Today I have a guest post for you from Caroline Casetti of The Humble Haven. She offers her suggestions on ideas for toddler gifts this season.
The Best Toys and Trinkets for Children During the Holidays
Toddlers are an awesome age group to buy toys for; at one to three years old, little ones are old enough to start exploring concepts yet still young enough to be charmed by lights and colors. Their minds are growing at an enormous rate and they are rapidly developing in personality. They're willing to examine different things without preconceived notions about what's entertaining or boring. Making intellectual connections unconsciously, they are eager to learn and they suck up knowledge without even being aware of it.
Books Stimulate
Toys that stimulate their imagination and natural desire to explore, experiment and absorb are best. The period between birth and the age of two, essentially the toddler age, is the perfect time to start reading to them. Research has shown that the sooner a child is exposed to reading, the sooner their imagination grows, inspiring them to use their minds, which speeds up their intellectual growth as well. Along with whatever else family members give a toddler for the holidays, interactive books should be included so that any member of the family can read to the toddler.
Toys that stimulate their imagination and natural desire to explore, experiment and absorb are best. The period between birth and the age of two, essentially the toddler age, is the perfect time to start reading to them. Research has shown that the sooner a child is exposed to reading, the sooner their imagination grows, inspiring them to use their minds, which speeds up their intellectual growth as well. Along with whatever else family members give a toddler for the holidays, interactive books should be included so that any member of the family can read to the toddler.
Computers That Inspire
There are a growing number of beginner computers designed for toddlers. They're very simple with bright colors and graphics to grab the eye. In the world of ever-growing technology that we now live in, it is the wise parent who introduces their child to computers as soon as possible. With their increased use in classrooms, by the time that little guy or gal is ready to begin school, computers will be even more prevalent. Give them a leg up on their education with a toy laptop that parent and child can enjoy together and they'll be more eager to learn when they enter school.
There are a growing number of beginner computers designed for toddlers. They're very simple with bright colors and graphics to grab the eye. In the world of ever-growing technology that we now live in, it is the wise parent who introduces their child to computers as soon as possible. With their increased use in classrooms, by the time that little guy or gal is ready to begin school, computers will be even more prevalent. Give them a leg up on their education with a toy laptop that parent and child can enjoy together and they'll be more eager to learn when they enter school.
Tubby Time Can Be a Learning Time Too
Look for educational toys that toddlers can play with in the tub. Toys that let them use their natural curiosity are best. There is a wide array of tub toys available; choose toys that inspire them to build or float things, items that teach them about the facets of water. If they play with things that help them soak up an education, even subtly in a tub, they'll benefit in more ways than one. Plastic boats, fish, turtles and blocks are all great, fun toys that float and let the child use their imagination; you can even join in with story lines and scenarios.
Sounds, Smiles, and Hugs
Toys that introduce the joy of sounds are valuable in that they teach the connection between action and reaction. If they pull the string, an animal sound, a bell or other fun sound comes out. It's fun and educational. Do not worry too much about the seemingly incessant sounds; remember that the toddler is truly learning valuable data as a result of the fun they are having with the various sounds… Additionally, try to limit the toddler's exposure to television, even cartoons and children's programming. While some media is fine, it doesn't always advance the learning process as well as an hands-on interactivity. Spend time playing with the toddler and their toys. It's a wonderful way to bond and to help them learn. Books are extra special – pick a special time of the day to read with your child. Engage and interact.
Look for educational toys that toddlers can play with in the tub. Toys that let them use their natural curiosity are best. There is a wide array of tub toys available; choose toys that inspire them to build or float things, items that teach them about the facets of water. If they play with things that help them soak up an education, even subtly in a tub, they'll benefit in more ways than one. Plastic boats, fish, turtles and blocks are all great, fun toys that float and let the child use their imagination; you can even join in with story lines and scenarios.
Sounds, Smiles, and Hugs
Toys that introduce the joy of sounds are valuable in that they teach the connection between action and reaction. If they pull the string, an animal sound, a bell or other fun sound comes out. It's fun and educational. Do not worry too much about the seemingly incessant sounds; remember that the toddler is truly learning valuable data as a result of the fun they are having with the various sounds… Additionally, try to limit the toddler's exposure to television, even cartoons and children's programming. While some media is fine, it doesn't always advance the learning process as well as an hands-on interactivity. Spend time playing with the toddler and their toys. It's a wonderful way to bond and to help them learn. Books are extra special – pick a special time of the day to read with your child. Engage and interact.
Organization & Decoration
Toy boxes and book racks technically aren't toys but are learning tools for the toddler, and help avoid headaches for parents. There are wonderfully colored toy boxes and book racks perfect for learning the value of organization. Many toy boxes are designed with safety in mind. The earlier the parent teaches their toddler the value of knowing exactly where to find their books and toys, the better. Make the learning process one that is centered on convenience and less on neatness; that value is not as easy to grasp at that age. As organization promotes a proper lifestyle at an early age, hands on projects, decorating, and crafting can be a wonderful gift for your little one. The gift of time and building something together is a memorable activity.
Making Christmas ornaments and personalizing holiday crafts lets your little one know that they are a part of making the season special. To let them know that they are significant, consider giving Christmas decorations before Christmas day. When youngsters help complete a project like holiday decorating, they feel valued and important. Many hands make light work, and it’s the season the feel jolly!
Toy boxes and book racks technically aren't toys but are learning tools for the toddler, and help avoid headaches for parents. There are wonderfully colored toy boxes and book racks perfect for learning the value of organization. Many toy boxes are designed with safety in mind. The earlier the parent teaches their toddler the value of knowing exactly where to find their books and toys, the better. Make the learning process one that is centered on convenience and less on neatness; that value is not as easy to grasp at that age. As organization promotes a proper lifestyle at an early age, hands on projects, decorating, and crafting can be a wonderful gift for your little one. The gift of time and building something together is a memorable activity.
Making Christmas ornaments and personalizing holiday crafts lets your little one know that they are a part of making the season special. To let them know that they are significant, consider giving Christmas decorations before Christmas day. When youngsters help complete a project like holiday decorating, they feel valued and important. Many hands make light work, and it’s the season the feel jolly!
Written by Caroline Casetti of The Humble Haven. You can find her at:
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