Classic Toys for Children

Always Include the Teddy Bear

Think about turning back the clock and purchasing your children classic toys that have proven themselves with generations of children. Classic toys are hardly ever advertised in multimillion-dollar campaigns. As a result, their prices are often very reasonable. Here are some ideas to begin with:

Teddy bear: The old-fashioned stuffed bear is still the perfect bedtime pal for young children. His soft, forgiving face is loved by both boys and girls. Select one that has movable arms and legs so that he can sit up on his own.

Blocks: Alphabet Blocks are the quintessential toy the very image of the word itself. Wooden unit blocks have been the standard for classroom and playroom for decades. The best sets are called "unit" blocks because the pieces are made as full sizes, half sizes, and quarter sizes. Try a school supply store or catalog if you can't find them in a local toy store.

Wagon: A shiny red wagon can be countless things to a child - a stroller, a baby carriage, a fire truck, a train. The old-fashioned kind with removable wooden side railings is useful for adult work, too, like bringing in firewood, rolling home groceries, or carrying newspapers.

Magnifying glass: A fantastic tool for inspecting bugs, the cat's nose, and Daddy's whiskers, a magnifying glass can provide hours of fun for preschool and young school-age children. Choose a quality glass that's not too heavy for small hands to manage.

Magnets: Most toy store magnets are insufficient. However, hardware stores carry block and ring magnets that can be used for play. With your magnet, include a supply of nuts, paper clips, and other nonsharp metal things that can be picked up. Pack it all in a Christmas cookie tin.

Watercolor paints and paper: Watercolors are superlative for young children. They can be made dark or light, depending on how much you dilute them. They are usually washable, look for non toxic brands, and even the water you dip the brush in turns interesting colors. Purchase a collection of different brushes - some large, some small, maybe one with a flat tip. A choice of watercolor paper of various textures will get your child started.

Clay: Oil-based clays are available in dime stores and toy stores. They have brilliant colors and don't dry out, so they can be used over and over. To temporarily save a project, the clay can be placed in the refrigerator overnight. The disadvantage of this type of clay is its unusual odor and its tendency to get ground into carpeting. Potter's clay is available in earth colors in art supply stores. Children love its marvelous coolness and texture, and the fact that it will harden by itself. Remember it's messy! Try to use it with a bright vinyl tablecloth and a few simple clay-working tools from an art store.

Blackboard: School supply stores and catalogs offer a assortment of small, easy-to-use boards that have their own stands for use on a table. Most double as a magnetic board and bulletin board as well. Include a collection of colored chalks, an eraser, and a sponge for cleaning. If the board is magnetic, add in a set of magnetic letters, numbers, or decorative refrigerator magnets.

Small gifts and party favors: Other ideas incorporate: a hand puppet, a gyroscope, a yo-yo, a wooden paddle with a ball on a rubber band, Silly Putty with a comic book for "stealing" pictures, a tiny, bisque baby doll, a set of marbles in a bag, a flashlight, a harmonica, a kazoo, a mouth harp (from music stores), a paper punch, a ream of inexpensive copy paper, a cellophane tape dispenser, and a collection of colored pencils or markers.