Educational Toys

1. You know interaction is important, but the mix of toys you purchase for your child is also important. For example, those geared toward cognition which focus on sounds and word definition may neglect important tactical skills that are just as vital to development.

2. It's undeniable, often children like the containers more than the toy. So why not make a toy that resembles a container? This idea is harnessed in the Bilibo, a plastic shell that encourages creativity because it can be used in so many ways. It's a chair for your child or doll, it's a swing, sand toy, spinner or makeshift sled. Other toys that have more specific functions end up in a corner much sooner.

3. For children who are beginning to grasp shapes, balance and structures, look for toys that require skills in spatial development and problem solving. The famous Dado Cubes, for example, uses blocks of various sizes with interlocking slits that can stack, nest, and rest horizontally for an infinite number of 3-D structures.

4. Everyone is familiar with toys that play music or make a noise when a button is pushed, but educational toys for babies are becoming much more novel. The Mozart Magic Music Cube, for example, employs light-up, colorful sides to signal to your baby that the instruments can be added or subtracted to the music playing. You'll find yourself playing with this one, too!

5. Shape sorting educational toys stimulate visually and tactically, but usually don't require much cognition. A new Shape Sorting Cube adds a new dimension to an old idea by creating a 3-D puzzle with 12 total shapes that can be dropped inside the cube. The top comes off to start all over again. It's challenging enough for 2 year olds and plenty of fun for younger babies.

6. To develop muscles and coordination, you may want to consider something like the Plasma Car. This educational toy employs centrifugal force and gravity to propel the rider along a smooth surface merely by rotating the wheel.