Outdoor Playhouses

An outdoor playhouse is fun for kids, and gives them a chance to use their creativity. These playhouses come in many different models and sizes. Before you shop for your playhouse, you'll most likely want to decide what size you want it to be. You, and perhaps your child, can decide on the style, and what you want to put in it. Your choice of styles includes, but is not limited to, Victorian, Cape Cod, Gingerbread, log cabin, or even a firehouse, caboose, or church.

You may also want to consider whether or not to put a picket fence or any other type of fence around it or partially around it. There is also an option of getting a playhouse with a front porch. Some of the playhouses have dormers, and some are one floor. If you buy one with a second floor, you may want to get one with a ladder and/or slide to get up and down.

There is also the job of deciding what type and how much furniture you want to put inside this playhouse. Some have play kitchens, bedrooms, and/or living rooms. There are different types of roofs and windows available. You may want curtains or blinds for the windows, and/or perhaps rugs for inside. Some have more than one door, and most have more than one window. Some of these playhouses come with flower boxes. You may want to add your own flowers, and maybe a rocker for on the front porch.

Taking Advantage Of Learning Toys That Offer Educational Benefits For Your Child

As a parent, you might not realize there are learning toys that offer educational benefits for your child because there are so many different types of playtime options on the market today. When you need useful parenting tips about educating your child, there are learning toys that can help your child reach crucial developmental milestones in a shorter amount of time. The most important thing about taking advantage of learning toys is to understand the benefits they can offer children of all ages, when selected properly.

As a parent of two daughters, I have found that the maze of learning products might seem confusing at first, but there are many toys that offer little in the way of education. While you want your child to have fun and be entertained, it doesn't mean you shouldn't be aware of spending your money on toys that enhance your child's learning development.

As an example, there are parents that give little thought to some of the video games or electronic toys that are on the market. But you can spend the same amount of money on learning toys and games that will give them a competitive advantage, for years to come. With the proper learning toys, your children can have fun and be entertained for hours, while being challenged, intellectually.

There are educational learning systems that incorporate everything a child wants, including electronic, computer-like toys that feature learning games for children of all ages. You can purchase these learning systems affordably and there are a variety of learning videos, games and DVDs that can be utilized by these educational toys. It doesn't matter what age your child might be, you can gain the upper hand by considering the expert advice of childhood education specialists. It doesn't cost any more to challenge your child's mind and teach them skills they will use for many years to come.

Research has proven that learning toys can give your child an educational advantage that will help them exceed in school and in life. When you might not have the time you would like to take care of teaching your child everything there is to know, it is comforting to know you can take advantage of educational learning toys that are fun and entertaining.

Outdoor Toys Make a Great Christmas Gift For the Year Ahead

Garden and outdoor toys are a great idea for Christmas gifts. Think about it- while many gifts will be enjoyed on the day and then put away on a shelf or in a cupboard, garden toys are something that can be used whenever there is nice weather throughout the year, as well as all summer long. Plus, the best garden and outdoor toys can be enjoyed by more than one person, as many are sturdy enough to warrant being passed on to other people in years to come.

As Christmas gifts they are a great idea as they can be appreciated for a very long time, much more than a pair of socks or a basket of bath products. There are outdoor toys of all shapes and sizes, and ranges for both adults and children to get something out of during the year ahead. There are child-sized vehicles, play houses, swings, slides, paddling pools, trampolines and more for children to enjoy. Then there are things the whole family can use, such as large pools, family sized trampolines, water guns and so on.

Sports equipment is a great idea for an outdoor gift. Things like home badminton sets, garden goal posts and other different sporting goods would make great Christmas gifts that can be enjoyed long after Christmas is over. There are also outdoor goods that are perfect for winter, such as sledges and snowboards. What about bikes? Bikes for children and adults are available in countless models and kinds, meaning there's one for everyone.

The key with these gifts is to keep in mind they need to be both fun and practical, as well as in keeping with the needs and preferences of the people you are buying them for. With all of those things considered, you can easily find great garden toys and outdoor equipment that will bring a smile to the faces of your friends and family. Any gifts that can help those that you care about life the lifestyle they dream of are perfect for Christmas, and you can easily find reviews of the best outdoor toys online to make your choice.

Taking A Look At The Features Of The Little Tikes Log Cabin Playhouse

Are you currently looking for innovative toys for your kids? Then, the Little Tikes playhouse may just be the thing that you're looking for. The Little Tikes log cabin playhouse is considered as a pioneer styled playhouse. This would be so since it comes jam packed with tons of different features that will surely leave your kids jumping and down out of excitement.

Little Tikes is a toy company that produces different fun and interesting stuff such as the Little Tykes swing along castle. Some of the best features of the Little Tikes playhouse include an amazing fireplace, a realistic Dutch door, a stone looking doorway, two big colorful windows that are installed with yellow shutters, a serving table, grill, and a play phone.

If you noticed, all of these things can be found in a regular type of house. All of these features will surely allow your kids to imagine that they are inside their very own house where they can be free to do different kinds of fun and interesting stuff with each other and with friends. With a Little Tikes playhouse, your kids can imagine themselves coming from home from a long and tiring day at work. After this, they can go ahead and pretend to prepare meals for the family. Aside from these things, your children can also play other varieties of games inside the Little Tikes playhouse such as peek-a-boo games that will surely leave them laughing all day long.

With the long list of features that I have enumerated above, you will know that a Little Tikes playhouse is designed to be really spacious. In fact, this type of outdoor playhouse typically measures around 51 inches X 47 inches X 59 inches. Through this kind of space, your kids can freely run about and play. This in turn will enable them to have a good amount of exercise, which will be of great benefit to their health.

Playhouse Plans Come in All "Sizes" - Find the Right Ones For You

From basic tin-sided sheds to miniature mansions with wood working, porches and working windows -- the right Playhouse can make a fun family project.

Just Get the Right Plans for Your Skill Level, Neighborhood and Price Range

Some projects can easily be completed by a patient beginner with just a little carpentry skill in a weekend or two. While others can be difficult even for an experienced builder. Make sure Do your research first and pick the right plan for you so that you -- and your children -- will not be disappointed.

Speaking of the children -- Make sure to include them in the choosing of the plan and the building. They will be the new "homeowners" and choosing and building their new playhouse is a great way to make them feel involved, teach them some responsibility and a chance for you and your crew to share some valuable family time.

With the right playhouse plans you can build a good looking and fun playhouse, save money while doing it, spend quality time with your children -- and be the coolest parent on the block.

