Great toys and books for our toddlers (around 1–2 years old)

ByLondon Speech and Feeding
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As a speech and language therapist, I often get asked by parents what toys and books they should buy for their toddlers. It can feel overwhelming with so many options available! So, I’ve put together a list based on my experience and what I’ve found works well.

Remember, every child is unique!

Observe your toddler’s interests and play style. Some toys that are popular might not be engaging for your child.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Sensory Toys:

  • Stacking cups: These are fantastic for developing hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and understanding size relationships. (Various brands available) Note: You can stack many things you have around the house, like bowls or measuring cups, for a similar experience!
  • Shape sorters: Help with shape recognition, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving. (Melissa & Doug, Vtech)
  • Sensory balls: Balls with different textures (soft, bumpy, squishy) provide tactile stimulation. (Various brands)
  • Push and pull toys: Encourage gross motor development and exploration. (Vtech, Fisher-Price)

Communication-focused toys:

  • Picture books with flaps: Engage curiosity and encourage language development. (Various brands)
  • Talking toys: Introduce new vocabulary and encourage imitation. (Vtech, Fisher-Price)
  • Simple puzzles: Develop hand-eye coordination, problem-solving, and spatial awareness. (Melissa & Doug, Ravensburger)
  • Musical instruments: Encourage exploration of sounds and develop auditory skills. (Bright Starts, Fisher-Price)

Now, let’s talk about books:

  • The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle: A classic with repetitive text and vibrant illustrations, great for introducing vocabulary and concepts like days of the week.
  • Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle: Simple, repetitive text and engaging illustrations make this a favourite for many toddlers.
  • Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown: A soothing bedtime story with calming illustrations.
  • Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt: An interactive book with textures and flaps to engage young children.
  • Corduroy by Don Freeman: A heartwarming story about a teddy bear who loses his button.

Remember:

  • Observe your child’s interests: Choose toys and books that capture their attention and encourage exploration.
  • Engage with your child: Play with the toys together and read books aloud with enthusiasm.
  • Keep it simple: Start with a few toys and books and gradually introduce new ones.
  • Rotate toys: Keep playtime fresh by rotating toys and books regularly.
  • Most importantly, have fun! Reading and playing with your child should be a joyful experience for both of you.

Also consider the power of open-ended play

In today’s world filled with electronic gadgets, it’s easy to overlook the value of open-ended play. Open-ended toys lack specific functions or prescribed outcomes, allowing children to use their imaginations to explore and create. Unlike toys with pre-determined ways to play, open-ended toys encourage:

  • Creative thinking: Children can use them in countless ways, developing their own rules and narratives. A block can become a car, a house, or a spaceship, depending on the child’s imagination.
  • Problem-solving skills: Children learn to figure out how to use the toys, experimenting and adapting as they go. Don’t immediately rush in and fix things for your little one, let them think for themselves and then communication incentive: let them come and find you!
  • Fine motor skills: Many open-ended toys, like blocks, encourage the development of fine motor skills like grasping, stacking, and building.
  • Cognitive development: Children learn about cause and effect, spatial relationships, and problem-solving as they play with open-ended toys.
  • Social-emotional development: Open-ended play can foster social interaction and cooperation as children play together and share ideas.

Simple toys with big impact

Some of the best toys for toddlers are often the simplest ones. Here are a few examples:

  • Wooden blocks: Building towers, bridges, and forts encourages creativity and problem-solving.
  • Balls: Throwing, kicking, and rolling balls promote gross motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
  • Fabric: Bits of fabric can be draped, draped, and used for imaginative play.
  • Empty boxes: From cardboard boxes to tissue boxes, these can be transformed into anything a child can imagine: a car, a house, a spaceship!
  • Natural materials: Sticks, leaves, pinecones, and rocks can be used for imaginative play and sensory exploration.

Remember, the key to open-ended play is to let children explore and discover

Step back and observe, allowing your child to use his or her imaginations without too much direction. You might be surprised at the creative ways he or she uses simple toys!

Happy play times with your little one!

Contact me via my contact form.

Sonja McGeachie

Early Intervention Speech and Language Therapist

Feeding and Dysphagia (Swallowing) Specialist The London Speech and Feeding Practice

The London Speech and Feeding Practice

Find a speech and language therapist for your child in London. Are you concerned about your child’s speech, feeding or communication skills and don’t know where to turn? Please contact me and we can discuss how I can help you or visit my services page.

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    Look at the video above to watch the strategy in action!

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