Best Toys for Kids

Must-have items for your child's toy box

Most people can't reminisce about their childhood without remembering their favorite toys. After many years of caring for children and a few years of raising my own (and, of course, as a former child myself), I have found that there are some toys that are perennial favorites for all kids. Toy choices these days are endless, but those on this list will be favorites for many years to come.

#10 - Music player with microphone

What kid doesn't love dancing and singing at the top of his or her lungs? Whether it's high-tech or low-tech, a music player provides hours of loud, silly fun and will endlessly entertain kids of all ages.

#9 - A play kitchen set

Children love to play chef, cooking food to serve their parents and sharing meals with friends. A kitchen set is a great way for children to entertain themselves (and their parents) while learning about family values.

#8 - Puzzles

Puzzles are perennial kid favorites. From simple wooden puzzles to complicated brainteasers, kids like puzzles because they are a fun brain workout that everyone in the family can enjoy together.

#7 - Building blocks

If kids like anything better than building tall towers, it's knocking them down to build again. Blocks give children a sense of accomplishment about their creations and can satisfy their curiosity about the causes and effects of demolition (without destroying the house).

#6 - A ball

Kids all over the world play with balls because they're fun! A big bouncy ball provides fun with friends while teaching sharing. Playing ball is almost a childhood requirement.

#5 - A bicycle

Children love bicycles because they mean freedom. Bikes let kids explore their world and give them a taste of independence. It's hard to imagine childhood without a cherished bicycle.

#4 - Books

There can't be enough good things said about children’s books. Reading takes kids to far-off places and lets them have adventures that stretch their imaginations. Books are a must-have for all children.

#3 - Art supplies

Art supplies give children a rare chance to express themselves freely, and the pride they feel when their masterpieces are displayed is priceless. Children of all ages love to create art.

#2 - Dress-up chest

There is one toy from my childhood that I can remember playing with for hours - my dress-up clothes. With this toy, children can pretend to be anyone, doing anything, anywhere. A dress-up chest provides hours of imaginative play.

#1 - A treasured friend

A favorite stuffed animal or doll is someone for children to tell their secrets to and to rely on in times of trouble. Children need that one special toy that is their best friend, their confidant and their protector.

Classic toys let families play together to create memories for a lifetime. The hot, new toys might be those that kids clamor for, but these 10 tried-and-true favorites are those that they will cherish and enjoy for many years.

