With the overwhelming collection of toys available to children, sometimes it’s the simplicity of wood blocks that we often ignore. With all the games and electronic toys calling your name in stores, parents sometimes forget to appreciate these traditional toys. Blocks are often overlooked and shouldn’t be. Most parents don’t realize that square building blocks are used by therapists to...
As someone that plays with and purchases lots of toys, I get asked about the best toys to give as gifts each year. I understand the desire to buy what’s new and hot on a list. A gift-giving guide can be complicated based on ages and interests. Most kids have something in mind that they want. However, sometimes the best...
February is the time of year for professing your true love, and I am not too shy to admit that one of my greatest passions is play. As a pediatric occupational therapist, I spend many hours of my week at play with children. The trunk of my car is full of games, toys, and equipment like balls and cushions. I design activities to foster skills...
It is commonly known that the holiday shopping season is very important to the toy industry. Just last year U.S. retail sales of toys topped $18 billion. Interestingly, there is a trend that could save you money instead of having you spend it if you gift your child the opportunity to embrace his or her creativity. The biggest theme from this year’s Toy Fair in...
The holidays are quickly approaching, and parents have toy buying on their minds. With the fast-paced advancement of technology, gift giving has become an expensive and overwhelming process that seems to generate more anxiety than joy to the world. Parents want the best for their children and are willing to purchase the newest products, but sometimes simplicity is superior. Numerous...