I'm children-illiterate, but my little cousin (almost two) is a very bright little guy. I'm looking for some stuff for Christmas that will stimulate his creativity and intellectual growth. He isn't really into any particular television shows or anything like that. He doesn't really watch TV much actually. Suggestions?? Thanks in advance.
Tags: intellectual growth, Best, toysRelated posts:
books, puzzles, etc. things that will spark his imagination like legos stuff like that.
http://www.toysrus.com/shop/index.jsp?categoryId=2269728
Here’s the link to toys R Us. It’s in a section for kids the age of two.
Simple puzzles, Role playing toys (Dress up, doctor kits), Cars and Trucks (no small parts), Musical Instruments for kids, Riding toys, Blocks, Sports toys, tents and tunnels, Pretend play sets
Specifics Priced $10 – @100:
LeapFrog Fridge Farm Magnetic Animal Set
Mega Blocks
Fisher-Price Little People Animal Sounds Farm (or any little people set)
Little Tikes Cozy Coupe
Step2 All Star Sports Climber
Mine explores and learns with that.
I don’t buy him toys because he doesn’t play with anything I get him.
He actually thrives on me speaking to him and just hanging out with him.
I talk to him like I talk to adults. No baby talk.
He also loves to write and he spells as I write. Even though he spells wrong, its still great that he is trying.
Its really hard to sit a toddler down to teach them anything. They usually learn through interactions and play.
I will not spend another dime on b.s intellectual toys or programs because they don’t work.
EDIT:
You can get him kiddie books that rhyme. Rhyming is good for them because they’ll remember what’s coming up next since rhyming is predictable.
My son loves all his rhyming books and he’s 25 months. He waits with anticipation what I’m about to say next because he knows what’s coming since I read him one story 20 times at a time. He loves it and he repeats after me.
The toys that stimulate a child’s creativity and imagination best, are those where the child has to do most of the job. Your nephew would probably love a little toy car, or a toy truck – the best are those that do not have flashing lights or any electronic gadgets on them.
Building blocks are great for kids his age, there are also legos big enough for toddlers that would be great.
If he is not into stuffing things into his mouth any more, you could try a marble track. Wooden or plastic food items are great for kids that age.
Tool shaped toys, out of wood or plastic are also great – again avoid those with inbuilt batteries, they just break earlier, but do nothing to stimulate the child’s development.
There are little pounding toys, where the child pounds with a hammer wood blocks through a holes in a wooden box. Most little boys absolutely love that toy.