Thoughtful Toys: Toddler Edition
When I was younger I really didn’t have a lot of toys. Dolls, cars and some outdoor toys were all that I really had. We didn’t get really new toys unless it was our birthday or a special occasion. I honestly found it better that way. We had to be creative and make up games with our cousins or with what we already had. These days, toys are everywhere. Any show your kid watches, they’ll have 100 toys for it. Although some new toys are great, majority of them are honestly a waste and only last a short while. When getting toys for your child or for someone else, it is important to keep be thoughtful about this gift. It’s definitely hard to limit what comes in the house but it is very important as the parent to set those limits. Its important to teach our kids not to link materialistic items with happiness. Of course they are kids and should have toys but we want to stress experiences rather then just toys. When we do buy toys, we can try to obtain items that do help them grow and that will last in your house for a while. Here is our list of toys/gifts that Safa loves and I try to give to others and my own.
Puzzles: This one is my favorite. When they’re younger start off with smaller puzzles like 4-8 pieces and then work your way up. Safa can now do 36-48 piece puzzles on her own. If your child likes certain characters then get a puzzle of that character or movie. It’ll motivate them to complete the puzzle. Puzzles are great as they help increase cognitive skills, problem solving, fine motor development and their self-esteem. Its. win-win!
Board Games and Memory Game: Safa and I started playing the memory game last year and she to my surprise had so much fun. She wanted to play again and again. She really enjoyed finding the matches and the fun competition between us. There are many games out there. Some are Candyland, Let’s Go Fishing and Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game. These games have huge benefits for them such as learning social skills, spending quality time with family members and increase in problem solving skills.
Beading Jewelry: If your child is into making jewelry, this one is Safa’s favorite. She loves making necklaces and bracelets for herself and her friends. It really enhances their fine motor skills with beading which help them to eventually to write. It also sparks their creativity and helps with bilateral coordination (using both hands simultaenously). This one is great.
Kitchen Set: You may have noticed they already love playing with your pots and pans. Safa and Musa both really enjoy their play kitchen. IKEA has an affordable set. This one from Walmart is also affordable.I have it in their playroom but a great trick is to have t nearby your kitchen. It really helps when you have too cook but also keep the kids occupied. The benefits of a play kitchen are using their imagination, increase in language, a sense of independence and most importantly life skills. This is the one Safa has.
Dolls & Babies: Pretend play is at peak during this age so dolls and babies are a great addition. They play out their own lives with dolls and babies and it is a great way to see their imagination. Safa particularly loves doctor kits with the baby dolls. After she gets shots she typically repeats what happened with the baby doll. Unlike the other toys when kids take care of the dolls and babies it teach kids them have responsibility, empathy and compassion.
Dinosaur Toy Set: I absolutely love this toy. It’s considered a a STEM toy. It improves fine motor skills and coordination by putting together and taking the dinosaurs apart. There are small parts in it so make sure they are old enough not to put these parts in their mouth. Safa got these as a gift and she really enjoys playing with them.
Playdough Tools Set: To get them to be creative, this is a great gift. Playdough requires imagination but with the tools they can make even more. This also helps with fine motor skills. It can also have a calming effect for kids who can be restless.
Kinetic Sand: I recently bought this for Safa and she had a great time. It’s kind of like play dough but less messy. You can be really creative with this and create sensory buckets with different items in it. I’ve seen construction dig zones, treasure hunts and plain sensory play. Its great for them to experiment with this and many times calm them down. Here are some more activities.
Blocks/Legos: This is a classic that all kids could benefit from. Building and using their imagination is always amazing. Safa doesn’t love blocks but will play with them time to time. They have huge benefits such as spatial awareness, early math skills, and logical thinking.
Scooter/Bicycle: For outdoor play, these make great gifts. Physical activity is so necessary especially in this generation so these make great toys. They are really learning to master their gross motor skills and outside play does just that.
Books: Lastly, and the most important..books! I know it’s technically not a toy, but it is something amazing for all kids. Safa loves books and always gets happy when getting a new book. Sometimes if she’s really wanting to buy something when we’re out we’ll agree on a book instead of a new toy.
