Running a playgroup as well as having my own 2 year old little boy has brought about a new obsession. Toys! Especially the more expensive wooden variety. For our son's birthday we planned on getting him a scooter as he loves his plastic motorbike until we visited a shop in Constantia Village that stocks our favourite brand of wooden toys; Melissa and Doug. He sat playing with their wooden train set for 30 minutes and even though it was some what of an "investment piece" I knew my return would be very high. I have spent some time researching as well as observing the 7 children who attend my playgroup to see what toddlers really enjoy. The following list is applicable for the 2 to 3 year old age group mainly.
1. A plastic motor bike. They are on the bikes EVERY day. Our bike has attended all types of family functions as well as joined us on many road trips. The way he maneuvers himself up and down hills and around corners amazes me. He will move on to a scooter and mini bike shortly. The children also love pushing toys, our play trolley is a big hit!
2. A big round, plastic ball. As Barney says, "A ball is the favourite toy of all!" To hit, kick and throw, this is the second most popular toy at our playgroup. We do weekly Playball classes, which I can highly recommend, and the toddlers are drawn to those balls that come along as if it is some new toy they have never seen before.
3. Books. These are essential yet expensive. I get around this by visiting Reader's Warehouse often as well as going to the library.
4. Puzzles. I find that children need you to sit and do puzzles with them but it is quite time consuming which for a toddler is unheard of.
5. A toy kitchen. We love "cooking" chips, biscuits and raisins with the pots and pans.
6. Outdoor equipment. If you have the space; a sandpit, swing, slide, trampoline, climbing aparatus and see saw are all very popular with our bunch.
7. Creative supplies. Playdough, magic paint books (that have the paint printed on to the page so that you just need to apply water from Bargain Books and Reader's Warehouse), chunky crayons, rollerball paints (far less mess!) and stickers.
8. Toy cars, car garage and car mat.
9. Toy animals.
10. Baby doll, pram, blanket and play cot. These are a big hit with the boys and girls.
11. Dressing up clothes. We have collected things from our own wardrobes for the children to dress up with. They love it!
12. A small chair and table or art easel. Checkers have mini chalk boards for R50 that can be used as an easel. We often use our chair and table though.
13. Imitation adult toys. The children adore the toy vacuum, musical instruments, piano keyboard, keys, phones, etc as they remind them of mum and dad.
14. Sand and water play equipment. Essential for summers at the beach or playing outside, children love to get messy!
Anything else you can think of?
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