2024 Gift Guides
The 2024 Eat Talk Grow gift guide for babies, toddlers and kids features a diverse range of options that cater to various interests and developmental stages. I always like to put a disclaimer that toys will not make your child talk but they can be used as wonderful tools in facilitating cognitive, emotional, and language skills. YOU will always be your child’s best toy.
Popular items this year include interactive STEM toys that promote hands-on learning, imaginative play toys, sensory enriching toys, and lots of gross and fine motor options. Outdoor toys that encourage physical activity and social play always remain a hit. This year's guide aims to balance entertainment with educational value, ensuring gifts are not only fun but also contribute to your child’s growth and development.
Click on the Gift Guide picture to shop the links!
0-6 month toys are all about exploring their senses, developing prelanguage skills, and working on some early cognitive concepts. From soft plush rattles to soft cloth books, these toys not only entertain but also support early learning and nurture curiosity. Encourage your baby’s exploration of the world around them with toys that inspire imagination and growth during this critical developmental stage.
From 6 to 12 months, babies really start to have some fun. During this stage, play becomes a crucial part of their development, enhancing motor skills, cognitive abilities, and social interactions. Simple toys like stacking blocks, soft balls, and textured books engage their senses and encourage exploration. As babies learn to sit, crawl, and eventually pull themselves up, their playtime becomes more dynamic, fostering independence and curiosity.
When selecting toys for 1- to 2-year-olds, focus on items that promote sensory exploration, fine motor skills, and imaginative play. Look for simple puzzles, blocks, shape shape sorters that enhance problem-solving skills. Pretend play toys that encourage symbolic development for language and sensory play. I love a play kitchen for 1 year olds and every 1 year old I know loves a play sink!!
2 year old development is all about combining words, pretend play, and advancing language. I love anything related to pretend play and the new Target line has great toys at awesome price points. The tonie box also helps foster independence.
Play at 3 is so much fun! During this stage, children engage in imaginative play, creating narratives and scenarios that reflect their understanding of the world around them. The nail kit is so fun to include in play. Simple activities such as building with blocks, role-playing with toys, and engaging in art encourage cognitive skills, fine motor development, and social interactions. The doll house helps to include a variety of skills. Play at this age fosters creativity and problem-solving, helping children develop crucial skills for future learning while providing joy and a sense of accomplishment. A race track is always a hit for encouraging advanced language and concepts.
4 year old and beyond play is a balance of including their interests while engaging in more advanced language and cognitive skills. It is great to do more fine motor activities to prep for writing skills, as well as STEM activities. I think the game Headbanz is fun for all! My 5 year old is getting a Yoto this year and maybe 4y too!
Thank you so much for trusting me with your gifting this year and let me know which ones you decide to get for your little ones!
*These pictures each contain links where I receive a small portion of the sale at no additional cost to you.
