In this age of cell phones, tablets and video games, it’s nice to know that there are some kids that still like to tinker with real, physical objects. If your child loves to dismantle or build mechanical things, a good gift could be a kit for making robots and vehicles with the aid of objects like plastic bottles and cans. Children can learn a lot from these toys, not just about mechanics, but about recycling as well.
Soda can robot kit:
Soda can robot kit pictured: OWI Super Solar Recycler
Toy police light
If your kids love to play cops and robbers, a toy police light would be something they’d probably enjoy. Some of these also have a siren built-in. If you think it’s a sound that will drive up the wall, then you may want to get a model that doesn’t have this feature. These are also good for playing at being firefighters. This is the kind of toy that strikes me as being easily breakable, so make sure the model you get is sturdy enough to survive being dropped several times.
Toy police light:
Toy police lights pictured:
Left: Rhode Island Novelty 7″ Red Police Beacon Light
Right: Green Flashing Police Light
Kids folding slide
A great way to encourage your kids to play outdoors is to have some outdoor toys they can enjoy. Swings, see-saws and slides have always appealed to children, but they can be a problem to store in the winter. Thankfully, some of these toys are available in collapsible models, for easy storage during the colder months. And as a bonus, the smaller models can be used indoors when the weather is not cooperating.
Kids folding slide:
Kids folding slide pictured: Step2 Naturally Playful Big Folding Slide
Of course, the most important factor when it comes to any toys for children is safety. So make sure to check customers’ reviews before you buy, to see if there are any potential issues in this respect.
Kids folding slide: Step2 Play and Fold Jr. Slide
