The Most Popular Educational and Learning Toys As Of This Moment
March 1, 2010 by Chris Pranger
Filed under Baby Toys, Learning Toys, Melissa and Doug, Science & Discovery Toys, Toys, Wooden Toys
This right here is one of the most popular education-based toy around. And it's a video game system.
If I were pressed to defend the educational value of video games, I probably couldn’t do much other than say they can teach reading, math, problem solving, community interaction, cause and effect, and hand-eye coordination skills, so really I’d have an uphill battle talking about their benefits (wink). However, there are a handful of very popular toys being sold this very second to parents wishing to give their kids a little boost in the learning aspect of playing while still making sure the toy is fun (gotta love parents). But just what are some of the most popular educational and learning toys right now?
Wooden Toys Stimulate Local Economies
March 6, 2009 by Mary Price
Filed under Wooden Toys
Classic wood abacus by Melissa and Doug
Wooden toys have always been a favorite of mine. There is something about the solid, lasting, made-of-the-earth quality of wood that satisfies a need I have as a toy-searching parent.
Melissa & Doug Toys: My Top 5 List
February 16, 2009 by Mary Price
Filed under Melissa and Doug
Quality products from Melissa & Doug have my appreciation and that of others, even in a less-than-booming economy. The educational toys are fun and designed to last, the puppets are wonderful, and the imaginary play items keep my daughter occupied for hours.
Wood Toys by Spiel & Holz
July 26, 2008 by toy-tma
Filed under Wooden Toys
Spiel & Holz, established in Germany in 1978, is one of the finest makers of wood toys in the world. Their toys have won awards for their designs and aesthetic appeal, and kids love the open-ended creative play that they offer.
Toys by Spiel & Holz are inspired by Waldorf education, a philosophy that children learn best through active and imaginative play. These toys are made from natural materials, and have a minimum of details, letting the natural beauty and feel of the wood shine through. These toys are much more versatile and durable than the most toys nowadays, and they sustain a child’s interest much longer. Each toy set can be played with in a variety of ways—some of their toys are puzzles, building blocks, and play buildings all in one.
Wood Toys Resources and Buying Guide
Good toy designs are passed down generation to generation. That is why wood toys are still thriving today, and why they are just as prized now as they were centuries ago. Quality toys made from natural materials will never go out of style.
This guide to toys made from wood will glide over some of history’s favorite playthings and then provide smart buyer’s tips and recommendations for modern wood toys.
A Brief History of Wood Toys
HABA Toys Remember the Old Ways
Last week’s International Toy Fair has put us in a toy-reviewing mood. Today’s favorite are HABA Toys, which makes high quality traditional toys for infants, toddlers and the under five set.
What impresses me about HABA is that their wooden toys are made in Germany – it doesn’t get more traditional than that. The wood used is Maple and Beech and smells great.
Are traditional toys still worthwhile?
December 9, 2007 by toy-tma
Filed under Vintage & Classic Toys
What are the best kinds of toys – electronic or traditional? Last time we discussed toy experts who argue that electronic toys are the most effective for learning.
The other strong-minded camp of toy experts are the toy traditionalists. These experts argue that the best toys are the ones that stimulate a child’s creativity and imagination. Traditional toys are more flexible than electronic toys; they can be used in a variety of contexts for a variety of purposes. They also can be used in the bathtub!
Blocks are great for educational development
Let’s talk more about how building blocks can hasten your child’s development.
Alphabet blocks, in addition to being fun to chew on, also aid in intellectual development. Toddlers and twosies will naturally begin to sort their blocks based on the characters. This piques their interest in letters, numbers, and colors, providing easy and ample opportunities for parents to teach them what everything is called.
This same natural learning method is great for introducing math, too. Numbered blocks can help with counting, and eventually impromptu lessons on addition and subtraction are possible.
The best toys: building blocks
When parents and babysitters want to know what are the best toys in the world, the discussion should start with building blocks. There are no more basic toys than blocks. These wooden and plastic cubes, rectangles and triangles may seem boring to adults. However, to children they are, quite literally, the basic building blocks to children’s imaginations.
Kids of all ages are entranced by blocks. Babies gaze at them with perplexed and almost mystical looks, and toddlers delight in crashing through a simple wall of delicately balanced walls. When kids get older, they really get going with elaborate towers, fanciful creatures, and mini cars to drive around in.
