Pick toys which encourage artistic expression. Allow children to get creative with building blocks and interlocking plastic blocks, play dough, blunt scissors, large non-toxic markers and crayons, finger paints, and sewing cards.[5]
2
Choose toys which connect children to the world around them. Look for toys which represent character your children are familiar with, like an action figure with their favorite superhero or a plush toy from their favorite cartoon.
3
Look for skill-building toys for 4 to 5 year-old children. Kids this age enjoy playing with modeling clay, battery-operated toys, stencils, simple children's musical instruments, books, and 9-24 piece jigsaw puzzles.[6]
4
Choose toys that can be shared with friends. Social development is very important between the ages of 3 and 5, so look for card and board games, puppets, construction toys, and other toys that kids can play with together. Encourage children to have playdates and to share their toys. [7]
Selecting Toys for Grade School-Aged Children
1
Pick toys that promote activity in kids ages five and up. Choose roller skates, children's cameras, sleds, kites, painting and drawing utensils, sewing materials, and uncomplicated tool sets. A bicycle is another great way to get kids outside and playing - depending on the size of the child, the wheels should be 24 or 26 inches (61 or 66 cm).[8]
For older kids, look for toys that will get them involved in their environment. Try remote-controlled cars, drones, sidewalk chalk, science experiments, spy kits, telescopes, or anything else that will create memories.
2
Buy toys which emphasize interaction in older children. Interactive games like jigsaw puzzles, board games, and dominoes allow bigger kids to play together.
3
Choose hobby-helping toys for children between 8 and 12 years old. Select toys that coincide with a child’s interests, such as arts and crafts materials, construction sets, electrical trains, models they can build themselves, musical instruments, or sports equipment. [9]
4
Introduce kids to technology. As technology takes on a more important role in the future, children are exposed to digital media earlier and earlier. Look for educational video games, durable tablets, or mp3 players that you can easily control. [10]
To protect your children and keep them from spending too much time on their new device, set rules (and stick to them!) about screen time, learn how to configure the parental controls, and monitor your child's online activity daily.
