How to Choose the Best Toys

The biggest season for gift giving is just around the corner and you'll want to give your grandchildren a gift that wows.  Kids love the surprise of getting a gift.  The best thing for children about receiving a gift is knowing that someone loves them enough to give it to them!  They don't know what's inside and can imagine their gift to be just about anything. 

Toys play a very important role in the life of a child.  Playing with toys teaches children how to share, have fun and encourages imagination while promoting life skills necessary for a child's development.  To help make the right choices, keep in mind your grandchild's age, skills, needs and specific interests, then select the toy or game that fits.

Look for toys that:

• encourage gross motor skills like reaching, crawling, throwing, catching and physical activity
• promote fine motor skills with the use of fingers and hands, such as drawing or construction
• develop learning, sharing and social skills with games and toys that require directions, cooperation and rules
• build self-esteem and help children develop emotional skills, while also teaching them more about people and communication with role-playing toys
• advance reading, creativity and imagination through colours, reading and craft activities
• have been selected by toy experts or recommended for their play value
• will allow you to share your talents such as knitting, crocheting, baking, star gazing, inventing and discovering the world.  There are numerous craft and science kits that put it altogether for you.

Choosing the right toy at the right time can make a big difference to your grandchild, but most of all, will allow you and your grandchild to play and have fun together.  So take time to play, and make those memorable moments that will last a life time.

Grand Tip:

Basic Essentials

Being prepared for visits with your Grandchildren can be easy by having some Basic Essentials always on hand like crayons/markers, scissors, craft paper and craft activities/kits. Keep these basics in a handy tote bag and be prepared for last minute visits.