Before big-movie-studio backed merchandising took over every major toy store, and forced parents and relatives to buy the most “in” things for children, there was a time when a few classic toys were all that children needed to play with. Some of these toys were commissioned, some were handed down from generation to generation, and other were made by adoring parents and relatives themselves as a mark of their affection for the young additions to the clan. Since children growing up today are exposed to violence and provocative adult notions much earlier in life than the previous generations, it becomes quintessential that people put more thought into the toys that they buy for toddlers keeping in mind not only the usefulness these gifts would have for the child, but also that these should be safe for the child to play with even if they are alone but also durable, stain- and dirt-proof, non-toxic and most importantly, adorable so that the child can enjoy it as much as she can!
1. Cloud b Twilight Sea Turtle
Price: $30.95
Product Description
A perfect nighttime buddy for toddlers, the Twilight Sea Turtle also doubles up as a nightlight and a cool educational toy. This interactive nightlight projects the image of constellations on the ceiling as your child goes to sleep watching the starry night projection. The Twilight Sea Turtle also features five endangered sea animal images on its shell which helps the child learn about different water-dwelling species. The 5 inches high Twilight Sea Turtle is almost life size and stands 14 inches long from head to tail. With a battery saving time out function, the nightlight can be preset to go out precisely 45 minutes after being activated so that your child enjoys a whole night of uninterrupted sleep. With the three interactive nightlight glowing in three soothing color options- Aquamarine, Emerald Green and Ocean Blue, the Twilight Sea Turtle comes with an easy push button reactivation which allows the child to restart the projection anytime.
Product USP
The Twilight Sea Turtle features the images of constellations but also those of endangered water life animals on its shell. These images illuminate the edges of the toy’s shell and are also projected on the ceiling to help the child learn about these animals and heavenly bodies. The fun educational tool is part of the Cloud B Endangered Species Collection that is dedicated to creating awareness about endangered species of the world and a part of the purchase of the Twilight Sea Turtle goes to Conservation International.
Pros:
- The glowing shell of the Twilight Sea Turtle creates a pleasant nightlight that is comforting and not too bright.
- With a 45 minute sleep timer, the Twilight Sea Turtle ensures that it stays aglow till the child falls asleep.
- A fully illustrated Twilight storybook accompanies the Twilight Sea Turtle so that parents can read to the child at bedtime and after the child is tucked in, she can recall the story and even let her imagination play with the characters projected on the ceiling.
2. B Fish & Splish BPA-free Bath Boat and Toys
Price: $41.99
Product Description
Nothing cheers a child up white like a soothing bath. Though most children tend to get fussy when they sense that they are going to be breathed, they can easily be soothed by making the process of taking a bath more play-like and fun. The B Fish & Splish Bath Boat and Bath toys are designed to make sitting in a tub and getting soaped over more fun for children. A floating boat, fish-shaped floating toys, a whale nailbrush and an octopus comb allow the child to get in on the bathing action and learn the process of cleaning themselves.
Product USP
Made in China by Battat, the B Fish & Splish Bath Boat and Bath Toys are crafted from high quality plastic that is BPA- and phthalate-free which means that it is perfectly safe for use by children even if they put it in their mouths.
Pros:
- This colorful floating Boat comes with 4 ready to catch fish, a fishing hook, and a Captain which allows children to let their imaginations run free while bathing.
- Three nesting cups allows children to enjoy pouring, stacking and showering.
- After use, all the components of the B Fish & Splish Bath Boat and Bath can be easily stored below deck.
3. Rock and Ride Rocking Horse
Price: $71.99
Product Description
The rocking horse is a classic toy that never goes out of fashion. An ideal Christmas or birthday present, this modern interpretation of the beloved nursery essential comes with a wide seat and comfortably positioned handles and foot rests that ensure the child never slips off while rocking.
Product USP
This classic easy going Rock and Ride Rocking Horse helps children learn concepts like cause and effect while developing gross motor skills and develop a sense of balance in the child.
Pros:
- Parents can encourage the child to build stories around the horses and boost their imaginative and cognitive skills.
- By allowing the child to name their horsey, parents can encourage the child to use words and develop their language skills.
- Finished with water-based paint, the Rock and Ride Rocking Horse is made with plywood which doesn’t splinter.
4. Sort-a-Shape House
Price: $21.59
Product Description
This play home helps shape your child’s recognition skills with colorful chimneys and doors, and windows that need to be put in place according to their color.
Product USP
The Sort-a-Shape House allows children to develop key skills like abstract symbolic reasoning, sorting, matching, problem solving, spatial reasoning and counting.
Pros:
- The Sort-a-Shape House encourages children to develop hand coordination.
- The Sort-a-Shape House encourages kids to learn key motor skills like throwing, jumping, cycling, and walking.
- The Sort-a-Shape House also encourages children to develop a sense of autonomy and gain self-confidence in their own abilities by problem solving on their own.
