EDITORIAL: All About Buying Toys for Toddlers

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All About Buying Toys for Toddlers 

Choosing toys for that special kiddo in your life can seem like a daunting task, but the following guidelines can make it a bit easier. Here is what to consider when buying a toy for the under 4 category.

1. Choose Versatile Options

Toddlers love to shake things up. They also like to take apart, put together, pull things off, put them back on somewhere else and exercise their creativity in a variety of other ways. With this in mind choose those “open-ended” options that allow your child to do just that. For example construction blocks can be used for creating houses, zoos, roads, spaceships and anything else your imagination permits. This will allow your child to exercise their imagination and challenge their logical and problem-solving skills. 

Some good examples include: 

• Nesting blocks or cups

• Sand Toys

• Water toys

• Building blocks

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2. Long-lasting toys

A child’s interest is a fickle thing and some toys will become boring within only a few minutes. Within a week they will be relegated to that toy selection that will never be played with again. You can avoid this by looking for games that will have a different attraction at different times of their development. For example small animals are fun for small children as they can place them in a zoo, older kids can use the same animals to narrate a tale.

Some good examples of evergreen toys include: 

• Plastic toy animals

• Toddler Friendly Dollhouses

• Stuffed Animals

• Dolls

• Action figures

• Trains

• Dumptrucks

3. Toys for Exploration and Problem Solving

Playtime will give children the capacity to practice the skills they are learning over and over again. These toys allow children to consider what they are trying to accomplish and figure out what they are doing on their own. With a little help, they can even contemplate new approaches to the same problems they face. These toys also help the child to develop their visual spatial thinking, fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Some fine examples of this can include: 

• Puzzles

• Art materials (e.g. clay, plasteline, paints, crayons, etc.)

• Blocks

• Nesting cups

• Shape sorters

4. Look for toys that spark your child’s imagination

A child that has reached the age of three has an imagination that is taking off. They will be able to assume the role of a regent, pilot or police officer. Something as simple as a block could be a jewel, a piece of equipment or even a slice of cake. Toys that promote this creativity and imagination are the best sort to choose from. This type of pretense can lead to improved empathy, imagination and problem solving skills. 

Good examples of toys in this category can include: 

• Dress-up clothing 

• Toy food and plastic plates

• Blocks

• Stuffed animals and dolls

• Action figures 

• Trains and trucks 

• Toy tools

• “Real-life” accessories

• The all-purpose large cardboard box is never wasted on the small child and is free. This can become a castle, log cabin, ship, spaceship or anything else you can possibly imagine

5. Real Stuff

Kiddos like things that look like real-life objects they see grownups using. This makes them feel advanced and allows them to get a glimpse of a life from their imaginative perspective. The right set of toys can teach your child the basics of proper usage and stewardship. Furthermore, you may even find they have a special talent for music, organization, counting or some pother skill. 

Some good examples can include:

• Plastic dishes and food

• Musical instruments

• Child-size brooms mops or vacuums

• Toy phones

• Dress up clothes and costumes

• Toy keys 

6. Getting Ready for Life Toys

There are other fascinating toys that can allow children the chance to make progress toward the skills they will soon need in their young school life. Things like paints, books and magazines are full of interesting and wonderful experiences. These are fun for your child to look at play with while learning about the things they find inside. 

7. Activities

Toddlers are getting stronger and more capable with their physical capacities and this is a great time to be the captivated audience for these young athletes. Look for toys that allow your child to use their motor skills and physical capacity in a wider variety of ways. Toys and games that encourage them to use their minds and bodies in and improved ways will be a huge boost to their confidence and performance. 

Some good examples to consider include:

• Tricycles

• Bicycles

• Balls of all types and shapes

• Three-wheelers

• Scooters

• Basketball hoops

• Plastic bowling sets

• Tunnels

• Toys on a string

• Wheelbarrows

• Gardening tools

8. Cross Generational Toys

While any toy can encourage cross-generational play and fun, there are some that are designed to be played with adults, older children and anyone. As your child reaches the age of three, this is a good time to consider introducing them to simple board games. Look for something that doesn’t require reading. This is also an excellent time to begin a family game night. 

Board games are such a great option because they teach so much about counting, colors, listening skills, following instructions, building relationships and so much more. They also nurture and language skills and show kids how to be a gracious winner and cope well when others win.

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