Candy Land
Debuted: 1945
Everyone had a copy of Candy Land growing up, and there’s a huge reason: It’s easy, fun and completely magical. Help your toddler with counting and colors as she navigates through Candy Cane Forest and over Gum Drop Mountain. It will take you back.
To buy: Candy Land, $10
Slinky
Debuted: 1945
Just a few dollars can provide hours of entertainment for little minds learning about movement. They’ll love sending this plastic classic down the stairs, and watching the rainbow of colors whiz by. Then, you can give into your nostalgia and take a turn for yourself. It’s still simple fun all these years later.
To buy: Metal Slinky, $11
Etch A Sketch
Debuted: 1959
Young artists will have fun making zig-zag creations with this awesome drawing tool. Sketch, then shake to erase—no messy crayons and papers, which is especially perfect for when you're on the go. Take it with your toddler in the car, to the doctor’s office, to his brother’s soccer game …
To buy: Etch A Sketch, $13
Play-Doh
Debuted: 1956
Whether she wants to construct a fire engine or whip up a pink and green dog, she’ll be able to tap into her creative side with a 4-pack of colored Play-Doh. Grab an old placemat, and let her go to town.
To buy: Play Doh, $4
LEGOs
Debuted: 1949
Your toddler will have fun learning how to stack and sort with LEGO® DUPLO® bricks. Watch her build a parrot, giraffe, elephant and more with an instructional card that's perfect for little learners. Place the card on top of the bucket, and encourage her to drop each piece through the coordinating slot. Your tot will have a blast role-playing with her own animal kingdom!
To buy: LEGO® DUPLO® Creative Sorter, $20
Barrel of Monkeys
Debuted: 1965
Hand-eye coordination, counting and problem-solving skills are all bottled up in one Barrel of Monkeys. This classic Milton Bradley game is perfect for a single player, so let your little one work on linking those S-shaped primates on a snowy afternoon. She’ll get better and better as the day goes on.
To buy: Barrel of Monkeys, $8
'I Spy'
Debuted: 1992
You’ve probably played “I Spy” with her in the car on the way to grandma’s, or waiting in that long line at the grocery store. But when mom can’t play, give her this book of riddles and let her look for items on her own. It’s a fun workout for her growing mind, and she can gleefully report back to you when she spies all the hidden objects.
To buy: I Spy Treasure Hunt: A Book of Picture Riddles, $11
Chutes and Ladders
Debuted: 1945
If Candy Land doesn’t suffice and your child is a board-game fanatic, then give them Chutes and Ladders for more fun times. The good ol’ game of rewards and consequences will teach them to take turns, count and understand the results of actions.
To buy: Chutes and Ladders, $10
See ‘n Say
Debuted: 1965
Kids love anything that makes noise, and this cute sing-along toy does it all: It teaches counting, has quiz games and helps your son or daughter learn to recognize what each farm animal says. Almost 50 years after it first appeared, it’s still a perfect introductory toy that babies will grow into and toddlers will love.
To buy: See 'n Say Farmer Says, $15
Fisher-Price Xylophone
Debuted: 1957
It’s never too early to introduce your baby to music, and the Fisher-Price Xylophone does just that. Hitting each colored key with the plastic mallet produces a different note, so your little one will learn the basics of arranging sounds. Your head might hurt from constant play, but won’t it be worth it when he becomes a mini, modern-day Mozart?
To buy: Fisher-Price Brilliant Basics Xylophone, $16
Cabbage Patch Kids
Debuted: 1978
Cabbage Patch Kids have pretty much done it all. They’ve been Olympians, have run for presidential office and have even morphed into fairies. Most importantly, they’re still fun. No matter your toddler’s age, whether a boy or a girl, they’ll enjoy toting this doll around.
To buy: Cabbage Patch Kids Blonde Girl, $40
