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SensoryEdge Kids Furniture and Educational Toys Blog
Monday, December 07, 2009
Choosing Educational Toys for the Holidays
 You want to choose the most educational toys for your child this holiday season, but before you spend big bucks buying all the latest toys, make sure you know what you're spending your money on. We here at SensoryEdge have believed that the best toys are usually simple, don’t contain batteries, and encourage imagination. Now, there is emerging evidence to support these beliefs. According to a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics, there is no data at all that shows toys with talking buttons and singing animals help to promote a child's development. In fact, the AAP consistently encourages parents to buy children open ended toys like shape sorters and building blocks. This isn't to say that more technologically advanced toys can't help children learn to some small degree, but kids better grasp concepts like counting and reading when they’re learned by actively participating in their play, rather than simply listening to a character tell something is so. You can better understand this concept by imagining that you have never seen the ocean. True, you can find out what it looks like by viewing pictures and you can learn about it through reading books; but this is only part of the story. With time, you will likely forget much of what you learned and unless you continuously look at the pictures, you can’t fully remember what the ocean looks like in your mind. Now imagine that you go and see the ocean firsthand. You feel the sand in your toes and watch the way the waves crash onto the shore. By experiencing it firsthand, you will likely always remember what standing at the ocean looks and feels like. Similarly, when children press a button and it tells them something is a "triangle", they may understand that that particular button represents a triangle. However, if you give your child a paint set or a drawing board and show them what a triangle looks like and then allow them to practice making the shape themselves they are better able to internalize, and thus learn, what a triangle looks like, how to draw one, and what it IS. So as you do your shopping this year, choose toys that allow kids to be more involved with their learning and play. One general rule of thumb is that if the toy will be moving more than you child will be, you’d likely be better off going with something else. Swinging monkeys and dogs that really walk may look cool, but they are good for little else even if they sing the alphabet. Toy Link: PuzzlesLabels: christmas-presents, educational-toys, kids-toys, toys
posted by SensoryEdge
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Monday, November 30, 2009
Having a Hard Time Figuring Out the Right Gift for Kids? Age Does Matter
 Whether you're buying for your own kids or someone else's, choosing the best gifts can be tough. If you've never had children of a certain age group, you may be unfamiliar with age appropriate toys, games, and electronics. Luckily, we've created the following buying guide with a few great gift ideas for kids of all ages! Infants and Toddlers: This can be the most tricky age group to buy for because kids two and under grow and learn so quickly. A child who is six months old, for example, would probably not be interested in toys designed for newborns, while still being unable to enjoy items meant for a one year old. Toy Link: Infant and Toddler ToysFortunately, there are a few options that are perfect for almost any child within this age group. Blocks, for instance, can be purchased in various sizes and textures to accommodate both infants and toddlers. There are also various riding toys, like mini rocking horses, that can be used for years to grow along with the child. Toy Link: Toy BlocksPreschoolers: Kids in this age group are becoming more independent and learning new skills everyday. Reading and counting skills are being developed at this time, so choosing toys that will encourage learning is a great way to keep preschoolers engaged and entertained. Memory games and puzzles are one option. Many of them are brightly colored and feature fun characters, while helping kids enhance both memory and fine motor skills. Toy Link: Wire and Bead ToysArt supplies like markers, easels, crayons, coloring books, clay, and stamps are also favorite among this age group. They are able to express their budding individuality by creating new drawings and sculptures, as well as practice writing and drawing letters, numbers, and shapes. Elementary Age: Although this age group includes children from 5 to 9 or ten, there are some toys that nearly all children enjoy no matter what their age. These include activities and games, as well as pretend play toys. Choose games that allow children to jump and move around while playing. Counting, reading, and writing games are also great choices, with skill levels being based on the exact age or grade level of the child. Pretend play toys can include things like toy kitchens, doll sets and houses, or costumes. Although children in the upper end of this age group may