Top 8 Educational Toys for Toddlers: No Screens

Don't get me wrong. We're not longing for the turn of the 20th Century when it comes to playtime. 

We love technology! It's necessary to our everyday lives around our home. However, sometimes our minds need a break from the flashing lights and soundtracks. This is especially important to the little ones who are growing, developing, and discovering the big world around them. 

Learning through imagination and play are essential to this development. It can also aid with the social skills children need interacting with adults and their peers. 

Here are some of our finds across the Internet....

 

1. Pretend Play Sets: These sets, such as a play kitchen or tea-party set, encourage imaginative play and help develop social skills. 

2.  Wooden Gear Toys: These gender-neutral toys promote fine motor skills and cognitive development through hands-on play.

3. Shape Sorter Toys: A classic toy that helps toddlers learn about shapes and improve their hand-eye coordination. 

4. Alphabet Puzzles: A puzzle with letters that aids in introducing the alphabet and improving letter recognition skills. 

5. Building Blocks: Open-ended building toys, such as blocks and connecting pieces, foster cognitive development and creativity. 

6. Musical Instruments: Toys like toy pianos, xylophones, and drums (Yes, I know. You may need earplugs for this activity 😒) can introduce toddlers to music and enhance sensory stimulation. 

7. Counting Toys: Toys that involve counting, such as puzzles or stacking games, contribute to early math skills.  

 

Lastly, our personal favorite...

 

8. Busy Time Play Cubes: An interactive cube that offers various activities to stimulate fine motor skills and problem-solving. Chika Chaka, for example, not only gets kids moving, they use their imaginations by imitating the animal that they roll on the cube. 

 

Whether you're a parent/guardian, grandparent, or educator who has little ones in your life, these types of toys can engage all senses stimulating touch, sight, and sound, and promoting a holistic learning experience. Transform playtime into fun time for everyone!