Fun and Learning
When you've got little ones running around, it can feel like there are always opportunities for learning—and there are plenty of toys on the market that demonstrate just that. Those growing brains are always working and processing, and with the right collection of tools at your disposal you can encourage that learning and help your kids to have fun at the same time!
VTech Sit to Stand Alphabet Train
This is one of those toys that will grow with your toddler; it' sperfect for ages 1 to 3. Not only does it double as both a walker and ride-along toy, but it also offers plenty of interactive play in the way of letters, numbers, colors and more. The train itself has motion sensors that trigger sound effects when your child has it on the move, as well as more than 100 different sing-along songs, sound effects, music and phrases that can be produced with the touch of a button.
To buy: Amazon, $31
Kidoozie Sights and Sounds Splash Table
The best learning toys are the ones that are teaching your kids without them even knowing it, and this is definitely one of those! The Kidoozie Sights and Sounds Splash Table is a great toy for backyard play in the middle of summer, as there will be plenty of water being splashed while your kids learn how to scoop and strain, and sail their boats around the perimeter. In the process, they will be learning colors and taking in some more subtle scientific lessons as well!
To buy: Amazon, $42
Teach Me Time! Talking Alarm Clock and Nightlight
What do you get when you have a toy that not only teaches kids to tell time, but also lets them know when it is too early to be getting out of bed? Happy, well-rested, parents—that's what! This mini clock comes equipped with an interactive time-teaching game that has adjustable skill levels, teaching your kiddos to read both analog and digital clock faces. But perhaps the most important feature? It produces a soft yellow glow at nighttime, which can be set to switch to green in the morning—letting your children know when they are free to come get you out of bed. So no more 5 a.m. wake-ups for Mom and Dad, and little ones get the autonomy of being able to tell for themselves when it is morning, and when it is still time for sleep.
To buy: Amazon, $39
Little Hands Learn to Dress Monkey
So many early learning toys are focused on colors, letters and numbers, but this 21-inch stuffed monkey helps your children to develop a different set of necessary skills—their fine-motor usage. Not only is the Learn to Dress Monkey adorable, but he will also allow your toddler to practice his or her snapping, buttoning, zipping, hooking and looping skills. These are lessons that will come in handy when your child enters the stage of dressing him or herself, and it is a fun way to start building up dexterity in those tiny fingers.
To buy: Amazon, $22
LeapFrog My Pal
If you are looking for a personalized plush toy that your child will adore (and learn along with at the same time) this is it! My Pal Violet and My Pal Scout both possess the ability to learn and use your child's name (much to the delight of toddlers) and can be loaded with more than 40 songs and 15 learning activities. Kids will love talking and playing with their My Pal!
To buy: Amazon, $16
Thinkfun Roll and Play Board Game
Perfect for ages 18 months and up, this game is a great way to get your kids improving upon their creativity and motor skills. It comes with a large, plush rolling cube and 48 cards that encourage interaction and creative exploration. Everything from colors and counting, to animals and language skills are covered. Plus, this makes a great first board game for your toddlers on family game night!
To buy: Amazon, $18
Duracell Batteries
Don't use anything but the best for all of those electronic toys your child can't get enough of. Duracell lasts longer in 99% of devices vs. the next leading competitor*, so make sure you always have some extra on hand. We all know there's nothing worse than having your child's favorite toy stop working mid-play.
*AA size. Based on ANSI performance tests. Results vary by device and usage patterns. Next leading alkaline based on market sales data.
B. Woofer Guitar
It has been found that early music learning can actually improve your child's learning skills in other areas as well, which is just one of the many great reasons to start introducing children to musical play. The B. Woofer Guitar is a great way to get your kid interested in, and excited about, music. It features 20 familiar songs and strings that they can actually strum. And the cute dog shape doesn't hurt either.
To buy: Amazon, $23
Melissa & Doug Deluxe Magnetic Letters & Numbers in a Box
It sounds so simple, but really, no toddler's home is complete without some magnetic letters and numbers on the refrigerator. Not only will your child love playing with and arranging these while you prepare dinner, but they also provide a perfect learning opportunity when it comes to teaching them that the alphabet and sounding-out of letters for early reading. Practice and play all in one!
To buy: Amazon, $22
Little Tikes Garden Table
Teaching kids to play and interact with their world is sometimes just as important as teaching them the alphabet, and this adorable Garden Table is a great way to get them thinking about how things grow and thrive in the world around them. Equipped with four flower pots, two soil discs, two flowers and plenty of gardening tools, toddlers will be able to plant and water flowers with a working watering can and table top design that allows multiple children to play at once.
To buy: Amazon, $40
Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn Smart Stages Chair
As the name suggests, this innovative toy comes with Smart Stages Technology—designed to help your kiddos learn at their own pace, and to grow with them as they do. You can choose the stage that is most appropriate for your child, ranging from Level 1 (with a focus on first words and early learning songs and phrases) to Level 3 (encouraging imaginative play). The Smart Stages Chair teaches numbers, shapes, opposites, colors and more, and provides plenty of opportunities for little ones to actively play and explore while improving upon their major motor skills in the process!
To buy: Amazon, $35
