Play is a natural and normal activity for all children. Kids need toys for entertainment, to develop skills, and to learn and grow physically, mentally and socially. When buying toys, parents should factor in the child's needs, interests, age, safety and the reason for the purchase.
Focus your search by matching toys to the child's age to find products appropriate and suitable for their physical capabilities and mental and social development.
Toy Types by Age
There are endless types of toys, but in general, the child's age should determine which to consider. At an early age even a year can make a significant difference in what is appropriate. Provide a balance of toys for your child that cover the functional range—from fun and skill building to toys that foster creativity and stir kids' imaginations.
Birth to 1 year
Plush toys, especially those that play music, bring comfort to your newborn and those in the early months.
Cloth books help teach basic words and provide colorful images as well as something pleasant to chew on.
Teething rings and other chewable toys help in early development.
Soft blocks are fascinating and keep baby active, providing early dexterity skills.
Mobiles mounted on cribs provide hours of entertainment and stimulate baby's senses.
1 to 2 years
Soft stuffed toys, dolls, and animals are good because toddlers love to snuggle. Those with snaps and zippers hold a special fascination for this age and help the child develop fine motor skills. As with all early-year toys, safety is paramount because kids love to put things in their mouths. Avoid anything that might be a choking hazard.
Push toys help toddlers learn to balance and walk.
Stacking blocks are a fun a way to work on dexterity.
Simple wooden toys with a few moving parts, like train sets and cars, amuse kids as they arrange and "motorize" them.
Wooden or plastic workbenches with pegs and toy hammers help satisfy a toddler's urge to pound.
Mazes challenge kids' spatial senses and foster hand-eye coordination and color recognition.
Big books with lots of colorful pictures and a few words entertain and promote an early love of reading, which is central to their formal education later. Books introduce kids to new things like flowers and animals. Strengthen a love of books by exploring the children's area of the public library or attending story time at a library or bookstore.
2 to 3 years
Stacking toys and puzzles entertain and help develop a child's problem-solving skills and provide a sense of accomplishment.
Wooden or plastic animals or other shapes are great play for this age group. Toddlers find ways to group and stack them.
Wooden or plastic puzzle boards are challenging and build a sense of accomplishment as kids get better at fitting the pieces.
Dish and pot and pan sets are good for play parties and playing house.
Age-appropriate books stir toddlers' imagination and curiosity, and foster a love of reading.
3 to 4 years
Dress-up clothes help kids create looks and costumes for their games and make-believe play. Add accessories like old jewelry (see safety considerations below) and old hats. Dress up is imaginative play that develops good social skills.
Sturdy jigsaw puzzles with large pieces help develop hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills.
Wooden and plastic animals, dinosaurs, cartoon characters become partners-in-imagination when you provide large cardboard boxes for kids to transform into space ships, castles, and anything they imagine. Encourage kids to add detail to the boxes with non-toxic, washable markers and crayons.
4 to 5 years
Board games are an excellent way to spend time with young kids, and teach logic, taking turns, and following directions. Games also enhance color, number, and shape recognition skills.
Building blocks and snap-together toys engage kids' imaginations and develop dexterity.
Toys that mimic grown-up activities, like workbenches, shopping carts, and kitchens, foster creative play and are great for rainy days.
Cars, trains, and airplanes are fun and develop fine motor skills and creativity.
5 to 6 years
At this age, children begin their formal education. Kids this age recognize words and make letter sounds, and are starting to express themselves through basic art. They enjoy scribbling and writing. Kids may also start to fixate on a specific interest—from princesses to pirates. Leverage this interest with related educational toys, activities and books.
Paper, coloring books, brushes and craft paint draw out kids' creative talents and develop fine motor skills. By acknowledging, appreciating and recognizing their artwork, you encourage kids and give them a sense of worth and pride.
Dolls with accessories develop dexterity and creativity and encourage nurturing.
Military, medieval or animal figures and corresponding forts or castles encourage kids to create their own miniature environment—one that they control, which fosters a sense of importance and imagination.
Stamp sets absorb a child's attention as they begin to see more detail in the world around them.
Beads that can be snapped or strung together or other crafts enhance motor skills and dexterity, and provide an outlet for creative expression.
What to Look For
Even the most basic toys help a child develop skills. Evaluate toy selection against the criteria below:
Safety. Does the toy have small parts and pieces that pose a safety threat? Follow the package recommendations for ages and stages.
Age appropriateness. Don't merely buy what appeals to you. Truly consider your child's age and level of development.
Education. Consider what the child might learn from the toy.
Imagination and creativity. Does the toy play for your child or does it make your child think?
Entertainment. Consult your inner child and find toys that let the child be silly or have fun.
Skill and dexterity. You know your child's needs better than anyone. Select toys that develop skills and dexterity.
Group or individual play. For group play, select the toys that help a child learn social skills like sharing or teamwork. Toys for individual play should engage and engross your child.
Durability. Look for quality to ensure the toy will last and will stay safe
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