Best Toys for Toddlers

In the world of more is better technology, everything has flashing lights and loud sounds and even baby and toddler toys have become flashier and louder. While these electronic gizmos do grab a child's attention and some do have interesting learning possibilities, long-lasting they are often not. Whether it be batteries, electronic gizmo glitches or the child tires of the toy, it seems our investments in toys just don't last long. On to the next big thing in playtime.

Here is a list of the kinds of things I've found--through my own experiences as a parent and child caregiver--to be lasting and learning playtime fun.

1. Boxes of all shapes and sizes. This one offers huge entertainment value and is often cheap, the boxes having come with something purchased and, once emptied, headed for the trash can. Appliance boxes are the absolute best, as their size lends room for climbing inside and peeking out of. Copy paper boxes, moving boxes, shoe boxes, even cereal boxes hold hours of imaginative fun for children.

2. Wooden blocks, also of all shapes and sizes. While sometimes these blocks can be a bit of an expense up front, they more than pay off in their longevity and durability. There are no limits in a child's imaginative play with these basic, enduring toys.

3. Kitchen items such as pots and pans, spatulas, measuring cups, plastic container type things and the like. These do not have to be 'kid sized' or toys at all, the real things work just fine--sometimes better!

4. Crayons and paper, lots of paper! Toddlers can safely draw and color simply with good supervision. Placing the child in a high chair or supervised at the table can prevent those colorful wall drawings many don't wish to scrub off or paint over.

5. Dress-up clothes and accessories. Yet again, the real thing works as well or better than buying specially made dress-up items. Toss some of your shirts, skirts, scarves and hats into a box and watch hours of playtime fun abound before your eyes.

This list is by no means exhaustive or even thorough, but it will give parents some ideas of inexpensive entertainment options for children. These ideas also have boundless imaginative potential, there are many, even infinite ways to play with such things. Electronic gizmos and gadgets are fun and do have their place, but for enduring playtime fun, the basics found easily around home or bought inexpensively are the ones that will endure--both in imaginative play and in monetary investment.