Educational and Cheap Toddler Toys
Inexpensive Toy Ideas for Preschoolers that Promote Learning
Looking for an alternative to expensive educational toys? Great developmentally-appropriate toy ideas for preschoolers are detailed. Promote learning on the cheap!
A stroll down the toy aisles of department stores is sure to yield a slew of toys promising to be educational and to enhance learning. However, parents may be frustrated with how expensive learning toys can be, or confused about the age appropriateness of an item. Use these guidelines to locate “cheap” toys that meet your toddlers’ developmental needs.
12 - 18 Months
Undoubtedly, parents of children this age have had to deal with the continual clean up of dumped toys and other items. At this age, toddlers are practicing spatial skills, and dumping and sorting helps achieve this. Stacking toys are a wonderful tool to help children sort and organize. Something as simple as stackable plastic cups or measuring cups will help these little toddlers develop hand-eye coordination and explore basic spatial skills of "in" and "out." Supplying blocks to sort into containers can capture these young preschoolers interest as well. Other appropriate suggestions include pounding toys, books, and balls.
2 – 3 Years
Two to three year old children are all about mobility. Consider buying toys that stimulate activity and enhance large and fine motor skills. A stash of various sized balls is a great way to harness their energy and to build motor skills. As children throw and kick balls, they build gross motor muscles and practice hand-eye coordination. Similarly, pegboard and peg puzzles help develop the small muscles in the fingers. Great quiet play learning toys for toddlers in this age group are simple puzzles, basic coloring and painting activities, and building blocks.
3 - 5 Years
Older toddlers are mastering their world of make believe. They enjoy mirroring the habits of the adults in their lives. Develop a “make believe box” that contains dress-up items. Things in the box could include dad’s old sports coats, discarded hats, former Halloween costumes, and other cast-aside clothing. Toys that foster pretend play and role-playing do well to encourage language skills, emotional strength, and discipline. Other suggestions for this age group include art supplies, books, and kid-friendly plastic baseballs and bats.
Other Tips for Selecting Inexpensive Play Items:
Pay attention to the recommended age range of the toy. Parents may think that their advanced child can handle a toy intended for an older child. They should be aware that the age range is not just a reflection of skill level required, but also of safety concerns, such as choking hazards.
Consignment shops and yard sales can be a great find for inexpensive, educational toys. Always inspect the toy carefully and be sure there are no sharp edges, small pieces, or parts that could break off. Wash the toys thoroughly before giving them to your child.
Check to be sure used toys have not been recalled.
Cheap, poorly designed toys are not worth the cost. They may break easily, be made from sub-standard materials, or have sharp edges. Inexpensive, well-made toys are the better bargain.
Simple, hand-made toys can inspire creativity and imagination. With creative thinking and attention to safety, parents can find great educational toys that will not break the bank. Preschoolers can learn just as well from “cheap” toys as from expensive toys.
For more information on the value of simple, natural toys, read Waldorf Toys and Learning Theory: How Waldorf Dolls and Other Toys Build Imagination and Creativity
Resources:
Best Child Toys. Why You Would Like Your Child to Have Lots of Pretend Play. Website: 01/24/2008