5. Play ‘N Ride Train
Price: $43.95
Product Description
Another childhood classic, the Play ‘N Ride Train is an engaging toy-cum-ride that comes with a backrest-fitted seat, low wheels and wide wheelbase for stability. Winner of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award as well as the Working Mother magazine’s “Best Toy Award”, the Play ‘N Ride Train is a leg-powered locomotive that lets the child play by themselves and develop key motor, sensory and cognitive skills in the process.
Product USP
The train’s funnel activates a rattle that is filled with colorful jumping balls while a bright striped
cylinder can be rotates by the help of two levers that keeps the child engaged in the toy for longer durations.
Pros:
- The Play ‘N Ride Train lets the child walk behind it while holding the train via a comfortable handle.
- Perfect for playing hide-and-seek as well as hauling secret treasure, the handy storage compartment hidden under the seat can also be used as a toy box.
- This thoughtful toy will help develop your toddler’s gross motor skills while stimulating their senses.
6. Fisher-Price Gymtastics Bounce & Spin Zebra
Price: £43.99 i.e $67.74 approx.
Product Description
Suitable from 12-36 months, the Gymtastics Bounce & Spin Zebra from Fisher-Price is a riding toy that is fun and lively and lets the baby bounce and spin and move to a variety of energetic songs. Designed to encourage balance, climbing skills, dancing and coordination, the zebra can turn 360 degrees to allow the baby to spin safely.
Product USP:
Fitted with a rolling ball and an activity handlebar, this zebra encourages eye-hand coordination and gets baby moving.
Pros:
- The Fisher-Price Bounce and Spin Zebra strengthen the child’s physical development.
- Relatively low to the ground, this lets kids climb on and off by themselves and helps them play autonomously.
- The Fisher-Price Bounce and Spin Zebra also strengthens the child’s auditory skills.
7. Wheely Bug
Price: $59.95
Product Description
Developed to promote gross motor skills among toddlers, the Wheely Bug is a refreshing new take on the classic pull toy is non-toxic which makes it ideal for toddlers. The unisex design features a 1″ layer of padding in soft sponge while the Bug’s core is filled with non-compressible foam.
Product USP
The Wheely Bug provides children with unlimited mobility and since it runs quietly it is also ideal for indoor use
Pros
- The Wheely Bug does not get stuck anywhere since it comes fitted with multi-directional castors.
- The base of the Wheely Bug is fashioned out of plywood harvested from renewable timber obtained from sustainable plantations.
8. The Original Sophie the Giraffe Teether Toy
Price: £11.88 i.e $18.30 approx.
Product Description
With long legs, a round head and a long neck, Sophie the Giraffe is a great teether toy that can help soothe the baby through a very tough phase in her development.
Product USP
Sophie the Giraffe is an easy to grasp classic that is a must-have for teething children. Crafted in Phthalate-Free rubber, the non-toxic lightweight toy helps soothe sore, teething gums as the baby chews on its soft head.
Pros:
- The baby can safely put Sophie the Giraffe in her mouth and chew on it since it is colored using food paint and crafted out of natural rubber which is the same material that is used to craft the teat of a feeding bottle.
- When baby releases its body, the Sophie the Giraffe laughs and makes the baby laugh as well.
9. Tony Tractor Pushing Vehicle
Price: $40.49
Product Description
If your child loves push-or-pull toys, the Tony Tractor Pushing Vehicle is certain to become their favorite plaything as they learn to walk and expand their horizons. Finished with nontoxic lacquers and paints, the Tony Tractor Pushing Vehicle is made from Beachwood which is soft to touch and doesn’t splinter.
Product USP
Created by Haba, this charming pushing toy will help your child learn important motor skills as she interacts with, pushes and pulls the classic-themed toy.
Pros
- The Tony Tractor Pushing Vehicle helps children develop an active imagination as they weave stories about living on a farm and helping farmer Tony with his chores.
- The tractor goes back and forth and allows hours of continuous fun since it only stops when the baby does!
10. Wonderous Wedge
Price: $33.00
Product Description
While aggressive, marketing campaigns from giant corporations would have you believe that your child can only benefit from toys that come with electronic sounds and lights and cost a big bundle, the medical research backed fact remains that toddlers learn the most important developmental skills through their interaction with relatively simple shapes and toys. This Wonderous Wedge works on the same premise and stirs the baby’s imagination with its mix of bright colors and soft edges without hyper-stimulating them with an overdose of lights and sounds.
Product USP
The Wonderous Wedge comes with a plush flower, a flexible plastic arch, plastic rings, and a mirror that allows the child to use their imagine and spin stories around these simple everyday materials that the child can identify with having seen the shapes all around them in their everyday life.
Pros
- The mix of fabrics and bright colors makes the Wonderous Wedge a fun addition to the baby’s playhouse.
- The plush balls come filled with crinkle paper and a rattle inside them which makes the toy fun to play with.
- The simple toy doesn’t have any components that may harm the baby in any way making it an ideal toy for children to play with even when they are alone in their cribs.