An Active Child is a Healthy Child

Being outdoors and enjoying the benefits of an outside playhouse can enable your child to remain active. Today there are too many indoor,"sit around" activities trying to take their minds off of exercise. TV, Video Games, Computers, Text Messaging, ETC -- Far more than we had as kids.

So a playhouse of their very own can be just the stimulation to the imagination that they need to "get out and play."

A healthy imagination is important for children to develop into creative adults.

Also playhouses are great fun for kids on rainy days when they would normally be stuck inside.

Your kids will have endless hours of fun and outdoor exercise playing grown-up in a house made for kids.

The Step 2 Wagon for Two - A Functional Toy

Step 2 is a well-known manufacturer of children's toys and playhouses. They are the world's largest manufacturer of rotationally molded plastics and they turn their sturdy, lightweight materials into a wide range of toys. Their wagons are among their bestselling products and the Step 2 Wagon for Two is one of the most popular parts of that product line.

The Step 2 Wagon for Two is a winner because it merges fun with practicality. It has all of the fun and flexibility of other toy wagons, but it is also a great way to move one or two kids around.

In terms of fun, the Step 2 Wagon for Two is hard to beat. It is just the right size for one or two little ones to have some great imaginary adventures. Like other toy wagons, it can be used for storage, moving toys or stuffed animals from one place to another or for just about anything a kid's mind can invent! Wagons have been popular for decades because of their flexibility as toys and the Step 2 Wagon for two is no exception to that well-established rule.

This wagon ups the ante by adding a series of additional features that transform it from mere toy to a functional stroller substitute. Parents love taking their kids from Point A to Point B in a Step 2 Wagon for Two.

First, the kids do not need to climb over the wagon walls to get inside. That is because the Step 2 Wagon for Two has a door with an easy-to-use latch, making both entry and exit simple and safe.

Second, the wagon is rigged with two drink holders. The little travelers can feel free to bring along their favorite sippy cup when they hit the road.

Third, kids will not be sitting on the floor of the wagon, thanks to two molded plastic seats that are built into the wagons. If you look under those seats, you will find handy storage compartments, too.

Fourth, parents do not need to worry if they hit a few bumps because the Step 2 Wagon for Two has seatbelts for both passengers. That is a safety feature you do not usually see in toy wagons.

Fifty, if a trip requires more toys or accessories than one can fit in the main wagon, parents can hitch a smaller trailer, called the Tag-Along, to the Step 2 Wagon for Two.

The Step 2 two-seater is a fantastic toy and a great practical addition to any household. The kids will love playing with and parents will appreciate the way it doubles as a great substitute for the standard stroller.

Kids Outdoor Toys and Fun

There are many different vices children have these days when thinking of items to occupy their minds and bodies We have gone from a simple world to a place where electronic devices such as MP3 players, game consoles and portable entertainment devices are a necessity instead of luxuries. Not only is this keeping our children from remaining active outdoors, but also limiting their social skills by keeping them segregated from other children in the neighbourhood that they would otherwise interact with on a regular basis.

Being outdoors is an essential part of life, whether you are a child or an adult. Fresh air, sunshine and regular activity is all part of a balanced lifestyle no matter what age you are. Our society these days has seem to have lost its desire for personal interaction from face-to-face contact such as visiting neighbours and playing cards, going for bike rides with friends down the street or even volunteering in our communities.

Outdoor toys such as trampolines and climbing apparatuses are age-old tools that have been around for many years and enjoyed by an assortment of generations. These wonderful recreational devices have promoted not only physical health but also friendships with children in the neighbourhood who are keen on coming over to play and spend time interacting.

There are a variety of climbing structures available for purchase that range in price dependent on their size and manufactured materials. Some climbing toys have built-in playhouses, rope ladders or bridges, and even incorporated slides. One popular style of outdoor climbing frames is made with wood. Wood is durable, pre-treated and can be left outdoors all year long without any significant damage to the play set. Some play structures are made with a durable plastic material but they do need to be disassembled and stored during the winter months to avoid weather damage.

Trampolines come in a number of sizes and styles compared to the types of trampolines that our parents and kids before us were exposed to. These days trampolines are very common throughout backyards with school-aged children. With much focus on childhood safety and preventative measures with trampolines, you are able to purchase an enclosure screen for your trampoline in order to avoid any unnecessary injuries that may be caused during the time your children are using this device.

There is no better way to encourage your child's physical health than to purchase an outdoor play structure or trampolines so that they are tempted to spend their spare time outdoors having fun rather than inside sitting and watching television or playing their computer games and eating unhealthy snacks. Obesity is one of the major causes of childhood diabetes and typically leads to obesity in adulthood. Once your child has grown and weight control is an issue, it can be a more serious problem when they are adults than trying to promote good physical health earlier on in life.

Children's Play Sets - How to Choose the Right Playhouse

As good parents you love your children and you want everything for them, including things like play sets. Not only are they fun for your kids but they allow your kids to improve their social skills and help them to develop their physical skills. Children's play sets are good for children when you compare it to other toys which are easily broken.

So when you think of buying a playhouse for your kids, you have to consider many things. Sometimes, your critical thinking skills can be utilized when you purchase a play sets or a playhouse. They say it is always good to think before you leap.

What are the things to consider when you are planning to purchase a playhouse? Well, of course, the first thing you will notice while considering various play sets is the design of it. Some questions you may ask are. Does it look good? Would my child be interested in it is the first question to consider.

Much more than the design for aesthetic, you must also choose a design which is safe for your kids. Play sets are designed not only to look good but they must also be a safe place for your kids to play. The right playhouse must have safety measures so you can be sure that no harm befalls your little ones.

The third factor to consider when choosing the right playhouse is the quality of the material. Kids normally play with them up until they are ten or even twelve years old. So if you want to buy a playhouse, make sure that it will last for many years by verifying the quality of the materials used.

Make sure that the materials are durable which will ensure they last. Check all joints and to ensure they are joined properly. Also, check every corner and other areas that may be hazardous. Always evaluate everything before you make a purchase.

Not only do kids enjoy play sets but adults as well. Well, not the playhouse itself but they can enjoy the company of their kids in the playhouse. They are good for the bonding of you and your child.

All your children want is to spend quality time with you; to them that's what love is. Why not spend time with them while they enjoy their play set.

Outdoor Toys For the Summer

Throughout the winter, children can't wait for summer to come so they can play outside for hours at a time instead of being locked up indoors. There are so many activities and outdoor toys for them to choose from as well as large outdoor toys for parents to invest in for their children such as trampoline, climbing frames and playhouses.

One of the most popular, if not the most popular outdoor toys is the famous trampoline. Trampolines stem back many years and are generally found to come in three different shapes which are round, rectangular and Oval. Oval may surprise you if you have not seen the Oval JumpPOD from Jumpking but this trampoline has become extremely popular. This is not just for its shape, but the opportunities its shape gives it which is to be able to fit into gardens where a wide round trampoline would not always fit.

