“Play is serious learning,” Mr. Fred Rodgers said it, and many before him felt the same way. That hasn’t changed. It will never change. We continue to see the most value in basic toys; the activities where you use your imagination, your hands, your whole body, and your social skills. The kind of toys that I am talking about are blocks, balls, playdough, puzzles, musical instruments, play food, plastic people/animals, and books!
As the shopping season is before us, I just wanted to take a moment to talk (rant) about the basics and just how important they are. Remember what I have said before: If it has a battery, rethink it! Do you really need another car with lights or another firetruck with a siren? Get some wooden cars and trucks without all of the sounds, and instead make the sounds yourself! That is so much more fun (and cheaper).