Disclosure: I received free products in order to host the Bright Starts sponsored Play Date. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Before the holiday craziness started, our MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) table decided to have a play date. We wanted to spend a little extra time together, letting our little ones get to know each other better. Bright Starts sent toys for the occasion! I set out the toys and the little ones immediately started playing and laughing together.

Any toy that makes it where kids play together and the moms get to talk is a win in my book!

I think the unanimous favorite for everyone was the Spin & Giggle Puppy. The toy spun around while everyone sat and giggled. The balls would pop out of the toy and the babies had a great time crawling after them! With the cooperative nature of the game, it was an easy one for everyone to share.

I think the Learn & Giggle Fish was Mary Alice’s favorite! She loved pressing the buttons and watching the lights! It was perfect to play with with a big friend. She was able to show Mary Alice how to press the buttons and carry by the handle!

Thank you, Bright Starts, for making our play date a huge hit!

Bright Starts sent a few recipes, so if you’d like to host your own play date, feel free to try these!

Bright Start Bars
Naturally sweet and easy to eat, these make excellent finger foods for little ones.

Ingredients
1 banana
½ cup old–fashioned oats
1 tablespoon applesauce
2-3 tablespoons raisins or dried cranberries
Pinch of cinnamon (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
2. In a medium bowl, mash the banana to a smooth consistency using a fork.
3. Add the oats and applesauce to the banana and stir until combined.
4. Stir in the raisins/cranberries and cinnamon, if using.
5. Using your hands, form the mixture into bar shapes on prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake 10-12 minutes or until firm. Allow to cool before serving.

Giggle Mix
Little ones will love the variety of flavors and textures in this fun mix.

Ingredients
½ cup whole grain oat cereal, such as Cheerios®
½ cup unsalted mini pretzels, broken into smaller pieces
¼ cup freeze dried fruit such as apples, peaches, or mangoes
¼ cup raisins or dried cranberries

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Provide each child with an individual portion in a cup or on a snack tray.

Little Fingers Fruit Salad
Babies will love gazing at the hues in this colorful salad, almost as much as they love eating it! Make sure to cut fruit into bite-sized pieces.

Ingredients
1 pint of blueberries, halved
2 cups green seedless grapes, quartered
2 bananas, sliced
1 small cantaloupe, cut into bite-sized pieces
½ of a small watermelon cut into bite-sized pieces

Directions

1. Combine all fruit in a large bowl.
2. Refrigerate until serving.