What YOU give to your child contributes immensely to what they learn about themselves, others and the world around them…
I know there’s stress involved when looking for just the right toy or book for that special young kidlet in your life. That’s where my years of experience teaching, being a parent, and now grandparent, can help! My recommendations come from personal experience. Additionally, the years of practice I have drawing on observations and evaluations from public play settings I’ve designed, as well as in-home play activities for families, all contribute towards a toy’s or book’s recommendation.
These reviews are intended to help you decide if a specific toy or book is appropriate for your family.
MAIN Criteria in Selecting TOYS:
●Does it allow for child exploration?
●Does it foster the imagination?
●Is race represented equitably?
●Can it be played with more than one way?
●How long does it take to assemble/set up? Does it require adults?
●Is it well-made? Does it use natural materials? Is it easy to clean?
●Are batteries required?
Regarding my recommendations for books: In general, I LOVE children’s picture books, but I will try to limit the books I suggest to those I feel would offer a timelessness to your bookshelves. The goal with my book recommendations is books you’ll want to read over and over again to your child–and then again to your grandchild….
Additionally, some book recommendations, PLUS many others, are included in the Go PLAY Activity Cards™. Pick up some sets and discover how to springboard from reading a story into extending your child’s learning. The Cards give your kiddo hands-on (never thumbs-on) learning FUN!
PLAY is the WAY young children are meant to learn! Go PLAY Activity Cards™ facilitate learning and foster reading for your kiddo!
Don’t see a specific toy or book here yet? Reach out and let me know about it via Contact Us! I’m always on the look out for high quality, engaging toys to review…and hopefully recommend!
Yours in Play!
Teacher Karen
Click for Toy Review & Recommendation
PRETEND PLAY
Astronaut Role Play Costume by Melissa & Doug
Fire Chief Role Play Costume by Melissa & Doug
Pirate Role Play Costume by Melissa & Doug
Magnetic Dress-up Sets by Melissa & Doug
Tea Set by Green Toys
Wooden Cakes & Biscuit Set by bee SMART
Butterfly Wings by Hearth Song
AquaPlay Super Set by Hearth Song
Slice and Bake Wooden Cookie Set by Melissa & Doug
PUZZLES
Fire Truck Jumbo Jigsaw Floor Puzzle by Melissa & Doug
Stack & Sort Board by Melissa & Doug
Busy Barn Floor Puzzle by Melissa & Doug
CREATING &/OR BUILDING
Smart Max by Smart Max
Stacking Cups by The First Years
Wooden Rainbow Stacking Boxes by Grimm
Standard Unit Blocks by Melissa & Doug
Preschool by Lego DUPLO
Squigz by Fat Brain Toys
Connectagons by Hearth Song
BLOCK PLAY
Standard Unit Blocks by Melissa & Doug
Wooden Rainbow Stacking Boxes by Grimm
Low Loader Truck by Melissa & Doug
Trailer & Excavator Set by Melissa & Doug
Stacking Construction Set by Melissa & Doug
GAMES
I Never Forget a Face Memory Game by eeBoo
Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game by Educational Insights
INFANTS Or TODDLERS
Treetop Friends Activity Gym by Skip Hop
The Skwish Rattle and Teething Toy by Manhattan Toy
Stacking Cups by The First Years
Roll-Around Hedgehog by Skip Hop
Rocking Owl Stacker by Skip Hop
Chomp & Clack Alligator Push Toy by Melissa & Doug
Stack & Sort Board by Melissa & Doug
Flip-n-Spin Triangle by earlyears
Textured Multi Ball Set by infantino
MOVING & GROOVING
Chomp & Clack Alligator Push Toy by Melissa & Doug
Toolbox Trolley by Janod
Textured Multi Ball Set by infantino
OUTDOOR PLAY
My First Garden Planter by Hearth Song
Climber Dome by Hearth Song
AquaPlay Super Set by Hearth Song
NinjaLine Obstacle Course Kit by Heart Song