Holiday Gifts for Toddlers and Preschoolers
Inexpensive Presents that Promote Healthy Development in Children
Nov 18, 2008
Christmas shopping for very young children can be an exercise in frustration. Many products compete for shoppers’ attention and money, yet not all of these toys are good choices. Which toys will your children enjoy the most, and which will best help promote their growth and development?
Sometimes, simpler is better. Consider the following suggestions when heading out to the stores this year. Looking at toys in a new way, you may find that the elaborate ones with all the bells and whistles pale in comparison to other options that are available.
Toys That Encourage Dramatic Play
For a quick and inexpensive dress-up corner, hit the stores for those discounted Halloween costumes, and add some accessories such as hats, tiaras, and magic wands. Puppets, stuffed animals, and dollhouses allow kids to play out their own stories and ideas. Kid sized versions of adult items, such as kitchen sets, workbenches, and doctor’s kits also encourage imaginative, imitative play.
Toys That Promote Fine Motor Skills
Many toys are great tools for developing hand eye coordination and small muscle control. Puzzles, stringing beads, lacing cards, and sticker books are simple, inexpensive ways to do this. Don’t forget classics like Hasbro’s Mr. Potato Head, Moon Sand, and Playdoh! The toy company Melissa and Doug make a number of wooden toys that involve putting things together and taking them apart.
Toys That Develop Gross Motor Skills
Look for activities that involve climbing, jumping, throwing, rolling, and other physical activity. Companies like Little Tykes make equipment like child-sized bowling sets, ball pits, batting tees and balls, and golf clubs to help kids develop body awareness, coordination, and basic athletic skills.
Toys That Encourage Language Skills and Reading
Choose books carefully for this age. Increase attention span by selecting slightly longer stories in addition to picture books that help kids learn to identify objects, colors, and feelings. Several books that feature the same beloved character make a great gift for any toddler or preschooler. Young children also love the challenge of the popular I-Spy books.
Toys That Promote Artistic Expression
What kid wouldn’t love a bucket filled with craft supplies? Chain craft stores such as AC Moore and Michaels have great selections of basic craft items. Think glitter glue, pompoms, Popsicle sticks, pipe cleaners, foam shapes, finger paints, paintbrushes, stamps and washable ink, and plenty of construction paper and washable markers. Crayola makes an inexpensive art smock to help keep clothes clean.
Toys That Develop Social Skills
Toddlers can begin learning basic games that help practice following simple rules and taking turns, as well as providing early experiences of winning and losing. Classic Milton Bradley and Hasbro games like Candyland, Chutes and Ladders, Don’t Break the Ice, and Cootie are good choices. Preschoolers also enjoy games that involve matching, and identifying letters, numbers, and colors.
Toys That Encourage Building and Construction
Cardboard or wooden blocks, Mega Bloks and Duplos come in a variety of sizes: as a rule of thumb, the smaller the child, the bigger the block. Children love creating their own structures, or you can develop their spatial skills by creating a simple design and asking them to duplicate it. You may also want to consider building sets such as Magnatiles, or Mega Bloks Magnetix.
Ignore the hype that surrounds popular toys. Instead, before you buy, ask yourself three questions. Will my child like this toy? Will my child’s development benefit from this toy? Will we get our money’s worth? Use the answer to these questions to help guide your purchases. With a little creativity and planning, it is possible to find simple, inexpensive toys that toddlers and preschoolers will love.
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