Trampolines though are an outdoor toy which automatically fills children with joy, fun, laughter and high energy sometimes for hours at a time. The games children think up when playing on a trampoline is incredible and a great way for children to interact with each other and away from the latest console game or television program.

Another great toy for the back garden is the wooden climbing frame and the adventures they can bring to the garden. In general, climbing frames are great as their names goes with the climbing up and down which children love. The additional fun comes in when the climbing frame has had a great amount of imagination added to it in the way of additional features for fun. These can include slides, swings, steps, ladders, ropes, towers and many more depending on the manufacturer and design.

With a climbing frame, they can be used within the winter months but not all the features could be safe so this is down the particular design and parents view although they do stand well towards the winter weather elements.

A outdoor toy which is superb for the summer but also for the winter is the wooden Playhouse. The playhouse stems back from the Wendy house which we either had as a child or build with our parents furniture when we had the opportunity. Playhouses though are solid wooden structures which can include one or two levels depending on the design with doors, windows and superb detail giving the playhouse a theme. Popular themed playhouses include the Cubby, Daisy and Pixie Playhouses.

The great thing from a parent's point of view can be very different to a child's. In this day and age, exercise and keeping healthy is very important so the exercise children are receiving via their outdoor toys is superb. Games consoles and indoor activities maybe steering in the right direction but you cannot bear a couple of hours of outdoor fun with a trampoline, climbing frame, playhouse or any other outdoor toy.

Playhouse plans and ideas

Playhouse ideas range from simple to very complex and the plans you choose to play house, is a series of factors. Many years ago my wife sent away for some schemes theater with the idea that I build for our daughter. I opened the package and Wow! They were looking so complicated and expensive that I took the family aside and instead of Yosemite. Now my daughter gets married, and I sometimes regret ever building > Play house, but here's what I learned.

1) Give thought to what you want to build. My wife bought these plans with good intentions, but without asking me. They saw beyond my skill level and I never started. So you think - you want a simple shed with Windows? Or think in a Victorian building. If you are looking for creative ideas, like a theater pirate ship, or a tree house of Tarzan? Take care of your children. What> Playhouse plans would?

2) He wants to build facilities from scratch or a kit? Playhouse September ranging from the cheap plastic toys of wood is very sturdy. One thing I learned about the kit is good, very expensive and almost as difficult as starting from scratch to build. There are plans available theater, the process very simple. They give you material lists and step-by-step. One of the problems with the home gameMy wife had bought plans, amounted to little more than an exploded view no indications at all. Good ideas make a difference in the world.

3) Choose your theater plans of care. This is the great lesson I learned. There are many images and ideas from the Internet to play house, but nothing is as important as good, easy to follow plans. We had our vacation this year, but I believe their house, where he had my funThe daughter of a lot of great childhood memories that would never now.

So if you are looking for ideas to play house, be creative, but remain functional. Get the children involved, or at least be aware of what they want. More than anything, a good use, step-by-step plans for home play. Remember, you're not just building a theater, you're building memories.

Love Your Child Play Tents

Every boy or girl loves the camp without his own size a breeze. These toys in a small area that can call their own. Playhouses are just fun, fresh and the designs are. They are available in everything from castles to rocket ships and space stations, the princess more. There are also models with a tunnel through which children can crawl its a. In all shapes and sizes, from small to large. In addition there are special designs created forIndoor and outdoor use. Tends to create outdoor types like a camp as a setting in your garden, children of all ages can enjoy. With so many opportunities in the market, your children will benefit in more ways than one during playback. Entry into role-playing game has so many advantages such as helping your child develop their imagination and work together to hone their social skills and how to others.

There are many great features including stitch this huge toyWindows, roofs and doors, which help to provide adequate ventilation and necessary to keep your children safe while in them. The Peek A Boo is Windows so that parents can look over to pay attention to children. Most are equipped with doors, roll up one or to open and close easily with Velcro. Parents enjoy how easy it can be set up and dismantled, and many convenient pockets. Pop up tents are comfortable and easily adjustable. Another advantage is that they have much to offerInfants and storage space for toys to play that end up being spread throughout the house.

Most tents are large enough to enjoy some of the children with friends and family. The more the better in this is especially great if you like tea party in them, have the color in them, or pay for the games in them. Children are also protected as adults if they want to quit for a while '. add with the purchase of the ball game, you can have a great time to double theFun. A ball pit house is a big hit with kids. Play Tunnel Hide & Seek a fun adventure that your child will be entertained at home. Most tunnels are about 6 feet long and about 20 cm in diameter, which is perfect for children young and old. Many galleries can easily play the houses are attached and have custody.

If your child has difficulty sleeping or a nap, or just do not ever want to go to bed to make sure bed tent for your childFun. These are usually made for a twin-size or full size mattress. Nap time is never a fight when your kids think its cool and makes it fun! This strategy can also help children who sleep in fear of the dark are just fine. This may argue that they are camped under the stars instead of lying alone in a dark room. There are many good uses for these versatile tents.

The purchase of outdoor equipment Play

Games are usually in a number of different groups, including:

Outdoor play equipment:

big games are a great way to select friends from you if you have a large family or a group of as many children can take an hour, if not days or weeks at a time. Although outdoor play, climbing frames and playhouses can be more expensive for your wallet, but offer good value for money as they areFun to play with throughout the year.

One of the most popular types of outdoor play equipment purchased by the parents these days is a traditional trampoline. A trampoline is a worthwhile investment, because it not only provides entertainment for kids of all ages (and some adults), but provide valuable exercise. But to avoid that hurt to have children, it is important that an adult is present to supervise at all times.

Garden Games:

If everDiscussion on toys outdoor games, then giants have enormous charm. Some games that are designed specifically for outdoor use, giant connect four, giant chess and housing.

Other popular games for the garden are boomerangs, flying discs and rubber bands. Because of its curved boomerang design are great to play, but remember they are designed to fly you back!

Sport:

Football, tennis and cricket, ball games areguarantees the children entertained, but there are a number of other games available kit that where the whole family, like the four in a game Set of Dunlop. This game includes a blue fabric bag, with a Velcro ball, catch set, bat and ball set, and a flying saucer. Family games are a great way to help build relationships and develop the ability to work as a team.

Water Toys:

The sunny weather of the summer season offers the best environmentYour child's outdoor fun. During this time, do not go and lie around the pool or even go to the beach could, because in recent months, there is no better setting for the child based on goggles and swim with the fish.

