Some toys are just too big for the toy shelf. In my post about what is on our toy shelf, I mentioned that we had several big toys, and, today, I’m going to review them for you, so you can decide if they would be good purchases for you––links included! Cat rating system of course.
We do have a lot of these, but, for me, these a different than the smaller toys—they have even more potential for playing with others, and wearing kids out.
We bought this before she was quite a year old, and though she does have some fun with it, she mostly uses it with others. She still will use it, but, again, mostly if she’s got someone to play with. The price was fantastic, as it’s from IKEA, but I find the space-to-use fairly low. Out kitten loves it, though, so, win? Will probably keep for a while, but in the basement.
Ball Pit
I got this when she was a year old. She was instantly interested, although it didn’t keep that level of interest past a couple months. She still plays it it often, when we’re in the basement, especially if she’s got a buddy (sometimes me). However, there will come a point where they’ll think the best use for it is to dump out all the balls. They will be everywhere. I don’t know when this phase ends. Considered that before purchasing. Will probably still keep for a subsequent children. Kitten also loves the balls.
*The one I purchased was off Etsy, but the shop no longer exists. There could be others on Etsy who make them, though.
We introduced this at Christmas when she was one. It was an immediate hit, and has gotten so. many. hours. of love. Even still, she will just decide to cook. The only downside, I think, is that sometimes, she will only play with it deeply once or twice a week. But she still rummages through the fridge almost every day. Definitely recommend.
We did our own style for re-vamping it, but followed this super-helpful tutorial a lot.
Side note: we put the cleaning set by the kitchen, and, though she uses it a little, Todd actually uses it more than she does for actual cleaning. I don’t think it’s the toy for her, but maybe future kiddos will like it more.
She has a lot of fun on this, and is beautiful, so it’s definitely a keeper. I just wish we’d gotten it sooner, as it doesn’t have a lot of rocking range.
It’s not so much a toy as a nook, but I thought I’d include it anyway. We just recently gave this to her for Christmas, but she has loved it. I like that she has a cozy space to play, or be quiet (ha!), and she thinks a permanent blanket fort is amazing.
Expensive? Yes. Worth it? YES. A million times. She’s been pulling couch cushions off my couch for a year, and climbing the big cat tree even longer. The last few months, she’s been climbing the other cat tree. I try to get her outside and moving a lot, but, sometimes….sometimes you just need a place to move indoors. I love that it’s wood, I love the plethora of climbing possibilities, I love the platform, I love the side, I love the swing, and I love that it can become an instant fort with just a blanket.
If you’re considering buying one of these toys, I hope these reviews, paired with the other items’ reviews helps you choose the toy that would work best in your home.
