Lovevery “The Babbler” Play Kit Review For 13, 14, 15 Months: Worth It vs Amazon in 2023?

Wonder how Lovevery's Babbler play kit financially compares to self curating with Amazon or other similar dupes? Look no further!

I'm sharing our personal experience with this play kit after having it since 2019 with two kids. In this post, I'll share how the items have held up, the changes made to this play kit, where to purchase similar dupes and alternatives for both current and discontinued items, + a qualitative and financial comparison is to those alternatives!

You can read the FAQs and full review of all the Lovevery Subscription Play Kits here.

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Video review: “The Babbler” Play Kit in action:

What is inside The Babbler Play Kit for Months 13, 14, 15?

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A lesson in object permanence as your baby learns things still exist, even if you can't see it.

I'm also pretty sure it's teaching her some other stuff because she tried it with all the balls from the other play kits, blocks, puzzle pieces, and even her breakfast muffin.

Alternatives:

There is nothing exactly like Lovevery's which does an impeccable job of providing lots of challenge from the ball drop fitted top, to the four different “doors” for fetching the balls that disappear after they slide down. Plus, it's wood. It's probably one of the best Lovevery toys out there.

The alternatives are all plastic (though BPA free) and do not have a hidden box they disappear into:

• Cheapest option: Definitely the most flimsy but the “basket” provides a similar fine motor challenge to the top of Lovevery's slide.
• Second cheapest option: No fine motor for dropping the ball in, but is a decent height and comes with four rattle balls and has better reviews than the previous pick
• Most expensive option: Comes with 5 balls and the way the balls “finish” you could probably use a cardboard box to create a similar effect to Lovevery's where the balls “disappear”

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Alternatives:

This is a pretty classic montessori item, with the big difference being that Lovevery's midrod moves and it comes with two rings for each color, while the similar dupes use a static wooden peg. The etsy one is most similar, and the Amazon one provides an added color sorting challenge.

Alternatives:

The cheapest alternative will be this one, which is just the graduated circles with nothing underneath and half the size of Lovevery's.

However, this pick allows you to slide family photos underneath for a personalized experience without cutting or fussing and it features five puzzle pieces like Lovevery's.

Alternatives:

Adena Montessori came out with this nearly identical alternative, plus a carrying bag for the unused pieces. And be sure to check the price of that with this one (same item, different seller).

This set is almost identical to Lovevery's with the added bonus of including an object permanence box. Check price here!

Amazon Alternative:

I couldn't find any wool alternatives like Lovevery's, but this item and this item are both bunny themed with a similar containment feature.

While those Amazon alternatives are technically dog toys, I can attest to the fact toddlers love them. We had a squirrel version for our dog that my toddler used to LOVE playing with at this age.

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Amazon Alternatives:

This book is illustrated with a nice walk through of bedtime steps and tips for parents/caregivers.

This book features real photography, but I would personally only introduce this to a child protesting bedtime as the main character “isn't tired.”

Discontinued Items From The Babbler Play Kit:

Alternatives:

Lovevery sells this item individually here. 10/10 recommend it!

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Alternative:

Lovevery now sells this item individually here. 10/10 recommend these! We use them for SO MANY activities!

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Alternative:

Haba makes a similar rainbow textured ball (check price here). I'd probably give this to a baby, not a toddler.

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Amazon Alternative:

While this ball is not organic cotton, it is a similar size and a good plush starter ball.

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Alternative:

I'm not positive the exact size of our Lovevery one, it's definitely larger than 4 cm (golf ball), but doesn't seem quite as large as a dryer ball (7-8 cm).

You could certainly purchase wool dryer balls, or I like this pick on Etsy for the fun colors and quality.

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Mini board book alternative:

I'm a huge fan of mini board books for 1 year olds. They foster independence, love of reading, and are just great to have in your diaper bag.

You can purchase a set of 12 mini board books here that are montessori aligned with real imagery as well.

Alternative:

While this book doesn't have lift flaps like Lovevery's it does provide a practical life lesson teaching toddlers about how different settings need different shoes.

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Amazon Alternatives:

• This book features real imagery and a similar concept (colorful foods) but is missing a slew of colors that Lovevery includes
• This book doesn't focus on colors, but really lots of foods and their names. If you have a speech delayed toddler, this could be a helpful resource in allowing them to point to what they'd like with 100 options.

Is The Babbler Play Kit from Lovevery worth it?

Financially compared to Amazon/ Self Curating:

If you were to self curate this play kit on your own you're looking at spending $90 for the cheapest alternatives, or as much as $193 for the most expensive.

Here's the thing though: the cheapest dupes aren't going to match the quality/detail of Lovevery's so I'd personally get Lovevery's, especially if you want the ball run. If you do not care about the ball run, then probably self curate. However, the ball run does have an amazing resale value, as do the other items in this play kit.

Personal Experience:

This is the first of the “toddler” play kits where we move past baby's first year. The items in this play kit are some of R's favorites! From the ball slide, puzzle, and piggy bank – all of which we got well over a years use out of!

Like I said, if you want the ball run then this play kit is 100% worth it versus self curating!