How to buy all the toys (toys not only outdoors), there are a number of points, however, must be something to do before purchasing. These include: age of child safety issues and features, and in the interests of the child. However, bywith these points in mind before making your decision, we guarantee your child out for fun, this toy.

Fur Real Toys

Children love the idea of a pet, but as we all know it can be very expensive to maintain.

There is a wide selection of toys that your little animals are happy. One of the most popular choices for these types of toys from the collection For Real.

Bellow are some of the different types available and a brief description of each

1. My Lulu cuddlin 'Kitty

This cute cat is not an ordinary cat. If you warmshe purrs to show your child roll back and look straight in the eye, as she loves them. You can give them lots of love to pet the soft fur.

This cat opens and closes his eyes and is able to move his head. This toy comes with a comb, so you can keep your children are wonderful. The kitten comes with a certificate of adoption, one can sense a life to be your little friend. This toy is suitable for children under 4 years about.

2. Cuddle Chimp

This adorable chimp to give your children as much love and affection, as your child.

Just like a real baby chimp, sip when the baby feeds him with the bottle accessory that is provided. It will also giggle when her feet are tickled, and he claps his hands when he caressed. This cute chimps show the child how much he loves them, giving them big hugs. This chimpanzee has a special adoption certificate. This> Toys for children from 4 years.

3. Biscuit My Lovin 'Pup

This dog is lovable voice recognition and can obey six commands of sit, lie, speak, shake paw and beg.

Asked to give his paw, this puppy is raised to the left or right paw. He also raised his hand to shake his paw in your child and can even sit and beg like a dog. If the child asks the dog if it is a party will nod and whimper, so you know, when it is ready for his bone. ThisLovin 'Pup chomping first sniff in his bones. He moves his head and ears, blinks. These puppies will soon become the best friend of your son. This toy puppy comes with collar, tag and adoption certificate. The Lovin 'Pup is a toy for children over 5 years.

The Little Tikes Play House is packed with hundreds of adventures in every corner

The game at home with your Little Tikes do many things, that it is an adventure at every turn. My daughter loves all the adventures he has in his theater. Also outside are false, there are three different activities, in which he plays.

My daughter is 2 1 / 2 years and most days does not want to leave her home, indoors or out, there are many things to do for them. Inside, the imagination can take over, beyondusing the right of the playground. He loves to play basketball on an outside wall. The tire is the perfect height for them, can make a basket, but needs to prove. This is great for their coordination skills.

On the sporting side of Little Tikes theater there is a distinct calcium and numbered targets that you can throw a ball. I have a game where I choose a number and will try to beat that number with the ball. Not only their coordination is better, but it isLearn the numbers now. Our next game will be even numbers and odd numbers. I think it's great that a toy can be fun and help make a child learn at the same time.

On another wall outside a gas station, because I have seen so often get gas, they already know, such as lawn mowers pull up to the Little Tikes Playhouse pump and fill their gas tank before you mow the grass. Also a dummy card slips through the slot and punch in numbersfirst to get their gas.

Your friends love to come and play in his house and hut, and other Little Tikes Playhouse. We have them back on the court like a small city looks like. We will play in the hut, and then get in their cars and go to window units, the theater in another. The Little Tikes Playhouse go shutters on the windows, it really works.

There is also a shop and an ATM on the same side as the unit ofby. You can stop the guys on the phone on one side of the house, and call the order before going to take a drive through e.

Inside the theater, pretend it is a workshop and a kitchenette. The children will have in-game tools, if they are on their cars before they want to work a beautiful drive through the city. Children find adventure in every corner of the city with the small Little Tikes Playhouse.

Most Popular Wooden Toys For Children

We live in a day and age where technology has overruled the innocence that children once possessed. Even at the youngest ages, children are susceptible to television, computers, and all other forms of technology around them. Thankfully, toy companies continue to provide wooden toys for children that occupy children with hours of fun while stimulating a sense of learning and creativity in children of all ages.

Among these are the very-popular Lincoln Logs. From their invention in 1916, Lincoln Logs have remained a cultural institution in homes across America. Consisting of miniature "logs" that can be linked together to form works of art, they're simple to use and enjoyable to play. Lincoln Logs can be picked up at a cost-efficient price in any toy store, providing children of all ages hours of fun to occupy their time.

Wooden cars and train sets are also popular among toddlers ages 2-4. Children that age are so young that anything occupies their attention - wooden cars that kids can move and play with build imagination and creativity. Coming in all shapes and sizes, children can build an entire universe around wooden cars and trains. The minute you give a child a wooden car, watch as their eyes light up and their excitement reaches new heights.

Toys like simple wooden building blocks and shapes can also bring joy to a young child's face. While the toy itself may look simple, it's what the child does with the toy that's unique. Children can learn how to build simple to complex structures while making use of shapes and details.

If you're looking to buy your child an exact wooden toy currently on the market, a suggestion would be the "Pyramid of Play." Although more expensive (around $200), it includes 4 walls with different games and activities to give your child endless possibilities. For the younger children, the inexpensive "Ball Popper" is another great wooden toy in which toddlers pound balls through a hole. Simple, yet amusing.

Building With Playhouse Plans

So you want to build your kids a playhouse of their own? You have spent time searching for information to see what it takes in order to build that playhouse? You have noticed that the quality of an average playhouse is not that great. You don't like the construction or the design and you desire to build a professional looking playhouse for your backyard that will last for years. The problem with most, father designed and built playhouses is, they are the work of a complete amateur. If you are serious about building a professional looking playhouse you will certainly consider purchasing playhouse plans in order to enhance the overall design and quality of your project.

You should be aware that there is a large variety of plans available on today's market. Plans come in many different designs as well. The first part of planning is deciding on the type of building you desire, built on the ground or up in the air a few feet. Decisions, decisions, but they have to be made if you desire a well built project. You want to choose plans that perfectly match your desires.

As stated before here are many styles of playhouses you can build. You can choose a Victorian-styled or model it after a home, or it could be a customized designed playhouse, or even a theme playhouse. Be aware that the style you choose will drastically affect the complexity of the building process and the skills required.

You can build different kinds of playhouses. Boys like a playhouse that rests amongst the trees or supported by timbers anchored in the ground while girls will usually like something resembling a small house that rests flat on the ground. If plan to build your playhouse on your own, by yourself, keep in mind your skill level and buy your plan accordingly.

If you decide to build your playhouse all by yourself, you should keep in mind that there are a variety of simple playhouse plans available on the market that will make the building of your playhouse easy. Choose a plan that lays out the process of constructing your playhouse in a direct, step by step method making certain that you will be able to complete the task using your own woodworking skills.

