Have a little kiddo and looking for the best toys that are not a waste of brain cells?? I got you!
I am a behavior analyst and I work with children ages 2-10 who have autism. I also have a toddler at home who is 20 months old. So I am around toys AAAALLLLLL day!!! They are everywhere!
My first toy recommendation is actually what NOT to buy- a tablet/ipad! Kids are ADDICTED to screens and it is destroying their play skills! Please please please do no let your children have any type of tablet/ipad etc… instead buy them toys that help their play skills to grow and flourish!
Buy toys with multiple purposes!
Buy toys that can be used in creative ways! For each item I will also include different skills to learn while playing!
Mega Blocks! These can be used in so many ways! You can use them for counting, color identification, fine motor skills, and pretend play! Stacking them or pulling them apart is great for little hands! Counting the pegs on them is a great way to work on counting skills. AND think of all the pretend playing your kiddo can do with these! They can build a house, a castle, a car, the possibilities are endless!
Color sorting kit! These are amazing for 3 and up! You can use these to work on so many skills including color sorting, color identification and animal identification! You can also use them for animal sounds and fill in the blanks! Not to mention the fine motor skills from picking up these little animals! These are a must have! You can also get them in a dinosaur version!
This Farmer’s Market sorting kit is a great option for younger kiddos! My 20 month old has this set and loves it! You can work on labeling foods, identifying colors, and sorting!
Reusable water coloring! These are great for keeping your little occupied in the car. You fill the pen with water and as they get the pages wet the pictures will appear. Then you let the pages dry and they can do it all over again! I love these for the car because they keep my little occupied. With the added benefit of not having to worry about a mess because it is just water!
Baby dolls! We got our little this baby doll for her first Christmas and she LOVES it! Dolls are great for pretend play, imitation, and body part identification skills! And of course they are great for snuggling!
My last recommendation for the day is a water table!!! We have had ours out almost every day this summer! We love being outside and want our daughter to enjoy nature as well. This is a great way to keep her entertained on a sunny day! You can change up which toys you put in it to keep the play new and exciting. Your little can work on fine motor skills such as scooping and pouring. They can also work on cause and effect play, imitation, and labeling colors and items! So many ways to make learning fun!