Tips
One of our goals at PlayChild.com is to help you find and select the best toys for your child. This round up will help give you ideas for age-appropriate toys that create lasting fun and support your child's developing interests.
Ages 1 to 3: High Touch and Such
Toddlers enjoy toys that fill, spill and stack! Great toddler selections help develop hand-eye coordination and teach basic spatial concepts like "in" and "out." From ages 2 to 3, jumping, climbing, and throwing dominate play. Toddlers this age also enjoy basic arts and crafts, blocks, and simple puzzles.
Suggested toys: Blocks, books, fit-together toys, push-and-pull toys, pounding and shape toys, fill-and-spill sets, and balls.
Age 3 to 6: Magical Make-Believe
By the time your child reaches age 3, he or she is ready to begin modeling adult behavior, with a slightly fantastical twist. Popular toys for this age group are props such as costumes to bring their imaginations to life. In addition, mimicking mom or dad is popular, and toys versions of parental favorites -- whether a computer or a musical instrument -- are popular. This is also a time where young children form attachments to certain dolls or stuffed animals.
Suggested toys: Electronic toys that convert your TV or PC into a learning/interactive play site, nontoxic art supplies, books, videos, musical instruments, and outdoor toys such as a baseball tee, slide, or swing.
Ages 6 to 9 : Guide Emerging Interests
Play becomes more challenging for school-age children as social games, sports and the activities of their peers attract their attention. However, this is an excellent time to spark their growing imaginations and knowledge with science, magic and animal life. A rich a varied diet of entertainment and engaging toys can help further develop your child's interests and social skills.
Suggested toys: Sports, games, challenging toys, building kits, craft kits, puzzles, books, music, action figures, electronic games, construction toys.
Age 9 to 12: Developing Strategy
Team sports, active play, strategic games, detailed arts and crafts and hobbies grab the attention of preteens. As their interests begin to develop, some preteens may choose to dedicate more of their time to specific activities such as music, scientific inquiry or sports. Support their skill development with well-researched selections that suit their goals. Computer and handheld games are also popular with this age group.
Suggested toys:
Sports equipment, games, model kits, craft kits, advanced construction, science sets, electronic games, musical instruments, electric train and car sets, books.