| It's the day before your child's birthday and you still | | | | Kids Musical Instruments |
| haven't decided on the perfect gift. You want | | | | Kids enjoy these noise makers as much as parents |
| something fun to play with that will last, but if must also | | | | start to regret giving them. Mini glockenspiels, drums |
| be safe. Oh and educational. And popular! | | | | and maracas top the bill, but electronic look alike |
| Well here are a few choices for you to think about: | | | | instruments that play music notes when buttons are |
| Shape Sorter | | | | pressed are also popular. Prices start at $10 and top |
| This is a great choice to help with your child's hand | | | | out at $30 for the more durable sets. |
| eye co-ordination. Hours of fun, where kids dump out | | | | Alphabet Toys |
| all the blocks and then have to match a shaped block | | | | Great for preschool learning, alphabet toys come in the |
| with the correct slot in the sorter. The joy you and | | | | form of the classic lettered blocks, magnetic alphabet |
| your toddler get when the block correctly fits makes | | | | letters and interactive electronic alphabet toys. If you |
| this gift a winner every time. Prices range from $9 to | | | | choose an electronic version, be sure that it is teaching |
| $15 and are available widely. | | | | your child the correct phonics pronunciation and using |
| Toddler's Books | | | | positive learning reinforcement when the wrong |
| These delight's are often as fun for parents to read as | | | | options are chosen. Inferior models can start your |
| they are for kids to enjoy, and mostly constructed of | | | | toddler's alphabet learning off on the wrong foot. |
| thick cardboard, to withstand the rigors of toddler page | | | | Prices are from $15 to $60. |
| turning. They are available in a variety of child friendly | | | | This short list should get you off to a good start when |
| topics ranging from "Who is Peeking through the Page" | | | | choosing the "right" toy for your toddler. Whichever toy |
| to "The Going to Bed Book" which prepares the little | | | | you decide on, be sure it's one you and your child can |
| ones for bed. Prices range from $6 to $10, and are | | | | enjoy together. |
| also extensively available. | | | | |