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Buying toys is no longer children's play. There are toys that talk, toys that sing, toys that walk, toys that seem to do everything. There are toys based on children's favorite television shows and cartoon characters. It seems that the more popular toy, the higher the price tag. It is possible to maximize your toy buying dollars, and still provide your children with fun, durable, and educational toys. The key is to purchase age-appropriate toys that will grow with your child.
The first step is to understand which toys are most appropriate for which age. Next, you need to decide if the toy can be used in more than one way by children of different ages. For example, a ball to an infant would be something bright and colorful at which to look. If you hold it for him, it is something he can touch and band his hands on. An older infant will delight in pushing the ball so that it rolls away, and can be chased. A toddler will throw the ball, and put it into any place it will fit. A preschooler will throw, catch and kick the ball. A kindergartener can bounce the ball, and throw it at targets and baskets. If the same ball has survived until first grade, you not only have your money's worth, but you have the ball for a back yard game of kick ball.
An understanding of which toys are appropriate for which age is useful when toy shopping. Age appropriate toys are toys that will challenge the child without frustrating her. They are toys the suit the skills the child has, and the skills he will be developing in the near future. See below for details:
Infants - (0 - 2 months) - mobiles, music, soft cloth rattles and animals; items at which to look and to listen are ideal for infants.
(2 - 4 months) - rattles, shakers, teethers to pick up and grasp and shake; activity gyms with dangling objects which can be hit and kicked while laying on back.
(4 - 8 months) - soft vinyl or cloth books, roly poly toys (round-bottomed figures that can be pushed over, but bounce back up), large popping beads, ‘push me - pull me' toys. Older infants can sit up and explore their worlds, which gives their toys a new perspective. You may not need to add many new toys at this stage. Their own bodies are fascinating enough to them.
(8 to 12 months) - board books, large blocks, musical instruments (drum, shakers, a simple xylophone), cuddly toys, activity boxes and boards. Children at this stage like to make things happen - they like to push a button and hear a song, or have a bird pop out of the window.
(12 to 18 months) - walking toys, such as shopping carts, baby carriages and ride on cars, with a handle for pushing; shape sorters, blocks, music, soft dolls and stuffed animals, and balls.
(18 months to two years) - crayons and large paper, simple puzzles, blocks, dress-up items - plastic hats, boots or shoes, bags, and play food, plastic houses and people, with cars and trucks. Children at this age begin to engage in imaginative play, and it is focused on learning about their world. They want to be like the ‘big people' and do what they are doing, but lack the motor skills for handling small items (which they also will still put in their mouth).
(Two years to three years) - plastic buildings, blocks, cars, trucks, and trains (with tracks); baby dolls and housekeeping equipment; play food for kitchen or grocery, interlocking puzzles (up to 30 pieces), books, coloring books and crayons.
(Three years to four years) - scissors, glue, and paper, simple craft kits, books, beginning board games, items for imaginative play. Play becomes more social and more involved at this age. You will find your child creating conversations between his toys, or setting up a complete town for her animals.
(Four years to five years) - craft kits, card games, board games, simple sports equipment, books, music, computer games, building blocks, collections. With children of this age, be sure to ask what they are collecting. This is the age at which fads begin, and if they are mad for dinosaurs (probably) nothing else will satisfy them.
(Five years to six years) - small blocks, art supplies, sports equipment, board games, card games, computer games, activity books and workbooks, beginning reader books, collections. See ages four to five for notes on fads.
(Six years and up) - music, books, games, sports equipment, models, small building sets and blocks. Once children reach school-age, they are more influenced by their peers. The safest bet is to ask for a wish list.
Keep these guidelines in mind and your toys will always be the ones opened first at parties. Remember, age-appropriate and dual-purpose toys save money, and provide children with more fun.
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