The toy recommendations are based on my personal experience in early childhood development, which includes extensive study and research in early brain development. The toys listed below have suggested age appropriateness, educational value, and areas of development that the toy may address and enhance.

1. Thomas the Train: Take-n-Play Rescue from Misty Island Ages 2yrs.-Adult. After playing with Thomas the Train for hours this morning with my two granddaughters (3 and 6), I just had to tout all the wonderful learning experiences offered by Thomas. Putting the track together making the pieces form to fit, develops spatial understanding, patterning, and concrete to abstract reasoning. We discussed friction, incline and weight and its impact on speed. Many opportunities for pretend play, problem solving, sharing, and conversation. Engages the child in an activity which promotes critical thinking.

2.LeapFrog Learn & Groove Musical Table-On Sale!Ages 0-3 Provides many opportunities for sensory development, hearing, vision, and auditory discrimination along with sound recognition. Also provides opportunities for fine motor development as they push the buttons to make music.

3.Sing-a-ma-jigs in all colors! Everyone wants at least one!Ages 12mo+. Sometimes, you just have to make a selection based on cuteness! These certainly fill the bill. They each sing and harmonize. Areas of development are enhanced through auditory stimulation, enhances creativity, promotes early exposure to elements of music through harmony, promotes pretend play and social interaction.

4. Fisher-Price Stand ‘n Play Rampway Play Set Ages 18mo-3+ Perfect toy to promote development of cause and effect, fine and gross motor, imaginative play.

5. Plan Toy Oval Xylophone-Sturdy for your “Musically Gifted” cutie!Ages 18+ Exciting musical toy to promote early love for music and sound.Develops hearing acuity, fine motor, cause and effect as a child learns when they hit the xylophone it makes sounds and learns how to make different sounds by hitting different areas. Introduce terms like loud and soft, high and low. Engages child in social play. You can add drums later!
Plan Toy Solid Wood Drum

6.Fisher-Price iXL 6-in-1 Learning System (Pink)-$67.99 was $79.903yrs+ Promotes pre-reading as well as reading, letter and sound association, fine motor, and promotes language development.

Amazon.com Gift Card-Our Family loves these! email or design your own

Disney*Pixar Storybook Collection (Disney Storybook Collections)-Great Stocking Stuffers!
Fisher Price Mickey’s Magic Choo Choo-All A-Board Little Conductors!

Big Savings on “My Pillow Pets”-My Grandkids adore these!