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This page features my latest article for new moms. Enjoy!
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Toys for Babies and Children......
Hello fellow new moms! I have put together a list of children's toys that make great gifts for the holidays and I wanted to share my list with my fellow NetworkforMoms.org buddies. All of these are great toys for children to enjoy. My daughter pointed out that a lot of toys can be expensive and felt it was better to have her mom suggest that her NetworkforMoms.org buddies just give one high quality toy as the main gift for Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah or a child's birthday!
I thought this was a great idea and wanted to mention it to my fellow moms. It is better to invest in one high quality toy rather than lots of mediocre toys.
Here is my list of toys for my daughter, you may want to PRINT THIS LIST
for yourself:
Age 1 to Age 2
For @ $8.00, you can purchase this colorful board book. This is how I used this book:
1. I identified the picture to my child.
2. I described the picture more accurately. For example I said Red Car, Yellow Duck, Green Apple, Blue Chair, etc.
This book can be purchased at any Walmart :http://www.walmart.com/ip/Big-Board-First-100-Words/3931135
Hugs by iBabyThis iBaby board book can be purchased for @ $9.00. In this picture to the right, this book has baby animal characters that are attached with different colored ribbon, and fit into little sleeves on each page.
This is how I use this book:
I placed each baby animal into the proper sleeve with the Mama animal character and when I read each page, I pulled out each baby animal and said the name of that animal. Since it is all about hugs between mothers and babies, it is a very pleasant and loving story. I love it! ;) This book can be purchased at any Walmart: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Ibaby-Hugs-Tuck-Each-Baby-Into-a-Loving-Hug/13255645
If for some reason this book is sold out at Walmart.com, here it is for @$10.00 with FREE SHIPPING!:
http://www.bookdepository.com/Ibaby-Hugs-Tuck-Each-Baby-Into-Loving-Hug-Ikids/9781601690203
For @ $5.00 you can enjoy this beautiful board book. Colors has accurate terms that define each picture. My daughter has had fun enjoying all of the bright colors! It is so beautiful and she loves this book! This book can be purchased at any Walmart: http://www.walmart.com/ip/2673943
If for some reason this book is sold out at Walmart.com, here it is for @$5.00 with FREE SHIPPING!: http://www.bookdepository.com/Colors-Priddy-Books/9780312492472
Natural Wood Animal Blocksby Hape Toys
According to the Hape Toys website these 'wood animal blocks 10+ months old.
are made of natural sustainable wood and safe water-based paint. Some of the blocks include pictures and patterns that let your baby build their own animal kingdoms.' Our daughter found this toy to be very entertaining and they gave us a chance to teach her about complicated shapes. These blocks are for children
You can purchase them here: https://www.kitpalaces.top/hape-ecotoys-animal-blocks-eco-friendly-toys-for-kids-p-972.html
If sold out, Hape Toys now carries their Maple Blocks set here: http://hapetoys.shptron.com/products/productdetail/part_number=HAPE0409/327.0
This stroller is under $60, and my baby has enjoyed it in several ways including as a stroller for support, a wagon for toys and she can arrange the blocks in many different size squares. According to the Hape Toys website, this toy's key features are:'Problem Solving: Introduces logic, matching objects, spatial relationships, critical thinking, and an understanding of cause and effect.'
'Advances fine motor skills: Promotes dexterity, hand/eye coordinating and manipulating objects.'
'Gross Motor Skills (Physical Skills): Boosts coordination, balance, and physical strength'.
All of this information can be found on the Hape Toys website.
For @ $10.00, this NEW colorful stacker from Hape Toys 'really helps children to problem solve' (according to Hape Toys). This toy is for the 18+ month child. According to the Hape Toys website this toy's key features are:'Fine Motor Skills: Promotes dexterity, hand/eye coordinations, and manipulations.'
'Problem Solving: Introduces logic, matching, spatial relationships, critical thinking, and an understanding of cause and effect.'
To order the Counting Stacker call 1-800-661-4142 or use this link:
http://hapetoys.shptron.com/products/productdetail/part_number=HAPE0504/327.0
My Phone Toy (Stroller Toy)
My daughter loves this wonderful electronic stroller toy and it can be purchased for under $10!
This phone includes a flower shaped link that attaches to your stroller safety bar and your baby can use it as jewelry (they can slide it on and wear it as a bracelet!).
