By Kerri Kreh Reda, M.P.H.
It’s that time of year again, when you may be buying gifts for the children in your life. There are lots of toys to choose from, and the cost can really add up. Here are some suggestions for getting the best “bang for your buck” and for choosing toys that are both beneficial to your child and ones he or she will enjoy long term.
Choose toys that:
- Are open-ended. This means they can be used in more than one way.
- Can be enjoyed at different ages and that will grow with the child.
- Can be used with other toys for more complex play.
- Won’t cause stress for you or your child.
- Are made of sturdy materials and will hold up well.
- Can be washed easily.
- Clearly state they are made with nontoxic materials.
Avoid toys that:
- Play for the child. Dolls, phones, or books that talk or sing or dance when a button is pushed, or computers that say the alphabet, numbers, or make animal sounds leave little for the child to do.
- Promote violence, sexualized behavior, gender division, and consumerism.
- Come with a script or don’t allow children to choose how to play with them. These include toys that are connected to a show or movie, play-dough molds, or Lego kits.
- Pose safety hazards. Toys with small parts should be avoided for children under 3 years of age, as should toys with long strings, cords, or sharp edges.
Here are some great toy choices for young children:
- Blocks
- Puzzles
- Toy cars, trucks, planes, or boats
- Dress-up clothes that are non-gender specific
- Ocean or farm animals
- Dolls or stuffed animals
- Tool or construction sets
- Medical kits
- Doll houses
- Puppets
- Props to make a restaurant, store, or post office
- Paper
- Paints
- Crayons or markers
- Riding toys
- Push/pull toys
- Balls
- Tunnels to crawl through
Toys don’t have to be expensive. Sometimes the best play items can be found right in your home, such as cardboard boxes, nesting bowls, or measuring cups for bath time play. Infants enjoy objects that can be squeezed, dropped, twisted, or thrown. Items that can be stacked, poured, opened and closed are good choices for toddlers. Preschool children like drawing, painting, and building, as well as playing pretend.
Some good resources on toys and children’s play can be found at:
- TRUCE (Teachers Resisting Unhealthy Children’s Entertainment)
- Campaign for Commercial Free Childhood
www.commercialfreechildhood.org
Kerri Kreh Reda, M.P.H., is a Human Development Specialist with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County’s Family Health and Wellness Program. She can be reached at 631-727-7850 ext. 330 or at kkr5@cornell.edu.