| If you're in a position to buy toys for young | | | | that teach small children how to work with |
| children, there's no reason that you should | | | | zippers, snaps, buckles, even sneaker lacing! |
| feel constrained to stick with mass produced | | | | |
| and unoriginal toys that you find in the | | | | For an older child who might prefer to play |
| major toy stores. When you're looking for | | | | independently, why not consider getting them |
| toys for a young child, you are looking for | | | | an art set? If you can encourage artistic |
| something that will be both durable and | | | | achievement at a young age, you can help your |
| mentally engaging. To find toys that match | | | | child develop a lifelong appreciation for |
| this description, you may have to search | | | | creativity, something that will serve them |
| harder, but the toys you discover will | | | | well no matter what they end up doing. Find |
| provide your children with years of | | | | art kits that are durable and offer a wide |
| enjoyment. | | | | variety of material to work with. You may |
| | | | wish to take your child to a place that sells |
| Just because you are looking for educational | | | | art supplies for children and walk around |
| toys, that doesn't mean that your children | | | | with them, seeing whether they are more |
| can't have a good time playing with them! | | | | interested in painting, beading or collaging. |
| While keeping in mind that different age | | | | |
| levels have different needs, look for a toy | | | | One thing to consider when buying toys for |
| that will challenge your tot. Even if your | | | | your child is the material. While of course |
| child might need your help at first, you | | | | you know that small parts can be a choking |
| can't go wrong with a puzzle that is designed | | | | hazard, check the durability of the toy in |
| for their age group. Puzzles encourage fine | | | | question. If it is made of fragile plastic, |
| motor development and problem solving skills | | | | there's a chance your child could step on it |
| for small children. Don't forget to look for | | | | and make it splinter. In terms of durable |
| unique puzzles that might appeal to your | | | | toys, you can always go with the traditional |
| child, either; for instance the toy company | | | | route of toys made out of wood. Wood can be |
| Melissa & Doug offers a wide variety of | | | | easily cleaned and will stay in good |
| colorful, detailed puzzles that are both | | | | condition for years with a minimum amount of |
| durable and fun to play with. They provide | | | | care. |
| puzzles from ages 3 and up that are theme | | | | |
| specific. For instance your child may be | | | | When searching for toys for the child in your |
| interested in horses, farm animals or | | | | life, keep in mind that the choices you make |
| dinosaurs. If so you can find puzzles that | | | | now can affect them in the years to come; |
| are made with their interest in mind. | | | | make sure their toys will not only amuse |
| Melissa & Doug also provide challenging toys | | | | them, but help them grow. |