Sometimes getting a kid birthday invitation sucks because you don't have the time (or energy) to go shopping for the perfect somethin' somethin' for little Johnny in Grade 1. The little Johnny you've never met and know nothing about.
This is why a nicely stocked toy gift closet is a must-have for the busy parent. Instead of running to the toy store every week, keep a small stockpile of toys in your gift closet. It will save your sanity. Here are the Top 5 Boy Toys to Have In Your Gift Closet
Fisher-Price Peek-a-Blocks™ [1]. Stack em up—push em down! These blocks have great texture, sound and size for babies and toddlers to develop fine and gross motor skills (plus they are a ton of fun)
Tonka Truck [2]. Little boys love parking, driving and gassing up (talking toy vehicles here). Trucks allow for open-ended pretend play which is great for growing creativity, independence and self-starting.
Lego [3]. From putting together a simple car to building one’s own universe, lego taps into boys’ interests in planning, building and collecting. (Plus, it helps develop reading skills by following building directions)
Connect 4 [4]. The classic board game is a blast either to play solo or with a buddy. And the NEW Connect 4 Launchers brings the game to 2 levels (and we all know boys like to launch things).
Indigo gift card [5]. Tween boys are hard to shop for—so let them shop for themselves! Books, movies or cds (do they still sell cds?!) a gift card is sometimes just the right present for a tween boy.
Looking for ideas for girls? Check out The Top 5 Toys To Have In Your Gift Closet For Girls [6].
Caroline Fernandez shares family friendly activities and tips on her site Parent Club. She is the author of Boredom Busters (Silver Birch Honor Book Award) and More Boredom Busters available in bookstores everywhere. Read her at www.parentclub.ca [19] and follow her on twitter @ParentClub [20]
(Confession: I tweet during field trips... doesn't everyone?)