My Top 3 Favorite Home Toys (From a Play Center Owner)
- Jessalyn Pustay
- Jan 8
- 2 min read
As a play center owner, if there’s one thing I know, it’s toys. I know what makes a toy a good toy—the kind that invites repeat play, supports development, and doesn’t end up forgotten at the bottom of a bin two days later. Even though I’m surrounded by toys all day at The Playroom + Coffee Corner, choosing toys for my home is a different process. (I’m happy to dive into this process more in a different blog post if you’re interested.) These are my top three favorite home toys from 2025 that truly earned their place.
1. Learning Resources Chain Links
These chain links are one of those toys that never gets old. We use them at home for a surprising amount of imaginative play. One day they're a lasso, then a rescue rope, then a fishing line, and even construction equipment. They are great for open-ended play and quietly work on fine motor skills, color matching, and counting as they play! They’re simple, sturdy, and adaptable for so many ages, which is exactly why I love them. My son and daughter both find so many unique ways to play with these and they are constantly in use!
2. HABA First Orchard Game
When it comes to games for young kids, this one is a standout. It is the first game I ever attempted with my 2 and 3 year old children and I was blown away by how fun and easy it is for the whole family. The First Orchard game is cooperative and simple—perfect for early game skills like turn-taking and color recognition. It’s calm, engaging, and something we actually enjoy playing together at home. This was our launching pad for family games and we now own quite a few, but this one consistently stays in the mix!
3. Ms. Rachel Bean Bear & Potty
If your little one is a Ms. Rachel fan, this will be a hit -– especially if you’re approaching or in the midst of potty training! This toy has been such a fun and natural way to support potty learning at home. My daughter instantly recognized Bean Bear and understood the assignment. She sat him right down on the potty and started practicing the whole potty process, from undressing to hand washing. This toy has opened up so many playful, low-pressure moments to explore everyday routines together. Even though we are past the potty training phase, the toy potty is still used regularly as a pretend bathroom in forts my kids build and a potty for all of their other dolls and stuffies.
These three toys have truly stood out in our home in 2025, and I hope they give you some fresh ideas for your own home play space. Comment if you would like to see another post with more details about:
how I select toys
the worst toys of 2025
other awesome games for toddlers and preschoolers
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