The first five years of your child’s life are a period of rapid change, growth, and development, and in most cases, their interests, likes, and dislikes change as well. With the crucial role play has in a child’s cognitive and social development, they must always have plenty of toys that capture their attention and are fun to play with. That being said, let’s take a look at some of the best toys for the first five years of your kids and their development.
Toys for 1-Year-Olds
Educational toys for 1-year-old kids are generally the best way to go, providing them with sensory stimulation and a baseline for skills they’ll continue to develop as they age. Of course, it’s best to keep it simple, as their skills haven’t had much time to develop, and for safety reasons, you should avoid small parts. As such, we recommend toys like magnetic tiles and wooden blocks.
Toys for 2-Year-Olds
By two years old, your kid is starting to refine their cognitive and motor skills, so they’ll love toys that help them develop these skills further. By this point, they may be interested in drawing and problem-solving, so art supplies, educational toys, and basic puzzles are a great way to go.
Toys for 3-Year-Olds
By three years old, most kids are becoming increasingly strong walkers and runners and may enjoy more physical activities, but they still enjoy cognitive development toys as much as ever. Because of this, they may enjoy kid-friendly outdoor games to burn off some energy, and more complex puzzles to continue growing their mind.
Toys for 4-Year-Olds
In keeping with the pattern of cognitive development, 4-year-olds’ minds are still advancing, so they’re ready to take on even more complex mental challenges. In addition, their risk of choking on small parts in toys is beginning to decrease, so we believe that building blocks like legos make some of the best toys for 4-year-old boys and girls alike, giving them the unique challenge of building a set as well as the fun of playing with it afterward.
Toys for 5-Year-Olds
Finally, at age 5, your kid can enjoy a wide range of toys and activities, and may start growing into a few specific interests. At this point, it’s best to start including your little one in the toy-buying process, allowing them to choose which activities they want to partake in. Of course, these activities could be anything from basic sports to more refined drawings, so be sure to provide them with plenty of options!
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