Gifts for Toddlers
Tis the season to give presents, holy cow what should I buy. How many times have you stood in the middle of a store asking yourself this very question? This question becomes especially prevalent when shopping for a toddler. A toddler is a hard age to shop for because they are not really a baby and do not want baby toys but they are not really old enough for toys that would be for ages 3 and up. So what would be good for them?
1 - Leapfrog Learn and Groove counting Maracas - These are a great gift because they play music, light up, make melodies with their shaking sound and they teach the child to count. These are also bilingual, teaching the child to count in english and spanish. They retail for around $15 and can be found in any toy store and at www.leapfrog.com
2 - Leapfrog Spin and Sing Alphabet Zoo - This is great because it teaches the child all about different animals and what sounds they make. In addition, the spinning wheel teaches the letters and what sound they make, which is a first step toward reading. The music mode will sing the alphabet song while the toddler spins the wheel and claps to the beat. Retail price is $18 and can be found at most chain stores (Target, Walmart) and on www.leapfrog.com
3 - Leapfrog Tag Jr. Book Pal - This is a "pen" that when glided along the books made for the Tag jr, reads the words aloud. The kids love it because they love to be in control of making the sounds. This is recommended for ages 24 months to 4 years and is a great gift because it teaches sounds and words, therefore taking that first step toward teaching a child to read. It retails for around $25 and is in stores nationwide and on www.leapfrog.com
4 - Fisher Price makes a FABULOUS line of toys called the Little People line. There is a farm, an airplane, a bridal set, a hannukkah set, a nativity scene, a school bus and many, many more. These items have been top selling items for years and toddlers love them. They retail from around $10 all the way up to $100 depending on which set you choose. They can be found at many retail locations as well as on www.fisherprice.com
5 - Melissa and Doug is another great company that has a wonderful line of wooden toys and puzzles. This company has anything that you could possibly need for pretend play. Their shape sorters and sound enhanced puzzles are a great gift for the exploring toddler. Their wooden food and kitchen sets make cooking a blast for the budding chef. These toys see for between $10 and $150 depending on which one you choose. They are available in many locations as well as on www.melissaanddoug.com
6 - Lastly, toddlers are at an age where they are increasing their mobility. A ride on toy such as the Fisher Price Rock, Roll and Ride trike or the Step 2 Push Along Buggy are great mobile toys that can grow with them as they become preschoolers. These toys can retail from $40 to around $200 dollars and are available at most major stores as well as online.
Whatever the age of the toddler you are buying for, they will certainly enjoy whichever toy you pick for them. Happy Shopping.
