My son's birthday is one week away and I am once again left pondering what to get him. At seven years-old all he wants are video games. But I think it is important to get him something educational. He is now at the age where he wants to know how things work, so maybe an Elenco Snap Circuit set is the answer.
Sna Circuit is fun, educational, hands-on and kids actually get excited about all the different things they can make that actually work. These include an FM radio, motion detector, flying saucer, burglar alarm, doorbell and lots more! They can even play electronic games with their friends. All parts are mounted on plastic modules and snap together with ease. No tools required, just four AA batteries. Suggested Retail price is $74.99
Last year for his birthday I wanted to get something different from the usual, which has typically been Lego. I wanted something that required the use of imagination and creativity but still offered him the opportunity to build things, which he loves to do.
On that occasion I got him Roylco’s Straws and Connectors. Why? Because it is a toy he first used in his classroom at school and he really took to playing with this. As well, I liked the open-ended play offered by Straws and Connectors. There are endless possibilities of what you can build with this toy.
My son could let his imagination run wild with Straws and Connectors, building a fort, boat, tower, tunnel or bridge or follow suggestions from the manufacturer. One of our favourites is the big rocket ship that he can actually stand in! You can have a closer look and get a better feel for this product at www.strawsandconnectors.com. Straws and Connectors sets come in various sizes. The 400-piece set retails for approximately $24.99.
Another bonus to buying Straws and Connectors is that this product is made in Canada. I get a lot of requests for 'Made in Canada' at the store these days. Roylco, the manufacturer, is a true Canadian success story. Based in Waterloo ON, they have worked with teachers for over 40 years to produce some of the best educational materials for classrooms. They also produce a special arts and crafts kit each year that is available only through toy stores belonging to Neighbourhood Toy Stores of Canada (NETS), like us. More about that later!
Finally, I should add that both Elenco’s Snap Circuits and Straws and Connectors are products that have been awarded a ‘Gold Star’ by Neighbourhood Toy Stores of Canada (NETS) for ‘exceptional’ play value! I like it when I can bring home toys that will continue to appeal to my son long after his birthday has passed and perhaps right up until his next birthday rolls around!
Melissa MaGee works (plays?) at Tag Along Toys in Kanata, a member of Neighbourhood Toy Stores of Canada (NETS). She considers herself lucky because she gets to see all the new products as they arrive and try out each new item. The real bonus is hearing the great customer feedback.
She is the mother of two fun boys, ages seven and one and a half.
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A newborn baby?
There cannot be any toys for them.
I have often heard this comment from people. What can a newborn do? Nothing. They just eat and sleep. The couldn't be more wrong!
Newborn babies are just waiting to experience the world. Yes, they can’t see much yet, hold anything or talk. So, what is the answer? Think of the senses they are born with and can use right away, like hearing, seeing and touch.
One of my favourite toy lines for a newborn is from Manhattan Toy. The toys (Wimmer-Ferguson) are based on solid research on what a young baby can see and likes to look at.
Newborns are attracted to high contrast patterns with black and white. I was able to see this first-hand with my granddaughter, Madelyn, who loved looking at the Baby Whoozit ($12.99) with its black and white pattern. She may not have been awake for long periods of time, yet she was able to get some visual stimulation and even give her parents a few minutes to themselves.
At about three months of age, baby will notice the Whoozit has several arms, each with a different texture, and enjoy the stimulation that comes from touching these.
The Nursery Novel ($15.99), also by Manhattan Toy, is another good example of a toy for a newborn. It has lots of black and white patterns along with some bold colours. It can be stretched out flat or turned into a book. There are pages with crinkle and peek-a-boo pieces. Crinkle is a very satisfying touch sensation for a newborn. Not only does the baby enjoy manipulating it, they love the sound it makes.
Reversible Wrist Rattles ($9.99) are another option for visual stimulation. They go on the baby’s wrists and have the bold black and white patterns. They are a good option for use when the baby is in the car seat.
Last, is the Double-Feature Mirror ($29.99). It has the bold graphic patterns on one side which is good for use from birth. At about three months of age you turn it over and there is a child safe mirror. Babies love looking at faces, especially their own.
So the next time you hear someone say a newborn does not need any toys, think of these products.
Ann Randall is the owner of The Toy Corner in Sarnia ON, a member of Neighbourhood Toy Stores of Canada (NETS). She is a retired pediatric nurse, the mother of two sons, one granddaughter and another soon-to-be grandchild. Ann loves interacting with all the children, parents and grandparents who come into her store.
Where do they get their energy from?
Running, crawling, jumping and other activities which require the larger movement of muscles in their arms, legs, feet, or their entire body, are all part of gross motor skills development. As a parent, encouraging physical activity is an essential part of your child’s development.
Children reach different gross motor skill milestones at different ages and stages. There's no need to worry if your little one finds catching a ball to be a little tricky right now. The most important thing to remember is just have fun.
Here are some of my favourite toys that kids and parents can have fun with while enjoying the benefits and development of gross motor skills!
Lamaze Foot Finder/Wrist Rattle Set ($17.98)
Ages 6 months +
Even infants are learning the basics of gross motor skills. As little ones are discovering their toes and hands these toys offer rewards with fun sounds and bright patterns.
Okiedog Fropper ($79.98)
Ages 18 months +
This very cool looking ride on toy is a blast for toddlers! It’s so easy for little ones to zoom around on. The seat has a bit of a bounce to it which just adds to the fun! Click here to see just how Okiedog Fropper promotes the development of gross motor skills.
ALEX Monster Mitts ($12.99)
Ages 3 years +
Kids can learn the basics of playing catch with these fun-looking mitts. They're silly, innovative and fun. The Velcro padding on the mitts give kids the satisfaction of catching the ball with much more ease than a baseball glove. There are two mitts so this is a great activity that parents can do with their kids!
iPlay Soccer Trainer ($21.99)
Ages 3 years +
Whether your little one is a future soccer star or just learning the fundamentals of kicking, this set is perfect for practicing ball-kicking skills. Because the soccer ball is attached by a bungee cord to a weight, kids can play alone or with a friend!
KIDnTECH Balance Bike ($98.99)
Ages 2 – 5 years
With this cool looking bike with no pedals, kids will learn balance, steering and co-ordination while quickly gaining the skills to transition to a real bike without training wheels.
Hop Balls ($26.98 and up)
Ages 3 years +
What better way to burn off some of that energy than bouncing? Children will learn coordination and balancing techniques while having lots of fun. There are several different sizes which can accommodate kids from ages 3+ to 9+. Each ball will hold up to 300 lbs. so parents can take a few bounces on it too! Can be used indoors or outdoors.
Maverick Pogo Stick ($44.99)
Ages 5 years +
This pogo stick is designed to provide fun exercise for kids as they learn about balance and coordination. This activity takes a bit of practice so have patience and remember your helmet!
Monica Brown is owner of The Rocking Horse toy store in Kingston ON, a member of Neighbourhood Toy Stores of Canada (NETS), which has been wowing kids and parents since opening its doors in 2001!
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