Toddler Top 10: How to promote development through play, ages 1-3

In this post I recounted some fun we had with edible finger paints and listed my top 10 picks for toddler toys. 

With the holiday season upon us I wanted to revisit this list, expand on the skills these toys are great for developing and give specific suggestions. 
All but the books are Melissa and Doug products and can be included in a custom package during in-home sessions. 
If you'd like to learn more about in-home playroom set-up and consultation or would like to purchase the Melissa and Doug items you see here for a discount off retail price, please contact me for more information!

Top 10 Toys for Toddlers:

Shape Sorter 

• This shape sorter encourages problem-solving, early math and fine motor skills. I love its bright colors and sturdy, simple look and feel. 

Stacking rings/blocks

 

• I just got the blocks for Brady and he loves them! They nest too, which is fun. We practice patience as he waits while they're stacked before knocking them down. I love that the ABC's add a literacy component to this math skill-building toy. The middle image stacker is for the older toddler bunch and requires more sorting and problem solving. The right-hand photo is the M&D version of the Fischer Price classic ring stacker which we also have and I love for younger ones and those still tending toward mouthing.  

Wooden blocks 

 

• There is much to say for the benefits of block play. But, I'll save that for another post. At their most basic level a set of blocks helps form spatial and basic geometric concepts and encourages fine motor development and concentration. They are also great language builders as you talk about their size, shape and placement. Sets of brightly colored or natural unit blocks are great. But for the younger crew I would only keep 10-15 of them out at a time.

Push toy

• For beginners some stability with a two-handed pusher helps with gross motor. The one-handed grab is good for those more experienced.

Board books

• It's no secret that reading with a toddler is one of the best ways to spend quality time. We love Sandra Boynton books in our house! Snuggle up with any of your favorites. 

Drums/Shakers

• Musical instruments (noisy though they may be) have many brain development benefits. See this post for more info about the pros of music and movement. Jam sessions are great stress relief for the grown-ups too!

“Chunky” vehicles

• I love these brightly colored easy-to-grasp vehicles. Strike up a conversation about where you're going and what you're doing and you'll be fostering language development Great for little go-getters! 

Baby doll and housekeeping tools

 

• Dolls support social emotional and language development. They help teach being gentle and are also useful for naming body parts. Toddlers naturally want to be helpful. A set of housekeeping tools encourages them to help with clean-up and fosters gross motor skills. 

Paints

• We've recently done edible finger paint with Greek yogurt and food coloring. Watercolors are also great for the slightly older bunch. These large handle brushes are super for little hands and developing fine motor skills. 

Textured/Magnetic letters

• Magnetic letters are a fun way to build early literacy. Use them on a board, cookie sheets, dishwashers, refrigerators. The No Time for Flashcards blog also has easy, fun DIY tactile alphabet activities here for toddlers to begin exploring letters with their senses. 

Of course no toy is more important than conversation with and attention from a caring adult during playtime. So when considering toys for the toddler in your life remember your time and interaction will be some of those most valuable experiences for them, no matter what toys they play with.