Toys have a big role to play in fostering holistic development of children by increasing their sense of understanding, memory power and honing other associated skills.
To top it off, toys accentuate the fun factor which can keep your kid involved for hours as you quickly complete those pending household chores or prepare your office presentation. But given thousands of toy options, don’t we all feel clueless when we go shopping for that special something for our special someone? As an answer to the unified distress call of all you mommies out there, we have prepared a toy classification based on age parameters which will make you a smart shopper in no time.
- Less than a year old
In the first three months since birth, babies still have a blurry vision which does not let them observe all the minute details. Thus it is best to keep them engaged with brightly colored objects. Some toys having nubby texture and making a crinkling or squeaking noise also manage to attract the attention of these toddlers who have till now developed a tendency of biting everything they can lay their hands upon. Moms should go for textured toys which can also relieve teeth pain. Best options would be small stuffed fabric balls, floor gyms, rattles, activity boards, multi patterned crib mobiles, unbreakable mirrors and stuffed dolls having a smiling face.
- One to Two years old
As the sense of your baby starts developing it is best to introduce them to toys showing cause and effect sequence which responds to his actions. At this stage your baby will love a game which involves hitting a ball with a bat or pressing buttons causing music to ring in and characters to pop up. Best options for this age include shape sorters, stacking rings, simple musical instruments like drums, easy puzzles and rubber ducks.
- Two to Three Years
With the rapidly developing motorable skills your young one can easily solve new puzzles and complete building blocks all by himself. He might even start with the act of imitating those around him. Ringing toy telephones, talking dolls and other forms of sound emitting toys will top his list of favorites at this stage. Best buys for this age group are puzzles, transportation toys having buttons and emitting sound, stuffed animals, a toddler workbench, tea-party set or a doll stroller.
- Four to Five years
This is the perfect time to introduce interactive and educational toys which teach verbal skills and maths to your children. Toys blurting out words of encouragement rather than ending it on a depressing note should be on your shopping cart. Top toys for this age group include action figures, electronic phonic toys, dress up clothes, Lego toys, complex puzzles, soccer balls, bicycle having training wheels and board games.
- Six to Seven years
Accompanied by the teachings imparted by teachers and parents, your child is slowly developing tastes and preferences of his own. He might be showing affinity towards a particular art form or sport. At this age children start demanding things they find in their friends’ possession. This age also increases affection towards computer games. Popular toys of this age group include sports equipment, craft kits, telescopes, remote control cars and chess games.
- Above Eight Years
Outdoor games become a hot favorite amongst kids of this age group. Hand them some of the original fidget spinners and they will stay hooked to the same. Games like these go a long way in increasing their concentration. Other options include intricate construction sets, elaborate science kits and board games like Monopoly, Scrabble and Trivial Pursuit Junior.