For my first child, I just got the toy she asked for, and I thought little about it.
But over the years, I started noticing how some toys lasted and kept my kid’s interest for years. While for a few others’ excitement lasted only a day or two.
Sometimes I regretted getting a toy because it did nothing useful for them. So, when it came to getting toys for my second child, I started doing some research. I really wish I had done the same for my first child too!
In the initial years, they will be excited about anything new. So, why worry and think so much about what toy to buy?
Because toys are not just to get your kid excited. According to researchers, the right toys at the right age can significantly impact your child’s development – physical, mental, and emotional.
It’s hard to determine what toys are appropriate for children of different ages. Some toys are too simple and boring for older kids, while others might be too difficult or dangerous. Moreover, it is important to take into consideration 10 things when buying toys for your child.
That’s why we’ve put together an age-by-age guide to choosing the right toys for your child.
Why An Age-by-Age Guide To Buy The Right Toys For Your Child?
From infancy to teen, the growth of our kids is the fastest. From what they can perceive to how quickly they can learn new things, everything improves over the years (and even months).
In that case, creating the right environment to facilitate and speed up this growth is very important. That includes getting the right toys as well.
Toys aren’t just distractions or entertainment. Instead, they can be very stimulating and feed our children’s curiosity. The right toys can help them pick up skills and sharpen their cognition.
That’s why it’s important to get them the right toys at the right times.
Age 0 – 1 years
For the first few months after birth, your baby will be content just looking at you and listening to you. However, around 3 months old, they will reach for things. This is the time to introduce them to toys.
Babies at this age slowly develop their sense of touch. They will put everything they can get a hold of into their mouths to explore textures and tastes. It is important to choose toys that are safe for them to chew on and that are not small enough to pose a choking hazard.
Also, their vision is still not very developed, so they will be attracted to high-contrast colors and patterns. Look for black, white, and red toys.
It is important to choose toys that are safe and easy to grasp. Soft, colorful objects are ideal for this age group. Look for toys that make noise, as these will help to stimulate your child’s senses. Rattles, teethers, and soft stuffed animals are all good choices.
Some good toy options for babies aged 0 – 1 include:
Softballs
Rattles
Stuffed animals
Board books
Play gyms
Sorting and stacking toys
Age 1 – 2 years
Between one to two years, you will get to enjoy a lot of firsts! Standing up, first walk, first words, etc.
So, at this age, children are becoming more mobile. They also understand that objects still exist even when they can’t see them. According to studies, children are attracted to objects that make noise at this age.
As your child starts to crawl and walk, they will want to explore their surroundings more. It is important to choose toys that are safe for them to play with and that won’t pose a choking hazard.
Kids this age like to see how toys react when they interact with them. Look for toys that make noise or light up when they are touched. Soft, squishy balls are also popular with kids at this stage.
Toys that can be stacked or sorted are also good choices for this age group. Toys that encourage movement are also great; for example, balls, push-and-pull toys, and ride-on toys will help your child develop their gross motor skills.
You can also get toys that name objects or animals to get them familiar with words to promote speech.
Some good toy options for children aged 1 – 2 include:
Balls
Sorting and stacking toys
Building blocks
Pull-along toys
Ride-on toys
Toy cars
Age 2 – 3 years
Creativity and imagination are taking their turn at this age. Logic hasn’t yet cast its spell, so their minds are full of images and scenarios untouched by reality.
While it might tempt us to tell them that trees are green and unicorns don’t exist, this pure creativity is the out-of-box thinking that we expect them to have in the future. So, we need to make sure we aren’t restricting it.
They are also becoming more proficient with their fine motor skills. They love to pretend and play make-believe.
These toddlers will also start imitating the surrounding adults. You might find them pretending to cook or clean. They also love music and will often dance along when they hear it.
So, toys that fuel their make-believe world and creativity are the best picks for this age.
Try to be gender-neutral when choosing toys for this age group. Both boys and girls will enjoy playing with dolls, cars, and trucks. Look for toys that encourage their imagination, like play food, dress-up clothes, and puppets.
Construction toys like blocks or LEGOs are also great for encouraging creativity and problem-solving.
Some good toy options for children aged 2 – 3 years include:
Wooden blocks
Pretend play toys
Toys for motor skills
Educational toys
Puzzles
Age 3 – 5 years
At this age, children are becoming more interested in the world around them. They want to know how things work, and they love to experiment. Science kits, activity books, and art supplies are excellent choices for this age group.
