How Toys can support Infant-Toddler Learning and Development
Play is the mechanism by which children learn – how they experience their world, practice new skills, and internalize new ideas.
Through this continuous and expanding process, early skills give rise to new ones and new experiences are integrated with previous ones. When children are playing, they learn about the world and engage in activities that encourage their cognitive, emotional, and social development For example, when a child bangs on a drum, she learns she can create a sound. Through play, she learns the important concept of cause and effect.
How to Pick the best developmental Gifts for Christmas?
It is that time of the year, when we start looking around for the perfect Christmas gift for our own and other’s kids. We’ve all been there, the holiday season sneaks up on us unexpectedly, and the next thing we know, we are only 1 week away from Christmas!
Every year, we scratch our heads for days, trying to think of something special and choosing the best Christmas gift!
If you’re wish to give a practical gift to your loved once, a gift that they will actually use, then you’re in the right place, here are some tips to consider when choosing the best developmental gifts for Christmas:
Don’t Buy Gift Cards
People don’t like having to make decisions, so don’t pick a gift that forces them to do so.
When you buy someone a gift card, you’re giving them a problem by passing the decision-making burden to them.
Give cash if you have to. “Mo’ money, mo’ problems,” sure, but most people prefer those problems’ flexibility over having to make a decision.
Find hints in your conversations
One of the biggest mistakes we make when buying gifts for others (and for ourselves) is thinking that giving more stuff makes people happier.
That’s backwards.
Happiness doesn’t come from adding positives. It comes from removing negatives.
So when it comes to how to pick gifts, find a problem in your recipient’s life and solve it with your generosity.
You probably talk with your recipient from time to time, try to uncover what is the child developmental state, does he already walking? how old is she? are her parents currently working with her on some skill development?
From casual conversations and home visits you can learn what can be the best developmental gifts for Christmas that the child will actually use.
Always Buy the Best
If you decide to buy someone a physical item rather than an experience, make sure it’s best in class.
If you can’t afford one of the best developmental gifts for Christmas, pool together funds with other gift-givers, who’ll be grateful for the opportunity to pitch in and not have to think of a gift.
Or think smaller. Recipients will get more long-term value out of an exceptional small gift than an average big one.
What are the best developmental Gifts for Christmas?
We have tested, reviewed and order the best developmental toys online for you to make the best choice.
1
Interactive
Magical Misting Crystal Ball
Magic Mixies
Morency notes that one of the keys to Magic Mixies’s success lies in kids being able to put on a sort of magic performance for their friends and family — and then they get a cool interactive plush toy at the end.
Jackie Cucco, a senior editor at The Toy Insider, says another benefit is that it’s not a one-and-done kind of toy. Kids can recreate the misty reveal over and over again and use the magic wand to interact with their plush too. “You can do it a ton of times —maybe 40 times or something. Eventually the mist will run out, but they sell refill packs,” she explains.Product Highlights
- Recommended age range: 5 - 15 years
- Can also be used as a Night-Light
- Can be used again and again
- Have over 80 lights, sounds and reactions to discover
- Pros
- Natural
- Batteries included (10 batteries)
- Age appropriate
- Cons
- A bit pricy
- Might be complexed to use
Summary:
Last year, a new kind of toy entered the category and took the surprise factor to the next level — with magic! The Magic Mixies Magical Misting Crystal Ball was one of the hottest toys last holiday season, and as a result, repeatedly sold out during those prime shopping months. And it wasn’t just kids who were entranced by the magical toy, many adults were astounded by the fun, interactive experience, too.
2
Best For Toddlers
Linkimals Interactive Learning Toy
Fisher-Price
Playtime is a real hoot with the Linkimals Light-Up & Learn Owl from Fisher-Price. As toddlers press the buttons on Owl’s belly and rock him side to side, this expressive friend lights up with bright colors and 90+ songs, sounds and phrases to teach the alphabet, counting 1-20, weather, emotions and more. When Owl meets up with other Linkimals friends, they light up, talk, sing and play together! (Additional toys sold separately and subject to availability.)
By watching and learning from real-life fun experts (kids), the early childhood development experts at the Fisher-Price Play Lab discovered these linked toys help babies and toddlers make important connections as they play. Those connections not only can boost academic learning but also spark shared moments with their favorite play mate: you.
