As a recent grandma – this was my grandson’s first Christmas and, soon after, first birthday – I found that when shopping for gifts I couldn’t’ find any toy that didn’t’ require batteries.
I feel it’s important to give children – especially in their early years – toys that spark their imagination. When I went to the store and asked for a simple hammer-and-peg toy, I was told, “Oh, you mean old school.” I had to go to a secondhand store to find one.
I also had to go there to find simple wooden toy cars instead of the ones that are constantly screaming “Zoom zoom!” and “Come on let’s go!” I had to hunt for toys that allow children to make up their own sounds.
And now there’s a baby bouncer with a touch screen attached? How ridiculous.
Let’s get smart, moms and dads. The best thing you can give your child in early development is you. Keep it simple: Read and play with them. Don’t give them toys that are mechanical. They’ll be on iPads and iPhones soon enough.