By B. Devoy
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NEED JUST A MICROPHONE FOR A 6 YEAR BOY.
Posted on 12/14/2009 2:15:00 PM by Anonymous
Somebody PLEASE help me my six children keep asking me when is Santa Clause bringing there presents ,were to weeks away from christmas and i dont have that extra money to buy theme there presents , i bearly make enough to pay half of each bill and rent. I have a job,that dosen't pay much my husband is illegal and cain't find a job so he stay's home babysitting while i work.My children's age are 17ys 8yrs 6yrs 4yrs 3yrs and a one and half yr old my oldest is a girl and all the other are boys .If someone can help me Please call me at 713 692-0991 or 832 245-9643 desspred mother in need of some help for christmas. God Bless You and Merry Christmas . Sincerly Maria Rangel
Posted on 12/14/2009 10:56:00 AM by Anonymous
I posted a comment a minute ago needing help for my two boys i gave a wrong # 386-409-2239 is my # not 386-423-8938. any help please thank you Dusty. 2421 Pine Tree dr. Edgewater fl.32141. My boys are 2 & 6. thank you again.
Posted on 12/14/2009 9:44:00 AM by Anonymous
I am a mother of a 2yr old and 6 yr old boy. I am in great need of some help for them to have a christmas. any help would be such a help. thank you. please call me at 386-423-8938. my name is Dusty my sons names are bryce and hayden
Posted on 12/14/2009 9:25:00 AM by Anonymous
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Posted on 12/13/2009 4:08:00 PM by Anonymous
hi my name is tamara im a 25 year old mother of six.im in super dire need for toys for my kids,i barely make enough to pay my bills.i dont even have money to pay my eletricity bill.im staying at a relative"s home and this is just temporary[i hope]i have a 12 yr old son,a 8 yr old daughter,a 6 yr old son,3 yr old daughter,2 yr old daughter;and a 4 month old daughter.im a single mom and would accept any toys purchased for my kids .i can be reached a my annie"s house at 850-878-3978.thank you for those who respond and god bless!!!
Posted on 12/12/2009 2:08:00 AM by Anonymous
my contact is kenyetta2@netzero thankyou
Posted on 12/11/2009 1:33:00 PM by Anonymous
Hello, I have never been to this site before but I am in desperate need of toys for my 3 kids for christmas. I am a single unemployed mother whom is on umemployment which barely pays my bills. I need help please. God has helped us thus far and he will continue. somehow i ended up on this site I believe for a reason.Thank you.
Posted on 12/11/2009 1:31:00 PM by Anonymous
Please contact me at happyholidayelves@yahoo.com Lisa
Posted on 12/9/2009 8:26:00 PM by Anonymous
I humbly request toys for my grandchildren who live in my home. Up until March of this year I had a great job. But I was laid off and I do draw unemployment. However I rob from Peter to pay Paul so our basic necessities are met. But this Christmas we just cannot afford gifts and toys. If you could provide any toys for these kids I would be forever grateful. You can reach me at Lisa
Posted on 12/9/2009 8:23:00 PM by Anonymous
Hello, My name is Nicole. I would like to request some toys for my little cousins. My aunt Teresa passed on 11-30-09 from Breast and Lung Cancer. She was only 43 years. She has rasied children her whole life. She currently has two grandchildren ages 2 years and four children of her sisters ages 2-22 . I would like them to have some kind of christmas this year. My aunt has life insurance but it has not been released and our family had to use all our money for the funeral arrangements. If you can help me give these kids a christmas please email me . nicolerigor@yahoo.com -If interested please visted our Memorial for Teresa at Memory-of.com search Tersa Pena
Posted on 12/9/2009 2:24:00 PM by Anonymous
I have knw idea how this web site works but I am DESPERATE to find some way to get toys for my 4 children and 2 step kids. I am a 28 year old student and my husband is a contractor so with this economy that should pretty much exsplane it all. I wouldent worry so much if we had extended family to rely apon but we dont due to curcmstancese beyond our controll. so if this helps some how I hope it works. SOMEONE PLEASE HELP
Posted on 12/6/2009 7:15:00 PM by Anonymous
I trai too get the free application for toys for this crismas for my 3 kids please if you now ho let my now ho.
Posted on 12/6/2009 12:27:00 AM by Anonymous
Our family is having diffecult times, I have a 10 year old son, 11 yr old daughter. no jobs it is very depressing to know that i can not give them a wonderful christmas if anybody could help we would be sooo grateful Natasha breeden 586-258-8040. We live in Sterling Heights Mi e-mail Natasha.Breeden@yahoo.com thank you.
Posted on 12/5/2009 3:19:00 PM by Anonymous
