The Best Educational Gifts for 2009
Wednesday, 11/25/2009
It can be challenging to find a teaching tool or educational product that can double as an exciting gift. Don’t miss these gift picks that children will enjoy and parents will appreciate. See the slide show at the bottom of the page for photos.
Building sets
Building sets encourage imagination, motor skill development and understanding of mathematical concepts. Here are some good construction set options.
- Imagiplay Blocks: These lightweight and durable cardboard blocks are a favorite of teachers. Kids can build huge forts and towers without being hurt by heavy blocks tumbling down. Even though they are made of cardboard, they are surprisingly durable and support almost 40 pounds of weight. They must also be assembled, so consider putting them together before gifting so that kids can start on the building fun immediately.
- Lego Ultimate Building Set: This is the classic. Even if a kid already has Legos, she can add to the set she already has. They are always a welcome gift.
- Middle East Blocks: These wooden blocks add an element of fantasy to structuring that goes beyond traditional cube blocks.
Musical toys
Musical play is closely associated with language development. The following gift ideas can help children to explore music.
- Melody Express Musical Train: This train set has colored tiles that can be laid along the snap-together tracks to create different melodies. Kids can follow the color patterns in the manual to play seven popular songs. Combining trains, pretend play, building and music is a sure way to keep kids learning and playing for hours. If gifting this item, be aware that the 4 AAA batteries are not included.
- Melody Harp: A melody harp is a wonderful first instrument for a budding musician. It is easy to play, inexpensive and wonderful for musical exploration.
- Recorder: A recorder like the Yamaha C Soprano Recorder is a simple way to let kids experiment with wind instruments. Guess what? You can also find a cheaper version of this instrument at Dollar Tree.
Patterning toys
Patterning, sequencing and puzzling are activities that help kids with early math skills and space relations. Check out these options.
- Design and Drill Activity Center: This drill set allows kids to create their own designs or to follow a set of pattern cards. This set is great for building imagination, patterning and fine motor skills. If gifting this item you will need to remember 3 AA batteries.
- Melissa and Doug Wooden Magnetic Pattern Set: This tanagram-inspired set comes in a carrying case with magnetic pieces that kids can form into pictures. This is also a great travel toy.
- Smart Snacks Trail Mix & Match: Great for young children, this cute trail mix lacing set is perfect for practicing sequencing while helping with fine motor skills. A similar lacing set by the same company is Lacing Sweets, which features colorful candies imprinted with the letters of the alphabet.
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Posted by » walden
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Category » Education,Family,
