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Toy box essentials

Toddler toys with great play value

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Originally published in Today's Parent May 2010

A whole new world of play awaits your child! As you seek out toys to delight him and encourage his developing skills, let your mantra be this: Don’t buy toys that “do” lots; instead, find toys that your child can do lots with. Here are some best bets:

Balls and Blocks Balls are great for rolling and throwing, and also encourage cognitive skills. Which ball will fit where? Which one bounces, and which doesn’t — and why? Collect different sizes of blocks — big cardboard bricks are perfect for young toddlers, who love to stack them and watch them fall, or build simple roads. Add lots of fun props to go with them — cars and trains, animals, tubes and containers to fill and dump.

Dishes and kitchen gear People mistakenly believe that toddlers are too young for pretend play, says Toronto play therapist Katrina Rees Hughes. She recommends giving them pots, pans, wooden spoons, bowls and cups. “Toddlers love to imitate what they see around them. They often see people preparing food. It’s very central to their world,” she explains.

Dolls, Puppets and "Friends" Every child — boy or girl — should have a doll to care for. Give young toddlers a blanket for their baby and add things like a stroller or a baby bed.

“Playing out elements from their own life with the baby (‘Is the baby hungry? Does the baby need a bib?’) helps them make sense of the world around them,” explains Jan Blaxall, a professor of early childhood education at Fanshawe College in London, Ont.

You can also use puppets and stuffed animals to tell stories together and recreate situations that will help toddlers problem-solve in a fun, non-threatening way. (“If puppy doesn’t want to go to bed, what should we do?”) All these toys are terrific ways to build communication and interaction skills.

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