Important Points to Consider When Building a Playhouse For the Kids

Most parents have problems in how to make their children in the right order with their playing area. It is very important that your children have their designated place where they can make their get ups and play their stuff without disturbing people in the house.

To build a good area for your child may mean the next years of your child. You should carefully outline the elements of your playhouse to ensure that you are getting the right things without breaking any future activity that may happen. Here are some practical tips that you may use to get the best of your playhouse:

1. Decide first where to put your playhouse. It is a big thing that you know well what you are planning to avoid any waste of money in the future. You may have a space in the backyard or you may add another room inside the house that will serve as the playhouse.
2. Have the materials ready. It is a big thing that you have the complete things that you will need to build the playhouse. You can easily start to make the foundation and the pillars of the playhouse if you have the complete set. From the foundation, you can now easily draw the materials to be added to the house frame that you have made.

You may ask other people to help you in building one if you do not know how to make the simple carpentry. Or you may do it by yourself and ask your child to help in making the place. You can use any other help if you want.

3. Add designs. It is very important that you know the items that you should add to the playhouse. You need to make the playhouse active and captivating to catch the attention of your child. It is a big thing that you make special plans on how to do it. Light colors will make the place great for your child but be sure that the motif you will be using will correspond to the child.

As you determine for the items you may add consider the following:

1. Think about the mind make up of the child. You need to consider that you will be putting items in the place that will help your child to learn. You can put some drawings and chars at the sides where your child can see it. You can also add more puzzles items that may serve as your training ground for the child.

2. Then activity of the child. You should consider the child's desire; if the child wants to play basketball in the place, you can add a basket in there. It is very important that you know what your child wants so that you will know the action you will be taking to support the child in the given field. Never pressure the child.

The playhouse of the child will mean a big thing to the making of the child's future; always make sure that you are making it.

Surefire Hit Gift Ideas For Kids

Whether it's a holiday or a birthday, kids can be especially hard to buy gifts for. Here are some surefire gift ideas that will make any kid happy.

Games

The best games to get a child are usually the tried and true games that have stood the test of time. These include Candyland, Chutes & Ladders, Monopoly, Battleship, Sorry, Operation and PayDay. These games have been played for generations and are fun for the whole family, as well as the kids.

Toys

The old standby's may be your best bet. These include Barbie's, Lego's, Mr. Potato Head, Hot Wheels, Nerf toys, kitchen and baking play sets, doll houses and remote control cars. Action figures or play sets for the child's favorite TV show or movie are also a great idea.

Educational

Terrific educational gifts include books, the line of VTech, LeapFrog and Leapster electronic learning products, globes, science kits, See 'N Say, wooden blocks and telescopes.

Creativity

Nurture the child's creativity with gifts that allow them to be creative and have fun too. Creative gifts include modeling clay or PlayDoh, craft kits, coloring books, art supplies including markers, crayons and pencils, jewelry making kits, notebooks and journals, EtchASketch, origami kits, Spirographs, sewing kits, bead sets, gardening kits, musical instruments, electronic keyboards and stamp and sticker sets.

Electronics

For electronics items, you can't go wrong with MP3 players, digital cameras, handheld games and video game consoles.

Old Fashioned Games & Toys

Some great old fashioned gifts include puzzles, card games like UNO, bingo and activity books, bubble making toys, an easel, rock tumbler and banks.

Sports Equipment

Most kids, but especially boys, will absolutely love any sports equipment you get them. Consider balls of every kind including baseballs, footballs, soccer balls or basketballs. Accessories like gloves, nets and bats are also great. Wonderful outdoor activity gifts include kites, lawn games, trampolines, tents and tunnels, water toys, playhouses, pogo sticks, bikes, hula hoops and wagons.

Whatever you choose, just make sure the thought comes from your heart and it will surely be a loved gift.

Toddler Ride on Toys

Sit and ride toys are great for toddlers and will give your little monsters endless fun giving you those precious few minutes to out your feet up.

Listed bellow there are some of the sit and ride toys available on the market today and a little information on each of them.

1. Mookie Peppa Pig basic ride on

This basic Peppa Pig ride on is perfect for children aged 12 months plus. This toy can also double up as a first steps push along walker.

This toy offers plenty of amusement for your little one, it has a play phone with rotating cog that have a 'click click' sound. The steering also has a squeaker hooter and under the seat storage perfect for your little boy or girl hiding smaller toys.

This toy has a high seat back for safety and is suitable for indoor or outdoor play.

2. In The Night Garden Magical Musical Ride on

This fantastic In the Night Garden ride on will have your little one zooming around like Igglepiggle. It is suitable for children aged 1 - 3 years. This cute ride on toy features a model of Igglepiggle in his boat and the boat gently rocks, it also has authentic sounds.

It is made from sturdy wipe clean material and requires 3 triple A batteries which come included.

3. Fisher price Walk and Ride Lion

This well known ride on toy will grow with your child. It can start as a walker to help your little one take their first steps.

When they have grown and are ready to explore new things you can transform the lion into the ride on and your child can ride and roar with delight.

This toy has light, music and lion sounds to encourage and reward your child as they walk or ride around the house.

4. Step 2 Motorcycle Ride on

This motorcycle ride on is exciting and realistic. It is in a racer like styling and it has wide wheels for easy balance.

This toy also has realistic headlights, taillights and air intake decals. To aid your little one in steering this ride on toy has easy grip handles.

This ride on is suitable for children 30 months and over and requires minimal adult assembly.

5. In the Night Garden Tombliboos Spin Around Sit and Ride

This exciting in the night garden ride on toy is suitable for children 12 months and over.

This toy has both ride on and push along features and also a lifelike scene from your little ones favourite TV program.

The scene is of the Tombliboos and they spin as the toy moves around your home. It also plays music and sounds from the show and colourful in the night garden graphics. The seat opens for storage.

Buying The Best Toys For Toddlers

A large number of new toys are launched every year, especially during Christmas time. Throughout the year, too, the markets are flooded with games and toys of many different kinds. You can give any of these to your kids. But choosing the best toys for toddlers can be a very difficult task if you really want to buy the ideal toys for them.

Toys can be bought either on the basis of the gender of the toddler or on the basis of his or her age. For many years, girls have and always will, loved dressing up their dolls and playing with doll houses and tea sets. On the other hand, boys prefer toys like vehicles and building toys. So it is always advisable to buy accordingly.

The age group to which the child belongs is also an important point to be kept in mind when you want to buy the best toys for toddlers. Toddlers are children below four years of age but a toy actually meant for a two year old child will definitely be useless if given to a four year old child. So keep in mind the exact age of the toddler and not just the age group. Also be careful that the toy is not hazardous in any way.

