Like games, toys can have educational value, stretch the imagination and help keep children engaged. Here's some favorites that provided a lot of mileage:
WOODEN BLOCKS
You'll soon discover an ongoing collection developing, for hours of creative play including very high block towers. Our favorite were the simple Jenga blocks (which also make an interesting game).
LEGOS AND BRIO
Two types of building fun for children. We were blessed with a huge basket of legos (small sized) someone no longer needed.
DOLLS
Besides those given as gifts, I made several. There are many instructions online to make the basic body. Then add details. For Lord Chaitanya, I strung together a garland of artificial flowers, added neck beads, dhoti and chaddar, and His sikha was black embroidery floss. I prefer dolls that can sit and raise their arms (attached arms and legs). Also all the clothes and jewelry must be removable.
Other dolls must include baby dolls for little girls, complete with a layout.
STUFFED ANIMALS
No fuss, animal companions for children or sew some to complement the dolls above.
PLAY DOUGH
My basic recipe is here. There are many things that can be made. Add various tools and child size cookware to create a "restaurant", imitate deity worship, and so on.
SAND AND SANDBOX
No home with children is complete without it! Make sure to have a cover when not in use. I collect all sorts of odds and ends to use with the sand- old funnel, sieve, measuring cups and spoons, toy dishes and pots. You can also bury little surprises for the kids to dig up such as toy jewels. Another time, construct a sandy bank around a pan full of water. Add toy animals for this "water hole" or create a "lake" for toy boats.
A WAGON
An good way to encourage outdoor play. Children like to play "bullock cart" with one of these or engage it in various construction activities. Also a safe, nearby hill is nice.
MAGNETS
I collected every magnet that came my way and bought a few, too, and the children had a lot of fun with this magnet collection. A favorite was to keep a jar of iron ore filings to manipulate with a magnet from the outside.
A KALEIDOSCOPE
Every child must have at least one of these. They are so pretty when you turn the end and look inside.
A WHILYGIG
An old fashioned spinning toy that's regaining popularity. Comes either plastic or wooden.
A WATERWHEEL
Another sandbox or water play necessity.
A RATTLE
Gives baby something to do and chew in.
BATH TOYS
These can vary from those that float and those that don't.
MARBLES
There are many games to be learned from previous generations ont the web.
BEAN BAGS
These are also good for improving aim. Toss them into empty cans at a distance.
MAGNIFYING GLASS
Makes anything a little more interesting...
A YOYO
Another childhood favorite, as long as its not used as a weapon.
SMALL CARS
Lessons in beginning driving, which is still an artificial necessity of life for many devotees. Create roadways with cardboard tubes from gift wrap. Cut in half lengthwise. Kids like racing with these.
ACTION FIGURES
the kind you can tie to a homemade parachute toy or do battle in a sandbox with
TOY PHONE
Children delight in playing "office" and other games with their very own phone.
CHILDREN'S CASH REGISTER
No "playing store" is the same without it.
AT THE DENTIST "Drill and Fill" kit
This was a fun gift that kept the children busy for hours drilling and filling playdoh "teeth". Molds are included to make the teeth as well as a battery operated "drill".
A FLASHLIGHT
Children love sitting in a dark room with one of these. They can make hand shadows on the wall, make tin can constellations, or present a shadow puppet show.
THE MOZART MUSIC CUBE (by Embryonics)
This was given as a gift, but i like it so much I've sometimes thought of buying one for a gift also. It's a little costly and requires batteries to keep going. It is pretty sturdy, considering how many times a child may drop something. It allows a child to choose which instruments to play- together or solo. Based upon classical music and instruments. An inexpensive alternative would be a bunch of “Singing Horses” found online: click here
TAPE RECORDER
Children love recording and playing back their own creative ideas. Mata can tape record stories for them, too, and put on Krishna conscious songs.
A BALL
The most essential on the list. Nothing will make a child more nimble.
A BAT
Someone once told me that Prabhupada said a child is happy with simply a stick and a ball. The best bats for the younger set are the plastic ones that usually come with a suitable batting ball, too.
PLAY AND THE MODE OF PASSION
Sure, when you think about it, there are only a few basic play activities that are varied unlimitedly in today's toy market, and if you boil it all down they are the same activities, only with a new twist each time. Yet, if someone gives me a nice toy, instead of thinking, "Oh this is maya". I've discovered every toy has some use in Krishna's service, because kids are learning, not just playing. Still, one may want to keep the above thought in mind when the newest play catalog comes in your mailbox! I've mostly stuck to the simple basics along with whatever fancy ones came our way by will of providence.
STORAGE AND ORGANIZING
Find out what materials are on hand by frequently decluttering and reorganzing toy storage and game closet. This will inspire play if the children help with this.
Another idea is to alternate toys in the toy box to keep them interesting. Put some away for awhile and bring them out later after putting some others away.
Keep a drawer(s) or other suitable storage for easy access to smaller toys such as the ones children always bring home after birthday parties. (But make sure the drawer is not accessible to very young children since these may present a choking hazard.)
MORE NOTES
Balance war toys with constructive, artistic, athletic, educational and nurturing toys, such as a stuffed animal to instill sensitivity.
