Skip to main content

ToughJobs may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Working from home with young kids? These 5 toys encourage open-ended play

Hunting for those just-right toys to keep your kiddos busy while you’re on calls? You know the one – fairly-priced, educational, fun, sparks joy, and won’t end up in the corner collecting dust? Yes, these unicorn playthings do actually exist. “Some toys have a powerful influence on children’s thinking, interaction with peers, and creative expression,” notes Jeffrey Trawick-Smith, a professor at the Center for Early Childhood Education at Eastern Connecticut State University. “One trend that is emerging from our studies can serve as a guide to families as they choose toys: Basic is better.” These first-rate toys fit this bill, and are sure to encourage creative, open-ended play and keep small hands engaged while you’re working.



If you’re tired of aimlessly wandering the aisles of Target searching for toys your kids can get some mileage out of, you’re not alone! The search for good quality toys can feel strangely daunting, with the myriad of plastic and light-up options. While fun and novel, they usually don’t stand the test of time. Take the guesswork out of the equation and go for something simple and timeless like these wooden blocks, LEGO building bases, train tracks, or soccer balls. As the Association for Psychological Science notes, “Toys are the most frivolous things in the world and, in some ways, the most essential. Toys can be objects of solitary attention and entertainment or, far more often, centerpieces of social interaction.” You’re sure to make little faces light up with these high-quality, classic toys – and hopefully, get some work done while you’re at it!

jbudzienski
Jaime is a freelance writer and creator of the Instagram page @mommy.hooding (105k followers) which offers solidarity and…
5 housewarming gifts your coworkers will love
serving platters office party man woman

Moving into a new home is one of the most fun and nerve-racking things you will do. If you have a coworker taking the leap, you'll want to find them the perfect gift to welcome them home. Whether they're having a big party to celebrate or you hear about it in the office, why not surprise them with something fun for their new home? They'll appreciate the gesture and you'll be sure to get invited to their next gathering. We found five unique gifts that any homeowner would love to receive. Check them out here. At these prices, you may just want to buy a second one for yourself!

You'll be the talk of the office choosing one of these gifts for your coworkers new home. They aren't the run-of-the-mill ideas that usually make the rounds at housewarming parties, and that's precisely why we love them. So, take a chance and gift them something unique. Chances are, they will be singing your praises for years to come.

Read more
5 essential items for brown bag lunches
woman-office-coffee

Brown-bagging isn’t just for school-aged kids. It boasts many benefits for adults, too. For starters, it saves you money can keep you healthier. When you eat nutritiously, you build immune system health and may just generally feel better during the workday.
Though taking an actual break for lunch can help you relax and refocus, you may not always have that option. Brown bagging it allows you to have a working lunch or eat between meetings.
You can also reduce your carbon footprint if you use reusable and eco-friendly products instead of an actual brown bag. Many restaurants still hand out takeout in styrofoam containers, which aren’t on Mother Nature’s nice list.
Here are a few essential items for brown-bag meals at work.

Bringing meals to work can help you save time and money. You’ll likely eat more nutritiously and produce less waste, keeping your digestive system and Mother Nature happy. A few items set the table for a delicious and fresh meal. Bento boxes and ice packs ensure food and beverages don’t go bad during your commute or workday. Large bags help you tote everything you need. If you drink coffee or tea on the go, a quality mug that prevents spills is convenient and eco-friendly. Water bottle sleeves can also help you avoid potentially embarrassing messes while keeping your beverage cold. Of course, sometimes it’s fun to go out with colleagues — don’t deprive yourself. Like eating, everything is great in moderation.

Read more
Work your brain by learning these 5 instruments
the best record player with speakers for retro music vibes

Learning an instrument can be hard work, but it can have many benefits for your brain. It takes patience and persistence to learn, as well as hard work and concentration. Practicing these virtues can help you to become a better worker, which can translate over to work tasks. Additionally, if you find yourself stressed at the end of the workday, listening to music has been proven to be a great form of stress relief. You will also be able to feel a sense of accomplishment when you learn a new song! If you are ready to start your musical journey, check out these five instruments to see which one fits your style!

Improve your cognitive function and muscle memory by picking up an instrument! Learning to play music can be a great form of stress relief, and can help to improve brain power through repeated dedication to learning. Your persistence to learning an instrument will translate into your work ethic and make you a better employee!

Read more