The Best Indoor Toys That Also Look Good—From $15

During her pregnancy, my sister vowed not to let baby things overtake her home’s aesthetic. Fast-forward many months: She recently emptied her dining room to transform it into a playroom (and house all of her baby’s toys). While not always possible, it’s sometimes nice to stash the kids’ stuff away in a designated place when company comes over. But let me tell you a little secret: Babylist is full of indoor toys that are beautiful enough to leave out 24/7. 

From a wooden dollhouse I wish I could buy for myself to a simple wooden alphabet puzzle, here are 11 aesthetic indoor toys on Babylist that are pretty enough to leave out no matter who is visiting. 

Janod Alphabet Puzzle

This dual-sided alphabet puzzle brings learning to life in an aesthetically pleasing design. On one side, little hands can practice letter recognition and motor development with the alphabet puzzle. Flip the puzzle over, and young learners will find a ready-to-color-on chalkboard (chalk included) to practice their new skills. 

This puzzle is so pretty that some parents-to-be even picked it up before their baby could use it simply for the design. “So beautiful, displaying it as decor till my baby can use it,” said one shopper. 

Wonder & Wise Home Sweet Home Dollhouse

How adorable is this wooden dollhouse? We love its modest price tag and Joanna Gaines-esque design. Complete with picture-perfect details, it includes a bathtub, plants, lamps, a working kitchen, and even a furry family of four. The dollhouse opens for playtime and includes a top handle for transport. 

Lalo The Play Kitchen 

When I had four kids under age 6, a play kitchen was a staple in our dining room so I could get things done. My hand-me-down version was not nearly as nice to look at as the Lalo Play Kitchen, which rivals any designer adult kitchen. The minimalist design features plant- and water-based finishes, actual cupboards, and an oven that opens. This play kitchen weighs less than 30 pounds and measures 26.8 x 11.8 x 23.42 inches, making it ideal for little ones to play with, yet small enough to leave out in a shared living space. 

Pearhead Wooden Stacking Toy Tower

This stacking toy is a classic that also doubles as aesthetic nursery decor. The earth-toned tower is 6 inches tall and includes five stacking wooden rings and a removable twist-off rainbow topper. All of my children had the plastic version of the stacking tower rings and enjoyed playing with them, but let’s be honest—this wooden option is so much prettier. 

Gathre Ball Pit

One of my kids’ favorite toys was a ball pit. Kids can have a lot of fun with them, and thanks to monochrome, muted colors like this Gathre option, they don’t have to be the multi-color eyesore that kids’ ball pits once were. The frame is foldable for easy storage and portability and is made with easy-to-clean vegan leather. Plus, it comes in ivory, sage green, taupe, or camel colors to match any decor. 

Wonder & Wise On the Go Busy Board

A busy board that isn’t too busy? Yes, please! This compact busy board is for children 12 months and older and includes a maze, abacus, peek-a-boo door with a surprise mirror inside, gears, a light switch toggle, and a three-prong plug. Toddlers can enjoy the board on the go, at home, or during table play. 

With a wooden design and muted earth tones, the busy board easily blends into any room and even props up as decor thanks to the attached back stand. The stand also lets toddlers use the board upright or flat. 

Gathre ARC Play Set

This three-piece play set does triple duty for kids 5 and under. Creative kids can use the separate pieces to make everything from a seesaw to a swing to a slide, and parents can relax knowing the set blends in with any aesthetic. They’re made with water-resistant vegan leather and easy to clean. 

“My kids (2, 6, 8, 11, and 15 years old) love playing with this set,” said one Babylist shopper. “They use it for climbing, building forts, obstacle courses, etc. It also looks cute as a decoration in the playroom!”

Lalo Play Tent

The Lalo play tent is incredibly simple, but that’s why we love it. Its natural canvas exterior, which is machine washable, fits over a beechwood frame. Two ties on the front allow kids to open or close the tent. Lalo recommends this play tent measuring 25 x 44.5 x 40 inches for ages 12 months and up. 

“The quality, size, and quick setup of the tent was perfect!” gushed one shopper. “It’s also easy on the eyes. We had so much fun transforming it into a little ‘ski chalet’ for our son.”

Gathre Arched Chalkboard

Leave your little one’s artwork on display with the Gathre arched dual-design whiteboard and chalkboard. On one side, kids can color the chalkboard side, or flip it over and use it as a whiteboard. The chalkboard stands alone as a creative outlet (a chalkboard stand adds extra stability) or hangs on the wall. It’s also magnetic, so if you prefer, you can use it to hang your children’s artwork. 

“It makes playtime WITH my kid that much more enjoyable just because it’s also pretty to look at,” one shopper noted.

Gathre Play Tunnel

The Gathre brand is popular because it offers aesthetically pleasing, minimalist design toys for all ages; this play tunnel is no exception. With a full 5-star rating on Babylist, it’s a parent favorite. Available in a camel, beige, or ivory color, the play tunnel is pretty enough to stay unobtrusively in your living space. Plus, it collapses if you need to stow away to make room for guests.  

Poppyseed Play Linen Round Play Mat

There was a time when I couldn’t wait to pack up my baby’s playmat. I was always worried that it would clutter the living room, cause a tripping hazard for the older kids, and be a general eye sore. But this linen play mat is different. It’s extra-padded, making it super comfy for tummy time and playtime, and it enhances the decor of any room you put it in. 

And don’t let its white color deter you—this play mat is fully machine-washable and dryer-safe. (Plus, it comes in sage green, ivory, and taupe if you’re really worried about choosing a white color.) 

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