Toys
toys; play; interests; 1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7; year; old; baby; child; children ;
Contents
Parents and grandparents often want ideas about buying toys for their children. The best guide for buying toys for children is to see what they enjoy playing with. Toys should not be bought too long before Christmas or birthdays because interests of young children can change quickly as they develop.
Although this list is mostly about toys that you might want to buy, children don't have to have expensive toys and there are many toys similar to those suggested that you could make.
Remember the best play for young children is playing with parents.
Important note: Young children's play should always be supervised, especially when playing near water, even a small amount such as in a paddle pool.
Toys for babies under 1 year
Rattles which are strongly made and without small parts that could break off, a large soft ball, bath toys, things to put in or on, eg large nesting boxes, rings to put onto something, block wagon, toys that make a noise when pushed or played with.
Books with large simple everyday pictures, nursery rhymes, push along/pull along toys, very simple puzzles, ride-on toys, teddy bears, dolls, blocks, water toys to pour with, small paddle pool (always under supervision), toy cars, sand toys (such as bucket and spade), sieve for the sand tray, posting box, drums, large blocks, balls, simple matching games, musical tapes.
Picture books with very simple stories and rhymes, blocks, dolls, teddy bears, simple puzzles, ride-on toys, toy cars, trucks, planes, sand and beach toys such as big dump trucks, buckets and spades, large crayons and butcher's paper, suitable CDs, household toys such as small brooms to copy parents, paddle pools (always under supervision), finger and hand puppets.
Simple picture books with stories or rhymes, paints and butcher's paper, playdough, large crayons and butcher's paper, building sets with large pieces, dolls, cars and trucks, dress-ups, nursery song CDs, finger or hand puppets, paddle pools (always under supervision), cubby house, toy animals, puzzles, tricycles with helmet, paddle pool.
Picture story books (especially with rhymes and play on words), finger or hand puppets, paints and crayons, dolls, building sets, clay, doll's house and furniture, toy animals, building sets such as lego, matchbox cars, puzzles, balls, dress-ups, simple computer games, appropriate CDs.
Picture story books, small animals and dolls, doll's house, "making" toys, puzzles, suitable CDs, simple computer games, bicycle with trainer wheels and helmet, simple board games, tents and cubby houses, building sets such as lego.
Bicycle with trainer wheels and helmet, board games, beginning reader books, simple computer games, "making" toys, miniature dolls and animals, dolls' houses, toy make-up, building sets such as lego, skipping ropes, CDs of books.
Simple table games or card games, building sets such as lego, construction kits, simple computer games, jigsaw puzzles, radio, swimming pool toys if appropriate, bats and balls, books, musical toys, toy soldiers, craft equipment, magic tricks.
Older children and adolescents
For children from middle childhood on, and into adolescence, interests become more specialised and it is best to follow the child's own interests, eg craft, sport, music, clothes, toiletries, make-up or books or a trip to the shop to let them choose something.
South Australia
Playgroup SA Inc.
Ph: 1800 171 882
http://www.playgroupaustralia.com.au/sa/
Australia
Playgroup Australia Inc
http://www.playgroupaustralia.com.au/
Books for Parents
Child & Youth Health "Practical parenting for One to Fives" published by ACER.
Peter Bowler and Pam Linke "Your Child from One to Ten" published by ACER.
The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see a doctor, or ring the Parent Helpline on 1300 364 100 (local call cost from anywhere in South Australia).
This topic may use 'he' and 'she' in turn - please change to suit your
child's sex.