What toys to buy? · Connected Through Play

What toys to buy?

So many toys to choose from and so many questions about what is the best to buy for your child or grandchild.

Here's some advice from me... a Mom of 5, grandma to 9, co-founder of Funfit® Family Fitness (1987) and founder of BeABetterParent.com and have spent my career playing with kids and parents and coaching and advising.

The simpler the better. Great news!! Simpler toys are not as expensive and encourage cognitive and social development, creativity, curiosity and long term play.

Electronic toys that basically do things themselves are more expensive and just gives the child something to watch, limits imagination and loses appeal quickly.

So what's great to get?

BALLS of all kinds and sizes. Beach balls and foam balls make fun indoor play with little damage to your stuff.

HULA HOOPS... all sizes for not just hula hooping but also driving (makes a great steering wheel), putting on the ground and jumping in and out of, get a few and make a track.

SWIMMING POOL NOODLES (cut them in half simply with a knife and you can 2 noodles for the price of one)... makes great hockey sticks, golf clubs, baseball bats for little ones, riding ponies, limbo sticks, tons of fun for everyone!

BALLOONS... under inflated and tons of fun!

SCARVES & RIBBONS for dancing. Music too. Nothing like a fun freeze dance.

OBSTACLE COURSES made out of whatever is in the house. Make sure you have them going under, over, around and through.

SIDEWALK CHALK... draw pictures, games, lines to walk on, hopscotch... let the creativity soar.

NATURE HUNTS, TREASURE HUNTS.... be creative and let the exploration begin!

TAG GAMES... run around outside with your child and some tag! YOU'RE IT!

This is a great start to having fun and laughing more for you and your child.

REMINDER, don't just watch join in the fun!

WANT TO SQUEEZE IN MORE EXERCISE INTO YOUR DAY?

No better exercise program than running around with your child or grandchild.

Hope this helps... comment below what your favorite toy/game is to get you moving in body & mind.

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