Choosing Toddler Toys

Having a difficult time choosing toddler toys because of all the choices on the shelf? Toddlers are discovering the world of cause and effect. They enjoy producing results based on their actions. Therefore choose cause and effect toys which the child is able to actively manipulate, rather than toys which he passively observes. The child will spend more time with the toy and learn through play.

Imaginative Play

Use a soft toy hidden in a box at the front door name it appropiate to what it looks like (use a hard naming word, for learning, we have a caveman and I call him "prehistoric"). Take it out of the box throughout the day and ask the kids to find it. They simply love to see where it is and how it got there, and they are forever checking the box to see if it has escaped!

Costumes

Creating a dressing up box can be as simple as gathering:

sarongs
lengths of beautiful fabric (remnants)
scarves
hats
shoes
sunglasses
costume jewellery
wigs

Many of these things can be found at home, donated by family and friends or bought second-hand. Gradually your collection will grow.

Large Play Toys

Search moving and garage sales, the classified ads and second-hand baby supply stores for large plastic play toys. The toys are strong and built to last. They are also relatively expensive when bought new, and very inexpensive used. Most are difficult to disassemble, so use a truck or van to transport home.

The Dress Up Box

The dress up box needs to be a low container big enough to hold the odds and ends you find for dressing up fun. It should not have a lid, as without one your preschoolers can see the constumes and are encouraged to use them.