From the time they are babies on up through adulthood, children learn through play. "Play is a child’s work" is the axim heard over and over again through the wise voices of preschool teachers, psychologists, pediatricians and parents. When you realize how much is learned and absorbed each day through a child’s play, you want to ensure that baby toy gifts are thoughtful, fun, and filled with lots of potential play time.
Play fills the days of our little ones with wonder and imagination. It teaches our babies and children about their environments, themselves, and communication with others. Play bonds parents and children, and it bonds children with each other. It is through the salient act of playing that children discover who they are, who they want to be, and how they affect others in their world.
In order to determine the best gifts for specific ages, it helps to know basic developmental stages. However, it is equally important to realize that basic developmental milestones are just guidelines, and each child develops at his or her own pace.
From the day a child is born up until about a month of age, there is a short visual focusing ability. Therefore, baby gift toys that sit close to the face may be more meaningful. Musical mobiles, soft and safe mirrors for the crib or car, and stuffed animals are often favorite gifts for the newborn. Music for babies in the form of CD's or even DVD's are also lovely gifts that will bring years of pleasure.
After about a month of age, babies start to really wave those arms and legs. Through kicking and wiggling, there is a lot of gross motor development. On an activity mats or floor gym, baby can lie on his or her back while looking up and reacting to dangling and entertaining toys. Toys with bright and colorful or boldly contrasting designs are especially fun and stimulating for young babies.
Usually by the 2nd or 3rd month of age, we see a real effort on baby's part to determine where specific sounds come from. Additionally, baby will start to hold objects in his hand. Therefore, rattles and soft, stuffed toys that squeak are appropriate choices.
Books make exceptional gifts. There is nothing like reading to your baby. Even before he can understand what the words and stories really mean, he will love hearing your voice and spending the special time with you. Simultaneously, he will develop warm and positive feelings towards books and reading.
Stacking cups and blocks are two more classic baby toy gifts that pack a lot of punch into simple themes. Children will delight in mastery as they discover how to place smaller objects into larger ones and make sense out of the tactile world. Blocks, too, teach and emphasize basic stacking, building, and balancing principles through trial and effort, success and misses.
In addition to the old favorites are many electronic and television-oriented games. From toddlers through grade school, children seem to thrive on computer games as well as basic electronic learning toys. One stroll down the aisle in your favorite toy store will introduce you to many exciting and clever options.
There are so many adorable, educational, traditional and contemporary gifts out there. Babies have a way of letting you know what they like, and it’s good to take those cues and enjoy the whole playtime process. Whether you choose traditional baby gift toys like blocks or contemporary toys such as electronic boards that interact with baby, one thing is clear. Children will grow and learn with a little help from their toys as long as they are encouraged to be imaginative and allowed plenty of time for the serious business of play.
