Play Time
Hape Pixel Piano
$46.00The Hape Dynamic Pixel Piano is an interactive toy that introduces children to the world of music through a blend of vibrant pixel art and engaging play modes. With its...
Phaidon Press Pizza! An Interactive Recipe Book
$19.95Cook pizza from scratch in this fully interactive recipe book that allows readers to mix the ingredients, knead the dough, spread the sauce, and more! Simple yet accurate recipe text takes...
PlanToys PlanToys 50 Unit Blocks Set
$75.00A great way to stimulate children’s interest and desire in building things. Consists of 12 shapes. Age: 3 years+ The PlanToys 50 Unit Blocks come with 50 pieces in 12...
PlanToys PlanToys Kaleidoscope
$26.00View the world through an artistic lens with the wooden PlanToys Kaleidoscope! Little ones can put their favorite objects inside and experience a swirling explosion of brilliant colors. They can also...
PlanToys PlanToys Activity Clock
$42.00This vibrant clock includes activity cards that can be placed on the top of the clock so that children can match the time with their activity. PlanToys Activity Clock Details:...
PlanToys PlanToys Animal Set
$26.00Get in touch with nature and travel through a forest to see some amazing animals! The PlanToys Animal Set consists of an owl, a squirrel, a beaver, a deer, a...
PlanToys PlanToys Assorted Fruit Set
$32.00PlanToys Assorted Fruit Set is the perfect toy for your aspiring little chef! The set includes a cutting board, knife, and 5 sliceable fruits - orange, lemon, kiwi, strawberry, and apple....
PlanToys PlanToys Assorted Fruits and Vegetables
$36.00PlanToys Assorted Fruits & Vegetables Set is the perfect toy for your growing little chef! Let them explore the world of cooking with 5 colorful fruits and veggies! PlanToys Assorted...
PlanToys PlanToys Assorted Vegetables Set
$30.00The set includes a cutting board, knife, and 5 sliceable veggies - tomato, mushroom, shallot, bell pepper, and cucumber. Tactile details offer realistic play. Age: 18 months+ Dimension: 7.48x5.31x1.22 inch Weight: 1.147...
PlanToys PlanToys Baby Car
$18.00PlanToys Baby Car is the perfect toy for your child’s small hands to push and play with! This colorful toy car has a flexible body that reacts to your baby’s touch....
PlanToys PlanToys Baby Feeding Set
$36.00It’s feeding time! This PlanToys Doll Feeding Set comes with a bag, which can be hung on a stroller, a food-storage container, spoon, bib, water bottle and feeding bottle. PlanToys...
PlanToys PlanToys Baby Walker
$126.00Cruise through early developmental stages with the PlanToys Baby Walker! This toy can help develop fine and gross motor skills while encouraging children to walk on their own two feet....
PlanToys PlanToys Baby Walker Orchard
$126.00Cruise through early developmental stages with the PlanToys Baby Walker - Orchard! This toy can help develop fine and gross motor skills while encouraging children to walk on their own...
PlanToys PlanToys Bakery Stand Set
$32.00The PlanToys Bakery Stand Set consists of 1 two-tier cake stand, 1 sandwich, 1 slice of Swiss roll, 1 chocolate cake, 2 biscuits, and 2 cupcakes. PlanToys Bakery Stand Set...
PlanToys PlanToys Banjo Musical Toy
$36.00PlanToys Banjo is the perfect toy to inspire your little ones' musical creativity, PlanToys Banjo Details: Age: 3 years+ Strum to hear the music! Features various sounds Dimensions: 12.52 x...
PlanToys PlanToys Banjolele Musical Toy
$40.00Inspire your child’s musical creativity and explore various sounds while strumming the PlanToys Banjolele. It features 3 adjustable strings and 3 turner pegs. PlanToys Banjolele Details: Age: 3 years+ Strings are...
PlanToys PlanToys BBQ Playset
$100.00Gather around, and let’s barbecue with PlanToys BBQ Set! This set will boost a young chef’s imagination and social skills by preparing a meal with friends and family nearby. Children...
PlanToys PlanToys Big Drum II
$46.00Beat a big beat with this big drum! It features an adjustable lanyard and a pair of drumsticks. Drumhead is made from natural rubber. Age: 3+ Weight: 1.72 lbs Dimension: 8.27x8.27x6.69 inch...
PlanToys PlanToys Birthday Cake Set
$30.00The PlanToys Birthday Cake Set consists of a two-sided play of cake with different toppings, a plate, a knife, a dark chocolate bar, and 6 removable candles. This toy is...
PlanToys PlanToys Bread Loaf Set
$40.00Roleplay as the owner of a bakery with the PlanToys Bread Loaf Set! Made from PlanWood™, a realistic loaf of bread can be cut with an included bread knife. Teach little...
PlanToys PlanToys Bread Set
$40.00Are you hosting a family brunch, or are you preparing for a picnic in the park? Bring the PlanToys Bread Set along with you to complete your meal! PlanToys Bread...
PlanToys PlanToys Breakfast Menu
$32.00Start your day with a healthy breakfast with the PlanToys Breakfast Menu Set! PlanToys Breakfast Menu Set Details: Age: 2 years+ The set includes 2 slices of bread, a bun,...
PlanToys PlanToys Breakfast Set
$26.00It's time for breakfast! Who's hungry? Role play as a chef at your favorite breakfast spot, serve breakfast to the entire family or simply incorporate this playset into other forms...
PlanToys PlanToys Bunny Racing Car
$30.00Get in the racing car with this fast bunny! This vehicle comes with a vintage race car theme and features a turning wheel that gives the same movement as a...
Play is essential for children because it contributes to their intellectual, physical, emotional and social development. When children play, they exercise their creativity, develop their imagination, master their dexterity, improve their cognitive ability and build physical strength. Experts agree that the best kinds of play allow kids to set their own goals, negotiate challenges, develop and share ideas, and make their own rules.
But how can we make sure our kids are getting enough healthy, unstructured play time when they’re growing up in an overscheduled and stressful environment, when parents are overly focused on producing high academic achievers, and safety concerns prevent us from letting our kids roam around freely and unsupervised? Perhaps the best thing we can do for our kids is to make sure they have the right kinds of toys at home to make play time most rewarding.
First and foremost is safety. Safe toys for young children are sturdy, without sharp parts or splinters, free of pinching hazards, and easy to clean. If the toy will be used by an infant, it’s important that parts aren’t small enough to become a choking hazard.
Toys must be made from non-toxic materials and coated with lead-free paints. You should steer clear of antique toys, second-hand toys and homemade toys that have not been tested and approved by a certified testing lab, or may have been produced before the current regulations governing toy manufacturing were in effect.
In addition to being safe, a good toy will match the child’s appropriate stage of development and abilities.
The best baby activity toys for infants between 0-6 months are things they can reach, grasp, suck on, shake, and make noise with. Some age-appropriate toys for little babies are squeeze toys, teething toys, soft dolls, textured balls, and board books.
Infants between 6-12 months are starting to crawl, sit up and pull themselves to a standing position. They are capable putting things in and out of containers and placing objects on top of each other. Some of the best baby activity toys for this age group are dolls, vehicles with wheels, bath toys, large beads, nesting toys, large soft blocks, wooden blocks, and push & pull toys.
As your child continues to grow, look for toys that will encourage them to explore, create, pretend, imagine, and learn from trial and error.