If you want to buy developmentally appropriate gifts that will be loved by the recipient, this guide is for you.
First Birthday:
The first birthday is not only about turning one, but also about the entire year until he or she turns two. There is a lot of development that takes place during this busy year.
Look for toys that have an age of 12 months and up or 18 months and up. Avoid toys that say 6 months-12 months, as the child is already passing this stage of development.
DO LOOK FOR:
-Interactive bath toys (basketball, musical, drawing utensils)
-Hard cover books with easy to turn pages. If they include sensory opportunities, it's even better.
-Large soft building blocks
-Musical Instrument toys
AVOID:
-Toys designed to assist with walking
-Infant toys such as rattles
-Anything with pieces smaller than a Tennis ball
Basketball Bath Toy
Second Birthday:
Toddlers are active learners with a developmental need for play (like all children) that really emerges at this age. Educational, open-ended toys are key in helping a child reach their full potential.
Again, look for toys that are suitable for children from age 2-3 years. Avoid toys that end at the 2 year old level.
DO LOOK FOR:
-Wooden blocks
-Large Mega blocks
-Stacking toys or Fit shape into hole type toys
-Large wooden puzzles
-Large trucks and cars
-Books such as "Brown Bear, Brown Bear" (few words, predictable story, hard cover)
AVOID:
- Play tables designed more for 9-18 month old
- non-open-ended toys such as talking characters that do one specific thing limiting play experiences
Wooden Puzzle
Third Birthday:
Preschoolers are continuing to explore their environment and learn about about the world around them. Many children at this age really enjoy and participate in dramatic play.
Toys now generally have a broader age range such as; ages 3-5 years and 3 years and up. Continue to avoid toys ending with age 3, such as 2-3 years.
DO LOOK FOR:
-play dough
-Craft supplies; blunt nosed scissors, glue, paint, construction paper, crayons, markers
-Easel
-Dress up clothes
-Play kitchen, dishes and food
-Puppet theatre and puppets
-Blocks
AVOID:
-Colouring books
-Toddler puzzles
-Toy computers
Puppet Theatre
Fourth Birthday:
Many four year olds are in Junior Kindergarten and are more complex in their play. They need many open ended toys that allow them to extend and combine materials: example: wooden blocks are used to build roads to drive their cars on.
Toys tend to not state ages 4 years and up, but rather state 3 years and up or 5 years and up. Use your judgement on weather a toy labelled 5 years and up would be suitable for the recipient. Most children at age 4 are no longer putting toys in their mouths, so chocking concerns are subdued.
DO LOOK FOR:
-Lego
-Building toys such as marble works
-24-48 piece puzzles
-Cars
-Dolls and doll play accessories
-Dress up clothes
-Board games
-Action figures
AVOID:
-Large Mega blocks
-Colouring books
-Toy computers
-Wooden puzzles
-Barbie
Marble Works
Fifth Birthday:
Five year olds, like four year olds, are complex in their play. Readiness to read are more evident at this age and become of greater interest to children.
Toys that suggest ages 5 and up are good for this age, however many children are ready for toys labelled ages 6 and up as well.
DO LOOK FOR:
-Phonic and sight word story books
-Games and activities that encourage letter recognition
-Lego
-Building toys such as Kinex or Lincoln logs
-Board Games
-48-100 piece puzzles
AVOID:
-Colouring books
-Barbie
-Craft kits that are not open ended (Only one way to do it)
Child draws and writes their own story which is then published into a real book