seem to grow out of these types of toys, you’ll likely find that even older children enjoy playing make believe if the game is engaging enough. Encourage them to try out their acting skills by writing and performing their own plays, or have them learn to cook a real dinner while younger siblings join in by preparing a pretend one. Toy Link: Pretend PlayPre-teens and teens: These kids may have outgrown dolls and tea sets, but they still enjoy things like board games, computer games and accessories, and fun décor items. When choosing games, make sure the skills required are challenging enough to entertain adolescents for more than five minutes. For décor items, choose things like bean bag chairs to provide extra seating while hanging out with friends. Labels: kids toys, kids-toys, pretend-play-toys, toddler-toys, toy-blocks
posted by SensoryEdge
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Monday, November 23, 2009
Budget Friendly Toys that Last
 Budget a little tight this holiday season? You're not alone! With recovery from the nation's worst financial meltdown since the great depression taking longer than expected, families are still pinching every penny this holiday. Luckily, spending an arm and a leg isn't necessary to give your kids a fun Christmas. In fact, we've got an entire selection of affordable games, toys, and activities your little one will love! Here are our top five favorite gifts for $30 and under. See and Spell Toy by Melissa and Doug - This is perfect for little tikes learning their alphabet and new words. With 10 two sided spelling boards and 70 wooden letters, there are nearly endless combinations to be explored. Illustrations are included to help reinforce learning and the store case makes clean up a snap. This is one of our favorites because not only will your kids find it entertaining, but it's also educational and perfect for small children. Magnetic Animal Habitats Toy by Melissa and Doug - Kids love making up games and playing pretend, and this game allows them to do so using their favorite animal friends as the focal point. Three habitats and 26 animals will allow your child to match creatures to their homes, while having fun making up new stories and scenarios using each piece as a character. Plus, they come with a carrying case…making this item great for trips long and short. Kids Tool Set by Green Toys - This is one of our favorite because it's not only inexpensive and entertaining, but it's environmentally friendly too! Each piece is made from recycled milk jugs, so you can feel good about your purchase while your kids have a blast building pretend houses and helping dad around the house. Comes with everything kids need: Phillips screwdriver, flat screwdriver, hammer saw, wrench, pliers, 2 nails, 2 bolts, 2 nuts, and 2 two hole connectors. Deluxe Cooking Toy Set by Alex Toys - Higher quality than your typical play cookware set, and still affordable enough to avoid breaking the bank. Cookware sets are perfect for every age group; from toddlers who want to help Mommy or Daddy in the kitchen, to school aged kids who love to play house. This set is made from sturdy stainless steel to grow with your child. Comes with a teapot with lid, stock pot with lid, frying pan, colander, wooden spoon, spatula, whisk, pasta spoon, slotted spoon, and oven mitt. Mailbox Fill and Spill by Melissa and Doug - This is one of our faves because it's soft and plush, making it great for young toddlers. Allows kids to play pretend as they deliver the mail each day, and helps them to recognize important dates and events because it comes with a happy birthday bear, a soft valentine, and a postcard. Click the link to keep up with all the new affordable kids toys being added at SensoryEdge. Labels: educational-toys, green-toys, kids-toys, Melissa-and-Doug, pretend-play-toys
posted by SensoryEdge
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Sunday, November 15, 2009
Holiday Gift Ideas for Kids
 Picking out gifts for your children can be a real task, but picking out gifts for someone else's children can be downright tricky. How do you know what they already have? What they like? This can be an especially daunting task if you rarely see the child's parents or feel uncomfortable asking what you should buy. In this situation it is important that you choose toys that are suitable for children in multiple age groups and that are fairly generalized and timeless. For example, most children love coloring books but your may fair better picking one without any popular cartoon characters or toys as the main focal point. Instead, choose something generic like an animal theme. Toy Link: Melissa & Doug PuzzlesBooks and art supplies are great options for children of almost any age. If you are unsure about the child's exact age or skill level, choose plain drawing paper and crayons or markers instead of a coloring book. You can also go for modeling clay sets, paint sets, easels, and other art supplies. Toy Link: Kids Art Easels When picking out books, be sure to choose a general topic that most kids love, such as animals or fables. Although religious themed stories are great for many families, if you don't know the