This phone is meant for children 6+ months in age. According to Walgreens, it has the following features:
- Teethable phone plays music when the star is pressed
- Includes bonus link
- No lead, phthalates, or BPA
- Safety tested
Here is a link to where you can purchase this stroller toy: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002LTVSL8/ref=pe_309540_26725410_item
Age 2 to Age 3
This puzzle is available online for @ $11 and my daughter loves these shapes! The chunky pieces are the perfect size for her little hands and are easy for her to hold. It is wonderful to have this puzzle with these particular animal shapes because it gives us a chance to teach her about safari animals that don't roam the New England countryside. My daughter received this for her birthday and has played with them ever since. Thanks Melissa & Doug! Copy/Paste this link to the puzzle: http://www.melissaanddoug.com/safari-learning-chunky-puzzle
The best way to have your child play with this toy is to arrange the puzzle and complete one of the animal characters, like the one shown below. Then tap your finger twice on each corner block of the puzzle: this will help to identify the corner pieces and help your child understand how to start the puzzle using the corner pieces first. We look forward to using these blocks and teaching our daughter about the different animals!
Also, according to the Hape Toys website, this toy's key features are:'Problem Solving: Introduces logic, matching objects, spatial relationships, critical thinking, and an understanding of cause and effect.'
'Fine motor skills: Promotes dexterity, hand/eye coordinating and manipulating objects.'
This magnetic marble maze comes with a magnet pen to pick up the marbles and move them around the maze. This toy has a plexiglass front panel to prevent the metal marbles from rolling out of the maze or getting lost. This toy is for a 2+ year old and makes a great 'travel' toy as well!
This maze won Learning Magazine's Teacher's Choice Award in 2009.
Also, according to the Hape Toys website, this toy's key features are:
'Fine motor skills: Promotes dexterity, hand/eye coordinating and manipulating objects.'
'Problem Solving: Introduces logic, matching objects, spatial relationships, critical thinking and an understanding of cause and effect.' 
One of our goals is to have her move the red balls into the largest red circle and the blue balls into the largest blue circle. We like this maze because it gives us a chance to teach our daughter about controlling small objects. For @ $15, your child can enjoy this toy as well. To order Choo Choo Tracks call 1-800-661-4142 or use this link:http://hapetoys.shptron.com/products/productdetail/part_number=HAPE1701/327.0
This colorful "Big-wheel" is for a 2+ year old that is interested in learning how to ride a bike without the danger of falling. Includes flashing lights, sounds, music and “walkie-talkie” phrases.
We can't wait for our daughter to have her first "car"!
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| The 'DORA Lights & Sounds Trike' |
To buy the Trike above with FREE SHIPPING, use this link below:
http://www.diapers.com/p/fisher-price-thomas-lights-sounds-trike-113812?
The Dora Lights and Sounds Trike is the girl version of this Trike, here it with FREE SHIPPING: http://www.yoyo.com/p/fisher-price-dora-lights-sounds-trike-113705
Age 3 and Age 4
I suggest these wonderful, colorful kitchen toys for both boys and girls. According to this recent article in USA Today.com "a child's age and interest should come before gender". Here is the link to the article "Using toys for both boys, girls may be good for kids": http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/02/09/toys-child-development-gender/1809313/
Mighty Mixer by Hape Toys
This toy is only $25 and Hape Toys also provides a video showing how the children (boys and girls) play with these kitchen toys.
The Mighty Mixer won a Creative Child Magazine Preferred Choice Award in 2011.
According to the Hape Toys website, this toy's key features are:
'Imagination & Creativity: Encourages imitative and imaginary play; promotes fantasy story telling, role playing, and creativity.'
'Social Skills: The basics of communication, cooperation, and collaboration; encourages trust, friendship, and language development.'
To order the Mighty Mixer call 1-800-661-4142 or use this link: http://hapetoys.shptron.com/products/productdetail/Mighty+Mixer/part_number=E3104/327.0.1.1.1014976.1014982.0.0.0?pp=8&
Pop-Up Toaster by Hape Toys
This toy is only $25 and according to the Hape Toys website this toy's key features are:
'Imagination & Creativity: Encourages Imitative and imaginary play, promotes fantasy story telling, role playing, and creativity.'
'Social Skills: The basics of communication, cooperation, and collaboration; encourages trust, friendship, and language development.'
To order the Pop-Up Toaster call 1-800-661-4142, or use this link:
http://hapetoys.shptron.com/products/productdetail/Pop-Up+Toaster/part_number=E3105/327.0.1.1.1014976.1014982.0.0.0?pp=8&
Coffee Maker toy by Hape Toys
This toy is only $25 and according to the Hape Toys website, this toy's key features are:
'Imagination & Creativity: Encourages Imitative and imaginary play, promotes fantasy story telling, role playing, and creativity.'
'Social Skills: The basics of communication, cooperation, and collaboration; encourages trust, friendship, and language development.'
To order the Coffee Maker call 1-800-661-4142 or use this link: http://hapetoys.shptron.com/products/productdetail/Coffee+Maker/part_number=E3106/327.0.1.1.1014976.1014982.0.0.0?pp=8&
Deluxe Wooden Standing Art Easel by Melissa & Doug
This colorful easel is only $80 and is designed for a 3+ year old. It can be personalized with the name of your child on the front for just $1.99 extra! The easel is double-sided and has a dry-erase board/chalkboard as well as a paint palate. The easel height can be adjusted, the paper-roll holder locks the paper in place and includes two plastic trays on each side to hold your child's art supplies (supplies sold separately, see below) There is some assembly required.
