sunrise.
Mothering boys has been the most unexpectedly tender experience of my life. Everyone warned me about the energy, the noise, the chaos—and sure, that part checks out—but no one told me how gentle it would feel underneath it all. How they’d collapse into my lap after running full speed through the house, or whisper “Mama, watch this!” before launching a ball ten feet across the room.
This season raising two boys under 3 is loud and beautiful. It’s grass stains on clean laundry, bathwater that somehow ends up on the ceiling and love that moves at lightning speed. Being a boy mom has taught me that tenderness doesn’t always look quiet—it can look like belly laughs echoing through the house, like a sweaty post-play hug, like a whispered “I love you” from under a Spider-Man mask.
So this one’s for the boy moms. For the moms raising the wild ones—the ones who find Matchbox cars in their purses, grass stains on their jeans, and joy in the middle of chaos—these are a few things just for you. A reminder to slow down, soften, and celebrate the beautiful mess of it all.
These are the gifts that celebrate the wild, the wonder, and the heart inside it all—the things that let them move, build, create and remind you that even in the chaos, you’re doing something sacred.
LeapFrog Scoop and Learn Ice Cream Cart Deluxe
The toy that’s somehow survived all three kids—and still delivers daily joy (and fake sprinkles). Mila used to serve me “rainbow swirl” cones in princess dresses, and now Leo runs the shop, calling out orders and handing me scoop after scoop like it’s his full-time job. It sings, it talks, it teaches colors and counting—but mostly, it reminds me how sweet this stage really is.
Amazon — $60
Lovevery Play Kits (The Enthusiast + The Investigator)
These Montessori-inspired play kits are basically the gold standard of toddler toys—beautiful, sturdy, and actually played with longer than a week (a true parenting miracle). Each piece is thoughtfully designed to spark imagination and build independence, but honestly? My favorite part is that they buy me ten uninterrupted minutes to drink my coffee while it’s still hot.
Lovevery — $138
“In My Boy Mom Era” Makeup Bag
Because if motherhood had an era, this would be it. This embroidered canvas pouch is equal parts funny and functional—perfect for holding lip balm, toy cars, and the six different snacks you somehow carry everywhere. Whether she’s a new mom or a seasoned pro, it’s a sweet little reminder that this chapter—messy, loud, and love-filled—is one worth celebrating every day.
Amazon — $24
Green Toys Dump Truck
This is the kind of toy that somehow ends up everywhere—in the sandbox, the bath, and yes, the kitchen floor. Made from 100% recycled plastic and free of BPA and phthalates, it’s durable enough to survive years of crashes, drops, and “garbage runs.” Bonus: it teaches little ones about taking care of the planet while keeping them busy long enough for you to unload the real trash.
Amazon — $21
Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Set
Instant classic—and perfect for the ball-obsessed. Adjustable height means both boys can play together (or fight over turns, because realism). It builds coordination, burns energy, and delivers the kind of pride only a toddler slam dunk can bring.
Amazon — $48
Fat Brain Toys Dimpl Pops Deluxe
The baby version of fidget heaven. Each colorful ball spins, clicks, or bounces—keeping little hands and big curiosity busy while you attempt to eat lunch with two free hands (a luxury, really). Designed for one-year-olds but loved well beyond, it’s one of those rare toys that actually earns its spot on the living room floor.
Amazon — $38
Boy Mom Picture Frame – THYGIFTREE
Because sometimes the sweetest moments are the messy ones—muddy sneakers by the door, cereal stuck to their cheeks, arms wrapped tight around your neck. This rustic wood frame captures it all, beautifully and simply. Slip in your favorite photo (maybe that one where you’re both mid-laugh) and let it live somewhere you’ll see it every day. A quiet reminder that the boy who made you “Mom” is your greatest masterpiece.
Amazon — $10
Huffy Disney and Marvel Toddler Kids 3-Wheel Scooter
If your toddler’s Spidey obsession rivals mine, this one’s a no-brainer. It’s sturdy, stable, and just fast enough to make them feel like superheroes without giving you a heart attack. With bright character graphics and a non-slip deck, it’s the perfect first “big kid” ride—and the kind of gift that guarantees hours of fresh air (and an early bedtime).
Amazon — $63
Slumberkins Hammerhead Kin + Board Book
Because little boys have big feelings, too. This snuggly shark and storybook set helps them name their emotions, practice empathy, and learn that it’s okay to start over. Around here, we call that progress—and sometimes, a parenting miracle.
