While toddlers are still too young to truly understand the meaning behind a birthday gift, they do enjoy receiving them. Toddlers generally are defined as being between the ages of 1 and 3, report child development consultants at Family Education. It is a perfect age to introduce educational toys because toddlers learn through play. Toy manufacturers try to tap into that developmental stage and produce a wide range of toys that make suitable toddler birthday gifts.
Learning Express
Manufacturers at Learning Express say their toys are designed to stimulate and challenge young children. They produce toys that tap into the curiosity and creativity of toddlers. First Pops Pop Beads are plastic shapes that toddlers can use to develop hand-eye coordination and motor skills while beginning to learn problem-solving techniques. The beads are large plastic pieces that join together by popping the ends into each other. They are safe and can keep toddlers amused for hours.
Baby Einstein
Baby Einstein is a line of toys designed to teach infants and toddlers developmentally appropriate skills and ideas. The company was founded by a mother in the 1990s and has garnered quick success. The products are meant to involve parents and children in the learning process. Toys include videos and CDs that offer programs ranging from helping youngsters appreciate classical music to learning a second language. Simple activities such as putting together a puzzle can be fun for toddlers while they learn about shapes with a gift such as the Puzzling Shapes Puzzle Book. Books are available from Baby Einstein that make great birthday gifts while teaching colors, numbers and letters. With the assistance of child psychologists, creators of Baby Einstein believe that it's never too early to expose children to the classics as seen in the book Van Gogh's World of Color.
Leap Frog
Leap Frog is another toy company that has become popular with modern parents and toddlers. Many of the Leap Frog toys and games are electronic and help to prepare children for a world that's plugged in. Toy computers, telephones and video games are incorporated to teach the basics. Sounds and lights are used to keep children's attention. Leap Frog utilizes a number of Disney characters such as Sponge Bob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer in their interactive games. Gifts are available that tap into a toddler's interests such as animals, music or cars. Toys are meant to teach subjects ranging from math to science and reading. For example, the Chat and Count Cell Phone is a replica of a cell phone that has 15 different activities from leaving voice mail messages to counting games and songs.
