Many parents often seem to forget what kid’s educational toys are for, only buying as little as possible for their children or even relying on tablets to do the job. Playing is actually the “work” of childhood – it’s their way of acquiring skills, learning how things work, and interacting with their environment. The toys we buy for our children tells us so much about ourselves as well as our children. The thing is, this is a great opportunity to reach out and provide our kids with the best possible learning materials and toys that will shape their personality and worldview in the future – all the while having fun.
There are always colourful and new toys for the choosing and many have good play value. Here are some of the most important toys that you may provide your children.
Quick Tips Before Choosing Your Child’s Next Set of Toys
Play toolbox and play kitchen stuff. For both genders. Kids just love imitating their parents and other adults around them. These types of toys help them get more comfortable with doing different things and even learning how to do certain tasks.
Legos. Lego blocks have been around for decades, and its popularity isn’t just about the new shiny and cool updates. Along with other manipulative toys, Lego encourages the development of the fine motor skills and creativity.
Unit blocks. Lots of plain wooden blocks in diverse sizes encourages hours of construction, alone or with others.
Baby dolls and accessories. We suggest getting dolls with different skin tones in the playroom. When children play and care for their dolls, they actually practice loving people who look different from themselves.
Dress-ups. Hats, scarves, leotards, animal masks. Hunt your closet or the local thrift shop and collect stuff in a box for hours of creative and interactive play.
Finger paint. Let them play and get messy once in a while. You might also add an inexpensive plastic tablecloth to spread on the floor when finger paint time’s about to start.
Art stuff. Get as much as possible! Cookie cutters, playdough, paper, and chunky crayons for little kids. Older kids prefer glitter, glue, scissors, and lots of coloured paper.
Sturdy plastic or rubber animals. This includes zoo animals, farm animals, and of course, dinosaurs, and a few vehicles scaled to work with the blocks. I’m telling you, your kid will spend hours making zoos, arms and dramatic scenes. Have them watch Jurassic World first, and watch their imagination grow.
Musical instruments. Prepare your kids for the real one by purchasing toy guitars, pianos, harmonicas, xylophones, flutes, etc.
Dollhouse. Coupled with a lot of accessories, some basic furniture and durable dolls that represent everyone in the family. The house should be big enough for the kids to get in and play. Also, don’t be surprised to see a dinosaur or other zoo animals in there.
Toys that encourage physical activities. Balls, jump ropes, basic sports equipment, skates, age-appropriate toys, etc. Too many of today’s kids lack physical competence and confidence. These toys will help bridge that gap and bring the action into play.
Board games. Board games help to encourage cooperative play and problem solving.
That’s it. Now you understand that play is the “work” of childhood, kid’s educational toys will help your child learn new skills as well as practice relationship with others and their world. Time to go shopping.
These are wonderful tips. I love the idea of going to a thrift store for dress up items. It was one of my favourite things to do as a kid.
I just have say that the picture above looks like a bomb went off in it or maybe just some kids, either way thanks for the great tips.
My favourite tip is- Baby dolls and accessories. We suggest getting dolls with different skin tones in the playroom. The only problem is they are hard to find. But still great tip.
I definitely like that idea! Thanks for sharing!
I love toys that are also educational. I firmly believe that children learn easily and quickly if it’s done whilst playing. In fact they don’t even realise that they’re learning. 🙂
All great ideas. I agree that kids love copying their parents through play.
We love board games, they help to develop special skills plus we spend some time together!