For newborn babies and very small toddlers, you may want to buy rattles and teethers. For slightly older kids, you can buy soft toys, soft musical instruments, building blocks, and walkers. For older kids, go for playhouses, dolls, coloring books, and picture or story books.

Some toys are meant only for fun and to make toddlers happy. Kids can turn anything into a play thing and can derive amusement out of it. But toys designed especially for this purpose are very popular. Anything that is noisy or bright and colorful is bound to be liked by children. These include battery operated games, cars, monsters, puppets, moving dolls, and building blocks.

But there are a different set of toys which are designed not only for entertainment, but for education as well. These toys are usually for toddlers between the ages of two and four. They help in the development of the child's memory skills, hand-eye coordination, motor skills and creativity. In this way, these educational toys prepare the toddler for pre-school without them even realizing it. Some such toys include puzzles, colorful building blocks, and memory cards.

You will be able to buy the best toys for toddlers by keeping all these considerations in mind. And you are surely bound to learn by experience. Once you've learned which toys your toddler likes the most and which are also great for learning, it will be easier to pick out the best toys in the future.

Making A Play House A Home

When I was young I had a tree house at the bottom of the garden. It had two small rooms, a little table and stool, and a window at both the front and the back. I used to love that tree house, and made it my den, eating meals there, playing games, and watching out of the back window at the road which ran along the back of the garden, watching people who didn't know I was there. To me, that tree house was my own little private world.

Today there is a very wide range of playhouses and tree houses for children, either ready assembled or requiring some basic assembly. These playhouses are usually ground based, or raised on their own feet, and come in an amazing range of styles. There are play houses that have two stories, multiple rooms windows and doors, and even a veranda at the front. To all intents and purposes, these play houses are miniature houses, and not bad little places to live.

With a little furniture, which is also readily available, children can really go to town making these places their own little homes. It is important that children do have this kind of opportunity if it is possible, because giving a child a space which is all their own is valuable. Children, like us, need to feel they have their own space, a quiet place which is just theirs. With play houses there's a very real physical limitations - adults would struggle to get into most of these, and it would certainly be awkward and uncomfortable to be inside one if you are much taller than about three feet. Because children know this, it gives them a real feeling of ownership of the space.

In addition, it provides a valuable tool to explore role play situations, which is a very important part of growing up, and practising social skills, communication, interaction and even exploring personal values, feelings and interests gives children the chance to make more sense of the world around them, and of their own place within society as an individual.

Playhouses can cost a lot less than you might think these days, although certainly top end luxury playhouses are also available. If you can't afford one however, then simply giving the children the props to create their own space is more than enough - either a play tent, wendy house or even just a couple of clothes airers and some sheets will do! The wonderful thing about being a child is that your imagination is very adept at filling in the gaps, and if a play house is made of two airers and a bed sheet, then the child will change this into a secret palace, a castle, a spaceship, or whatever other type of space they need for today.

One of the things which helps a child identify themselves and their space is to decorate the play house or other space with their own belongings and furniture. Some small child size furniture needn't cost a fortune - I have seen small plastic garden chairs for children for sale for a pound! A few accessories will go a long way to making a house a home.

educational toys and role-playing games

RPG is very important, healthy child development. They are the researchers as "play or imaginative play Sociodramatic" known. It is a type of game, in which children engage in creative and imaginative social interactions. RPG has been shown to effectively promote the development of social skills, emotional, physical and cognitive skills in children, especially autistic children.

Parents, teachers and carers, or should create opportunities for childrenthat are released by their imagination ...

Creating an environment that allows a child to explore all possibilities without undue restrictions
Allowing children to express their ideas, rather than imposing adult ideas upon them
Setting the real-life situations to solve problems
Allow a child time to explore fresh ideas, rather than what's popular
Help them work through the process of problem solving

RPG is the place where the children carry out action plans to be undertakenroles and transform objects in which to express their ideas and feelings about the world around them. Pretend play children's challenges, new solutions to the problems of looking at life. In a sense, is "son" brainstorming "that is, to solve problems or spontaneous ideas and solutions. Researchers in the field of early childhood development have shown that children do not play regularly and use their imagination when young people may become anxious, adult social misfits, because there are problemsSolution can be a difficult task.

Educational toys to help develop, emotional, physical, cognitive and social skills of children, because many are designed to encourage pretend play. They also provide a bridge for a child to interact with parents or guardians. According to an article in the American Academy of Pediatrics, "when adults take part in the play of children, learning is improved. Parents are obliged to observe the situation at the time that their childadded and help to expand these capabilities.

When selecting educational toys that promote life looking RPG toy ships that real situations, a kitchen set to rocket, many vehicles such as fire, cars, planes, and action figures and several theaters. If you must also check that toys are safe child and the right size for you. Check the quality and durability, so I am against the use of heavy, because they do not wantIn order to limit play to preserve a fragile toy. Then think about how it fits into his general interests. Above all, do role play an event for you and your child.

Summer Aqua Outdoor Toys

About February time each year, parents is many countries start researching for outdoor toys such as aqua pools, paddling pools or small swimming pools for the back garden. Being able to play in a paddling pool for any children during the summer months is an exhilarating experience, full of fun and laughter in the fresh air to. As the water is only a few inches deep, the safety side is much better than letting kids run around a large pool where more adult supervision would be required. Even still, a few safety rules should be enforced with the children before allowing them to continue their fun.

Time flies like no other when playing outdoors and this is the case with an outdoor pool to. Add in a few water orientated toys and they can play to their hearts content at hours a time. There is one main factor to bear in mind and that's the sun, in that it can still be easy to become sun burnt even if it's a cloudy day. This can be less of an issue with the correct sun cream as well as taking breaks throughout the day and not spending the total time out of the shade.

There are a range of small toys available for paddling pools such as the dancing mermaid which is more suited to girls of an age of 4 years of older or diving toys for boys. These can dive through the water with some not even requiring batteries to run. Examples of these include submarines, fish or action figures such as divers.

There are a great range of pools to choose from, from a parents perspective which will suit both different sized gardens as well as the number of children likely to use the pool. Most gardens have grass as we know but many homes can have limited areas so a patio maybe the best place for the pool. An example of a good sized pool for 2-4 children is an Easy Set Intex Pools which are available in many countries worldwide. These inflate easy and can take a relative short time to inflate as well as fill up with water.

Whichever pool you decide on buying for the children, make sure the area it will sit on is flat and not on a slope as well as away from shape or odd shape objects such as bushes, stones, twigs or surrounding buildings. It can be easy for someone to slip when getting in or out of a pool so to have an area around the pool with no obstructions is always a good idea.

