Barbara's Picks: Classic Toys

Barbara's Picks

Nothing disappoints like sinking your money into a toy that infatuates briefly. When it comes to buying playthings or suggesting presents for your kids, be sure to think longterm romance.

Because I've been raising preschoolers for 36 years (my kids range in age from 5-36, though I'm no miracle mom - my last three are adopted :), I've seen what stands the test of time - even on through nine grandkids.

	Up, Up, Up I Go - a growth chart by Eric Carle We've kept a growth chart for years - it is so much fun for the kids to see how tall they've grown. I wish we had had this one because it's taller than most - over six feet fo mom and dad and taller teens can still be part of the family growth chronology. Great idea for a baby present too!

	Nesting and stacking blocks Every preschooler needs a set like this. Building a tower of the graduated blocks builds visual acuity, fine motor control, and balance. Looking far into the future, it also lays the groundwork for future geometry relationships. Not to mention that it's fun and kids like it!

	Classic Building Blocks We've had our set for 22 years since our oldest son Joshua was 2 - through eight more kids and (so far) 10 grandkids. A true bluechip investment.

	Finger Puppets Puppets are a wonderful vehicle for a child's imagination. I like this set of little finger puppets because they are easier to use for little hands and with the number of different characters, a child can give free rein to his or her imagination!

	Scream Machine These are great ride-on toys! Excellent online reviews led me to invest in a couple for my kids, and they love them!

	Corn Popper This toy has been around since my own little brother was a baby - maybe even before that. Absolutely irresistable to children - and encourages new walkers to get up and go!

	Dance Baby Classical Stacker Babies love this sweet toy, which lights up while playing classical music. Eventually, your child will learn to stack the stars, too.

	Play Kitchen (Big Splurge) Kids find play kitchens irresistable and will play with one independently or cooperatively for hours. A splurge, but a good investment. Of course, this is for when they're very small. Get them involved in the real kitchen - by keeping dishes in lower cabinets and supplying a stool to reach silverware drawers - as early as possible. Supervise carefully, of course, but follow their lead in wanting to help in the kitchen - and elsewhere.

All written content is © Barbara Curtis www.mommylife.net