A trip to the toy store is always fun. There are so many toys to choose from!
According to ARBetterBeginnings.com, following the guidelines below will point you in the right direction when choosing a toy.
Safety First- Toys should match a child’s developmental level and age, be clean and have no sharp corners or small, detachable parts.
Long-lasting - To survive a child’s repeated handling, a toy must be made of stable and solid materials.
Easy to Use - A child must be able to work a toy by himself in order to enjoy it.
Entertainment Value - Ideally, a child should find a toy fun to play with now and as she grows. Look for toys that a child can play with in many ways.
Educational Value - Play teaches a child to think, create and imagine. Choose toys that allow for pretending, role-playing, problem-solving and practicing skills.
Social Value - Children learn important social skills, like cooperation, negotiation and compromise, by playing with other children. For older children choose toys that they can use with others.
What are some good toys?
For infants: rattles, busy boxes, stacking toys, shape sorters, soft baby dolls, board books.
For toddlers: balls, push and pull toys, stuffed animals, crayons, play dough, simple puzzles.
For preschoolers: dolls, rubber or plastic animals, vehicles, blocks, art materials, balls.
For school age children: board games, construction sets, doll house, roller skates, puppets, art materials.
Tulsa Toy Depot owner, Ryan McAdams, says adult jigsaw puzzles have been extremely popular as well as wooden puzzles, and craft and robot kits. Tulsa Toy Depot has plenty of stock, offers a personalized shopping service, has free gift wrapping and it's connected to Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory so you can treat yourself while you're there.
ITEM 1
OWI Robotics Ozkar Vacuum Robot is the infrared sensor-detecting mini trashcan cleaner robot kit that's easy to build. Age 8+. $20
ITEM 2
OWI Robotics RE/CO Robot is the adventurous, off-roading Robot. RE/CO comes equipped with an infrared sensor and artificial intelligence and can be controlled wirelessly. Its tank-like tracks are perfect for rugged conditions. Age 8+. $39
ITEM 3
ARTWILLE Neon Lion Paint by Number kit includes acrylic paints, cotton canvas on wooden frame and two paint brushes. Age 7+. $25
ITEM 4
Studiostone Creative Soapstone Carving Kit ‘Wolf’ is designed for hands-on learning with easy-to-follow instructions. Everything you’ll need is included. Age 8-99. $30
