What to Gift a Child: Top Educational Toys for Little Ones
Toy stores are brimming with options for every age and taste: from classic spinning tops to complex activity boards. How to choose an age-appropriate gift? Which toys should you avoid? We dive into these topics in the article.
We've compiled a selection of great educational toys and categorized them by age. This way, choosing the right gift becomes easier, and the toy won't end up collecting dust on a shelf.
How to Choose an Age-Appropriate Gift
Picking a good toy gift can be tricky. A plush teddy bear might seem dull, while a building set with small parts might be too complex or even risky. To avoid these pitfalls and give the perfect gift, consider the characteristics of each age group. Here’s what to keep in mind.
- Video Guides by Psychologists — There are many informative videos where child psychologists discuss which toys suit different ages and explain why.
- Your Own Experience — If you have children, you can rely on your experience. Recall what intrigued your child and confidently select a gift.
- Retailer and Marketplace Picks — Many platforms where you can buy toys offer filters to view recommendations for the selected age.
- Timeless Choices — Some toys are suitable for different ages: they can be used in various complexity levels. For example, balls, baby dolls, or shape sorters. If uncertain, these tried-and-true options are a safe choice.
- Mom's Wishlist — To ensure the gift hits the mark, ask the child's mother what you could gift. With a wishlist, it's easier to choose something needed, and you're less likely to buy something they already have.
Gifts for Kids Under One
The first year of life is a special time. During this period, a baby is just getting used to the world: learning to roll over, focus their attention, and try crawling. Therefore, toys should be simple and easy to understand. Here are eight excellent options.
Cards with Colors and Patterns
Such a gift will be especially intriguing to a baby in the first few months of life. Besides bright cards, we recommend choosing sets with black and white patterns. They provide better contrast, helping the baby not only recognize objects but also develop their vision.
Folding Play Mat
A soft, spacious mat is useful for any child's age. In the early months, it can be a place for the baby to learn to roll over and crawl. Later, the mat can become a real play area, perfect for puzzles, stacking rings, and playing with dolls. It can even be used to build a fort or tunnel—an idea sure to delight a little one.
Tactile Books
These books aren’t just fun to read; they’re also pleasant to touch. They feature various textures that draw the baby’s attention: crinkly foil, sparkly sequins, and soft fuzz. Books with these elements help develop sensory skills and fine motor skills. Stories range from cars to pets, and even jungles.
Teether
If you’re unsure what to choose for a little one, a teether is always a win. They come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, making it easy to find something intriguing and attractive. A teether isn’t just for soothing teething pains but also aids in developing grasping skills.
Tactile Balls
A set of tactile balls makes a fantastic gift for a baby. They can be taken into the bath for splashy fun or rolled across the floor. Additionally, spiky and ribbed balls provide excellent massages for little feet and hands.
Stacking Toy
This toy is a favorite among children: it’s colorful, engaging, and easy to understand. A stacking toy is perfect for learning about shapes, colors, and sizes, making it a safe gift for the youngest kids. If the classic version doesn’t appeal to you, opt for a stackable cup toy or a version with images of adorable animals.
Activity Gym with Hanging Toys
To entertain a baby, simply place them on a mat with hanging toys. It easily folds out and provides various amusements: rattles, teethers, mirrors, and more. On the mat, babies can freely roll over, stretch, and reach for the toys they like.
Wooden Shape Sorter
This toy, known for its use in the Montessori system, allows the child to learn independently. Even if they can't assemble the sorter without help yet, exploring different shapes, colors, and sizes is fascinating. As the child grows, more games can be introduced with the wooden sorter.
What Not to Gift
- Stuffed Toys — Cute bears and soft kitties may seem appealing and irresistible to add to the cart. However, such toys are unlikely to entertain a baby and will likely end up on the shelf.
- Interactive Toys with Many Functions — There are excellent toys that can dance, light up, sing songs, and tell stories. However, the active movements and abrupt sounds often frighten babies, so it's best to approach these cautiously.
- Toys with Small Parts — Dolls often come with small shoes, bottles, and other items. When choosing a gift, remember that the child might try to taste the toy. Opt for safe choices where you feel confident.
Gifts for Kids 1-2 Years Old
At this age, a child is proficient: they talk, crawl confidently, and are starting to walk. To give something both useful and engaging, it's best to opt for creative toys, such as musical instruments or modeling clay. We found ten great educational options that help a child explore the world.
Musical Toys
Drums, maracas, flutes, and pianos are perfect toys for a child. Child-sized replicas of musical instruments help improve patience, develop hearing, and enhance attention. Some toys not only produce sound but also offer additional songs and games. Such a gift is sure to surprise and delight any little one.