Product Highlights
- Recommended age range: 18 months and up
- 90+ songs, sounds and phrases
- Interactive with friendly, expressive face and multi-color lights
- Pros
- Durability
- Value for money
- Easy to clean
- Cons
- A little wobbly
- Slippery when hanging in the crib
Summary:
Toddlers will abso-hoot-ly adore the Linkimals Light-Up & Learn Owl, an interactive playtime friend who’s packed with multi-color lights and 90+ songs, sounds and phrases for lots of exciting learning play.
3
Best Playset
Kitchen Creations Ultimate Cookie Baking Playset
Play-Doh
Get an entire Play-Doh cookie bakery delivered right to your door! Who knows what your little chef’s imagination will cook up with lots of Play-Doh tools and modeling compound? Make over 15 different pretend cookie shapes with the toy mixer, cutters, cookie tray, and rolling stamper, then go crazy with colorful decorations! Kids can also sprinkle in a little extra color with the Play-Doh Confetti compound. This Play-Doh set comes with 15 Play-Doh cans (2 ounces per can) and ships in simple frustration-free packaging to help them play right away. Hasbro, Play-Doh, and all related properties are trademarks of Hasbro.
Product Highlights
- Recommended age range: 3 year and up
- Includes All the Play-Doh Kitchen Creations tools and colors
- Real spinning mixer
- Pros
- Excellent gift
- Value for money
- Fun for adults too
- Variety of pieces
- Cons
- Doesn't come with typical ideas
Summary:
With all the toy kitchen tools they need to play pretend bakers like the grownups! This 25-piece super set is sure to get your kids imaginations cooking.
This boys and girls arts and crafts kit lets children be part of the kitchen and make kids play food. One of the most deliciously fun and best developmental gifts for Christmas for 3 year old girls and boys and up that love kitchen play.
4
Imagination and Creativity
Little People Christmas Story
Fisher-Price
With the Little People Deluxe Christmas Story play set from Fisher-Price, toddlers can bring the magic of the nativity to the palms of their hands! Push down on the angel to hear a sweet song and make the light-up star shine bright. 12 Little People figures, 5 accessory pieces and the sweet baby manger round out this perfect holiday play set. You and your family will love recreating this beautiful story in the comfort of your home.
Product Highlights
- Recommended age range: 12 months - 5 years
- Includes stable, manger, 12 Little People figures & 5 accessory pieces
- Helping to strengthen fine motor skills
- Pros
- Easy to hold
- Helps develop grasp
- Durability and accuracy
- Cons
- No shepherds
Summary:
Bringing the Christmas story down to size for little ones, complete with music and a star that glows, helps make the celebration even more special.
Toddlers will love to act out the Christmas story with mom or dad! They can help Mary and Joseph care for Baby Jesus, bring gifts with the Three Kings, or feed and care for the animals.
Grasping the figures, placing them in the nativity scene and connecting the fence pieces help toddlers develop finger and hand dexterity.
5
Best Building Blocks
100pcs Magnet Building Tiles
PicassoTiles
Magnetic building blocks are a dynamic and frustration-free way to engage your young builder. As a welcome addition to any block play area, the best magnetic blocks will unlock your child’s power to explore, imagine, and create. Similarly, magnetic building toys encourage hands-on learning through play, including the exploration of STEM activities.
Building Blocks developing kids creativity. Children can acquire strong sense of color, geometrical shapes including 3D forms numbers counts, magnetic polarities & architectural design at early age.
Product Highlights
- Recommended age range: 3 years and up
- 120 PCs of Magnetic Building Blocks
- Develop Team Building Skills, Patterning, Shape Recognition
- Simulates Creative Thinking, Social Skills, Motor Skills, Problem Solving and more
- Pros
- Easy to wash
- Easy to construct
- Compatible with other brands
- Colorful
- Cons
- A bit pricy
- Magnets could be stronger
Summary:
To sum up, PicassoTiles magnetic blocks can help children master the basic knowledge of geometry, magnets, structure, 3D form, and develop their imagination, creativity, color and shape recognition.
The magnets are strong enough to build any interesting tall castle. PicassoTiles magnet blocks that inspires both your intuition and your imagination, allowing you to put things into perspective.
