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Holiday gifts 101: The top 10 toys for New Orleans area preschoolers
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The holidays are upon us and the time has come again to play Santa! If only Santa's elves really did make all our children's gifts, holiday life would be much easier! But in reality, you will probably soon face the debacle of the toy aisle while trying to choose quality and fun gifts to nestle under the tree for a certain magical morning.
Many parents are concerned not only with buying fun gifts, but buying ones that have an educational component. That doesn't have to spell b-o-r-i-n-g for your child. In fact, most (dare I say all?) toys lend way to a learning experience for a child. That being said, the choices are overwhelming! Every year something new comes out that seems bigger and better than before. While it may be tempting (and absolutely fine) to pick up the latest toys on the market, keep in mind that when overwhelmed with decision-making, you can always go back to basics- those tried-and-true toys that carry on over the years. Some children this age may not have a clear picture of what they want for the big day, so it's up to parents to choose for them. The following information will help you stay focused as you embark on that inevitable shopping spree.
Something to keep in mind while you shop:
Preschoolers (ages 3-5) will encounter certain "play" milestones this year that their toys should address.
Here are a few of those play milestones for preschoolers*:
1. Creates and imagines during play
2. Tackles fears by facing them
3. Explores the outdoors
4. Counts to 10
5. Asks "why" questions
*Source: The Secret of Play by Ann Pleshette Murphy
Now you ask, what type of toys can address these milestones? Read on!
In effort to make this task easier, below you will find a few ideas that address some of the milestones of play. So, print this out and be on your way! Whether your shopping includes searching for a parking space or searching in cyberspace, this list is for you!
The Top 10 Gifts for Preschoolers:
1. Art supply bucket
2. Child's digital camera or video camera
3. Play kitchen & food
4. Dolls & Action Figures (for role play and working through any aggression)
5. Board Games & Puzzles
6. Books (establish a life-long love of reading)
7. Nature Kits (tadpole habitat, ant farm, garden tools, etc. to promote outdoor exploration)
8. Costumes- (great for role-play and imagination)
9. Legos or Building Blocks- (promotes patience & creativity)
10. Balls and sports equipment (encourages gross motor development and strengthens muscles)
On a final note, if you would like to find out where a specific toy is in stock, check out:
The Secret of Play by Ann Plechette Murphy can be found online at www.amazon.com and at our local bookstores www.barnesandnoble.com and www.booksamillion.com.
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