The Early Childhood Educator’s Gift List: (Gifts that will actually enhance development!)

This gift guide has been put together with the developmental well-being of young children in mind (appropriate age varies by gift for ages 1–6+). Give the special kiddo in your life a gift that can be used in a myriad of ways and for years to come, enhancing creative thinking, fine motor skills and overall cognitive development. These toys can be used to represent everything and anything from a dream castle to the entire kingdom:

Melissa & Doug Architectural Unit Block Set

Uncle Goose Classic ABC Blocks (Made in the USA!)

Magformers and Magna-Tiles (literally anything these companies make)

Toy of The Year 2014 Tegu Magnetic Wooden Block Set (if a building block set can be artisan and gorgeous, this would be it)

Discovery Kids 25 Piece Magnetic Blocks

Colorful Natural Wooden Stacking Cubes by Blocks

One of a Kind Tree Blocks

Bamboo Building Blocks

Squigz

For additional ideas on how to create a more play-based experience for your child or classroom check out Loose Parts: Inspiring Play in Young Children and Loose Parts 2: Inspiring Play with Infants and Toddlers by Lisa Daly and Miriam Beloglovsky.