| Kids learn in different ways during different times of | | | | as well. Also remember, that toddlers play next to |
| their development. What was exciting and interesting | | | | other children, rather than with other children, so |
| to a child at age two may become boring when they | | | | keep that in mind when selecting age-appropriate |
| turn four. Trying to find play items that intrigue and | | | | toys. Some great choices for this age group include |
| stimulate a child can be difficult. There are thousands | | | | walking toys that kids can push, like baby carriages |
| of choices on the toy aisles, each one claiming to be | | | | or small grocery carts. Children in this age group are |
| the best. | | | | starting to work on their motor skills, so plenty of |
| And parents aren't the only ones making the | | | | paper and thick crayons are essential. Pounding toys |
| decisions. As kids age, they want a part in the | | | | are very popular (unfortunately!), and trucks and dolls |
| selection process. TV advertisements and peer | | | | are often the toy of choice. It is at this age that little |
| pressure push children into demanding "must-have" | | | | people want to mimic big people, so pretend kitchens |
| toys, even if they're not age appropriate. And as | | | | and toy telephones can make them feel just like |
| most parents quickly discern, the most popular toys | | | | mom and dad. |
| are usually the most expensive and the hardest to | | | | Ages 3 - 5: It's time to hit the road, so a tricycle is a |
| find. | | | | great gift for this age group. Motor skills continue to |
| Most toys come with an age recommendation. This | | | | be on the upswing, so buy puzzles with large pieces, |
| recommendation is based on a number of factors, | | | | and introduce them to safety scissors and simple |
| including the age of the child, the expected motor | | | | crafts. Little girls will like to dress up and have tea, |
| skills, and the level of maturity. However, age labeling | | | | while little boys will spend hours moving cars around a |
| should be taken with a grain of salt. Kids mature at | | | | track. This is the age where fads take hold, so be |
| different rates, so it's important to think about your | | | | prepared to start a collection of whatever is hot. |
| child's capabilities when selecting a toy. | | | | Age 5 - 9: Peer pressure hits this age group with a |
| Here are some guidelines and suggestions for | | | | force, and parents will find that only particular toys |
| choosing age-appropriate toys: | | | | are acceptable. It's important to keep them learning, |
| Birth to 1 Year: Children of this age do not really play, | | | | so make certain they have computer games and |
| but they are intrigued by shapes, colors, and anything | | | | sports equipment. More complicated crafts can be |
| that makes a sound. Soft stuffed animals, squeaky | | | | introduced, and that full-fledged bicycle will require a |
| bath toys, and large, colorful balls will intrigue these | | | | sturdy helmet. There are age-appropriate science kits |
| new little people. Lay your child on a quilt and place | | | | available, and kids will love to strap on outdoor gear |
| an "activity gym" over him. These gyms have | | | | and go exploring. |
| dangling toys that will catch his eye, and he will try to | | | | No matter the age, remember that safety is the key. |
| grab or kick them, teaching him to use his developing | | | | Is the child mature enough to handle and understand |
| muscles. Children of this age love to be held, so settle | | | | the toy? While a child may want what's pitched in the |
| down with some cloth or vinyl books and introduce | | | | latest TV ad campaign, buying age-appropriate toys |
| her to the world of reading. | | | | is the best way to insure that your child will have a |
| Ages 1 - 3: As every parent knows, children go | | | | fun, interesting, and safe childhood. |
| mobile at this age, and their toys need to be mobile | | | | |