Toy Recommendations for Toddlers

Lockdown has had me turning my flat in to a nursery filled with toys recommended by our lovely group of Mums and Dads. Little R has tried and tested some of the toys that are age appropriate and has being having a lot of fun playing with them. The beauty of some of these toys is that they let the little one’s imagination run wild and can be played with in so many different ways. Get ready to go on a shopping spree!

The Pikler Triangle

This climbing frame can be used for children as young as 6 months to approximately 4-5 years old. In fact, in the interest of minimalism, the wooden rungs can even be used to attach play bar accessories for sensory development immediately from birth. Essentially it is an all-in-one sensory and motor development ‘toy’ from 0-5 years and can be used both inside and out. You can add on a slide and ball run to the Pikler Triangle to make it even more exciting. Recommended brands are Triclimb, Ette & Tete and Sawdust & Rainbows.

Wobbel Board

This is the one thing you can buy without giving it a second thought as it is so versatile and kids will find so many different ways to play with. Little R climbs all over it, uses it as a bridge, a see saw, a snuggle spot with a cushion and so much more. It’s a great way to stimulate balance and strength.

Ball Run

The Trihorse wooden marble run is beautifully made and is great for hand-eye coordination and tracking.

Balance Bikes

A lot of parents have suggested that balance bikes are great and having used one, their little ones have been able to move straight on to a bike without stabilisers. I’m waiting for little R to be old enough to go on one. Although Banwood bikes look very cute the brands that have been highly recommended are Early Rider and Islabike.

The MUtable

This is a great table and chair set with extra additions which work really well if you are squeezed for space. The table has interchangeable boards so it can be used as a little dining table, lego table, white/black board and for playing a variety of games (extra boards sold separately).

Magnetic Tiles

This is another fantastic toy that can be played in a variety of ways from building castles to creating sentences by writing a word of each tile. Playing with magnetic blocks can help fine-tune your child's hand-eye coordination, maths and engineering, problem solving, and fine motor skills. Recommended brands are Magna-tiles, Amosting, Little Fingers Big Minds, Magformers and Tegu. (Note from the Editor: these are great value for money as even older kids love playing with them, and maybe some parents too…!)

- Post by Jivya