I have a confession to make. I’m not proud of it. But it’s time to face the music. I love toys. I may have even purchased an item or two that I knew Nanette would be rather “Meh” about. I remember the good ol’ days, having a simple Etch-a-Stretch that entertained me for hours. Nowadays, kids have everything from dragon hatchlings to bayblade battlers. Does that make me sound old? I prefer the simple, colourful and educational toys I have purchased (for Nanette). Here are three great ideas if you are looking for some new toys.

1. Learning Resources Spike The Fine Motor Hedgehog, Sensory, Fine Motor Toy, Ages 2+

A toddler favorite, this friendly hedgehog has attractive, colorful quills that kids can remove and replace in any order. The quills consist of chunky, easy to grasp pieces that fit in the back of the hedgehog. The toy helps your toddler develop fine motor skills, build color recognition, sorting, and counting skills through fine motor skill games. Your child can also get creative designing her own colorful hedgehog, and use her imagination by using the hedgehog as a pet in make-believe play

2. Discover My Busy Town Wooden Activity Cube 

Toddlers love this Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award winner. It offers a variety of activities in the wooden cubes’ 5 sides. The multi-colored curvy wire rides, peek a boo doors, spin and match animals, turn and learn ABC word tiles, and racing rollers will provide various mental, visual, and tactile stimulations. Playing with this feature-filled toy will provide fun and keep your child engaged for hours.

3. LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book

Language development is one of the fundamental ways to develop your toddler’s brain, and the more words he hears early in life, the more likely you are building your child’s future language skills and ability to learn. This toy introduces your toddler to 100 age-appropriate words while she enjoys playing. Touching the words on the pages plays the words, exciting sound effects, and fun facts. Hear two learning songs by pressing the light-up star button. There is even a Spanish option if your toddler is bilingual.