Uhh not really! there are a lot of toys you can use that will help a children learn and explore without spending any money. Like pots and pans or like a bucket, sponges, and tongs. The bucket, sponges, and tongs will help strengthen the child’s finger and will help then learn to use scissors.

no.

Try looking at http://www.thefrugalparent.com/ for a list of fun and educational toys

uhhhmm..i think the answer is no..because when you are a toddler you learn alot…from what is said around you..things that are being seen {etc.} so i feel that it is not necessary for children to have alot of educational toys

I think Toddlers need an equal amount of educational toys and independent environmental experiences. It’s amazing the things you can entertain a toddler with! At 16 months they love to dance to music (maybe educational songs), musical instruments, Playdough, they love to read, Puzzles are great, bubbles, beanbags, crayons. Anything that stimulates motor skills at this age is appropriate. They should be learning how to color, kick, attempting to jump, rocking on a toy horse, the idea of balance (bean bags on head), throw a ball/bounce a ball, using a spoon to eat, just to name a few.
I use to work with one year old’s in a pre-school environment. We would also use our imaginations a lot. Imagine what you can do with a box. Pretend your rowing a boat, racing a car, Puppet shows.
Exploring outdoors is most important, this is where they learn about the world, sun, sky, grass. Magnifying glasses are neat, any outdoor exploring toys, or just a bird feeder, so they can watch/explore birds. Just some ideas, hope it helps.
Good Luck,
Ace

Some toys are great, but be sure to introduce them to BOOKS very early on, too! Kids love stories, and love to page through books made just for them. Check Usborne Books for some great books in their age levels http://www.ubah.com/g2687
Discovery Toys also has some great toys for kids – sturdy and educational!

I agree with the book “Unplugged Play”. Check it out at your local library.

Every toy can be educational and with this age…you can turn just about anything into a toy. I think that part of this generation’s problem is that they have been entertained by all these modern toys that don’t require thinking.

An easel is great… there is much benefit to table writing/painting as well. Puzzles are wonderful because the ones with pegs tend to use the natural “pose” for writing. Rhythm instruments are wonderful…but you can also make them with your grandbaby. Stacking cups are great and can be used in many different ways… pegs and a pegboard is nice, large lacing beads, wooden blocks for stacking and knocking down, various types and sizes of balls. A farm set and a tea set are used the most here with our little ones! We use sensory materials a lot with just basic cups/spoons. I find that a colorful assortment of beans are a big hit with this age. Of course they need supervision since some are pretty oral!

Again… a lot you can do without spending a bunch of money. Think back to what you used with your children or even what you used as a kid yourself! Those are the good toys!