Smooth surface design is secure for your children. No sharp edges to protect your little one’s hands
6
Best For Newborns
Teething Toys and Rattles Set
Fisher-Price
The most adorable personal trainer is now booking appointments. The Fisher-Price Baby Biceps Gift Set features 4 gym-themed infant toys for tiny fitness lovers to pump up at play time. A soft, wearable headband gives baby a retro-inspired look as they lift and chew the kettle bell rattle, curl up and clack the dumbbell, and take a “sip” of the jingling protein shake. Lift, rattle, teethe, repeat. Those fine motor skills aren’t going to work themselves.
Product Highlights
- Recommended age range: 3 months and up
- Set of 4 gym-themed infant toys to pump up those fine motor skills
- Lightweight kettle bell has rattle beads inside and BPA-free teether handle
- Pros
- Budget
- Value for money
- Durability
- Good for teething
- Cons
- Relatively small
Summary:
This little set is super fun. It makes a great gift, especially if parents or grandparents are themselves into fitness. The things are colorful and great for the baby.
7
Best Lego Set
Batman Lego Set
LEGO DUPLO
When THE JOKER escapes from jail, your little superhero joins Batman and Robin as they try to capture him and put him back where he belongs. This means lots of fun-packed action, imaginative role play and a chance for toddlers to develop super-power skills! LEGO DUPLO Batman Batcave 10919 features Batman, Robin and THE JOKER in a versatile playset designed to encourage creative play and stimulate developmental benefits. Infants build fine motor skills as they maneuver the Batmobile toy through the gate and open and close the jail door. Role-playing the interaction between the 3 characters encourages social and emotional development. Featuring favorite superheroes and Super-Villains, cool gadgets and amazing vehicles, LEGO DUPLO Batman starter sets provide toddlers with endless developmental play and give parents an opportunity to share precious moments with their little superhero.
Product Highlights
- Recommended age range: 24 months and up
- Combines developmental learning with action-packed adventures
- Includes THE JOKER, Batman and Robin characters
- Designed to be easy for small hands to pick up and place
- Encourage fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities
- Pros
- Easy construction
- Great as gift
- Clever design
- Engaging
- Cons
- Can be bigger set
Summary:
LEGO DUPLO Batman Batcave combines developmental learning with action-packed adventures in a super-fun playset designed to unleash your little superhero’s super powers.
The Batcave provides the setting for role-play adventures with THE JOKER, Batman and Robin; There’s also a jail with an opening and closing gate, and a cool-looking Batmobile toy to inspire stories on the move
This exciting infant toy uses elements designed to be easy for small hands to pick up and place; It’s an ideal LEGO starter set for boys and girls aged 2 and up who enjoy mechanical toys
Totally one of the best developmental gifts for Christmas.
8
Best For Preschool
Examine and Treat Pet Vet Play Set
Melissa & Doug
For more than 30 years, Melissa & Doug has created beautifully designed imagination- and creativity-sparking products that NBC News calls “the gold standard in early childhood play.”.
Give young animal lovers everything they need to examine and treat pretend pets, This toy was recognized by toy experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute for how it helps kids develop empathy. The 24-piece collection for aspiring veterinarians three and older comes with an adorable plush dog and cat and accessories galore, including a stethoscope, thermometer, syringe, ear scope, tweezers, and clamp. There are bottles, tubes, and tubs of pretend treatments and ointments, bandages and a cast for boo-boos, and even a cone to keep pets from licking, Everything, including a reusable, double-sided examination checklist for office visits, stores in a handy tote bag, so little vets can make house calls.
The Examine & Treat Pet Vet Play Set makes a great gift for kids ages 3 and up.
Add the Melissa & Doug Veterinary Role Play Costume Dress-up set to round out the screen-free, pretend play experience.
Product Highlights
- Recommended age range: 3 Years and up
- 24-piece set with a plush dog and cat, pretend play vet medical equipment
- Includes a tote bag for easy storage
- Pros
- Softness
- Durability
- Giftable
- Age appropriate
- Cons
- No music
Summary:
The Melissa & Doug Examine & Treat Pet Vet Play Set is a 24-piece set with a plush dog and cat, pretend play vet medical equipment, and a tote bag for easy storage.
This pretend play vet set has been recognized by toy experts at Good Housekeeping Institute for helping kids develop empathy while they play.
The set includes a stethoscope, thermometer, syringe, ear scope, tweezers, clamp, cast, bandages, “treatments,” “ointments,” and a reusable double-sided checklist for office visits.
Overall, this set is one of the best developmental gifts for Christmas