From one to two years of age, children are changing along every dimension. Each developmental change can inspire a “best gift.” More and more, toddlers are individuals with their own particular joys and wants.
Temperament plays a big role
- Some toddlers love movement and they need toys they can push around, for example, shopping carts, vacuum cleaners, and ride-on-trucks. Other toddlers are content to sit and smell the flowers, like my own favorite children’s book character, Ferdinand the Bull. (If you don’t know Ferdinand, look for The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf. It’s a treasure). Little “Ferdinands” need interesting things to play with while sitting in one place.
Strength, Coordination, and Balance
- Push toys, rolling toys, soft balls to kick and throw, a pair of canvas sneakers (Toddlers are always outgrowing their shoes, so don’t waste money on “orthopedic” leather shoes when canvas ones work just as well)
Hand-Eye Coordination
- Peg boards with a toy for hammering or simple puzzles are my top picks. Also, hard to break crayons or non-toxic markers. Toddlers are amazed to find out that when they move one of these objects across a sheet of paper, lines “magically” appear. Of course, the same amazing effect works on cabinets, tables, and walls so adult supervision is a must!