Encourage cooperative games instead of only those of competitive nature.click hereclick hereclick here
WOODEN BLOCKS
You'll soon discover an ongoing collection developing, for hours of creative play including very high block towers. Our favorite were the simple Jenga blocks (which also make an interesting game).
LEGOS AND BRIO
Two types of building fun for children. We were blessed with a huge basket of legos (small sized) someone no longer needed.
DOLLS
Besides those given as gifts, I made several. There are many instructions online to make the basic body. Then add details. For Lord Chaitanya, I strung together a garland of artificial flowers, added neck beads, dhoti and chaddar, and His sikha was black embroidery floss. I prefer dolls that can sit and raise their arms (attached arms and legs). Also all the clothes and jewelry must be removable.
Other dolls must include baby dolls for little girls, complete with a layout.
STUFFED ANIMALS
No fuss, animal companions for children or sew some to complement the dolls above.
PLAY DOUGH
My basic recipe is here. There are many things that can be made. Add various tools and child size cookware to create a "restaurant", imitate deity worship, and so on.
SAND AND SANDBOX
No home with children is complete without it! Make sure to have a cover when not in use. I collect all sorts of odds and ends to use with the sand- old funnel, sieve, measuring cups and spoons, toy dishes and pots. You can also bury little surprises for the kids to dig up such as toy jewels. Another time, construct a sandy bank around a pan full of water. Add toy animals for this "water hole" or create a "lake" for toy boats.
A WAGON
An good way to encourage outdoor play. Children like to play "bullock cart" with one of these or engage it in various construction activities. Also a safe, nearby hill is nice.
MAGNETS
I collected every magnet that came my way and bought a few, too, and the children had a lot of fun with this magnet collection. A favorite was to keep a jar of iron ore filings to manipulate with a magnet from the outside.
A KALEIDOSCOPE
Every child must have at least one of these. They are so pretty when you turn the end and look inside.
A WHILYGIG
An old fashioned spinning toy that's regaining popularity. Comes either plastic or wooden.
A WATERWHEEL
Another sandbox or water play necessity.
A RATTLE
Gives baby something to do and chew in.
BATH TOYS
These can vary from those that float and those that don't.
MARBLES
There are many games to be learned from previous generations ont the web.
BEAN BAGS
These are also good for improving aim. Toss them into empty cans at a distance.
MAGNIFYING GLASS
Makes anything a little more interesting...
A YOYO
Another childhood favorite, as long as its not used as a weapon.
SMALL CARS
Lessons in beginning driving, which is still an artificial necessity of life for many devotees. Create roadways with cardboard tubes from gift wrap. Cut in half lengthwise. Kids like racing with these.
ACTION FIGURES
the kind you can tie to a homemade parachute toy or do battle in a sandbox with
TOY PHONE
Children delight in playing "office" and other games with their very own phone.
CHILDREN'S CASH REGISTER
No "playing store" is the same without it.
AT THE DENTIST "Drill and Fill" kit
This was a fun gift that kept the children busy for hours drilling and filling playdoh "teeth". Molds are included to make the teeth as well as a battery operated "drill".
A FLASHLIGHT
Children love sitting in a dark room with one of these. They can make hand shadows on the wall, make tin can constellations, or present a shadow puppet show.
THE MOZART MUSIC CUBE (by Embryonics)
This was given as a gift, but i like it so much I've sometimes thought of buying one for a gift also. It's a little costly and requires batteries to keep going. It is pretty sturdy, considering how many times a child may drop something. It allows a child to choose which instruments to play- together or solo. Based upon classical music and instruments. An inexpensive alternative would be a bunch of “Singing Horses” found online: click here
TAPE RECORDER
Children love recording and playing back their own creative ideas. Mata can tape record stories for them, too, and put on Krishna conscious songs.
A BALL
The most essential on the list. Nothing will make a child more nimble.
A BAT
Someone once told me that Prabhupada said a child is happy with simply a stick and a ball. The best bats for the younger set are the plastic ones that usually come with a suitable batting ball, too.
PLAY AND THE MODE OF PASSION
Sure, when you think about it, there are only a few basic play activities that are varied unlimitedly in today's toy market, and if you boil it all down they are the same activities, only with a new twist each time. Yet, if someone gives me a nice toy, instead of thinking, "Oh this is maya". I've discovered every toy has some use in Krishna's service, because kids are learning, not just playing. Still, one may want to keep the above thought in mind when the newest play catalog comes in your mailbox! I've mostly stuck to the simple basics along with whatever fancy ones came our way by will of providence.
STORAGE AND ORGANIZING
Find out what materials are on hand by frequently decluttering and reorganzing toy storage and game closet. This will inspire play if the children help with this.
Another idea is to alternate toys in the toy box to keep them interesting. Put some away for awhile and bring them out later after putting some others away.
Keep a drawer(s) or other suitable storage for easy access to smaller toys such as the ones children always bring home after birthday parties. (But make sure the drawer is not accessible to very young children since these may present a choking hazard.)
MORE NOTES
Balance war toys with constructive, artistic, athletic, educational and nurturing toys, such as a stuffed animal to instill sensitivity.
Encourage cooperative games instead of only those of competitive nature.click hereclick hereclick here
