What Toys Do My Kids Really Need?

There's a reason why IKEA stores are so attractive. If you don't have one near you, go online. The room settings are simple, with plenty of open space. There's no clutter and there are asthetically pleasing containers and hooks to store everything for every room in your home. IKEA gets it. Too much stuff not only makes a mess, it causes silent stress. You see a pile and unconsciously think about getting around to tackling it. You see open space on your coffee table and you smile.

My point is that kids don't need as much stuff as the commercials - or they - tell you. Pick a few categories and be sure you have something in each one. Avoid the dollar stores unless you have a bin for plastic junk. They don't need every video game. Or latest video. With technology you can watch most movies or TV shows on the internet for a small subscription.

What categories do I reccommend?

- Something to encourage large motor skills

• Large Ball
• Bike, Scooteer or Roller Blades
• Jump Rope

- Something to encourage creativity

• Legos! Legos! Legos!

- Something to develop reading skills

• Library picture books (add chapter books by first grade)
• Reading Apps downloaded on your tablet
• Read daily to your child aloud (free)

- Something to encourage their art (my favorite is a tackle box containing the following):

• Crayons, colored markers, colored pencils
• Craft scissors
• Glue Stick or Glue Dots
• Scotch Tape
• Paper punches

- Something to encorage logical thinking:

• Checkers (and Chess) board game
• Knex and Imaginex building kits
• Circuit Board or robotic sets
• Puzzles
• Maze books, Word Finds, Crossword puzzles

-Something to inspire imaginative play

• Large moving or appliance box ro decorate
• Puppets (you can make them out of old tube socks)
• Varitey of costume pieces, hats, masks
• Dolls or action figures
• Toy trucks, cars or boats
• Plastic animals (we had dinosaurs)

Make sure you have something from each category - especially covering areas you are weak in. Just because I didn't know how to play ball didn't stop me from getting one for my kids. Don't skip on books even if you aren't the best reader. Put yourself away and focus on your child's need to develop into a well-rounded person.

As they continue to grow, you will notice the things they really enjoy and you can expand that category. By the same token, you may notice that item that is never played with so you don't need to add another one. I always kept coloring books and blank paper near the art box. My girl loved creating her own art. Our son was more interested in how many stickers he could fit on a page.

Christmas does not have to go on your credit card, and it doesn't need to be a sea of trendy beeping things that do all the playing for your kids. Toys are supposed to encourage imagination. That's why I love my list.

Happy Shopping!