'I buy everything for my toddler on Amazon. Here are the best products I’ve found.'

The first thing you need to know about me is that I'm pretty lazy. 

Okay, not lazy, so much as the idea of standing in a store trying to figure out what to buy for my child — or as a present for someone else’s child — is not my idea of a fun time. 

Ever since my daughter was born three years ago, I've become obsessed with buying everything on Amazon. 

I'm talking practical things like nappies and baby wipes, but there are also some really affordable kids' toys that my daughter plays with every day. 

Watch: POV: Your kids get their first phones in 2024. Post continues below.

There are usually good discounts to be found, and the items arrive the next day, which is very handy for the times when you’re stuck at home with a sick toddler who needs entertaining (which happens often — shout out to daycare germs!).

With Amazon's Prime Day running from July 16-21, I thought I’d turn my shopping addiction into a public service, and share the items I’ve bought that were actually worth the money. 

(Disclaimer: to take advantage of Prime Day discounts, you need an Amazon account. You can sign up to a 30-day free trial here). 

Here are my recommendations. 

The best toddler toys and items to buy on Amazon.

Magnetic Tiles, $79.99. 

Image: Amazon.

Without a doubt, these are the best things I've ever bought my three year old. She's played with these independently every single day for months, making castles, houses and hospitals for her toys. There's a tonne of different ranges to choose from, and they’re great for practising counting, colours and fine motor skills.

I have the Steam Studio 120-piece set (and it's on sale right now!), but I'm also eyeing up the CONNETIX Rainbow Starter Kit. A great Aussie lady startup founded the company, and they're aesthetically pleasing, too! 

Sorting Dinosaurs, $21.99. 

Image: Amazon.

I bought these on a whim when my daughter had a nasty daycare bug and I knew we'd be stuck inside. One year on, she still uses them every day. And I mean every single day. My house looks like it's populated by these tiny, colourful dinosaurs.

They come with tongs and matching coloured cups to practise sorting and fine motor skills, but they’re also great for imaginative play. She takes them in the bath, puts them in her dollhouse, builds houses for them with the magnetic tiles, the list goes on. 

I've also re-bought these several times, as they make for a great birthday gift. 

Water play mat, $11.95. 

Image: Amazon.

This is more for the little bubs, but my daughter was enthralled with this water mat for tummy time. As a bonus, you can easily let the water out and pack it away once you’re done with it, so it doesn’t take up much room. 

Magna Doodle, $35.40. 

Image: Amazon.

Remember theeeeese?! I was totally obsessed with mine as a kid, so I got my daughter one the second she showed an interest in drawing. And yes, I sometimes steal it to do my own artworks, too. Why wouldn’t I? 

Silicone baby food freezer trays, $27.99. 

Image: Amazon.

I grabbed a few of these when my daughter was starting solids because they were perfect for storing purees, but I still use them every week to batch cook portions of savoury mince, risotto, etc.

When she outgrows that stage, I've seen lots of people use them as little paint pots — genius!

Nappies. 

Image: Amazon.

I will never cart nappies out of the store again — mostly because my daughter is toilet trained now, hooray! But when she wasn’t, this was the best hack. Amazon does one-month supplies, and you can set it up as either a one-time delivery or a subscription service, where more arrive just as you’re running out. 

This is also a great baby shower idea if you’re not sure what to buy. I had a few people buy me nappies of different sizes and it was the HANDIEST gift ever. 

Wooden magnetic fishing game, $38.99.

Image: Amazon.

I was worried about this one because of all the little parts, but this has been the best way to teach my daughter the alphabet and letter recognition in a way that doesn’t make her want to fall asleep. 

Junior headphones, $48. 

Image: Amazon.

I bought these for a one-hour plane trip, because I was convinced my daughter would scream the entire time unless she could watch Bluey. Thankfully, they worked a treat. 

They're bluetooth headphones, so you can connect to a phone or tablet, and they’re so handy for long road trips or plane travel. 

Busy board, $34.99. 

Image: Amazon.

Whether you buy into the Montesorri hoopla or not, this toy has been a lifesaver on so many occasions. 

It’s basically just got a tonne of switches and different lights that my daughter finds entertaining. She uses it to play pretend, like it’s a remote control or the engine of a plane. It's also a great distraction option for longer car rides when you want to keep them off a screen. 

Washable kids paint, $13.99. 

Image: Amazon.

I never thought I'd be an arts and craft mum (because, well, the mess) but it's a super affordable activity you can do at home. 

We often stick up a cheap plastic shower curtain (like this one) and let her go crazy painting on that. Then, we hose it down at the end, ready for next time.

Tea party set, $39.99.

Image: Amazon.

I bought this four months ago and my daughter pulls it out every day. Even better, the cups are stainless steel, which means they're actually waterproof (unlike the sad beige baby wooden ones you often see) if you’re brave enough to let them practice pouring! 

Are you going to shop the Amazon Prime Day sale? What's on your list? You can shop here. 

Feature image: Supplied.