As I have watch my own children grow and have seen the toys that they play with, I have complied a list of toys that I would recommend.  Obviously, the first thing that I look for in a toy is what my child will learn from playing with it.  I want my child to gain qualities that are socially redeemable and useful in their daily interaction with others. I am not much of one for the action figure, fighting types, or ones that promote any type of violence. I believe how they play is taken over into the playgrounds at school.  Bullying is a big problem in our schools in general and I do not want to contribute in anyway to this growing problem.

The next thing that I look for in a child’s toy is how safe they are to play with.  Toys that have sharp points or contain very small parts are not generally good ideas for small children.  The sharp points create possible problems in that they are ideal objects to be impelled into your child’s skin or worse an eye.  As for the small parts, choking on a toy is not only bad, but can be deadly.  As my children get older, the smaller parts toys are more accepted, but still create an issue for my younger children.

The last thing I look for is how durable these toys are for many hours of playing enjoyment.  I have purchased many toys for my children and have found only a few that are durable enough for the abuse that toys are often subject to.

Now that you have an idea of what to look for in a toy I will make my recommendations for toys that are safe, durable and are considered educational toys.  I have come up with five toys that are sure to please you as a parent and also allow for the development of your child. 

#1 Best Toy:  Educational Puzzles

I have chosen this toy as it is suitable for small children and helps with coordination and dexterity of their little fingers.  It also promotes basic problems solving as children learn to think creatively to overcome little obstacles.  With solving the puzzles, comes a sense of achievement.  For small children I recommend shaped puzzles such as Galt’s Construction Vehicle Puzzles or Galt’s Jungle Animal Shaped Puzzles.  Each box contains four great puzzles! I also like Anatex’s wooden puzzles equally as well.  With a large variety of puzzles to choose from, your child will learn and develop many skills that can be used throughout their lifetime.

#2 Best Toy:  Educational Computer Software

I based my choice on how easily children are drawn to this type of toy.  My children would spend hours playing any of the educational software that we have if we would let them.  With a great selection of educational software such as the Clue Finders series, software from the Learning Company, titles from Scholastic and others, your children are sure to learn many useful skills.  Skills such as reading and phonics, mathematics, geography and art as well as other adventures in learning are all available in these software packages.

#3 Best Toy:  The Venture Ship by Maxim

While Maxim makes a spectrum of educational toys, for all ages, the Venture ship is more for the little older kids.  This is one toy that I myself would have liked to have received as a child.  This ship is made of solid wood for a long lasting duration of play.  With pose-able figures and sails that can be raised and lowered for realism it is sure to enhance your child’s imagination and desire to create fun and interesting situations.  Maxim also makes other toys from educational play cubes to miniature Gable barn-houses for children to enjoy. 

#4 Best Toy: Wooden Train Sets

This toy has so many things to offer your little one.  With the creative curves, bridges and round-abouts, your child will spend hours puttering around the tracks.  With many different layouts that can be created, your child will apply basic problem solving principles.  After creatively forming a working rail system that will enchant your child, there will be an increased amount of dexterity that your child will exhibit.  It is no wonder that these wooden trains make the list.

#5 Best Toy: Marionette

Marionettes are so creative and enjoyable to play with.  They present a great opportunity to develop hand-eye coordination and dexterity.  Imagine the excitement that your child will feel when they successfully maneuver one of several marionette puppets.  Choose from the Cowboy marionette, Princess marionette, Pirate marionette or others.  Your child will find enjoyment and challenge as they make these beautifully colored puppets walk around or act out a play. 

I hope that you find enjoyment and pleasure in your children as you watch them develop and learn.  As you choose your toys, please remember to choose toys that are educational and developmental as well as FUN.