Educational Toys and Games

Find educational toys and games for children of all ages: from infant toys to school games
By Angela Kovalyak, Freelance Writer/Editor Kovalyak Editorial, Ltd. Parents want their children to have access to educational games and toys. Children just want toys. In order to satisfy both interests, you need to make sure the educational games and toys you provide appeal to both parents and children.

In order to do this, you need to offer a variety of children's learning toys, everything from an educational baby toy to a young kid's educational toy. Colors, shapes, alphabet, numbers, and interactive books and toys are all wonderful options for younger children. Math games, reading games, problem-solving games, and other school games will interest older children.

As you search for educational toys and games, remember to:
 
1. Offer kids' educational toys in a variety of price ranges.
2. Include learning activities for all age groups.
3. Provide interactive toys for younger children.
4. Provide complex educational games for older children to make them think.

Know what to look for when buying an educational toy for baby

Infants and toddlers will benefit from even simple toys. What may just seem like a mirror is actually an educational toy helping a baby recognize himself. Offer a variety of toys for newborns, infants, and toddlers.
Try:  Fisher-Price has great educational toys for newborns and infants. LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. offers learning toys, including reading and alphabet toys, bilingual toys, and counting toys for children ages 3 months and up. One Step Ahead also has an array of infant and toddler toys available.

Offer preschool educational toys and games to help children prepare for kindergarten

As children grow, so do their educational toy needs. When they reach the preschool years, children need toys that are fun and can help them learn the basics of reading, writing, and math.
Try:  4 the Kids Toy Store has an abundance of children's learning toys. From mazes that teach problem solving to kitchen sets for role-playing, you can find all the basic educational toy needs here. Leaps and Bounds is a great place to find preschool toys for children ages 3 and up. WonderBrains offers toys geared to children ages 3 and up.

Educational toys and games for older children should teach and entertain

Keeping a child engaged is difficult. Offer children's learning toys that kids like to play with but learn something from at the same time.
Try:  SensoryEdge offers educational toys and games for all ages. Callie's Corner has pages of educational items available for children ages 5-8.

Don't overlook computer learning activities

Children need to learn how to use computers. They also enjoy playing games on computers, so offer educational computer games for all ages.
Try:  Knowledge Adventure, kidsmartplay.com, and Software For Kids, Inc. offer a variety of educational computer games for children of all ages.

• Sell name brand educational toys and games. Customers feel comfortable with brands they already know and trust.
• Make sure learning toy packaging prominently lists user ages and potential hazards.
• Check to see if educational game manufacturers offer toys and games for a variety of ages. This will help you find all the products you need at one place.