Make Your Own Toys

Here are some ideas for making your own toys just in time for the holidays! 

Feel and Tell Box
Cut two identical 2” squares of different textured materials such as velvet, corduroy, rug samples, sandpaper.  Glue one square to the top of a shoe box.  Glue the other square to a piece of cardboard and place inside the box.  At the end of the she shoe box, cut a circle large enough for a child’s hand to reach in.  The child then reaches in to feel a square and tries to match it to the lid without looking.  The square can be removed from the box to see if the correct match is made or to make the game easier for small children.

Box Camera
Decorate a small box to look like a camera.  A button can be used for the lens, yarn for the camera strap, and a red circle for the ‘on’ button.  Cut a slit in the top of the box so that your ‘photos’ can be placed inside.  ‘Photos’ can be magazine cut-outs, child’s drawings, or even real photos of your child.  The child then takes the picture, counts to ten, and pulls out the ‘photo’.

Scoop Catch
Wash fabric softener bottle thoroughly and cut off the bottom on an angle.  Decorate the scoop.  Child grasps the scoop using bottle handle and tries to catch a ball.  Younger children can roll the ball back and forth to each other with the scoops.

Why Should You Join a Toy Library?

Here are some of the many advantages to belonging to our toy library. 

• Your child has a variety of toys from which to choose as their interests and skill levels change.
• You can borrow toys that are no longer available in stores. 
• You help the envirnoment by not adding more toys to the junk yard.
• You save money purchasing  fewer toys
• You and your child(ren) can test a toy before buying.
• Your child learns to take care of toys and take responsibility for them.
• Your child learns to make decisions.
• You can learn what toys interest and challenge your child.
• You can ask a qualified toy librarian for advice on choosing toys that match your child’s skill development.

For more information about our toy library, please visit our website!

Toy Report – Making Bath Time a Blast

 

Bath time should be a big adventure.  A good soak should soothe, refresh, and renew.  It is great for a child who is suffering from silly behaviour, impatience, sibling quarrels, temper, resentment, and grumpiness to name a few.  Ensure that the child has lots of bath toys to play with, and you’ll likely have a happier child!

 

Try rubber duck families and water toys that scoop, fill, dump, and pour.

 

By now, your child is wrinkled, withered and puckered from playing so long in the tub.  He’s clean and happy and ready for bed.  Bath toys are available in our toy library – come in and see for yourself!

Stretching Your Toy Budget

 

 

Here are some ideas to help you be frugal.

 

·           Join a toy library!  Our toy library membership costs only $25 which you are able to renew each year after for free.  When you no longer need our services, you are entitled to a $15 refund if your account is in good standing.

·           Exchange toys with friends – create your own mini-toy library.

·           Take advantage of yard sale and consignment stores.

·           Avoid one-day wonders.

·           Buy quality toys.  Consider how long they will last, play value, and possible resale value.

·           Make up a wish list of toys that you would like to purchase.

·           Consult the toy report.  It will give you information on play value, price, and any safety concerns.

·           Expensive toys should be considered carefully.  Borrow the toy to make sure it appeals to your child.  If you are purchasing a set like the Brio train, start small and gradually build on it.

·           Consider storage space and floor space.

·           Avoid toys that are heavily advertised.  Beware of the education dig – “Buy this education al toy, do not let your child fall behind.”  Evaluate these toys carefully.

·           Make your own games and toys.

·           Plan to rotate toys.  Toys that have been put away for a week or month appear “new” again.

 

Looking for Educational Toys?  Shop local!

• Louise Kool & Galt
• Scholar’s Choice
• The Toy Shoppe of London

What is a Good Toy?

A good toy is safe.

A good toy is open-ended (not structured for a single purpose).

A good toy is inviting, interesting, and exciting.

A good toy has sensory appeal.

A good toy responds to the different play needs of children.

A good toy is well made.

A good toy can include others (including you!).

A good toy encourages a child to create his own play.