Fun wise though, a pool in the back garden will provide hours of fun as well as provide a good amount of aerobic activity with the antics children get up to in and out of the pool such as running around the garden. Any outdoor toy which provides movement of some kind is always going to be much more beneficial than sitting infront of a games console throughout the summer months

Children's Playhouse Equipment

Playing is one of the most important things that your child can do. Believe it or not, playing is a critical activity for your child to do, mainly because, the first six years of your child's life is a developmental stage, where basic and fundamental knowledge, skills, and talents are enhanced and developed. The truth is the development of your child into a unique human being will be dependent on their environment, hereditary traits and their interactions and experiences with kid play equipment. Playing is said to have an important impact on a child, especially during their years of development. Let's look at some of the reasons why playing with kid play equipment is important to your child's development and future success.

Appropriate Games and Play Develops Sound Development

With regards to your child's interaction with kid play equipment, you may need to note that child behavior experts and researchers have completed several studies which all overwhelmingly confirm that child using appropriate kid play equipment will strongly develop and improve their sound development. In addition to this, the earlier your child is exposed to some good kid play equipment, the better your child will get a chance to develop their hearing and sound co-ordination.

Develop Motor Skills and Other Attributes

Another benefit for your child to interact with kid play equipment is the fact that when they do so they will better be able to harness and develop their motor skills as well as several other attributes like endurance, agility and of course strength. The truth is when your child is playing in a park fully equipped with some lovely kid play equipment they will be engaging in useful and developmental physical activities that will shape them for rest of their lives. This is because the constant and vigorous play will harness the little muscles and bones of your child.

Playing Will Keep Your Child Healthy

Most children are seemingly glued to their television or they are glued to their video games. Researches that were previously done shows that a number of children who are inactive and get little or no exercise suffer from a number of illnesses, some of these children will even struggle with obesity, which is the seconding leading cause of death. If your child plays and interacts with kid play equipment outdoors the problem of lack of exercise and obesity will be virtually eliminated. Additionally, the more your child plays the less likely that they will develop common colds and flues, mainly because their immune system is strengthened the more your child engage in lots of physical activities.

If you want to encourage your children to get physically active and derive the above benefits, you may need to purchase a few appropriate and good outdoor kid play equipment, which should keep them physically engaged. So, while they are having fun running up and down in your backyard with their friends, they will be burning calories, developing hearing and sound co-ordination, and strengthening their immune system. Finally, depending on your child's age, you may need to do a little supervision, just to ensure that your child does not get hurt while having fun.

Why Children Love Little Tikes Toys

There is such a variety in toys these days that kids have come to expect a big variety to choose from and Little Tikes have stepped up to the task by providing a huge range of fun products for kids. This brand has a big range to suit children of all ages, genders and skill levels.

Littles Tikes Toys For All Ages Groups

This popular brand has a large range of products to suit all ages starting from babies. Their baby products are designed for safety and fun. Their range will help babies to develop their skills and senses while enjoying discovering new things. Their toddler products help toddlers to develop motor skills and also encourage exercise in young ones while letting them have fun while doing so. Preschool toys help children to develop skills in pretend play which helps them develop their imagination, interaction and communications skills.

Little Tikes Outdoor Products

The outdoor range of products are very popular and include play houses, playgrounds, slides, swings and more. They have kitchens, workshops, picnic sets, ride on cars, and many more toys which kids love using their imaginations while pretending to cook, work and drive their own cars. Their ride on toddlers range is extremely popular and include cars, wagons and bikes.

Other Little Tikes Toys

Their range also include inflatable products such as inflatable slides. These are very popular and give hours of enjoyment. There are also a number of sporting products like basketball hoops and soccer goals, so if your family enjoy a particular sport then these products can help to build skills in your child for that sport.

There is also a big range of educational products helping children to develop many different skills including imaginations, creativity, hand and eye coordination and motor skills.

Little Tikes gear can keep children entertained for hours and since they have such a large range there is something for everyone. Your child will have many hours of fun and enjoyment with their Little Tike toys.

Kid Outdoor Playhouses - Find Out What Makes Children Tick!

My Great Grandmother had a kid outdoor playhouse that we spent many hours in. Recalling those care-free and fun childhood years still makes me laugh! Thinking back to the little things that entertained us, we could care less about expensive stuff! A little mud, some worms, and some of Grandma's old baking pans was all it took to entertain us for hours.

Old cooking pans, a muffin tin, spoons and bowls were some of the fun we had in our kid's outdoor playhouse. Don't worry, if you don't have any older kitchen tools, rummage sales or asking grandmas and grandpas are an excellent help! They oftentimes enjoy cleaning out their clutter from years prior!

It's a good idea to specify to children what can and cannot go outside into the kid's outdoor playhouse. Let them take an older doll, and a couple sets of clothes. Playing house can be a lot of fun with friends! Making it very clear what stays in the house and what can go into the kid's outdoor playhouse will help them to understand what need to stay in the playhouse. Doing so will keep some of the dirt and grime out of your home!

Homemade play dough is another very cheap and fun way to help them create their own fun in the kid's outdoor playhouse. I would suggest making 2-3 batches of colorful homemade play dough. If you've got flour, salt, water, oil and cream of tarter, a couple colors of food coloring you can easily whip up a couple batches in just a few minutes:

Play dough recipe:

1. 4 Cups of flour

2. 1 Cup of Salt

3. 4 Cups of Water

4. 4 Tablespoons Oil

5. 1/2 Cup Cream of tarter

6. You're preference of food coloring!

Mix all ingredients into a saucepan. Cook and stir over low/medium heat until play dough is completely formed and no longer sticky. Allow to cool for a few minutes before storing in a zip lock bag or Tupperware container. This recipe is kid friendly should they decide to eat it! Eating is not recommended, but it does happen! Feel free to give them old cookie cutters. Encourage them to use their imagination in their kids outdoor playhouse and make play dough cookies, meals for their doll or just have fun making their own creations!

It is recommended to teach children to clean up after themselves! It may be traumatic, but the play dough will dry out if it's not put away. Putting away their toys is not hard or time consuming, but it does teach them responsibility at an early age.

Regardless of what you implement into your kid's outdoor playhouse, you'll be bound to create a place they can go to that's out of the sun, safe and will entertain them! Those fun summer days will lead to many wonderful childhood memories with cousins, friends and of course their brother or sister in the kid's outdoor playhouse!

Outdoor Trampolines and Other Outdoor Toys

No matter the age of a child there will always be a need to have outdoor fun and activities while giving the child some learning skills involved. Kids always have games and videos when in the home, but what about when the child goes out to play? Well we have a solution to that as well. Outdoor toys supply children with both fun, enjoyment, and problem solving skills at the same time.

