Reggio had a great idea in response to a post I had posted that she doesn't have any toys that require batteries...I am slowly phasing mine out. If I had to do it again I would not buy any toys that require batteries; the batteries cost too much, the lights/noise will make you go gaga. I LOVE Reggio's idea of just taking items that you already have around the house and have them use their imagination/brain power to find a use for them. Big toys that I am happy that I invested in are: Play kitchen, train table (I use this for all kinds of uses: Block table, race car tracks, craft table, to put sensory bins on) and a tent (cheapo from Ikea) which has had all kinds of uses (book nook, ball pit, quiet zone), love my Step 2 choo choo wagon (you can add as many wagons to it as you wish (I have added 2 pods to mine so I now have seating for 4) so each little person has their own seatbelt & drink holder...very easy to pull and maneuver). Toys I'm sorry I bought; ride-ons