Cara Gregory
If you’re anything like me, you are ready to tackle the “Holiday Shopping” item on your to-do list. I’ve seen lists before like “Kid tested, Mother approved” and think we could add another dimension to that: “Kid tested, PRESCHOOL-LEVEL durable, AND mother approved”. Working with preschool-aged children for more than a decade, we have learned a lot about both the durability of toys as well as the “play value” that they offer. When we select toys for our school or our personal children we are looking for something that is:
1. Appropriate for the child’s developmental stage of play, and
2. Builds social opportunities and learning opportunities.
In addition, I think that one of the most important considerations when selecting a toy is how interesting or fun that toy would be for me or whoever the child’s play partners might be. Play should be fun, after all, and the more invested we are as play partners, the more engaging it will be for our children! Here are some of my favorite toys for children 1-6 years old:
Recording Teddy Bear
For one year olds: Stuffed animals with personal voice recordings. This cute stuffed animal allows you to record short messages, songs or stories. Wouldn’t it be nice if something like this would entertain your little one for a few minutes before they called to you to come get them in the morning?
I don’t know what you guys have figured out, but when my kids were babies we started using bath time as a partial replacement to outside time on really cold winter days. So for me, bath toys were invaluable! Here are two that my kids really loved:
Light Up Bath Toys
Bath Cups and flow
When my son was little, he loved anything that could be taken apart and put together a different way. Throw in a power tool and it was even better! Here are a couple of toys that are great for a child around 2 years old:
Take A Part Truck
Magna Tiles Working Trucks
Fantastic Learning & Education Multifunction and Imagination
Here’s one which is great for home – or in the car:
For children a little older, these toys are great on both an imaginative and design level and helpful to increase fine motor abilities.
Click A Brick Rain Forest Rascals
My favorite toy company is Plan Toys. Their toys are made from sustainable materials and manufacturing, are attractive and durable, have great “play value” for children of every age. For children who are a little older (3-6 years old) they have all of the favorites but without the limiting scripts that were already written for them like the more commercialized versions. We’ve found these toys to be more supportive of imaginative and flexible play. Here are 3 that are big hits at our school:
Plan Toys Pirate Ship
Plan Toys Fairy Tale Blocks
Plan Toy Solid Wood Tea Set
For outside and gross motor play, here are some of our favorites:
The World’s Biggest Bubble
The Original Stomp Rocket
Plasma Car Blue
I hope this list helps in some way. It goes without saying that way more important than the toy is our time and attention. Wishing you all the opportunity to connect with the kids that you love this holiday season, and Happy Playing!!
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