Children’s love of toys is no secret. But you quickly discover that it might be difficult to choose toys for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, or school-aged children while you’re standing in the toy department at the shop.
Toys must to be enjoyable and safe, while also being appropriate for the child’s stage of development. Toys that thrill babies—such as activity boards or rattles—don’t assist toddlers in the same way, after all. Furthermore, a lot of three-year-old toys, such tricycles or pretend musical instruments, are just not appropriate for an eight-year-old.
If you’re buying toys for a youngster in your life, have a look at our helpful age-by-age guide, which lists the ideal toys for each stage of growth.
Baby Toys (0- to 12-Months)
Your baby’s only real ability throughout the first three months of life is to monitor their environment. Their best eyesight is still hazy, so bright, strongly patterned objects are best seen.
“Toys don’t have to be black and white as long as the colors contrast with each other,” explains Nora Newcombe, Ph.D., president of the International Mind, Brain, and Education Society and a developmental psychologist at Temple University in Philadelphia.
Your baby will love toys that appeal to all of their senses as they become older. Nowadays, a lot of the toys they require are made to encourage engagement in many ways: They might be soft and cuddly, have a nubby texture, or squeak or wrinkle. Young children typically toy, and textured ones might ease the discomfort associated with teething.
Top toys for infants
Mobiles with several patterns and vibrant colors
rattling
Unbreakable mirrors
Floor exercise machines
Boards of activities
Colorful, washable, plush animals or toys with a cheerful expression
little spheres of filled cloth
Toys for Infants
Clinical psychologist Robin Goodman, Ph.D., of New York City, states, “Your toddler is fascinated by cause-and-effect and will enjoy any toy that responds to their actions and makes use of their newly acquired motor skills.” Young children will like gadgets that let them smash a ball, create music, or make characters appear on screen.
When a baby hits a button on certain high-tech toys designed for this age group, it will name a letter, shape, or number. Your baby won’t be able to learn their ABCs at this age, but they will love playing with these toys and being among words.
Gifts for Children Ages 4 and 5
This age group’s cognitive capacity is rapidly expanding, so now is a great time to introduce interactive educational toys like phonics boards or tablets with parent-approved games that teach verbal and numerical abilities.
“Select toys with encouraging phrases like ‘Excellent work.'” Instead of toys that beep negatively every time a child gets an answer incorrect, Marianne Szymanski, the creator of product Tips, an impartial consumer product testing and evaluation service, advises “let’s try again.”
Now that they have the ability to see themselves in many roles, they may dream of being teachers, pilots, ballerinas, athletes, fairies, or whatever else they choose!
Toys for Children Ages 6 and 7
Even if your child is progressively discovering their own interests at this age, classmates and teachers continue to have an impact on them. While some children enjoy science projects (with some assistance), others prefer activities like doll play, making beaded jewelry, painting crafts, or building toys such as the LEGO Botanical Collection. Friendships are getting more and more significant, and if they haven’t already, your child will begin requesting a certain toy because “everyone else has it.”
At this age, children frequently develop a strong interest in computer games, but they also like hosting friends over to play board games, sports, and construction projects. While many of them like musical toys, playing real instruments may be challenging.
