PlayIsTheWork.com

Shopping for gifts for children can be oh, so exasperating! We want to find things that are durable, safe, educational, and, yes, affordable. We’ve all been watching the news; worries about lead content and other toxic issues, choking hazards and general unsuitability have left more than a few of us exasperated and ready to give the children in our lives little more than a slab of (appropriately sized, nonvarnished, renewable forest resource) wood.              

It’s not easy. Family Fun just released their list of the worst toys for 2007: Worst Toys. And their picks for best? Best Toys. 

I looked around and found some yes, safe, and yes, fun! suggestions for those of you needing a few more Hanukkah gifts, or still shopping for Christmas, or for upcoming birthdays and my favorite, the “Just Because.” 

Infant - Toddler 
Well, you know, I did have some advance shopping info. I knew about Braincandy before the holiday season. But, oh! How exciting to see my niece bounce and coo to music and colors and engage at the sight of other children. Braincandy. Fun, juicy learning. Did I mention fun? 

And, okay, it is nice to know she’s a hip baby. Passive learning is so passé. 

Preschool - Elementary 
I have been reading about this funky, simple toy all over the ‘net. Bilibo. “Bilibo is a new kind of toy - the elementary shells leave room for the child’s imagination.” 

Older Elementary 
My son is seven. When I was seven, I wanted dress up clothes and a record player to play 45s. My son wants to design video games. The world has, indeed, changed. Childhood has changed. Luckily, it’s not hard to find magic in even the most technical of gifts. Both my children enjoy the Zoo Tycoon series. I appreciate the places where technology and empathy meet. Zoo Tycoon lets children design their own dream zoo and care for the animals. Habitats, food, population and more all have to be taken in to consideration - and some animals facts manage to sneak in there, as well.  

Not his or her thing? Okay, how about a whole page of ideas: Here! 

Preteen 
“The Daring Book for Girls“ is the manual for everything that girls need to know, from female heroes in history, secret note-passing skills, science projects, friendship bracelets, double dutch, cats cradle, the perfect cartwheel or the eternal mystery of what boys are thinking, this book has it all.” 

Need more Preteen ideas? Here you go! 

What do these all have in common? Hands-on earning. Active play. There is so much out there to stimulate young minds!