Top Ten Toys Your Kids Can Grow With

I absolutely believe that there are some toys that are necessary in a child's life. These toys will help them to grow in many ways. This top ten will help to  develop social, emotional, cognitive, language and motor skills from Birth to age 5. If you have friends who are asking about what to get you for your child's first birthday or baby shower, I strongly recommend sharing this list. These unisex play sets and equipment pieces will never get boring and your children will enjoy them for many years. SO here we go! and yes I own all 10 of these! (and more than one version!)

First 5 of our top 10...

1) Balls from soccer to bouncy balls. Balls can be rolled, tossed, talked about, bounced and encourage play with others. Balls are such an easy and obvious one but you'd be surprised how some of my friends scramble to find a "ball" when we are over and the kids want to play soccer! Gross Motor!

2) A doll...and yes dad's this is a unisex one (get over it) I brought home a "baby" for Anthony when he was just about 9 months. We played washing the baby and changing the baby. We practised body parts (eyes, ears, nose and hands). Baby came along with us to restaurants and trips. When our new baby was coming for real we used our pretend baby to teach Anthony about diaper changes, being kind and using  soft hands etc...

3) Farm Sets, what child doesn't like to play with animals from the farm set. They can develop lots of language and be creative. The Farm sets usually include cute barns and animals, I buy the tractors and farm equipment separate (easy to find in the cars section at toys r us). Farms sets go from Baby to 5 easily.

4)Dress up- Get some bug floppy hats, old phones, camera,small purses and bags to start with baby and add as they grow. You can eventually add old costume jewelry and high heeled shoes. You can pick up old costumes at garage sales or in second hand stores. Get a cool looking chest or box and create a place where your little ones can change and discover and use their imaginations!

5)Kitchen Centre with groceries. My kids LOVE this. Lot's of language development and imaginary play. You can hold out food and practise names with your baby and then as they grow you can play restaurant and your little one will love to be your waiter!

Come back tomorrow for the rest!

xx