Kidding around toys has been one of my favorite toy stores for some time (check out the store tour I did here). Visiting Kidding Around is always inspiring and rewarding as I often find new and exciting toys (and of course educational ones) to share with all of you in the hopes that you and your kids will love them as much as I do.
Check out 6 new toys that I found on my last trip and read about why I love them below. You can click on the pictures to learn more and/or purchase the toys.
1) This wooden safari animal set comes with 8 wooden animals and a pretty decorative shelf for display. This toy is what we call open-ended meaning that there is not just one way to play. The animals can be stacked to promote coordination. You can use them to teach animal names and sounds as well as encourage pretend play. When your kids are done playing, teach them to clean up by helping place each animal in their correct spots. These animals can also be used together with other pretend play toys to enhance imagination.
2) This stacking toy comes with 6 cardboard boxes and 6 adorable animals that you can incorporate into play to make learning to stack even more fun. Play peek a boo with the animals, stack, nest, explore, and just have fun. This toy is great for encouraging speech and communication as you use language such as on top, inside, below, etc as you play.
3) This wooden stacking and building game will grow with your child. The idea is to replicate the picture cards using the different size and shape wooden blocks. Some of the challenges are simple and others require more problem-solving and focus. This toy is great for developing visual spatial skills, attention, and independent play.
4) This Zippee Activity Toy caught my eye right away. The idea is to pull the textured rubbery cords back and forth through the holes (which requires strength and coordination). Zippee makes a fun fidget toy for any age.
5) Dimpl Stack is a fun twist on the other Dimpl toys by Fat Brain Toys. Here kids work on stacking and nesting with the additional fun of being able to pop the top of the cups back and forth (which also works on finger strength). Super fun!
6) Caterpillar Bath Beads can provide hours of entertainment. The pieces can be attached in either direction and are interchangeable. Great for bath time or at a water table. Pushing the beads and pulling them apart builds bilateral coordination and hand strength.