Sticker Saver

 

I was a total sticker hoarder when I was younger. Judging by the piles of sticker books I saved from my childhood, and the stacks of “smelly,” “fuzzy,” or “oily” stickers that are still in mint condition in my closet, I took this collection very seriously. I would beg, steal, or in most cases, trade, for the perfect addition to my library.

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

Rarely, I write about big brands on the blog. In fact, I pride myself in finding new or smaller-scale labels for myself and my kids. I like supporting growing businesses, and I also enjoy sharing more unique possessions.

But, with two toddlers that can’t walk by a colorful store window without screaming for another toy, my apartment is filled with lots of brand name play-sets. And often, what is popular or familiar is exactly what my kids want. So, I must give credit where credit is due.

These puffy sticker sets by Melissa and Doug have been a lifesaver at countless meals and during long road trips, like our three plus hour drive out to Montauk this weekend. It is flat and easy to store in almost any purse, or beach bag, in our most recent case, and it kept very overtired kids from crashing at dinner after full days at the beach.

While Bryce favors the ‘mermaid’ and ‘fairy’ sets, she was surprisingly into her friend’s ‘pirate play-ship’ this weekend. Brody enjoys the ‘farm’ and ‘safari’ themed collections – but he will happily play with Bryce’s ‘princess’ set, especially if she is playing with it at the time. Always toddler drama.

The folders open to multiple pages of scenes that can be decorated with stickers. And even the stickers themselves can be built upon. The characters often come undressed, with the ability to add and alter clothing. And the best part, the stickers re-stick onto the book, or the original plastic sheets they came on when the child is finished – unlike most sticker pads, which are often ready for the garbage 10 minutes after my children hastily cover them with stickers and decide that they do not like the scene they have created.

And since all the pieces are sticky, you don’t have to constantly pick them up off the floor at a restaurant – which is not the same for Brody’s always traveling Matchbox  car collection. Since we are on the go so much during the summer, I am stocking these in my bag for road trips and “quiet time” for mommy and daddy.