Summer is almost here and my children are so excited to be home with their toys! They have such a good time setting up play scene after play scene in our playroom. I never know if a doctor's office, a school, or a horse ranch is going to sprout up from their imaginative playtime together.

Even if you just have babies at home right now, you can begin to introduce the idea of pretend play by making up stories with them. If you have toddlers, you can set up a little scene for them and see how they interact with it. I truly believe pretend play is a foundational way for children of all ages to learn many important skills. From learning to share to working out feelings - it's truly a beautiful, therapeutic experience for them. Sit back and be amazed!

Here are seven wonderful ways for your kids to play pretend this summer:

1) Hazel Village Animals - with their cheerful soft faces and easy to dress outfits, they make wonderful playtime buddies.

2) Haba Doctor's Medical Kit - this set comes with everything needed to set up a pretend medical clinic!

3) Littleland book - with colorful sweet illustrations, your toddler will be delighted by all the things there are to find. And you may be surprised how fun it is to read along too!

4) Mini Play Tent - add in a few stuffed animals and a pretend campsite is all ready to go. Just add smores!

5) Kinetic Sand - on really hot or rainy days, set this amazing sand on a table with the kids and watch them create. The minimal amount of clean-up required is an added perk.

6) Play Silks - create a bandana, a cape or a colorful streamer with these lightweight squares of silk.

7) Slack Line - for older children, this looks like a fantastic addition for the backyard. They can have fun and work on team-building skills at the same time!

I am admittedly picky about clothing for my 1st grader and 8 month old boys.

No cargo pockets, no truck or dinosaur themed graphic t-shirts, no camo prints, and definitely no sports team wear. I clearly remember when my older son was born, my mom looked at me like I was crazy because I didn't like the romper she'd gotten for her new grandson. She wanted to know - what exactly was wrong with the basketball motif on it?!

Of course, nothing was wrong with it. It was cute! It just wasn't my style. Like one mother might prefer a particular style of baby carrier over another, we all have different tastes. And mine was and always will be classic and simple.

I will say that I've grown fonder of slogans t-shirts. I enjoy picking out a fun one and surprising my son with it!  But for most pieces in my boys' dressers, it's easy cotton basics that mix and match. So, if you are a mother that is looking for these sorts of classic spring/summer pieces, here are my recommendations:

1) This short-sleeved knit sweater is a nice alternative to a button-down shirt, don't you think?

2) Khaki shorts are a classic summertime staple for my seven year old - and the stain-guard on this particular pair means grass and mud stains come out wonderfully.

3) I get this simple cotton t-shirt in several colors every summer - it's soft, comfortable and just an easy top for long days of playing outdoors.

4) I've been eyeing this good-looking reversible piece for the baby - the snaps around the shoulders give it such a unique flare.

5) All four of my children have worn these basic white sleeveless bodysuits - babies are just cute in them.

6) I just bought the baby a sunhat for summer. I love that it's quick-drying like a swim suit, but still has great structure. I think it will work well to keep the sun off his little shoulders and bald head.

7) Babies should always be comfortably dressed, and these super soft cotton pants are just right for that.

8) Another piece all four of my children have worn - this cardigan gives just enough coverage over a bodysuit to keep the chill away on cooler summer evenings.

9) I think rompers make babies look pulled together and the price of this striped one is superb!