Uncertain What Toys to Buy?

A father recently told me that his young daughter brought him a toy saying it didn’t work and could he put new batteries in it. Upon realizing the toy was not battery powered he took a closer look at the toys his children play with. Until that close examination he realized he wasn’t fully aware of how many of the toys his children own and that only a handful don’t require batteries. He shared with me that if he could go back a few years he would buy more toys for his children that don’t rely on batteries to play with them.

Technology has become a big part of our lives and it's no different for children. We can’t ignore technology. It’s a part of our lives and our children’s lives and it’s not going away. I encourage parents to balance out the number of electronic toys they give their children with open-ended toys that encourage creativity and imagination and don’t require a scripted way to use them.

If you're purchasing toys for children this holiday season I'd like you to consider the following:

Blocks, Lego's, Tinker Toys, and Lincoln Logs. Traditional board games such as Checkers, Chess, Candy Land, Connect Four, Trouble, and Jenga.  

Puppets, art supplies, puzzles, play dough. Think back to the toys of your childhood. Which ones bring back memories? Chances are your child would probably enjoy those same toys.

Once your child has opened their gift, get down on the floor and play with them. You'll be creating new holiday memories for both you and your child.