23rd Jun 2025

What Toys Should School-Age Children (6-12 Years) Play With?

Toddlers (1-3 years) are at a stage of rapid development, exploring their environment, learning to communicate, and developing motor skills. Toys for this age group should be safe, durable, and engaging. Here's a list of recommended toys for toddlers, considering their developmental needs:

1-Year-Olds

Push and Pull Toys:
Toddlers learning to walk benefit from push toys like walkers, shopping carts, or pull toys like toy animals on wheels.
Stacking Toys:
Stacking rings or cups help develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving.
Shape Sorters:
These toys promote problem-solving and cognitive development as toddlers learn to match shapes to their corresponding holes.
Musical Instruments:
Simple instruments like tambourines, maracas, or xylophones encourage sensory exploration and rhythm recognition.
Board Books:
Sturdy books with bright pictures and simple text introduce toddlers to reading and language skills.

2-Year-Olds

Building Blocks:
Large-sized blocks like Duplo or Mega Bloks foster creativity and motor skills as toddlers build and stack.
Art Supplies:
Toddler-safe crayons, washable markers, and finger paints offer a creative outlet and enhance fine motor development.
Toy Vehicles:
Cars, trucks, or trains that toddlers can push or pull around encourage imaginative play and coordination.
Animal Figures and Farm Sets:
Small animal toys or farm sets support imaginative play and storytelling.
Simple Puzzles:
Puzzles with large, easy-to-handle pieces help develop problem-solving and fine motor skills.

3-Year-Olds

Pretend Play Sets :
Play kitchens, tool sets, or doctor kits encourage imaginative play and role-playing, which are important for social and emotional development.
Dolls and Stuffed Animals:
Dolls and plush toys can be comforting and promote nurturing behavior.
Outdoor Toys:
Tricycles, balance bikes, or ride-on toys encourage physical activity and gross motor development.
Play-Doh or Clay Sets:
These promote creativity and fine motor skills through sculpting and molding.
Board Games for Young Children:
Simple games like “Candy Land” or “Chutes and Ladders” help develop turn-taking, social skills, and strategic thinking.

Safety Tips