Kids Toys

There are a lot of different toys out there. But the truth is most of them will hold a kids interest for an astoundingly short time and sometimes only once. With Christmas fast approaching I thought it would be prudent to share with fellow parents what I’ve learned are the must-have items to keep your toddler occupied (and you won't have to set foot in a toy store for any of them).

5. Drink coasters. As an adult you may overlook these items (so much so you may even forget to use them when necessary). But to a kid, coasters are an entertainment gold mine. You can throw them, you can drop them, you can get them wet and parents won’t yell at you (note: I’m talking about plastic or paper coasters here, not the stone type. Do not throw stone coasters.) Coasters are often found at kid friendly heights and in my experience they will be sought out by children time and again.

4. Cabinet doors. You may go deaf from the slamming but 16 months in, this still hasn’t gotten old for my son. Unfortunately they aren’t portable but they'll be the go-to “toy” of choice for your kid(s) for years to come. Just remember to skip a couple cabinets when putting up child locks and keep a pair of earplugs handy.

3. Straws. They’re cheap, they’re portable, and you can blow bubbles through them. They are one of the most versatile items out there and you probably already have a bunch of them. Pack a few in the diaper bag for entertainment emergencies and feel confident knowing you have one of the greatest inventions for childhood amusement on your side. These toys grow with your kids; from teething to milk bubble blowing, you’ll learn to love the straw.

2. Flashlights. Show a kid a flashlight and entertain him for half a minute. Give a kid a flashlight (in a dark room) and entertain him for half an hour. They can make shadows with it, they can point at ceiling fans with it, they can even check your eyes for symmetrical pupil dilation with it! Your Christmas list isn’t complete without one. You’re welcome.

1. Balloons. If there’s one thing every kid wants to play with, it’s a balloon. This doesn't make them the safest toys, but for supervised play sessions nothing will rivet a child’s attention like a balloon. A child can kick or throw or bat a balloon and will be delighted by the unpredictable flight path. Add helium and take playtime to the next level.

As you can see, you don’t need to visit the toy store to find the most entertaining products for play time. You just have to look around the house. The proverbial tale of the child getting more enjoyment out of the box his present came in than the actual gift isn’t a myth. And you can give your kid a “box” too. You just have to be willing to think outside of it.