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Toys to Extend Preschool Learning
Preschool's out for Summer, but, it's an optimal time to continue the play-based learning the tykes experience in the classroom. Take a look at some of our favorite toys that stimulate young minds.
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Simple or Swank: Wooden Baby Walkers
When baby looks like he is ready to take his first steps, mama may turn to a walker to help steady her lil guy. While some of the push toys feature flashing lights and music to encourage tots, more traditional wooden versions are making a comeback. Unfortunately, the fewer the frills, the more expensive the items seem to be.
Top 5 Trends Spotted at Toy Fair 2009
More than 100,000 new toys were on display at the annual Toy Fair in NYC this week, some of which are destined to become the it toys of the holiday season, and some of which may never make it to store shelves. After roaming the convention center's massive halls, we were able to spot a few trends for the coming year. Take a look at our slideshow to see the top 5 toy trends for 2009.
The Gifted Child: Three-Year-Olds
Three-year-olds tend to be a bit fickle as they express their independence. One moment they are telling you they can do it all by themselves, then the next they insist on holding your hand. When shopping for a gift for a preschooler, look for items that showcase their new found abilities.
The Gifted Baby: Two-Year-Old
Two isn't terrible! The key to entertaining a rambunctious two-year-old is patience and a steady stream of back-up ideas to prevent meltdowns. Look for toys that keep children active as well as items that let them explore their creative sides.
The Gifted Baby: One-Year-Old
One-year-olds are on the move! Whether they are already walking or on the verge, their increased confidence makes them inquisitive of the world around them. When shopping for gifts for tots seek out toys that help them explore their surroundings.
Mommy's Lil Helper: Magnetic Chore Charts
If your child's room looks like a hurricane whipped through it, it may be time for you to enlist the help of your wee ones to get things done around the house. Chores can help take the burden off of mommy and teach the tots a thing or two about responsibility and pride.
Invest in a Melissa and Doug's Magnetic Responsibility Chart ($16) to help keep track of the youngster's accomplishments.
Lil Tip: Make Your Refrigerator a Classroom
Every evening when I come home, I am torn between rolling around on the ground with my toddler or getting her dinner on the stove. Now, I do both at once.
Melissa and Doug's magnetic letters ($10) allow her to learn her ABCs and colors while I start chopping.
Simple or Swank: Block Wagon
One of my earliest memories is stacking up buildings with wooden blocks. A cinch to construct and even easier to tear down, they were and still are some of the best entertainment for tots. The only thing that could improve them is a carry–all to store them in.
Toy Box: Can You Say Sushi?
Plastic chicken drumsticks and rubber grapes are SO yesterday.
Get with the times and introduce your babe to roe covered spicy tuna and California rolls with Melissa and Doug's Sushi Set ($15).
The fishy set of wooden rolled sushi, sashimi, wasabi, ginger, soy sauce and chopsticks fit perfectly in a cherry blossom adorned black bento box.
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