How to buy the best educational toys for your child
Choosing a toy for your child is not as easy as you would think it is. With all the options available from online toy shops as well as in-store, how can you be sure that you are buying the best toy for your child’s brain development? Most people like buying unique types of toys for their children, toys that will stimulate their imaginations and motor skills and being entertaining.
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When buying a toy for your child, it is important to make sure that the toy is not only age-appropriate but also educational as well. While sound-making toys and mini figurines are fun and popular, they do little to stimulate the child mentally. With a sound-making toy, the child is not the one guiding the play, which can quickly lead to boredom.
By now you might ask yourself what makes a good educational toy? Here are the top five characteristics of a good educational toy:
- A good educational toy encourages active play and for the child to use their imagination.
- The toy has a function, such as it must be pulled or pushed or thrown.
- The toy contributes to the development of gross and fine motor skills, as well as sensory motor skills.
- While having lights and sounds, they are not overwhelming and will not overstimulate the child.
- The toy seeks to improve hand-eye coordination.
When buying educational toys from an online shop, choose a reputable brand, one that is synonymous with providing the best in educational toys. Products on the online shop should be categorised by age to make it easier to find the right toy for your child’s age group. Educational toys are specifically designed with your child’s age in mind, as it is made to match where they are in their development. Make sure you read the product description carefully, as well as reading reviews of the product online.
Buying educational toys in-store is just as easy, and the products are generally grouped together by type and age. Look at each toy, noting the various functions of the toy and what the benefits are of buying that specific toy. Light-up and sound toys should not be overwhelming and should fit your child’s age group to avoid overstimulation and boredom. Buying a toy in-store has the advantage that you can ask a sales assistant for help in choosing a toy, as most are knowledgeable in their field.
Whether you buy online or in-store, the options available are vast. Should you be unsure of a product, read reviews on the product to make sure you are choosing the correct toy. Once you have purchased educational toys, a good idea is to only take out a few toys at a time and store the rest. Toys can be rotated every few weeks so that the child has something fun and new to play with. Educational toys also make splendid gifts for baby showers and birthdays.