Parenting
Toys and Books
Mom's Guide: Super Fun Toys & Books That Make Your Kids Smarter
Let’s dive into something we all juggle daily: the world of toys and books. Yes, those ever-growing piles of playthings and the storybooks that become a staple of bedtime. But here’s a fascinating twist – these everyday items are more than clutter or routine; they’re the building blocks of our kids’ development and intelligence!
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Think about the last time you saw your little one engrossed in playing with blocks. It might look simple, but there’s a lot happening in those moments. Those colorful blocks aren’t just for kicks; they’re like a brain gym for your kiddo. Handling, stacking, and sorting them out hones their motor skills and introduces basic concepts like size, shape, and weight. And when they’re deep in pretend play, acting out as astronauts or doctors, it’s not just adorable – it’s essential. This kind of play is where they learn creativity, problem-solving, and empathy. So, the next time you’re roped into being the ‘patient’ for your budding ‘doctor,’ remember, it’s more than just play; it’s learning in the most natural form!
Books: Your Child's Window to the World
Now, onto books. Reading to our children is one of the most impactful things we can do. It’s not just about learning new words; it’s about opening their minds to new ideas, cultures, and experiences. When we read stories to our kids, we’re not just entertaining them; we’re helping their brains grow. We’re showing them how to imagine, empathize, and understand the world around them.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Break Open 10 Premium Geodes – Includes Goggles and Display Stands – Great STEM Science Kit, Geology Gift for Kids, Geodes Rocks Break Your Own, Toys for Boys and Girls
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ThinkFun Gravity Maze Marble Run Brain Game and STEM Toy for Boys and Girls Age 8 and Up: Toy of the Year Award Winner
Trusted by Families Worldwide – With over 50 million sold, ThinkFun is the world’s leading manufacturer of brain games and mind challenging puzzles Develops critical
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Osmo – Genius Starter Kit for iPad & iPhone – 5 Educational Learning Games – Ages 6-10 – Math, Spelling, Creativity & More – STEM Toy Gifts for Kids, Boy & Girl – Ages 6 7 8 9 10 (Osmo Base Included)
Actual product packaging may vary from the image displayed. Components within the box remain the same. OSMO IS MAGIC: Fun-filled & award winning learning games.
ShopChoosing the Right Toys and Books
Navigating the toy store or the book aisle can be overwhelming. There’s so much out there! But here’s a mom-to-mom tip: Look for toys that encourage open-ended play. These are toys that don’t have a set way to be played with, like blocks, art supplies, and dress-up clothes. They let our kids use their imagination and creativity to the fullest.
As for books, go for a mix. Include some that are just for fun and some that teach new concepts or life lessons. And don’t forget about representation – it’s important for our kids to see characters who look like them and also those who don’t, to help them
understand and embrace the diverse world we live in.
Educational Insights The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game, 4 players, for Preschoolers & Toddlers, Gift for Toddlers Ages 3+
SPARK MORE TOGETHERNESS! Perfect for spending quality, unplugged time together as a family, The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game also builds key early learning skills and
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Learning Resources MathLink Cubes Early Math Activity Set – 115 Pieces, Ages 4+, Kindergarten STEM Activities, Linking Cubes, Connecting Cubes
EARLY MATH SKILLS: Teach addition and subtraction in a tactile way with these MathLink Cubes! VISUAL & TACTILE LEARNING: Provides a hands-on visual aid to
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VTech Write and Learn Creative Center , White
Learning toy magnetic drawing board provides a fun way to get a head start on learning how to write with writing and drawing activities Pre-K
ShopThe Role of Parents in Play and Reading
We’re the secret sauce in this recipe! Our involvement in play and reading amplifies the benefits. When we play with our kids, we’re not just keeping them occupied; we’re actively contributing to their learning process. And when we read with them, we’re not just saying the words; we’re engaging them in conversation about the story, asking questions, and making connections to the real world.
Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Toddler Toy Song & Story Learning Chair with Music Lights and Activities for Ages 1+ Years (Amazon Exclusive)
Electronic toy chair with lights, music, educational songs and phrases, plus lots of hands-on fun 3 play modes: Learning, Music, and Imagination; Songs and phrases
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LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book (Frustration Free Packaging), Green
Interact With Friends: Meet learning friends Turtle, Tiger and Monkey who will introduce the alphabet through more than 100 age-appropriate words chosen by learning experts
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Melissa & Doug Shape Sorting Cube – Classic Wooden Toy With 12 Shapes – Kids Shape Sorter Toys For Toddlers Ages 2+
CREATIVE SORTING GAME FOR KIDS: The Melissa & Doug Shape-Sorting Cube Classic Wooden Toy is a beautifully constructed wooden toy with 12 bright-colored, easy-to-grip shapes.
ShopSustainable and Inclusive Choices
In today’s world, we’re also thinking about the impact of our choices on the environment and society. Opting for eco-friendly toys and books, and supporting brands that value sustainability and inclusivity, sends a powerful message to our kids about the kind of world we want them to grow up in.
So, next time you step on a rogue Lego (ouch!) or read the same book for the tenth time, remember, these are the moments that count. The toys and books we choose for our kids are more than just playthings; they’re tools that help shape their minds, hearts, and futures.