Here is a list of the top toys for toddlers. Below is a list of the most educational, safe, innovative, and fun toys for toddlers. We create our list based on safety, educational value, and overall reviews. So if you want to find the best toddler toys, then take a look at our list below. There are so many exciting new toys this year, including the new Let’s Rock Elmo, and LeapFrog playsets. Childhood can be hard work; for toddlers, playing is the most important job. Through play, they build their muscles, develop essential skills, practice social interaction, create different worlds, and stretch their minds. Toddlers are renowned for being non-stop action machines – they can be destructive, rough, sweet, and gentle all in the same play session. Their toys need to be able to keep up with these dynamic little kids and their changing moods and needs. The best toddler toys are versatile, durable, and ready for action.
Top Toys for Toddlers 2012
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Featured 2012 Gift Guides for Toddlers
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Best Toddler Toys 2010
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Top 10 for 2009
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Best Dolls & Dollhouses for Toddlers
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Top 10 Ride-on Toys for Toddlers
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Top 5 Musical Toys for Toddlers
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Best Arts & Crafts for Toddlers
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Best Educational Toys for Toddlers
Educational Plush Toys
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Fisher-Price Bestsellers
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
vTech Bestsellers
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
LeapFrog Bestsellers
|
 |
 |
 |
|
NEW Fisher-Price Little People Playsets
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Top 10 Teddy Bears
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
What to Look for in the Best Toddler Toys
So what are the best toddler toys to keep up with your energetic whirlwind of a child? When looking for toys for toddlers, keep the following qualities in mind:
Learning and Developmental Opportunities
The best toys for toddlers offer opportunities for them to expand their physical and/or mental skills. Toddlers need a great deal of stimulation. While they are capable of entertaining themselves with running around the yard or playing with dirt, they should also have access to toys that allow them to pretend, use their motor skills, develop better hand-eye coordination, practice socialization, learn independent play, develop pre-reading skills, and much more. It seems like a tall order, but many of today’s top toys for toddlers are geared specifically for providing your child with these important early learning opportunities.
Versatility
Your child is a master at making the most of each and every toy he has. With a simple set of blocks, he can build bridges, towers, or doghouses. He can build, create, knock down, and start again. The top toddler toys are versatile and allow your child to explore and find a bunch of fun uses for them. He can also use them at different stages of his development. Infants can learn to grasp them, look at the colors, and (inevitably) chew on them. Toddlers can advance their play with their newly developed skills. Toddler toy items should grow with your child as much as possible: you don’t want to have to run to the toy store every week as your child learns new skills!
Durability
Another indispensable quality in a toddler toy is durability. The best toddler toys 2011 must be able to withstand any rough, tough, destructive behavior your child can dish out. Even sweet, mild-mannered children will punch, hit, kick, throw, and jump on their beloved toys. Look for quality design and materials when selecting these items; it may mean paying a little more, but in the long-run it more than works out. You can even pass the best ones on to younger siblings, family members, or friends.
Safety
Safety is a must. All the great developmental features and fun designs don’t mean much if the toddler toy is unsafe to use. As you are well aware, toddlers inflict a lot of heavy usage on their toys. Not only must they stand up to the pressure, they have to remain safe while doing it. Again, quality materials and design are important. And as we hear more and more about toy recalls and live with the nightmare of choking, lead paint, and more, it can be hard to know what is safe. The vast majority of toys are safe, if you consider the safety precautions and age recommendations. Make sure to pick age appropriate toys for your toddler and always keep an eye on him as he plays.
Price
This is a concern for every family, and spending a lot on hot toys for toddlers may not be something your family budget will allow. There is no need to worry: you can get some of the best toddler toys for very reasonable prices. Quality, learning, and fun don’t have to be expensive. This also allows you to purchase a good variety of toys, which is important for every aspect of your child’s development.
The Most Important Quality…
From your toddler point of view anyway, is fun! Don’t forget the fun. The most scientifically-engineered, teacher-tested toys won’t mean much if they don’t attract your child’s interest and keep him engaged. Toddlers learn through play, and play absolutely needs to be fun. Toy shopping with a toddler may not be the most fun activity, but at least get his input before you make purchases.
Like Our Site? PLEASE “Like Us” & Google +1 Below: