When Ryder was a wee one, I had little knowledge about the toys he would eventually come to love. After all, I spent most of my time trying to prevent him from putting batteries in his mouth (yes, he could pry open every remote control cover known to mankind), and therefore was just happy with him gumming normal, FDA-approved toys.
But seasoned parents knew better.
“Is he into Thomas and Friends yet?” they’d ask.
“Not yet…” I’d respond with hesitation.
“Oh, he will be!” they’d cry with jubilation, rubbing their hands together in delight.
I later learned that their joy was not related to the prospect of my son having an enriching experience with toys, but rather that I too would be sent straight to the poor house trying to afford the extensive collection of trains, tracks and paraphernalia.
(True story: the first time I laid eyes on the $249 deluxe train table, I yanked Ryder so quickly in the other direction, he may have caught air time.)
Thank goodness for Fisher-Price.
Now, parents of pre-schoolers can invite Thomas into their child’s life without breaking the bank, and without sacrificing fun. Their entire line of Take-n-Play toys are just the right size and have just the right durability for every train-obsessed child. And for parents, they’re just the right price, of course.
It’s Thomas and Friends all-day-every-day with the Sodor Search & Rescue Center; the boys take turns pretending to be real-life heroes, with a little help from Flynn. (Also pictured below: Thomas Take-n Play Train)
Side Note: If Reid starts looking any more like me, I’m gonna put a bow in his hair and tell everyone that we’re raising him as our androgynous she/he. Well, not really, but seriously! He’s a carbon copy of me.
The Sodor Search & Rescue Center retails for around $30 (score!) and is most likely available at your favourite retailer of children’s toys.
I am part of the Fisher-Price Play Panel and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.
Haha I love your side note about Reid! My son is just over 2 1/2 and when he has a hat or hoodie on, some people think he’s a girl still lol. Guess he has that “pretty” face.
My Lil J shares Ryder’s love for trains and all things boy related, I’m sure. Glad Fisher Price has some pocketbook friendly options for mamas!
SO funny! Love boys with “pretty” faces… they go on to star in Joe Fresh commercials :)
Definitely check out the F-P options!
ha. my son is nuts about Thomas. and Lego. and little people. (we have the same LP ramp that you have!) i NEED to be on this FP panel! did you know they make the BEST diapers???
anyway, SO funny about putting a bow in Ryder’s hair. makes me remember a flowery hat i put on C. ima FB the link to u! xo
Your son makes the cutest little girl ever, LOL. Yes, the F-P panel rocks. One of my favourite companies to represent – ever – hands down.
What a cool toy, great post!!! Will have to check it out for my son.
Please do! Let me know how much he loves it Frank!
Next time there’s a Mastermind Warehouse sale — you’ve got to go. I got Charlotte a great big wooden Thomas set, along with a ton of trains last year. The deals were fantastic, and they had a lot of selection. I’m going back this year for more.
You MUST let me know when the next sale is on! I will be there too :)