child’s particular spiritual beliefs it's best to ere on the side of caution and go with something secular rather than spiritual. Board games, puzzles, and small games like dominoes are also great options for kids in various age groups. Assuming you know the general age group of the child, you can choose puzzles and games based on the average skill level of a child that age. If you don't know the age, such as a gift you may be buying for the child of a relative's new significant other, it's better to choose something the child can grow into rather than something he's already outgrown. Toy Link: Toddler ToysVideos are also a popular option for children in almost any age group. Choose educational items where available to offer added benefits to the child and win extra points with the mother or father. Just be sure to pick something within the appropriate age group or as close as possible. Toy Link: My Storytime Bear & Online Content
If you are buying for a family with multiple children and have a limited budget, it is generally a good idea to buy one gift the entire family can share. Depending on your financial situation and the ages of the children, this could be anything from a sand or water table to a simple board or memory game that the children can play together. The most important thing to remember is that it's not the amount of money you put into the gift, but the thought you put into it. By choosing gifts that are not only fun but educational, you show both children and parents that you care. Labels: christmas gifts for kids, kids toys, kids-art-easels, kids-toys, toddler-toys, toys for children
posted by SensoryEdge
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Monday, October 26, 2009
How To Avoid a Christmas Catastrophe: Batteries!
 You know the scenario all too well. The kids wake up Christmas morning all smiles, anxiously tearing through wrapping paper to find out what each package has in store. They excitedly begin pressing buttons and pulling levers, only to realize where are the batteries? Mom thought Dad was going to get them, and he thought she picked them up last week. The ones in the remote control aren't the right size, and the ones in the junk drawer are, well, junk. No batteries in the entire house, no stores open, and no way to use those new toys. Sound familiar? Don't worry, you can avoid this all-too-common of Christmas woes by following one simple rule: opt for toys that don’t need batteries! It's easier than you think when you stick to the classics. Here are our timeless Christmas faves. (Your kids will love them as much as you did "back in the day" we promise!) Toy kitchens and food: Boys and girls will love cooking up some fun with a toy kitchen with all the accessories. You probably remember serving "dinner" to your parents as a child, and the concept is just as much fun to kids today! Pair it up from toy toasters, pots and pans, and mixers so more kids can play. Kids Art easels, tables, & supplies: Even older kids will love drawing and painting or modeling with clay; and younger kids never grow tired of crayons and markers. Add a kid sized easel, extra paint brushes, and canvas for your older artists and you've got an inexpensive gift idea that your whole family can enjoy. Blocks: Choose from wood blocks to build structures or how about big cardboard blocks for a fort or a great wall? Costumes and dress up props: Your small children will love getting new costumes and dress up clothes as much as your teens love getting real clothes. Find items that fit several sizes at once, and get plenty of props like headgear and scarves it's a gift that will grow with your child. Dolls and accessories: The classic baby doll never goes out of style. Sure, there are models now that cry, wet, and burp on demand; but these extras aren't necessary for your little one to fall in love. Fashion dolls are also still number one, and when you pair them with a new dollhouse… kids can literally spend hours decorating and re-decorating their doll's new home. Labels: christmas-toys, educational-toys, kids-toys
posted by SensoryEdge
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Friday, December 19, 2008
Magnetic Office Toys
 Do you have an office that will have small children coming and going? We have some wonderful office toys at Sensoryedge.com. No matter if you are a doctor’s office, or simply a local drug store, we have exactly what you need to keep the little ones entertained. Children have imaginative minds. They love to challenges and to be educated while they are having fun. These magnet toys that we offer will surely keep their little minds busy. Here are just a few options that you can choose from. - Safari Tour Magnetic Sand Table - Magnetic Sand Bug Life Table - Color Flutter Butterfly Magnetic Marble Maze - Friendly Animals Magnetic Maze Toy - Magnetic Express Wall Panel These are just a few options for you to choose from. We have a vast variety of office toys available. Simply navigate our site and choose which is best for you. You can do so right now at Sensoryedge.com. Labels: childrens-toys, kids-toys, office-toys
posted by SensoryEdge
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