The best toys for every age

Toys are an essential part of the childhood experience. The right toys not only provide hours of entertainment but also help your child’s development in the following ways:

Creativity and imagination

Toys provide a fun, hands-on way for children to express their creativity and imagination. Whether they’re building with blocks or inventing stories with dolls and action figures, your child can develop important lifelong problem-solving and innovative thinking skills.

Social skills

Toys play an important role in helping your child develop social skills. Through play, your child will learn how to share, take turns and cooperate with others, which are all essential skills for successful social interactions. Toys that encourage children to work together towards a common goal, such as building a fort out of blocks or playing a game of catch, can be especially helpful in teaching them important social skills.

Strength and endurance

Using toys that promote physical activity, such as hula hoops, climbing equipment, or bikes, will ensure your child gets essential exercise while also having fun. You can also encourage your child to play with toys that will help them develop their fine motor skills and hand–eye coordination, such as puzzles or bouncing balls.

What are the best toys for each age group?

It’s important to choose the right toys for your child based on their age. This will ensure that your little one gets the most out of their playtime:

Babies

The best toys for babies are those that stimulate the senses. Look for bright colours, interesting textures and soft, safe materials. Toys that make sounds are also great for engaging your little one’s attention.

Examples of toys for babies:

• Stacking rings and blocks
• Rattles and teethers
• Soft books
• Colourful toys that make crinkle or squeaky sounds
• Nursery mobiles

• Simple push–pull toys
  
  

Toddlers

As they grow older, your child will become more active and ready to explore the world on their own. Some of the best toys for toddlers are those that encourage the development of fine and gross motor skills and hand–eye coordination.

Examples of toys for toddlers:

• Push and pull toys such as tricycles or ride on cars
• Outdoor toys such as playhouses or sandboxes
• Indoor riding toys such as rocking horses or trains with tracks
• Balls, trucks and dolls
• Mechanical toys
  
  

Preschoolers

By the time your child reaches kindergarten age, they will likely be able to engage in more complex activities and understand basic concepts such as numbers and letters. Some of the best toys for preschoolers are those that help with cognitive development and promote creativity.

Examples of toys for preschoolers:

• Puzzles and board games
• Building sets such as Lego blocks
• Art supplies such as crayons, paint and paper
• Books

Toys and educational resources at Learning Ladder

Learning Ladder has a wide selection of developmentally appropriate and high-quality toys, books, materials and equipment that your child is sure to love. These resources will encourage exploration and support your child’s physical, social, emotional and cognitive development. We use natural and recycled resources wherever possible and have a range of cultural toys to extend your child’s understanding and appreciation of diversity and other cultures. To learn more about our educational programs, toys and resources, get in touch today.