Copy/Paste this link to this fantastic easel: http://www.melissaanddoug.com/floor-standing-wooden-easel-art-and-crafts
Melissa & Doug also sell the paint accessories in a set for @ $35 that includes the paints, brushes, etc., Copy/Paste this link:http://www.melissaanddoug.com/beginning-paint-set-easel-companion-set-art-and-crafts
The easel paper is sold in a 2-pk roll for @ $13 at Melissa & Doug, Copy/Paste this link: http://www.melissaanddoug.com/easel-paper-rolls-2-pack
Age 4 and Age 5
This toy is @ $10 and comes with extra large colored pencils that are triangular in shape and allow your child's small hands to grip them more easily.
I had a similar set growing up and loved all of the bright colors in my pencil set. I can't wait for my daughter to enjoy this pencil set!
Copy/Paste this link to the colored pencils:
http://www.melissaanddoug.com/jumbo-triangular-colored-pencils-24
All Season House (furnished) by Hape Toys
This play house is @ $200 and comes with all of the furniture shown. Additional furniture may be purchased at Hape Toys. According to the Hape Toys website this toy's key features are:
'Imagination & Creativity: Encourages imitative and imaginary play; promotes fantasy story telling, role playing, and creativity.'
'Social Skills: The basics of communication, cooperation, and collaboration; encourages trust, friendship and language development.'
According to the Hape Toys website, this toy has the following awards: 'Platinum 2011 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio' and won 'Gold in Parents Magazine Choice Awards 2011'.
To order call 1-800-661-4142 or use the link below to purchase this modern play house: http://hapetoys.shptron.com/products/productdetail/part_number=HAPE3401/327.0
Happy Clock by Hape Toys
 This clock costs less than $15 and, according to the Hape Toys website, 'your child can match the numbers to the proper place on the clock face and your child will learn how to tell time!' | |
World Landmarks Puzzle Set by Melissa & Doug
This jigsaw puzzle is $60 and is made with wooden pieces. The puzzle consists of 5 world landmarks. The landmarks' locations are identified on the back of each puzzle.
We look forward to teaching our daughter about these landmarks while she enjoys these puzzles for many years.
Copy/Paste this link:
http://www.childtherapytoys.com/store/product8961.html?gclid=CNXkot7p4coCFY1ahgodu1YBIw#8961
Age 5 and Age 6
These wooden play food pieces cost under $20. This toy includes items from the five food groups crafted of solid wood and includes four wooden baskets for sorting and storage.
According to the Melissa & Doug website, there are 'extension activities that the parents can participate in to help their child learn about the four food groups':
- 'Ask the child to identify each food item (other than condiments) and to categorize it by basic food group: meat, dairy, grain, or fruits and vegetables. Ask the child to place each food group in a different crate.'
- 'Have the child identify the colors of each food item, and sort the items by color among the four crates.'
- 'Help the child to assemble a balanced meal in each basket. Explain that each meal must have one item from each food group.'
- 'Visual memory skills: Place 3-4 ingredients in front of the child. Let the child study them before asking the child to close their eyes while you remove one piece. Ask the child which piece was removed. Gradually increase the number of ingredients.'
Bead Sequencing Learning Set Classic Toy by Melissa & Doug
This toy is only $25 and includes stackable, brightly colored beads that can be placed on five hardwood dowels and matched with the pattern cards. This set includes more than 45 wooden beads and 5 double-sided wooden pattern cards. According to the Melissa & Doug website, 'the 10 patterns increase in difficulty to build matching, sequencing and fine motor skills.' (For those moms that are artsy, once your child outgrows this toy, you could use the beads to make a necklace, bracelet or earrings!)***Be aware that if you give this as a gift and there is another child in the home who is less than 3 years old, the beads will have to be kept in a Ziploc bag and out of the reach of small children.***
Copy/Paste this link to the Bead Sequencing Learning Set:
http://www.melissaanddoug.com/bead-sequencing-learning-set
If they are sold out at Melissa & Doug, you can purchase them here: http://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-Bead-Sequencing-Set/dp/B00021HBAO
I hope my fellow moms have enjoyed my list of toys for my daughter and I can't wait to purchase these for her! As you can see below, my daughter is looking forward to her new toys and learning more and more every day! If you decide to give these toys as gifts, don't forget to mention NetworkforMoms.org!
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| My happy daughter at her friend CJ's 1st birthday party, Marblehead, MA |
Also, for those interested in reading more about the benefits of toys, here is the link to the recent article about the educational benefits of toys. http://childdevelopmentinfo.com/learning/multiple_intelligences/educational-benefits-toys/
Happy gift giving everyone!
-Joy E.
Posted October 17, 2012
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