Water Coloring Book
Crayons and markers are also popular with kids, but if you want to keep the walls safe, start with this gift. In these coloring books, the images are hidden behind a white layer that disappears when water is applied. A special water marker is usually included: it’s filled with water and isn’t harmful, even if the child tries to taste it.
Illustrated Books
Books with intriguing stories and vivid pictures help develop speech and memory. There are so many options available now that you can find books with tails, interchangeable cards, and melodies. They're perfect for travel—keeping a child engaged and suitable for different games. From folk tales to educational stories, choose what captivates you, and your child will also be delighted.
Large-Piece Blocks
With large-piece blocks, you can build a tower, a house, or an entire castle. This idea will certainly appeal to a little one, making it a toy worth adding to the wishlist or choosing as a gift. We recommend selecting blocks made of soft or large pieces for both an interesting and safe playtime.
Bead Maze
This seemingly simple toy greatly develops fine motor skills, logic, and imagination. Moving a bead from one end to the other requires not only tracking it but also navigating spirals, zigzags, and abrupt drops.
Push and Pull Toy
The first steps can be challenging for a little one, so a push-and-pull toy can help. They come in various forms: a friendly bear with a drum, a funny helicopter, and even a mini SUV. These toys ‘come alive’ only when pushed, sparking interest and encouraging independent walking.
Orthopedic Mat
Once a child has learned to walk, new activities and fun can be introduced. Walking on an orthopedic mat is a great choice for a morning exercise. Initially, a session of 3-5 minutes is enough, with the duration gradually increasing. This exercise not only prevents flatfeet but also boosts brain activity.
Air-Dry Clay
With air-dry clay, you can mold anything, whether it’s a funny sheep, a cute cat, or a real car. Over time, the figures harden, becoming small toys. Furthermore, air-dry clay doesn’t stick to surfaces and is made with safe ingredients, making it perfect for kids' crafts.
Maxi-Puzzles
Puzzles might seem complicated for such a little one, but they are actually excellent for any age. When a child assembles pieces into a whole picture, they develop fine motor skills and logical thinking. For the youngest, there are maxi-puzzles with animals, fairy tale characters, and even half-puzzles with various games.
Sand Play Sets
A versatile gift that will please any child at this age. Little ones love playing in the sandbox, especially when they have plenty of shovels, buckets, and different molds. Some sets even come with carts, allowing them not only to shape sand into various figures but also to transport real loads.
Gifts for Kids 2-3 Years Old
During this period, children actively mimic adults and experience a full range of emotions. For two-year-olds, it is crucial to select toys that foster social interaction and help them understand their feelings. These could be dolls, chef or doctor play sets, and other educational toys in this list.
Bowling Set
Bowling is an excellent way for the whole family to have fun together. Show your child how to roll the ball to knock down the pins, and explain the rules. Bowling not only improves agility but also teaches patience and focuses attention. You can divide into teams or play individually—the main thing is that everyone enjoys the home tournament.
Baby Doll
Of course, this toy can be gifted earlier, allowing the child to learn about body parts. By ages 2-3, a doll becomes more than a toy; it’s a real ‘baby’ that needs feeding, dressing, and putting to bed. Playing with dolls teaches a child to care for others, share emotions, and stimulate their creativity.
Kids Dinnerware
Everyday items usually fascinate children. To ensure safe play with dishes, it’s best to have child-friendly utensils, plates, and pots. With such a set, the child can mimic mom and experiment with new roles.
Balancing Game
Ages 2-3 are perfect for a first board game. The rules are simple: place a piece so that the structure doesn’t collapse. Balancing games come with various animals, chairs, and other items. Though the game might be challenging, the child will learn to understand balance and easily coordinate their movements over time.
Career Play Set
During this curious phase, children love trying new things. Therefore, a doctor's, builder's, or shopkeeper's set would be an ideal gift. Consider which profession might interest the child most and boldly choose a suitable set.
Puzzle Cubes
Unlike standard puzzles, cubes are the same shape and size, making picture assembly more complex. However, this game beautifully develops logic and helps a child become more persistent. You can find cubes featuring kittens from animated tv shows or other beloved characters, adding extra excitement to the puzzle-solving process.
Mosaic Pins
This game is familiar to many, consisting of a white board and colorful pins. To create a vibrant pattern, specific colored pins are selected and placed in sequence. Sets usually include pre-designed pattern cards, but creativity is encouraged, too. Such activities engage a child, fostering imagination and fine motor skills.
Children's Lotto Game
Lotto is a delightful game for all ages. For little ones, there are simple cards and tokens featuring animals, fruits, vegetables, and other familiar items. Lotto cultivates associations and concentration in a child.
Conclusion
Choosing a gift for a child isn’t hard when you consider their age characteristics and interests. We hope our selection helps you find exciting ideas, making the search for the perfect toy an enjoyable process.