I love, love, love a toy that can keep an 8 month old and a 4 year old occupied at the same time. The classic natural wood blocks by Melissa and Doug do just that. Both Jaia and Wes love them.
I will admit they use the blocks for far different purposes. Wes chews on them while Jaia builds princess castles that Wes then decides should be knocked down. This may or may not lead to whining and complaining by the older child, but I still love that they are actually playing ‘together’ and that I can sit in one spot with them for a few minutes at a time rather than have to run back and forth between them.
Looking for a gift for a little one? Definitely pick these up. All ages love them, even the adults that Jaia ropes into castle building with her. Worth every penny.
Sarah - Kayla and Hayden are the same way. We don’t have them, but every week when we go to Chapters they both side down and play with them forever.