During this holiday season, parents, grandparents and caregivers are looking for the perfect toys for gifts. Buying safe and age-appropriate toys is important for children’s physical and intellectual growth and helps avoid injuries. The right toys can help children learn and have fun.
Birth to 8 Months
For infants, toys that engage their senses are important. They enjoy colorful objects, soft textures and gentle sounds like rattles and crinkling paper. Babies learn by exploring with their mouths.
The following are appropriate for this age range:
- Toys they can hold or reach for, put in their mouths, and use to make noise (rattles, teething rings)
- Toys with faces and bright colors (baby-safe mirror, soft blocks)
- Textured balls (big enough for them to hold but not fit all the way in their mouth)
- Board books (books for small children with the pages pasted to heavy cardboard)
- Recordings of familiar songs (ABCs) or lullabies
8 to 18 Months
Infants and toddlers are on the move. They need toys that encourage movement and help develop their fine motor skills. They also start imitating adults, which supports their learning.
The following are appropriate for this age range:
- Push and pull toys Plastic containers of different sizes (to play with in and out of the bathtub)
- Play phone or play keys
- Toys with buttons, levers, knobs and lids
- Board books they can easily hold
18 to 24 Months
Toddlers enjoy toys that promote independence and creativity. At this age, they are attracted to toys that encourage movement and problem-solving, and they enjoy simple challenges.
The following are appropriate for this age range:
- Ride-on toys Simple wooden puzzles with letters and numbers
- Wooden, foam or cardboard stacking blocks
- Non-toxic crayons, washable markers and paints and large sheets of paper
- Bathtub toys
2 to 3 Years
Children enjoy playing pretend, which boosts imagination and social skills. They also benefit from toys that encourage physical activity.
The following are appropriate for this age range:
- Dolls and stuffed animals Interactive books (lift and flap books or books with music)
- Toy instruments (or pots and pans with wooden spoons)
- Sand and water play toys (foam letters/numbers for the bathtub)
- Tricycles or other riding toys
3 to 4 Years
Children like toys that support storytelling and creativity. These toys help improve their communication and fine motor skills.
The following are appropriate for this age range:
- Pretend play toys (dress up clothes, play kitchen/tool bench)
- Puzzles Letter matching or counting games
- Shape sorters and building blocks
- Large and small balls to kick and throw
4 to 5 Years
Toys that promote independence and creativity are favored among this age group. They enjoy games that help them learn to work and share with others.
The following are appropriate for this age range:
- Pretend play toys (pretend doctors kit, play chef)
- Simple board games
- Playdough with letter/number cookie cutters
- Picture books with longer stories
- Wagons and wheelbarrows
Encouraging Safe Play
Supervision is key, especially for younger children. Caregivers should regularly check toys for damage and throw away any broken toys or pieces to prevent risks of choking. It is also important to clean toys often to prevent illness. Toys for older kids can be dangerous for younger children. It is essential to follow age guidelines on packaging.
