By Marianne M. Szymanski
FOR ALL CHILDREN, toys are props used in play, and the process of play itself is invaluable in the development of physical, cognitive, social and emotional skills.
Selecting the best toy can seem confusing. However, toy selection is actually easy, following this formula: Age appropriateness plus unique interests plus current skill level equals one fun play experience!
Your shopping trip should begin with research. Consider the child's current age, current skill set, unique interests and any special needs or challenges. Toys should be chosen on an individual basis and match a child's personality and developmental stage. What is appropriate for one child is not always a good bet for a sibling.
It's best for children to have different types of toys to round out their overall play experiences. Here is a suggested list by age.
Infant. Baby toys need to provide a variety of sensory opportunities: sight, sound, touch (shape, size, texture). As a safety precaution, be sure any toy you give an infant is used under parental supervision.
Toddler. Physical play should be the focus. Encourage toys with wheels that urge a child to use excess energy and develop emerging muscle control. Large-piece puzzles help children with patience and concentration skills while promoting fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. At this stage, children are likely to imitate parents with kitchen sets, sports toys and musical instruments. Early learning aids and educational toys that encourage alphabet practice and pattern recognition are best.
Preschool. Children are fascinated by how and why things work. Large chunky construction sets, washable crayon and marker sets, dolls, action figures, modeling compounds and simple board games encourage creativity. Introduce toys that inspire imagination and pretend play to help the child practice life skills and engage with the world they see through their own eyes. Communication skills can be expand- ed through repetition at this stage. Look for electronic toys that feature repetitive phrases, concepts and direction.
School age. This is the age for "make and create." Children in this group learn best by self-discovery and expression. Art kits, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) projects and toys that encourage logic and creative thinking are ideal for keeping a child's attention and boosting self-esteem. Drones, remote-control cars, jewelry kits, hobby toys, problem-solving math games, sports equipment, construction and building sets with detailed elements, robotic toys and multiperson board games are key for inspiring imagination and social interaction with peers.
Preteen. Acceptance from friends and self-esteem are important to preteens, and the categories of toys they play with subsequently start to change. Promote toys to get them interacting with friends. Social and intellectual skills can be refined though games. Outdoor skill-based games encourage physical strength, while board games can challenge individual academic skills. Collectibles are still important, and craft sets that match science and math concepts they are learning in school remain interesting. Social interaction is the one key factor to look for in any toy for a child this age.
Toys are memory-making tools for caregivers and children to use together. Set time aside to play often with the child in your life.
The Costco Connection >
FOR ALL CHILDREN, toys are props used in play, and the process of play itself is invaluable in the development of physical, cognitive, social and emotional skills.
Selecting the best toy can seem confusing. However, toy selection is actually easy, following this formula: Age appropriateness plus unique interests plus current skill level equals one fun play experience!
Your shopping trip should begin with research. Consider the child's current age, current skill set, unique interests and any special needs or challenges. Toys should be chosen on an individual basis and match a child's personality and developmental stage. What is appropriate for one child is not always a good bet for a sibling.
It's best for children to have different types of toys to round out their overall play experiences. Here is a suggested list by age.
Infant. Baby toys need to provide a variety of sensory opportunities: sight, sound, touch (shape, size, texture). As a safety precaution, be sure any toy you give an infant is used under parental supervision.
Toddler. Physical play should be the focus. Encourage toys with wheels that urge a child to use excess energy and develop emerging muscle control. Large-piece puzzles help children with patience and concentration skills while promoting fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. At this stage, children are likely to imitate parents with kitchen sets, sports toys and musical instruments. Early learning aids and educational toys that encourage alphabet practice and pattern recognition are best.
Preschool. Children are fascinated by how and why things work. Large chunky construction sets, washable crayon and marker sets, dolls, action figures, modeling compounds and simple board games encourage creativity. Introduce toys that inspire imagination and pretend play to help the child practice life skills and engage with the world they see through their own eyes. Communication skills can be expand- ed through repetition at this stage. Look for electronic toys that feature repetitive phrases, concepts and direction.
School age. This is the age for "make and create." Children in this group learn best by self-discovery and expression. Art kits, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) projects and toys that encourage logic and creative thinking are ideal for keeping a child's attention and boosting self-esteem. Drones, remote-control cars, jewelry kits, hobby toys, problem-solving math games, sports equipment, construction and building sets with detailed elements, robotic toys and multiperson board games are key for inspiring imagination and social interaction with peers.
Preteen. Acceptance from friends and self-esteem are important to preteens, and the categories of toys they play with subsequently start to change. Promote toys to get them interacting with friends. Social and intellectual skills can be refined though games. Outdoor skill-based games encourage physical strength, while board games can challenge individual academic skills. Collectibles are still important, and craft sets that match science and math concepts they are learning in school remain interesting. Social interaction is the one key factor to look for in any toy for a child this age.
Toys are memory-making tools for caregivers and children to use together. Set time aside to play often with the child in your life.
The Costco Connection >
Marianne M. Szymanski (toytips.com) is the author of Toy Tips: The Essential Guide to Smart Toy Choices (Jossey-Bass, 2004; not available at Costco).