Fun activities for small kids
Consider making a book about the child, written and illustrated by you or presenting the child with the makings for an arts or crafts project you can do together. Give a box of dress-up clothes salvaged from the attic or a thrift store.
Toddlers are easy to please when it comes to gift giving. No matter what the present turns out to be, they are excited to receive it. Store shelves are filled with great gifts for little ones that fit into any budget. The main consideration is getting age-appropriate gifts without choking hazards.
Books Books are wonderful gifts because they introduce the joy of reading to children while they are very young. Hopefully, the gift will help lead to a love of books that will continue throughout their entire lives. Consider story books, a collection of bedtime stories, books with textures or sounds and pop-up books. The Parents' Choice website offers book ideas for all age groups.
Arts and Crafts Get children's creative juices flowing by giving them a gift that involves art. There are kits for all kinds of crafts--such as making a papier mache dinosaur or a garden tile--that provide parents something fun and memorable to do with their children. Other artful gifts include easels, finger paints, art sets, mugs or plate painting sets, sidewalk chalk and more.
Classics Some toys have been popular with toddlers for many decades. These perfect gifts prove that a toy doesn't have to be high-tech to be fun. These include Lincoln Logs, Legos, an Etch-a-Sketch, a Slinky, a kaleidoscope, spinning tops, a yo-yo, a stick horse, Play-Doh and Silly Putty.
Educational Toys There are a host of toys that children enjoy playing with without realizing that they are learning at the same time. Some gifts that serve as great educational tools include the V Smile game system, LeapFrog products, alphabet puzzles, toys that teach colors and animal sounds, and other interactive learning toys.
Silly Toys Any toy that makes youngsters crack a smile or laugh is a popular gift with this age group. Talking toys--such as the Tickle-Me-Elmo--are very popular, and there are many others that sing songs or dance. There are also balls that make noises when they bounce.
Stuffed Animals Most small kids love the comfort and companionship that a stuffed animal or teddy bear can give them. Almost any animal can be found in the form of a stuffed animal, so find out the toddler's favorite critter before going shopping. Be sure to check the eyes and other parts for choking hazards.
Movies Parents love DVDs that they can just pop in to grab a little one's attention. Most designed for toddlers are educational as well. In addition to animated movies, consider DVDs featuring such favorite characters as The Wiggles, Barney and Friends, Sesame Street and others.
Creative Toys Give gifts that encourage kids to use their imaginations. These include dress up clothes, kitchen play sets with various foods, tea sets, dollhouses, play medical kits, toy cars and puppets. Let the child create his own game as he plays with these toys.
Motion Toys Little ones are fascinated by toys that involve movement. Put kids in motion with wagons, tricycles, rocking horses and spin around toys. Or buy a toy that moves, such as a dog that can be pulled or pushed, or an activity table with pieces that slide and roll.
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