Amazon — $49
Toniebox 2 Audio Player Starter Set
A screen-free lifesaver that somehow keeps their full attention. The Toniebox lets kids choose stories, songs, and characters just by popping a figure on top—no buttons, no scrolling, no overstimulation. It’s soft, durable, and toddler-proof (trust me, ours has been dropped more times than I can count). Perfect for quiet time, car rides, or those rare, sweet moments when they actually sit still.
Amazon — $140
Family Handprint Frame Kit
A keepsake that somehow captures what words can’t: how small their hands once were, and how big your love has grown. This DIY handprint kit turns a simple afternoon craft into a forever memory—paint-smeared fingers, giggles, and all. It’s the perfect gift for new parents or families in the thick of it, reminding you that even the messy moments are worth framing.
Amazon — $36
Melissa & Doug Wooden Tool Bench
For the little fixer who insists on “helping” every time you so much as open a toolbox. This sturdy, hands-on set lets them hammer, twist, and build to their heart’s content—no batteries, no screens, and no missing screws from your real furniture (hopefully).
Babylist — $132
Green Sprouts Silicone Bath Boats
Simple, stackable, and mold-free—aka the trifecta of mom sanity. These little boats turn bath time into calm time (or at least close to it). Perfect for beach days, backyard water tables, or sink play when you just need five minutes to breathe.
Amazon — $17
Little Sleepies All Stars Two-Piece Pajama Set
Matching superhero PJs that somehow make bedtime exciting. Made from buttery-soft bamboo fabric that actually survives the wash cycle.
Little Sleepies — $38
“Home Is Where My Boys Are” Wood Sign
Equal parts truth and chaos, this little sign says it all. Whether your “home” looks like a trail of toy trucks, mismatched socks, or cereal under the couch, it’s the kind of love that fills every corner. Rustic and sweet with just the right amount of mom humor, it’s a daily reminder that the wildest place on earth—your home—is also the happiest.
Amazon — $39
Lands’ End Toddlers Pull On Splash Rubber Rain Boots
Because puddles aren’t obstacles—they’re invitations. These easy-on, easy-off boots keep little feet dry while they stomp, splash, and “accidentally” soak you in the process. Durable, flexible, and cute enough that you won’t mind when they insist on wearing them everywhere—even to breakfast.
Lands’ End — $30
Mighty Wheels 10″ Mighty Fire Truck
Loud? Absolutely. Worth it? Also yes. This fire truck lights up, makes noise, and somehow brings every pretend rescue mission to life. It’s pure joy in vehicle form—the kind that guarantees big smiles, bigger sound effects, and at least one impromptu living-room siren parade.
Amazon — $21
Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Water Table
A warm-weather lifesaver. This one keeps both boys busy—pouring, splashing, and sending toy boats down slides while you supervise from the shade with a coffee. It’s sensory play disguised as outdoor chaos, and it never gets old.
Amazon — $85
KiwiCo Koala Crate Subscription
For the days when you can’t handle one more episode of Spidey. These monthly crates are filled with sensory play, art projects, and STEM-inspired fun—all created by educators and toddler-approved in about five seconds flat. It’s mess-contained, screen-free, and conveniently shows up right when you need a new distraction.
KiwiCo — Prices vary
HABA Walker Wagon
A first walker that’s actually pretty enough to live in your living room. Sturdy, smooth, and perfectly weighted for those wobbly first steps—it’s built for pushing, hauling, and, let’s be honest, crashing into every wall in sight. One of those toys that quietly marks a milestone before you even realize how fast they’re growing.
Amazon — $171
Hape Pound & Tap Bench with Slide-Out Xylophone
Equal parts music and mayhem. They’ll hammer, tap, and roll the balls until you’re humming the tune in your sleep—but the joy is undeniable. It’s beautifully made, surprisingly durable, and one of those toys that turns ordinary noise into something that almost feels like art.
Amazon — $33
Spidey and His Amazing Friends Water-Webs Pirate Ship
If your house is anything like mine, Spidey runs the show—and this pirate ship playset is his latest obsession. It blows bubbles, floats in the tub, and somehow makes bath time the highlight of the day. With mini action figures and just the right amount of noise, it’s the kind of toy that keeps them entertained long enough for you to actually wash their hair.
Amazon — $40
