How to Pick the Perfect Toys for Every Age
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Choosing the right toys for your child is an exciting part of parenting, but it can also feel overwhelming with so many options available. Each stage of your child's development comes with unique needs and milestones, making it important to select toys that not only entertain but also support their growth. Here’s a simple guide on how to pick the perfect toys for children from newborn to 5 years old.
0-12 Months: Focus on Sensory Development
During the first year of life, babies are exploring the world through their senses. Toys for this age group should focus on sensory stimulation—touch, sight, sound, and even taste!
Toys to Look For:
Soft rattles, textured teethers, and fabric toys
Brightly coloured toys with contrasting patterns to stimulate sight
Toys that make noise, like crinkly fabric or musical toys, to engage hearing
Simple toys that encourage motor skills, like stacking rings or soft blocks
At this stage, safety is key, so be sure to choose toys that are free from small parts and made of non-toxic materials.
Take a look at our bestselling sensory toys here >
12-24 Months: Encouraging Exploration and Basic Motor Skills
At this age, toddlers are becoming more mobile and curious. They love to explore their environment, and toys that help with walking, stacking, or simple cause-and-effect play are ideal.
Toys to Look For:
Push and pull toys like wagons or toy cars
Soft balls and stacking toys to develop coordination
Simple puzzles with large pieces for problem-solving
Activity centers with buttons, levers, and spinning parts
These toys promote hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and even social skills as toddlers begin to interact with others.
Take a look at toys perfect for ages 1-2 >
2-3 Years: Building Imagination and Language Skills
As toddlers approach the age of 2, their imaginations start to bloom. Pretend play becomes an important part of their development, and toys that encourage this are great choices.
Toys to Look For:
Play kitchens, doctor sets, or tool kits for role-playing - these toys are perfect!
Interactive books and toys that introduce simple words or numbers
Large building blocks or simple construction sets
Animal figurines or dolls for creative play
At this stage, your child is also learning to express themselves, so toys that promote communication and storytelling are key for their development.
3-4 Years: Encouraging Creativity and Problem-Solving
As your child approaches 3 years old, their ability to engage in more complex pretend play grows. They are now capable of following simple instructions and can engage in activities that require more focus and patience.
Toys to Look For:
Art supplies like crayons, markers, and paper to spark creativity
Simple board games and puzzles to introduce basic problem-solving
Building toys like LEGOs or wooden blocks for construction play
Musical instruments to encourage rhythm and coordination
These toys foster cognitive development, creativity, and social skills as children start to interact with peers and share.
4-5 Years: Developing Social Skills and Independent Play
By the time children reach 4 years old, they are more independent and social. They enjoy interacting with others and are eager to take on new challenges that require thinking and strategy.
Toys to Look For:
Board games and card games for learning turn-taking and social interaction
Science kits or educational toys that introduce basic concepts like colours, shapes, and simple math
Larger building sets with more complex instructions for imaginative construction
Action figures, dolls, or vehicles for cooperative play with friends or family
Toys at this stage should help develop skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and the ability to focus for longer periods of time.
Explore our collection to find the perfect toys that match your child’s age and developmental stage!