I never realized how much toys would be a EVERYTHING until I had kids! Truly, if you’re a parent you can sympathize with me how toys can be beneficial to your child’s development. Yes, toys can be too much, too loud, too big, too small, etc. But, listen. Toys are beneficial to a child’s development.
Why?
Toys give kids an opportunity to learn in a language they understand.
Mic drop.
Yes, toys are an open book to learn, engage, problem solve, imagine, play, and encourage them to interact with the world and the people around them.
Toys are not clutter. They are brain teasers. Does that make you think of toys differently?
Luckily for you, I made list of the ones I love the most.
(Affiliate links below, opinions are all mine. I may receive commission if you choose to purchase.)
Vetch Sit to Stand Learning Walker: This is my favorite toy. If you’re looking for an investment toy, here it is. This is how both my girls learned to stand up from sitting position. Plus, developmentally this is an appropiate toy to encourage walking versus baby walkers or jumpers. You can adjust the wheels or take the face off to play on the floor.
Vetch Activity Cube: We have the alphabet activity cube but to be truly honest, any activity cube on the market is great to get your child’s brain pumping with imagination. With so many activities, songs, cause & effect, and problem solving, it’s the perfect toy for 1 year olds to 3 year olds.
Melissa and Doug Piano: My daughters spend a good hour just banging on this piano. Music is good for babies and toddlers. “It improves sensory development, improve literacy (difference in sounds), mood filter, build coordination, and develop coordination” (Playgroup, 2015.)
Touch and Feel Books: These books are great interaction for the kids. While telling stories, they can be apart of the adventure by discovering different textures.
Fisher Price Rock-a-Stack & First Blocks: These are vintage and classic toys that will never go out of style. You can never go wrong gifting these items or getting them for your kids. They’re perfect for eye-hand coordination, problem solving, and overall…brain development. Plus, they’re so cute!
I hope this toy guide helps you out. Toys get a bad reputation for being clutter, but if you get the right ones that serve a purpose then it’s a great investment.
What’s your favorite toy?
We have some of these too! Our daughter loved the touchy feely books and the rock a stack! She also has a toy piano, but she never played with that as much.
That activity cube was used SO much by my first and my second baby currently loves it!! It offers them so many different challenges!!
I know my little guy would adore that piano! I’ve never seen it before! Thank you for sharing some awesome ideas!!
Love that line..”toys are not clutter, they are brain teasers!” I remind myself of that every time I step on one!
Thanks for these ideas. Would look up some of them for Christmas.
I wish I wouldn’t have introduced screens to early to my kids and just kept toys as their main source of play.
This is an amazing gift guide, definitely gonna use this for my babies.
My daughter loved the Activity Cube when she was a toddler. Whenever the room is quiet I know she’s playing with her cube.
This is so good. I love reading and learning from other moms since I have two young baby girls. Thanks for sharing.
These are great suggestions for littles!