If you are like any parent, wanting to get the 'right' gift for your babies this Christmas can be overwhelming! Should it be educational or fun, or maybe a combination of both?
As a dad to a fussy toddler, I'll try and steer you on the best toys to choose this Christmas season.
Bath Toys
Anything that will keep them entertained at bath time is great, even if it's just so you have more time to wash behind their ears. Fortunately toys for the bath need not be expensive. Most popular toys for toddlers include plastic floating balls and rubber ducks. If you want to get a bit more creative, rubber alphabet letters work great because when they get wet you can stick them to the tiles on the bathroom wall and make words
Books
Every child no matter what their age should have a growing library of books. At this age they will start to go beyond just picture books and appreciate stories more. Try and find stories with a cute message and beautiful illustrations. Some of my favorites include 'Where is the Green Sheep?' by Mem Fox and 'Guess How Much I Love You' by Sam McBratney. Lift the flap books are also popular with this age group
Building Blocks
Whether you choose brand name Lego or the more simple classic wooden blocks, building always stimulates imagination for toddlers and that should be encouraged.
Electronic Toys
Apart from needing and endless supply of batteries, some electronic toys are expensive so it's best to try and choose wisely. The best way to do this is to take your child with you to a toy store and see which toys then seem to play with the most. Usually one or two will become a favorite so they would be the obvious choice. Other ways to choose electronic toys is to ask friends which ones their children have liked and go on their recommendations.
Videos/DVDs
Try and have a combination of two sorts of DVD's for your child. Firstly choose an educational program such as 'Brainy Baby' or 'Baby Einstein' and secondly follow it up with a purely fun video such as 'The Wiggles' or 'Sesame Street'. That way your child will get to love watching 'their' programs.
Soft Toys
All children need a doll or teddy to cuddle, so don't forget the soft toys this year. Choose a toy that is lightweight and easy to carry around (as well as cute) as this is the age that they will begin to bond with a special toy.
Puzzles/Games
Stimulate their problem solving skills by providing toys that they will need to 'solve'. Toys such as putting shapes into the correct hole or matching pairs are always popular with this age.