By Niki Sinhart

As the Community Action Program for Children (CAPC) site coordinator for Cranbrook, I facilitate a variety of free family drop in groups and I find the toys that children never seem to get tired of, are often the traditional toys.

I have compiled a list of some of the toys used in my programs that I have found to be fun, engaging and timeless.

Building blocks: wooden, cardboard, plastic, even old cereal boxes can be taped back together and used as big building blocks.

Dolls/action toys: the dolls or action toys that stay interesting the longest seem to be the ones that do not talk, walk, eat etc. Children usually prefer to use their own imagination instead of hearing the same phrase repeatedly.

Cars, trucks and trains: I find that children generally prefer toys that fit nicely in their hands and are made from material that feels real, like metal or wood, but it is also important to consider their ages and how they will play with them.

Toy Animals: To find good quality toy animals that look realistic, you will have to look in the smaller, independent toy stores; big box stores do not usually carry them.

Ball: There are countless games you can play with a ball for all ages; ball games encourage muscle development, coordination, social skills, cooperation, sometimes-healthy competition and a lot of fun.

Books: Books are important for literacy, but also to spend close time with a parent or loved one snuggling.

Crafts: Paper, scissors, glue, crayons, markers and paint encourage creativity in children.

With young children, do not worry about the finished product; just enjoy the process!

Play dough and a rolling pin, maybe a garlic press and some shapes or toy animal footprints to push into the play dough can be lots of fun.

Pretend Play: Dress up clothes are usually cheap after Halloween. You can also add your own assortment of things to a dress up box. Many young children like to pretend cook, pretend to talk on the phone, fix things or type on the computer. You do not need to spend a lot of money. An old computer keyboard, some safe kitchen gadgets or a measuring tape all can be a lot of fun.

When you choose a toy for your child, be sure it is age appropriate, safe and fun!

You do not need to buy the newest ‘learning toys.’ Children learn many skills while playing with a toy that allows for creativity and through interactions with you.

Toys do not have to cost a lot of money. A cardboard box has endless possibilities!

A walk in the park, going to the playground, watching ducks at a pond, a story you share with your child and a song you sing together are free and more valuable than any toy.

What children value most is the time they spend with you.

“Children Need Your Presence More Than Your Presents” – Jesse Jackson, American Civil Rights Activist and Baptist Minister

Cooked Play Dough Recipe

1 cup flour

½ cup salt

2 teaspoons cream of tartar (cheaper if bought in bulk)

1 cup water

1 tablespoon oil

1 teaspoon food colouring

Blend the dry ingredients. Add the liquids. Stir together until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly and scraping the bottom until the mixture forms a ball and the edges are a little dry.

Remove from pot and knead until smooth. Cool before storing in an airtight container.

– Niki Sinhart is with Cranbrook Action Plan for Children

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