They are becoming more independent, and their attention spans are getting longer. They can now understand more complex rules and directions.
Their learning abilities are also improving. They can now remember sequential steps and follow three-part directions. Try to find toys that encourage this type of learning, like puzzles, shape sorters, and memory games.
You can also get them toys that help them improve their math skills, vocabulary, and reading skills.
Remember, positive feedback is very crucial at this age. Try to find toys that offer positive reinforcement, like sticker charts or point systems. And avoid those that might tease or shame for not getting things right.
Toys that encourage active play are also great for this age group. Jump ropes, hula hoops, and balls are perfect for helping your child burn off some energy.
Some good toy options for children aged 3 – 5 years include:
Activity kits
Art and crafts
Activity books
Board games
Card games
Action figures
Simple sports equipment
Age 6-7 years
Learning from peers and other influential figures like teachers starts at this age. They are also becoming more aware of socio-economic differences. So, it’s important to find toys that encourage empathy and understanding.
Expect your kid to ask for particular toys they have seen on TV or those that their friends have. Think about whether the toy is developmentally appropriate and if it’s something that will last beyond the fad stage.
Look for toys that help your child develop their critical thinking skills. Board games, card games, and simple sports equipment are great choices.
Try to find toys that encourage cooperative play. Finger painting, simple science experiments, and cooking sets are all great ways to get your child working together with others. Focus on making free play fun and engaging.
At this age, children are starting to really understand the concept of numbers and shapes. They love to ask questions, and are always looking for new challenges.
Toys that encourage physical activity are also great for this age group. Scooters, skateboards, and rollerblades are perfect for helping your child stay active.
Kids can get addicted to screens at this age. Try to find a balance and only allow screen time for a certain amount of time each day. It’s also important to make sure that the content is age-appropriate.
Some good toy options for children aged 6-7 include:
- Board games
- Card games
- Simple sports equipment
- Finger painting sets
- Frisbees
- Hula hoop
- Simple science experiments
- Building toys
- Scooters
- Skateboards
Tackling Toy Demands!
There is a good chance for our kids to be adamant about the toys that they want. Saying a direct ‘no’ is not the right way to deal with it and can cause them to throw tantrums to get their way.
Instead, ask them questions about why they want it and how they plan to use it. You can also reason out by saying that it is too expensive and might not be worth the money. This will promote healthy conversations and critical thinking in your child as well.
8+ years
Time to get them into outdoor sports! When buying toys for your child, choose sports equipment that is appropriate for their age and skill level. Team sports are also a great way to encourage social interaction and physical activity.
Slowly, children over 8 start picking up hobbies and interests that adults typically have. These can range from playing musical instruments to collecting things. Try to find toys that support these interests.
Toys that encourage physical activity are still important at this age. But now, you can also add in more challenging equipment like trampolines and climbing walls.
As they enter their tween years, children become more independent. They also become more interested in what’s happening in the world around them. So, it’s important to find toys that encourage critical thinking and creativity.
Kids who love crafts and arts will start getting more sophisticated with it. Consider getting them supplies that allow them to experiment with different mediums like clay, paint, and fabric. You can also encourage them to join classes to hone their skill.
They are dying for a challenge to prove themselves. That’s why video games become irresistible for kids of this age. It gives them an arena to explore and test their capabilities. But as always, make sure the content is age-appropriate.
Try to find toys that will test their limits and help them grow.
Some good toy options for children aged 8+ include:
- Outdoor sports equipment
- Building toys
- Collectables
- Musical instruments
- Trampolines
- Climbing walls
- Board games
- Card games
- Science kits
- Art supplies
- Creativity toys
Bonus tip: Keep in mind that children of all ages love to play with balls. Whether it’s a simple ball or a more complex game, balls are always a hit with kids. So, if you’re ever unsure about what toy to buy for your child, a ball is always a safe choice.
Recommended reading: Why Is Free Play Important?
Recommended reading: Is your child getting enough play time?
Conclusion: Buying Right Toys For Your Child
Now you should have a good idea of what to get your child and when. I had seen better response and engagement from my second kid when I got them toys based on this guide, and I’m sure you will too!
If you have any doubts, feel free to drop them in the comments, and I will be more than happy to answer them.
