{30 Days of Simple Toddler Toys} Day 30: Box

You read it right.  How about giving a really big, really cool box to a toddler as a gift.  You wouldn't think so, but there are a whole lot of things that a child can do with a box, and they will find those ways.  You can help them create a house, rocket ship, truck, boat, fort, comfy reading spot, the largest coloring/painting surface they've ever seen, and so much more.  Give them a large box with a set of paint and paintbrushes and a promise to help them turn it into whatever they wish.

Where should you get your box?  Call around to local furniture stores or places with large appliances and ask if they will save you a large box.  I'm almost betting that they will, as most places just put their boxes out for recycling.  What an inexpensive and easy gift that kids will go crazy for!

Create With Your Hands:  Creativity with Cardboard Boxes

{30 Days of Simple Toddler Toys} Day 29: Flannel Board and Felt Pieces

Believe me when I tell you this:  I have not met a toddler that does not love a flannel board (also sometimes called a story board or felt board).  My mom made Greyson one for his second birthday and he loves it.  He will play with it for an hour at a time, creating his own scenes and stories with the felt pieces.  You could purchase a flannel/felt/story board, but you can save lots of money and have a better quality board by making your own!  Make sure to check out my simple flannel board tutorial.

If you're not into making your own flannel board, here are a few options that won't break the bank.  Make sure to get some felt pieces to use with the board!

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{30 Days of Simple Toddler Toys} Day 28: Cooperative Games

Cooperative games are great for toddlers, if they are ready.  Usually, depending on the child of course, they are ready by 3 to start learning the many skills it requires for cooperative games.

Skills:

• cooperation
• following directions
• taking turns
• life skills (winning/losing)
• concept skills (colors, shapes, counting, etc.)

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{30 Days of Simple Toddler Toys} Day 27: Shape Sorters

This is a classic toy that has survived the test of time.

Skills:

• problem solving
• fine motor
• shapes
• colors

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{30 Days of Simple Toddler Toys} Day 26: Shape Roller Coasters

I actually had to look up what the "technical" name for this awesome toy was, which just so happens to be "shape roller coaster" (also seen as a "bead maze").  I lovingly refer to them as the "Waiting Room Shape Thingy", because you can find them in any waiting room that may have children in it.  Amazingly, they aren't just available for doctors' offices to purchase!

Skills:

• shapes
• colors
• fine motor

"And She Loved a Little Boy" is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.