subject: Best Gifts and Ideas - Educational Toys [print this page] Best Gifts and Ideas - Educational Toys Best Gifts and Ideas - Educational Toys
Educational toys can play an major role in infant development. In fact, most toys offered at this stage of life provide an educational or developmental intent. Of course, they're also intended to be fun! You can't fail buying a baby or toddler an educational toy as a gift. There are many types to choose from. Plus, the benefits are immeasurable.
A well made educational toy for babies and toddlers should offer them experiences with sound, touch, and color. Infants love to experience new things, to learn and explore the world. Educational activity toys help to develop thinking skills and problem solving skills as well as teaching manipulation of objects. The act of pulling, pusing, and placing objects in specific holes are a few of the more typical functions that educational toys offer. They promote development of vision, color recognition, hand-eye coordination, motor-skills, and interaction.
Most babies and toddlers develop a fondness for specific toys. Musical toys tend to be a favorite of many young children - songs, music, and rattling. Plush toys have also proven to be loveable. Toddlers really like toys that teach words and sound associations. Some musical toys incorporate visual stimuli such as moving screens. Light and sound puzzles are good examples of these. Brightly colored building blocks encourage a toddler to be creative together with teaching them about structure. Puzzles with large pieces in themes that children like such as animals, people, and cartoon characters are encouraged.
Preschool is an important stage. Language development and preparation for reading tends to be the focus for educational toys at this stage. More complicated letter and number puzzles could be offered for additional learning. Many electronic toys offer an experience similar to using a computer. Children respond well to these types of toys as they incorporate sight, sound, humor and interaction.
