| If you are like any parent, wanting to get the 'right' | | | | encouraged. |
| gift for your babies this Christmas can be | | | | Electronic Toys |
| overwhelming! Should it be educational or fun, or | | | | Apart from needing and endless supply of batteries, |
| maybe a combination of both? | | | | some electronic toys are expensive so it's best to |
| As a mother to a fussy toddler, I'll try and steer you | | | | try and choose wisely. The best way to do this is to |
| on the best toys to choose this Christmas season. | | | | take your child with you to a toy store and see |
| Bath Toys | | | | which toys then seem to play with the most. Usually |
| Anything that will keep them entertained at bath | | | | one or two will become a favorite so they would be |
| time is great, even if it's just so you have more time | | | | the obvious choice. Other ways to choose electronic |
| to wash behind their ears. Fortunately toys for the | | | | toys is to ask friends which ones their children have |
| bath need not be expensive. Most popular toys for | | | | liked and go on their recommendations. |
| toddlers include plastic floating balls and rubber ducks. | | | | Videos/DVDs |
| If you want to get a bit more creative, rubber | | | | Try and have a combination of two sorts of DVD's |
| alphabet letters work great because when they get | | | | for your child. Firstly choose an educational program |
| wet you can stick them to the tiles on the bathroom | | | | such as 'Brainy Baby' or 'Baby Einstein' and secondly |
| wall and make words | | | | follow it up with a purely fun video such as 'The |
| Books | | | | Wiggles' or 'Sesame Street'. That way your child will |
| Every child no matter what their age should have a | | | | get to love watching 'their' programs. |
| growing library of books. At this age they will start to | | | | Soft Toys |
| go beyond just picture books and appreciate stories | | | | All children need a doll or teddy to cuddle, so don't |
| more. Try and find stories with a cute message and | | | | forget the soft toys this year. Choose a toy that is |
| beautiful illustrations. Some of my favorites include | | | | lightweight and easy to carry around (as well as |
| 'Where is the Green Sheep?' by Mem Fox and 'Guess | | | | cute) as this is the age that they will begin to bond |
| How Much I Love You' by Sam McBratney. Lift the | | | | with a special toy. |
| flap books are also popular with this age group | | | | Puzzles/Games |
| Building Blocks | | | | Stimulate their problem solving skills by providing toys |
| Whether you choose brand name Lego or the more | | | | that they will need to 'solve'. Toys such as putting |
| simple classic wooden blocks, building always | | | | shapes into the correct hole or matching pairs are |
| stimulates imagination for toddlers and that should be | | | | always popular with this age. |