The Best Educational Toys for Toddlers

A toddler's world is one of exploration and adventure. They're discovering new things about their domain every day, and their curious little minds need continual stimulation. As such, the best toys for toddlers are those that make learning fun!

TOY BUYING TIPS

~ Toddlers are notorious for having very short attention spans. Toys that have many different things going on will hold their interest longer than a single-function toy. Bright colors add visual interest while texture provides tactile stimulation, and toys that make noise always intrigue toddlers.

~ Look for toddler-friendly toys that help build hand-eye coordination, such as bocks and other stacking toys, shape sorters, and lacing toys. Chunky toys are easier for little hands to hold and grasp. Thick board books are toddler favorites because they can turn the pages themselves.

~ Keep it age appropriate. Every toy has an age recommendation on the package, which will help you decide if it's right for the child. However, keep in mind that the ages listed are general guidelines rather than hard-and-fast rules.

~ When in doubt, buy a gift certificate from a company that sells educational toddler toys. The parents can then pick out a learning toy that's suitable for their child's abilities and interest.

FIVE TODDLER FAVORITES

1. The Little People Discovery Village from Fisher Price is a very lively place where things are always in motion, even the roads and sidewalks! Toddlers can explore the sights and sounds of the school, market and town square. Press the cash register to hear the "Muffin Man" song, or press the desk to play the "A-B-C" song. This busy village will entertain toddlers for a very long time.

2. Puzzles are a classic educational toy that keeps little hands busy, and helps develop problem solving skills, shape recognition, hand-eye coordination and logic. For toddlers, fewer puzzle pieces are the rule, and the bigger the better!

3. The interactive LeapStart Learning Table from LeapFrog features songs, melodies, real instrument sounds, and lots of things to spin, roll, slide, open and close. The musical mode plays over 40 songs and melodies so toddlers stay entertained while exploring. The learning mode introduces the alphabet, counting, shapes, colors and lots more. This engaging toy for children ages 6 months and up is one that will get more use than you can possibly imagine!

4. With the POP-ONZ Pop 'n Twirl Building Table, it's easy and fun for young builders to create their own little town. The POP-ONZ building system features over 15 pieces that fit easily on the pegs, from basic blocks to action blocks to silly city characters. With the press of a button, kids can add to the excitement with three musical tunes and spinning action.

5. The Dragonstone Castle from Magic Cabin has leaves that crinkle and critters that play peek-a-boo; it has things that squeak, slither, slide and more. In fact, there's so much to do and discover both inside and out, it might take toddlers years to explore every inch of this magnificent tactile castle!

When buying an educational gift for a toddler, look for toys that are sturdy, safe and fun for children under three. Giving them toys that teach as well as entertain will foster their love of learning, and help them go from curious toddlers to intelligent children.