Age Appropriate Toys Gift Guide

Age Appropriate Toys
For Infants-Toddlers-Preschool

As we shop for the holidays or child birthdays, sometimes we need gift suggestions.

Think about the toys and items children see at grandma’s, play group, day care, etc. At home, they should have complimentary toys but not the same toys. That way, each place will hold items with play value for the child.

Get toys that will grow with the child. Does the toy you are considering have creative play value, or is it a one trick pony? Is this a toy that will enhance the child’s imagination?

Infants

(0-2 months)
mobiles, music, soft cloth rattles and animals, items which to look and listen to are ideal for infants

(2-4 months)
rattles, shakers, teethers to pick up and grasp and shake; activity gyms with dangling objects which can be kicked and hit while lying on back

(4-8 months)
soft vinyl cloth books, roly poly toys (round bottom figures that can be pushed over, but bounce back up), large popping beads, push and pull toys.
Older infants can sit up and explore their surroundings, which gives their toys a new perspective. You may not need to add many new toys at this stage.
Taggie Toys

(8-12 months)
board books, large blocks, musical instruments (drum, shakers…) cuddly toys, activity boxes and boards
Walkers with a sturdy base – some even change as your child grows up and become ride on toys
Children at this stage like to make things happen- push a button and hear a sound or something pops up.
Fisher Price Little People and Playskool Weebles
Both have many varieties. Try to get sets that are not at school or grandparents’ houses so your child has something different to look forward to
Books that might be of interest:

That’s not my…(bunny, teddy, puppy, dinosaur)

Pat the…(bunny, cat, etc)

Feely books, lift the flap books, repetitive books

(12-18 months)
walking toys, such as shopping carts, baby carriages and ride on cars with a handle for pushing; shape sorters, blocks, music, soft dolls and stuffed animals, and balls
Duplo Legos for stacking
Simple blocks
Pull toys
Fisher Price Little People and Playskool Weebles
Toddlers

(18 months – 2 years)
crayons and large paper, simple puzzles, blocks, dress-up items, play food, plastic tools, doll houses and people, cars and trucks, bags to put items in.
Aquadoodle (reusable coloring mats that use water to create pictures)
Children at this age begin to engage in imaginative play, and it is focused on learning about their world. They want to be like “big people” and do what they are doing, but lack the motor skills for handling small items.
Toddlers are interested in mimicking what they see, so phones, brooms, dolls, kitchens, vacuums, etc. are good ideas.

(2-3 years)
plastic buildings, blocks, cars, trucks, and trains (with tracks); baby dolls and housekeeping equipment; play food for kitchen or grocery, interlocking puzzles (up to 30 pieces), books, coloring books and crayons
Lacing Alphabet
Crayola Color Wonder sets
Floor Puzzles
Tray puzzles with more pieces
Cranium Cariboo and other Cranium Games
Sleeping Bag
Overnight bag
Play tent
Riding toys with pedals
Doll stroller
Simple games

Preschool

(3-4 years)
scissors, glue, and paper, simple craft kits, books, beginning board games, items for imaginative play.
Play becomes more social and more involved at this age. You will find your child creating conversations between his/her toys, or setting up a complete town for his/her animals.
Fisher Price Rescue Heroes and Imaginext
Dolls
Dramatic play items
Small table and chairs for activities
Play dough and tools
Tubes and ramps for vehicles to roll on/through
Legos
Hot wheels and Matchbox cars
Calico Critters
Bean Bag Chair

(4-5 years)
craft kits, card games, board games, simple sports equipment, books, music, computer games, building blocks, collections (ask what they are collecting)
Games:
Mancala (an African stone game)
The Amazing Labyrinth(by Ravensburger or any of their other games and puzzles)
Uno and other simple card games
Connect Four
Blokus
Logic games – think aloud as you play so your child can learn the skills involved in playing the game
More advanced Legos
Playmobil
Rubber Stamps
Stickers
Back pack for school or to keep track of belongings on outings

(5-6 years)
Find It Game (great for car trips)
small blocks, art supplies, sports equipment, models, small building sets.
More challenging puzzles with smaller pieces
Once children reach school-age, they are more influenced by their peers.

Tip: When buying games, if it doesn’t look fun to you, don’t buy it for your child. Chances are, you will end up playing it often. The same goes for children’s DVDs.

Written by: Ellen, mom and Early Childhood Professional in PA