Limiting the screen time of children is important so that kids have healthy and safe ways to entertain themselves in their leisure. In the absence of time-occupying device usage, parents should be intentional in providing physical items (e.g. toys) for kids to play with that enrich their childhood. Below are some toys that children can enjoy, while also supporting their development in some way.
Many of these items are "open play" and can generally be enjoyed by a range of ages, making them useful for larger families as well. These items are also less expensive in the long run, because your kids won't grow out of them as quickly as a toy you'd buy new in the store.
And build your playroom! Its important that kids have physical things to interact with.
Light up toys and flashlights: great for night time reading, evening events such as parades, and overall fun in almost any situation.
Building toys: Legos, blocks, marble runs, and Mr. Potato Head.
Matchbox cars: some little cars and tracks are fun for a range of ages.
Fidget toys: simple toys to hold and handle, such as spinning tops and squish balls.
Travel toys and games: magnet toys, compact play sets, water toys, magna doodle, solo games, and card games that you can bring along on your trips.
Small world toys: play mobile, dollhouse items, dinosaurs, (used) Barbie play sets, fairy garden things, and other toys with little things that kids can build a world out of.
Stationary: such as fun pencils, art supplies, washi tape, gell pens, school supplies, markers with faces on them, and color changing markers.
Games: fun for all ages with easy to learn rules, such as Uno, a deck of cards, Candy Land, trivia for kids, and category games.
Outdoor toys: such as sand toys, bubble solution, hoola hoops, skip it, a rubber ball, a scooter, scooter boards, sprinklers, sleds, "easy roller", roller skates, and soft pastels.
Fitness equipment: obstacle course items, bosu ball, yoga ball, hurdles, stepping stones.
Costume jewelry: mood rings, beaded necklaces, pins for trading and decorating backpacks, and masculine jewelry for boys too! Kids love to dress-up and play.
"Loose parts": sticks, rocks, flat marbles, old keys, and buttons.
Dress up toys: foam swards, silly hats, renaissance faire costumes, feather boas, jedi helmet and dance wear.
Puzzles: including 3D puzzles and models, but make sure they are age appropriate.
Sensory toys: kinetic sand, slime, sand, water table, fake “snow” fluff, beans, and toys they can handle.
Books: cookbooks, find it books, “Ripley’s Believe it or Not” and Aesops fables.
Electronics: CD players, light-up tables, karaoke machines, bubble machines, MP3 music players and headphones.
Science stuff: gem stones, bug boxes, sea shells, and magnets.
Super unique toys found at gift shops: pewter figurines and inexpensive souvenirs.
Pretend play: dolls, pretend kitchen sets, and puppets.
Vintage toys: share your nostalgic toy memories with your children. Toys from decades ago have history and are usually well-made, such as OG troll dolls, porcelain dolls, Light Brite, and Teddy Ruxpin.
Wooden train sets: many companies make them and they are mostly interchangeable. You can add city toys like buildings, blocks, small cars and trees to add to the fun.
18” dolls: lots of companies make them and their clothes are interchangeable.
Inexpesnive music instruments: Maracas, Ukuleles, Ocarinas, music box, and water bird whistles.
"Party favors" and "stocking stuffers": they are small, fun and inexpensive. Around holidays, you will also find some in the seasonal sections in stores for easter basket fillers and non-candy halloween or valentines options. Spinning tops, bubbles, bouncy balls, wind up toys. They sometimes come in bulk. These are great!
Non-toy, kid things that make good gifts and enrich their childhood:
Containers: jewelry boxes, treasure chests, fun pencil bags, lunch boxes, and purses. Also, little kids love to hold their little toys in containers.
Solid sandals: kids can climb trees and ride bikes in safely. See my photo below of some of our favorites.
Bedding: fun fuzzy pillows, a minecraft blanket, stuffed animals, and fort making supplies.
Hygiene stuff: bath bombs, bubble bath, bath oil beads, and hair barrettes
Fancy candy: Kinder joy, sugar free lolly pops, macaroons, Jelly Bellys, and whistle candy.
Interesting clothing: Slipper socks, pajamas, and leotards are all fun to wear around.
Other tips
Buy used: thrift stores are great and online options are available. People often give away things that are new or barely used.
Rotate toys: I can rotate my toys in storage if they become stale. I can bring them back in a few months and my kids will treat them like they are "new" again.
Just because it's sold in a discount store like "Dollar Tree" does not mean it is low quality.
Sometimes you might want to pay extra for better quality. Paint brushes, face paint, and a karaoke machine are some examples of things we opted to spend more money on.
Consider a DIY (Do it yourself) option for some toys and activities: make a doorway puppet theater using a black curtain and a wooden dowel and hang it on hooks in a doorway. It is a cheaper option that uses less space than a store bought one.
Concerning games: Search for them on Youtube and a creator will show you how to play and explain the rules!
Shop year around for things: at thrift shops, discount stores, and "Buy nothing" pages are all good places to look for an inexpensive deal. You can buy things months or year ahead of time and then save them for later. Put things in storage and save them for birthdays, Christmas time or prizes for sticker charts.
Using "adult" labeled games with children: some kids love using a wood burner set, even though the package says it's for kids older than him. Play games like Taboo (removing the inappropriate works), use conversation cards, and play games like Funglish. Even if the game is beyond the age of your children, try it anyways. Just make sure you screen them for adult content.
Don't sleep during holidays: after Labor day costumes and other halloween items will be discounted and available in stores. You can save money on dress-up clothes and dance wear because thrift stores get rid of their costumes during that time. After Christmas you can discounted get fun light up toys string lights and miniatures. Fairy garden items are available in the spring.
Consider adding items to a birthday or baby registry for your child.
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