Traditional indoor toys encourage preschool children to use their imagination to make worlds come alive. They also build small motor skills and concentration. Looking for a selection of classic toys for a special preschooler this birthday or holiday? Here are some to consider.
Classic Wooden Puzzles and Fishing Games
Puzzles are classic and fun for other family members as well. Be sure to choose a puzzle that is suitable for your child's skill level, or he will feel frustrated. Wooden puzzles come in so many different themes that there is sure to be one that your child will enjoy. Puzzles are excellent tools for building concentration and shape recognition.
Magnetic fishing games are a twist on the traditional puzzle. In these games, the child works with a wooden rod to place a magnet on the metal circle that sits in the middle of the puzzle piece. The two parts connect, and the child catches the puzzle piece, removes it, and replaces it later. Magnetic fishing puzzles add another dimension of eye-hand coordination to the traditional puzzle.
Traditional Lacing Shapes, Sewing Crafts, and Knitting Spools
Preschool children are working hard on their fine motor skills. They are also very interested in learning household skills and modeling on their parents. Lacing shapes are good preparation for tying shoes and other knots. The child works to lace a thick string through a wooden or plastic shape that has holes punched near the edges. For those who are craft-oriented, a sewing circle encourages preschool children to do more free-form sewing. Spool knitting is also a wonderful way to build concentration and help preschool children create simple crafts.
Choose a Traditional Doll
There are some amazing dolls out there. However, sometimes the classic dolls are the best loved. They don't have batteries, so they can go in the bath. If they are made entirely of cloth, they are ideal to snuggle with in bed. And of course, dolls are amazing companions and characters to inspire preschool children's imaginative play. If a child already has a doll, consider a doll sling, cradle, or some homemade doll clothing.
Cars, Trucks, Trains and Things That Go are Always Classic
For decades, small children have played with cars, trucks, trains, and diggers. These toys are excellent for racing across floors or using in the sandbox. Many also have small switches and levers to pull, helping children use their small motor skills. Preschool aged children also use vehicles in imaginary play, creating rescue scenarios, transporting dolls and other characters around the room.
If a child already has many cars, trucks, and trains, think about the characters that might go with them. A set of wooden farm animals can go for a ride on a train set. Another idea is the purchase of a floor mat or a train table. Avoid train tables with pre-made tracks already installed. Most of the fun and challenge of a train comes when a child builds the tracks herself! A table is good to elevate the play space, though.
Dress-up Boxes for Children Who Love Imaginary Play
One of the best and least expensive gifts for a child is a box full of dress-ups. While costumes are available at Halloween and on sale afterward, it's also a lot of fun to look for dress-ups in a parent's or grandparent's closet, or perhaps at the thrift store. Find fabulous accessories, fancy shoes, giant hats, and wild scarves and ties. Be sure to add dress up possibilities for many sizes and different characters.
The best part about these classic toys is that many are hiding in attics across the country. Just check to make sure that they are safe to use, then another generation of preschoolers can love these toys as well. Enjoy playing with these classic and educational toys!
Sources:
Spool Knitting, Bobscrafts.com
