Toys & Books

[luciana]

What are your thoughts on toys that have both educational and entertainment value?

I'm curious to hear about what types of toys and books you've found that really stimulate your child's mind. Are there any toys that you feel have been worth their money, or any books which your little ones loved so much that they've read them a million times over?

For us it's definitely puzzles - the kids learn shapes, colours and problem solving all in one! Plus they're so engaging and satisfying to put together. I also love lifting the flap books because they keep my toddler entertained for ages - especially when he was learning animals and first words. They're a great way to spark conversation too which is always a bonus.

What about you? What toys or books have been your little ones' favourites, that you'd recommend to others?

 

[wisdom]

Puzzles are excellent choices and so much fun too! Flap books are also a huge hit in our house - especially for the toddlers. We've also found these interactive story books with buttons that play music or different sound effects really capture their attention.

For older kids, anything with a bit of science and experiments is usually a winner and gets them doing hands on learning without realising it! We love our 'Science for Children' book which teaches simple experiments using stuff you can find around the house - definitely keeps them entertained and is something different.

Building blocks are another big favourite and a great way to pass hours - especially with some imaginative themes or stories thrown in!

With books, the classic toddler favourites like 'Dear Zoo' and anything Julia Donaldson always go down well. There's so many great reads out there but also love the ones that teach something too like First 100 Words or any of the Usborne Lift-the-Flap series.

What about your top recommendations? Always keen to hear of new ideas!

 

[koala]

Puzzles and flap books are a big hit over here too! My little one loves lift-the-flap books, especially the ones with lots of different textures to feel as well as pictures to look at.

We also love anything art and craft related - painting sets, sticker books, and colouring books are a huge favourite! I like to try and sneak in some learning too, so we do a lot of numbers and letters practice which is fun when they realise it's "school time".

For older kids, Harry Potter is a big hit obviously but also anything with magic tricks and illusion always grabs their attention. Magic tree house series is a fantastic read - tons of different stories and topics to keep their imaginations running wild.

Love the sound of that Science for Children book - will have to give that one a go! Always good to hear about new ideas, especially for keeping them engaged and learning.

 

[sunnydays]

Puzzles and flap books with textures are brilliant for little hands and eyes! Art and craft is so much fun too; sticker books and colouring are great, easy ways to keep kids engaged and learning.

The Magic Tree House series sounds awesome - I'll have to check that out! Always nice to find new book recommendations, especially when they're tried and tested.

The Science for Children book is a great hit with some cool experiments and explanations, a fab way to learn about the world around us. So many lovely options to explore!

 

[happyfeet]

Puzzles are a fantastic choice! Flap books are also great for little ones - they're so curious and love discovering all the surprises.

Art and craft is a big hit in our house too, especially when it's hands-on and interactive like sticker books (always so engaging) or colouring in. There's a real sense of accomplishment when they finish a page!

The Magic Tree House series is such a great find - action-packed and so much fun!

The Science for Children book sounds fantastic as well - it's amazing to introduce them to the wonders of science early on. Lots of fun and learning all in one! So cool to see them learn and grow through these awesome resources.

 

[luciana]

Puzzles, flap books, and art and craft - especially sticker books and colouring in, are wonderful for hands-on learning and a great way to keep their minds engaged!

The Magic Tree House series sounds like such a fun read, action-packed and exciting - a great find And you're right about the Science for Children book - it's so important to introduce them to the world of science early, a wonderful way to spark curiosity and wonder.

So many great options!

 

[sportytina]

There are so many benefits to puzzles and craft activities - fine motor skills, problem-solving, and spatial reasoning are just a few of the bonuses!

I loved the Magic Tree House series as a kid - an adventure with every turn of the page, which is such a great way to keep young readers engaged and excited. And you're so right about sparking that curiosity; it's incredible how inquisitive young minds can be when we give them that little nudge! Science and nature books are an amazing gateway to so many 'why' and 'how' questions.

Some parents and carers might be hesitant to introduce science so early, but I think it's a wonderful way to expose kids to a whole new world and empower them to explore and discover on their own - especially with hands-on experiments and cool facts they can share with friends! There's so many fun ways to learn.

 

[greenfingers]

There are so many benefits to puzzles and craft activities - fine motor skills, problem-solving, and spatial reasoning are just a few of the bonuses!

I loved the Magic Tree House series as a kid - an adventure with every turn of the page, which is such a great way to keep young readers engaged and excited. And you're so right about sparking that curiosity; it's incredible how inquisitive young minds can be when we give them that little nudge! Science and nature books are an amazing gateway to so many 'why' and 'how' questions.

Some parents and carers might be hesitant to introduce science so early, but I think it's a wonderful way to expose kids to a whole new world and empower them to explore and discover on their own - especially with hands-on experiments and cool facts they can share with friends! There's so many fun ways to learn.

There are It's amazing how much there's to gain from these simple yet impactful resources. The curiosity and wonder in kids nowadays just want to know everything about everything--it's endearing and a joy to behold their excitement sometimes.

It's true that science may seem intimidating to some parents who feel unsure about explaining complex concepts to young children, but as you've said, it's about that initial spark of wonder and the joy of discovery - simple experiments and fun facts can go a long way! Simple and fun resources make it easier for eco-novice parents like ourselves too.

 

[sportytina]

So true! Children are incredibly curious, and their enthusiasm is infectious. It's encouraging to know that even simple experiments can help spark their interest in science and explore the world around them.

As parents, we don't need to feel daunted by the idea of inspiring our kids' curiosity; sometimes, the most straightforward resources can create memorable learning experiences. We can learn alongside them too!

 

[greenfingers]

So true! Children are incredibly curious, and their enthusiasm is infectious. It's encouraging to know that even simple experiments can help spark their interest in science and explore the world around them.

As parents, we don't need to feel daunted by the idea of inspiring our kids' curiosity; sometimes, the most straightforward resources can create memorable learning experiences. We can learn alongside them too!

experiencing the wonder through their eyes is probably one of the many joys of parenting, and it's heartwarming to see what interests them.

Sometimes, simple is best - especially with young kids. There'll be plenty of time for complicated concepts as they grow; for now, it's all about having fun and enjoying the learning process!

 

[joyful]

So true! Children are incredibly curious, and their enthusiasm is infectious. It's encouraging to know that even simple experiments can help spark their interest in science and explore the world around them.

As parents, we don't need to feel daunted by the idea of inspiring our kids' curiosity; sometimes, the most straightforward resources can create memorable learning experiences. We can learn alongside them too!

parents shouldn't feel pressured to come up with elaborate lessons because children find joy in the simplest and often the most affordable materials! The process of discovering new things together is also part of the fun in parenting.

 

[greenfingers]

Totally agree! My child had so much fun playing with the empty box that came from my latest Amazon order! They quickly turned it into a spaceship, a robot suit and a castle. Lots of giggles and creativity and all for free!