With the holiday season fast approaching, young children are bombarded with toy commercials that send them running to their parents with sprawling wish lists. The problem is that adults often do not know whether they will hold a child’s interest past Christmas day. Every year young kids’ gifts get more and more expensive, so prudent parents need to do their homework before making a purchase. What you want is a toy that will teach your child something but that is fun at the same time. The following article will give you some ideas of toys available that will make everyone -- including your wallet -- happy.
You can give your child much more than textbooks and computer programs and still feel like they are being enriched while they play. In fact, smaller elementary age children need as many ways of learning as you can give them, so be creative and think about what it takes for a kid to be well-rounded. There are many skills - physical, mental, and social - that you can help your little one master by providing them with the right toys. You will find here examples of great toys divided into categories to give you an idea of what is on the market. They are simply suggestions paired with the price you can expect to pay for each toy. Use this as a guide to help you choose the educational presents best suited to your young child.
Electronic Toys
High-tech toys can be a source of major concern for parents. The truth is, video games can be expensive and many are inappropriate for young children. Luckily, there are several options you can feel good about. On the top of the list is Nintendo’s Game Boy Advance SP, which is the latest and greatest version of the old standard handheld system. It costs around $80, although you can often find used systems for a bargain. Each educational game runs between $10 and $40, again depending on whether it is new or used. Best of all, Nintendo has transferred old favorites like the Mario games to GBA, so you can buy with confidence. There is also the Leapster Multimedia Learning System by LeapFrog, a handheld priced similarly to GBA. It comes with six games that teach fundamental skills like reading and math in a fun way.
Musical Toys
Children who are exposed to music perform better in other subjects like math and reading, so it may be worth it to encourage your little one’s desire make a little “joyful noise.” If you have a little drummer, you can spare yourself endless banging (and subsequent headaches) by giving him or her Rhythm Sticks by Rock Beat. These toys make interesting percussion sounds without touching a drum and are priced between $15 and $20. Bongo drums, which cost around $30 depending on the brand you choose, are also a quiet option since they are played with the child’s hands. Young rockers will love kid-sized guitars, which are made in both acoustic and electric versions. Expect to pay between $50 and $100 for a quality instrument. If your child sings day and night, encourage their pop star dreams with a karaoke machine. There are sets for boys, girls, or either gender that are generally priced around $30.
Board Games
Board games teach problem solving, math skills, and social play, all of which are valuable to young children. Many classics like Scrabble and Monopoly come in kids’ or junior versions. Another example is Scooby-Doo Clue, an animated variety of everyone’s favorite murder mystery game. The makers of Operation have just put their Shrek Edition. In this game, kids can improve hand-eye coordination and learn all about ogre anatomy. All of these games cost around $30 and provide endless replay opportunities.
Pretend Toys
One of the best ways to raise an intelligent child is to encourage them to use his or her imagination. Children who pretend learn to solve problems, see things from a different perspective, and stay entertained. Little girls who adore playing dress-up will be delighted with a costume wardrobe. Many companies make sets that fit a child and her favorite stuffed animal, with prices ranging between $15 and $40 depending on how vast the fantasy closet is. Tea sets are also a classic favorite and come in styles to fit children’s favorite cartoon stars. A set with plates, cups, teapots, and silverware usually sells for no more than $30. For boys and girls, Wild Planet Toys’ spy gear is sure to be a favorite. Gadgets like walkie-talkies and spy watches run from $10-$30.
Sports and Outdoors Toys
Exercise and fresh air are an important part of a child’s life, not to mention necessary to give the parents a break. To get your little one out and about, try some of these great toys. Skechers has put out an updated version of the classic roller skates, this time building them into cool sneakers. Called 4-Wheelers, these $33 skates come in small sizes and colors to fit every child. If your kid loves camping, he will flip over an outdoor camping set. Many manufacturers sell sets complete with tent, hiking pack, water bottle, and sleeping bag for $70. Even if you never go away to the woods, your child can pretend to explore the great outdoors from the backyard.
Keep these gifts in mind as you shop so that you will not be discouraged browsing the endless gift aisles. Not only are they affordable, but they also provide a perfect combination of kid-appeal and educational value.
