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Toy Ideas for Kids

Kids are always asking for new toys. Though you want to satisfy your child's desires, you should take into consideration the educational value of toys. Keep in mind that children have different preferences for toys as they grow older. Toddlers should play with fun toys that help them with learning. Children from ages 5 to 7 begin to ask for "girl" or "boy" toys. Preteens begin to grow out of toys and ask for challenging games.

For Toddlers (ages 3 to 4)
- Toddlers are at an active age and love to have fun. This is also the age when their minds learn quickly. Take advantage of their love for toys and games by purchasing toys that have educational value. An example of this is a Lego set, which encourages the toddler's planning and building abilities in an amusing way. Lego creates theme sets; choose sets that correlate with what your toddler is learning. For example, if he is learning about animals, purchase a Lego Zoo set, which has figures that will help him identify different zoo animals.
  
  Another example is the Story Reader by Publication International. It helps your toddler learn to read by triggering an electronic voice that reads each page once it is turned. You can purchase new stories for your toddler once he finishes.
For Children Ages 5 to 7
- At this age, children begin to differentiate between "girl" and "boy" activities. However, board games can bring both genders together. Monopoly is game that will amuse them; it makes them feel like an adult with paper money and adult activities, and it introduces the importance of responsibility.
  
  Crafts and toys that simulate domestic activities appeal to young girls. A dollhouse is a young girl's favorite. Not only can she pretend to be mom, but the dollhouse also appeals to her crafty personality as she can make dollhouse furniture and clothes for her dolls.
  
  Young boys are captivated by video games and superheroes. Action figures interest boys because they can simulate their own action scenes with their favorite heroes. They can also start their own collections of action heroes.
For Preteens
- At the preteen stage, kids begin to crave challenging toys and games. Puzzles satisfy this craving. Gather a group of your children's friends with a new puzzle. Place snacks nearby and give them time to finish the puzzle.
  
  Cranium is a game that will include the whole family. This game is fun for your kids and amusing for adults to play along. The game has players team up in groups to compete with fun activities such as sketching and stunts.

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