I got a lot of good ideas from the responses already, but thought I'd add a few ideas.

In my foyer closet I keep some "occasional" toys that I pull out when I need a distraction. Right now I have a laundry basket with those cardboard building blocks in it. They have fun stacking and knocking down. I have a bag of beginner puzzles (the ones wooden ones with pegs) that they love to play with.

I'm realizing I need to start more structured play now that they are 18 months. I'm going to get an aquadoodle, toddler crayons, and a big roll of paper for Christmas and start working on those types of things.

Mommy to Eli, Cara, and Brady 4/24/07 born at 34 weeks and Allison Elizabeth (surprise!) born 11/6/08

Read about my son's battle with Neuroblastoma at stepsforbrady.blogspot.com