·         Dolls - Baby dolls are great for modelling nurturing behaviour. They are perfect for children about to have a younger sibling. Add some accessories such as a baby bath, a carrycot, and a few baby clothes. Your child will play with it for hours.

·         Tea sets - Consider a sturdy plastic tea set for endless pretend tea parties

·         Puzzles - Your child may still prefer peg puzzles, but may now be able to upgrade to a 12-piece puzzle. Floor puzzles are well worth investing in, as children really enjoy doing them again and again.

·         Shape sorters - Complicated ones with a variety of shapes are good at this stage.

·         Tool Kits or Doctors kits - These aid in dramatic play. Make sure the pieces are large enough and do not present a choking hazard.

·         Balls - Good for throwing, bouncing, and rolling.

·         Swing - You can hang one from a beam or buy a whole swing and slide set.

·         Sand and Water Play Set. These sets often come with boats and other toys to make play fun.

·         Duplo - Children love to construct objects at this stage. Some of the themed sets come in their own storage box. This helps the blocks remain tidy when not in use.

·         Drums and Musical Instruments - Consider adding a tape of your child's favourite songs for them to play along with.

·         A Child-sized Table and Chairs - Not just for meal times, this set is also great for activities, colouring, and dramatic play.

If you want to make your own toys, try some of these ideas:

·         A Carpentry Set - Use untreated wood, and supply a real hammer and nails. Supply a box so there is a place for the pieces when not in use.

·         Play Dough - Make up a few different colours, and supply some shape cutters.

·         Doll Bedding and Clothes - I cut down some old clothes one year to make bedding and clothes for my daughter's doll. I am not a seamstress, but she loved them.

·         A Large box, pens, and papers - Help your child make their own house. You can spend a day decorating it together. Then cut out windows and a door. Add some cushions inside for a homemade cubbyhouse.

Article by Rachel Goodchild

Be first to comment this article

Only registered users can write comments.

Please login or register.