Hello, I am asking for free toys because for the past few years I have not been able to buy any for my family, which are my nieces and nephews. I took them in after the youngest one burned down the house. no other family member wanted to take them in. So, I did. my house went from two to six. For the past two years I have not had a decent Christmas for them. No tree or presents. They have been through so much and I truly want to give them a christmas that all children deserve. Please Please Help Me. I want to give them the best christmas they have ever had, but I don't have the money. Can you pleae help me to help them. Thank you for any help that you give me the ages are 16,14,(boys) 17, 9 (girls).
Posted on 12/5/2009 6:38:00 AM by Anonymous
I AM ASKING for free toys for my kids i am very sick and can afford to buy toys for ny kids. i have three kids 4.9and10 year. please help me with anything
Posted on 12/4/2009 9:17:00 PM by Anonymous
I JUST LOVE TEDDIES!
Posted on 12/3/2009 10:10:00 AM by Anonymous
I sell the best educational toys, books and games. Discovery Toys are safe, laboratory tested and have never had a recall! You can find out how to sell them for yourself to friends and family for a home-based business. Sonja: discovery_toys@persona.ca
Posted on 12/2/2009 9:52:00 PM by Anonymous
What I think that this was good and interesting
Posted on 12/1/2009 10:24:00 PM by Anonymous
Tangle Toy My child loves playing with Tangle Toys. Its a fun, "fidget toy", puzzle, creative, twisty toy, and helps her concentrate while she studies for tests. She also plays with Tangles in her freetime. She wants to make the longest Tangle chain in the world. Before she got the Tangle, she had a C- average in school, which has now gone up to around an A-. This toy goes everywhere with her, and she's always having fun with it.
Posted on 11/27/2009 3:31:00 PM by Anonymous
toya are a very inportant part of a child life during their nurturing first year their first feel a toy is always memorable. A toy is their is first friend. deborah cobbs
Posted on 11/23/2009 5:16:00 PM by Anonymous
I think people should make a little play school nintendo ds that says like the alphabet because my little brother loves ds's and i have a ds. i am ten years old and im searching for gifts for his birthad on january 20th. If u take a ds away from himm...... total freak out
Posted on 10/4/2009 9:39:00 AM by Anonymous
Hello. I would like to know if you have anything that can entertain a 8yr & 7yr old also it has to be all about education and mind changelle their minds! Thank You BRWNEYZS2@YAHOO.COM
Posted on 9/30/2009 2:59:00 PM by Anonymous
Is there any chilodren stories with fairy tale characters stories that are like a real story on hearts. Hearts= how they work, what they do. Like tells that in a character way for children?
Posted on 1/6/2009 9:02:00 PM by Anonymous
You can try the Salvation army. I know they help with kids Christmas. Or, try your local church. Many churches either have a budget for that, or will do an "angel tree" to help provide for those that need it.
Posted on 11/18/2008 2:25:00 PM by Anonymous
please someone tell me where to get help for christmas for my 3 children i became disabled in april i have no income please help me
Posted on 11/18/2008 12:27:00 PM by Anonymous
I like the cars I wish I had a lot of cars and street.
Posted on 9/10/2008 1:12:00 PM by Anonymous
could you tell me where I can find a Danbury mint clock named"The Boyds bears collector clock" I can't find it anywhere. Thank you
Posted on 8/12/2008 10:16:00 PM by Anonymous
My mom kept dolls and toys, which i've passed down to my daughter; then my toys and my daughters...my neice plays with when she comes over. im so thankful to my mother for that. I dont know why she chose those toys, but she did it out of love. Every One of us girls can stay a little happy, giddy girl at heart...for life!
Posted on 3/18/2008 9:38:00 AM by Anonymous
I like it
Posted on 2/15/2008 8:49:00 AM by Anonymous
OLD TOYS ARE A GREAT THING TO HAVE . W3HEN MY SON AND I HAD TO MOVE IN DECEMBER OF 2006 WE HAD TO LEAVE A LOT OF QUALITY TOYS AND GAMES BEHIND ALONG WITH FURNITURE, I WAS ANS STILL AM DEVASTATED ABOUT THE WHOLE ORDEAL . MY SON HAD LOTS OF MICRO MACHINES SOME OF WHICH TOOK BATTERIES, ARMY MICRO UNITS, REBOOT UNITS THE MICRO MACHINES OPEN UP VAN CITY ETC.
Posted on 1/20/2008 9:14:00 PM by Anonymous
I'm looking for accessories for the Playskool Rose Petal Cottage.
Posted on 1/12/2008 2:55:00 PM by Anonymous
we purchased the workshop fro our 3 year old twin grandsons for christmas , i have always looked for something like that for them as their poppa is a mechanic and they look like they might be the next generation of mechanics so they were absoutly thrilled to get that gift beause when they did see it on t.v. they said right away like poppa, my husband and brother in-law had alot of fun with it after putting it together, all gift opening stopped for awhile . so thank you again for such a wonderful toy and jayden and bryden thank you too. brenda mclaughlin
Posted on 1/2/2008 8:04:00 PM by Anonymous
I bought a knows your name phone and cannot find the site to program my child's name in. Called the 1-800 # and they gave me another site to go to and it still is not any help. HELP!!!
Posted on 12/20/2007 12:57:00 PM by Anonymous