Outdoor toys manufactured by Madfun, of the many products that they carry the Trampoline is probably one of the most known and used toy. It offers excitement and expends a child's physical energy at the same time allows them to have fun. Years ago there were many problems with Trampolines due to children falling off or hitting objects when coming down. However in recent days this has been curbed by a Net that can be placed around the trampoline. Another new addition to trampolines are accessories like stairs, Tie Down Kits, Covers, Zero Gravity Safety Enclosures, and Slamma Jamma Hoop Kits.

Another favorite is the Climbing frames, which are made of wood and prefabricated for easy assembly. The more add-ons you get when you purchase a Climbing frame costs more but some additions include: Slides, Rope Ladders, and even fake Rock climbing Walls. On both the Trampoline and Climbing frame you must consider the size of play area needed to avoid any problems with other outdoor items such as bird baths, gardens, patios, and decks.

Wooden Playhouses work well with children and young adults alike as it adds a sense of a playhouse or pretend home. They help encourage children to learn pretending and sometimes problem solving skills around the home. Being made of real wood they are durable and last for long periods of time. Wooden Playhouses also come in many varieties and sizes, making them ideal for children of all ages. Consumers can also purchase kitchens, and other accessories to go with it to add to the fun.

Having a craving for more mythological ideas then the Inflatable Bouncy Castle is the one for you. Why not slay the evil dragon and then have lunch, and while we are at it, the castle needs moved to the other side of the park. No problem this toy is easily inflatable and deflate able making it an easy task to move. Inflatable Bouncy Castles are a great choice if you have limited room in the back yard to use.

There are also riding toys that are convertible for children who cannot reach the ground yet. After the child is able to reach the ground, the parents can convert the toy so that they no longer have to push them to go. These toys are great for outside play, especially when in a playground or in the backyard. Some of the larger models do actually work, such as the Go Cart. It is recommended that children should be attended when driving the Go Cart and be age appropriate. There is a Pedal Go Cart as well from Madfun, which allows a rider to not require a motor to run.

Madfun also supplies swimming pools for those who enjoy the water. Why leave a kid outside on a hot day getting sun burned? Getting a pool for those hot days in the summer is a great idea. With Madfun there are plenty of accessories to go with the pool as well like a volleyball net, Ladder, Floating LED light, and even a heater. Swimming pools help young children and adults learn to swim, get plenty of exercise and keep cooled down. Swimming Pools range in size and price, so make sure if you buy one to get the right liner for cold winters or when the pool is not in use.

Overall, be it trampolines, climbing frames, playhouses or any other outdoor toy children can play in the safety of their back garden, away from roads and traffic and not just sitting indoors in front of games consoles.

The Use of Children's Toys in Promoting Healthy Development

When buying baby toys and children's toys a parent's main concern is usually the 'play value' of an item more accurately how many hours fun will a child derive from a new toy. Nobody wants to see the traditional cliché of spending good money on a toy and find the child playing with the box it came in! Another important factor and one that most parents don't consider is the benefits a toy can have on a child's development and growth.

Children develop in a number of ways namely; cognitive (mental ability), motor (physically), and socially (through interaction with others). A well thought out child's toy can, as well as being a lot of fun to play with, help to stimulate development in one or more of these areas. So when we visit the toy shops are there any simple do's and don'ts we should be considering when making that all important purchase?

First of all, and rather controversially, you can pretty much avoid the new wave of e-learning toys and computer based educational toys on the market. Studies have shown that these toys do little to stimulate a child's mental development as they tend to limit a child's mental options in the pursuit of a single pre-determined goal. Toys that restrict a child's imagination and ability to think 'out of the box' do little to promote learning as they do not develop new mental strategies or patterns of thinking. As any parent knows a child's imagination has no limits and it is this ability to think differently from adults that allows a child to grow cognitively at such an incredible rate. By playing a game with a fixed path and single outcome the child is never encouraged to think around a problem.

Research studies have demonstrated that traditional toys are the most useful when it comes to fueling mental development simply because a child can use them in any number of ways. This allows a playhouse to be anything from a hospital to a shop to the lunar control station for the next mission into space. It is through this creative thinking that children are able to create what the famous Child Physiologist, Jean Piaget, termed 'schemas', or new ways of thinking.

Traditional baby toys also come up trumps when it comes to developing physical ability too. A child's physical development can be divided into two major categories; gross motor skills (the development of the big muscles so we can run, jump and carry) and the fine motor skills (these allow us to manipulate things with our hands with great skill and dexterity). For years humble traditional toys such as shape sorters and hammer and peg benches have been great for helping hand eye co-ordination and developing little muscles and bikes, tricycles and scooters have been brilliant at developing the size, strength and co-ordination of the bodies larger muscles in older children.

Finally it seems simple toys may also be the answer when it comes to social development too. Toys that encourage interaction and team work are a great way to develop a child's ability to empathise and work with others. Role play toys are brilliant at this, allowing a child to try new situations in a safe environment and also to work with other children to create more complex make believe situations. They allow a child to act out situations and better understand the world around them whilst feeling secure at the same time.

So next time you go shopping for that killer Christmas or Birthday present for your child consider the following points.

1. Can the toy be used in a number of different ways?
2. Can a child transform the purpose of the toy with their own imagination and ideas?
3. Is the toy fun, safe, sturdy and exciting?
4. Does the toy offer different levels of activity so it can grow with the child?
5. Does the toy allow for social interaction with other children?
6. Will this toy still be popular with a child in a years time or merely a marketing fad?

Remember that despite all the expensive marketing, glossy adverts and eye catching packaging the latest robot dinosaur won't offer a child anywhere near the same level of developmental opportunities as the simple pull along wooden dog. Whatsmore long after Robo-Dino's batteries have gone dead, good old spotty dog will still be going for 'walkies'.

Adding A Whole New Level Of Fun With Outdoor Toys

There's no doubt that children love to play outdoors, no matter what the weather. In many cases, the toys in their bedroom are just not suitable for play in the backyard. Whether fragile, electrical or just containing many small parts (which are invariably lost), outdoor toys need to fulfill a completely different need.

From a very early age, playing outside means both physical activity and group play usually involving other kids of the same age. Since space is usually not a problem, providing age appropriate toys that are educational, encourage exercise and can include your child's friends are ideal. Don't forget to include toys that offer individual play as well, such as bicycles, riding toys, etc., for when the friends go home.

For younger children, start with a colorful playhouse, preferably designed around a favorite cartoon character. An especially fun toy for the garden is a sandbox or sandpit - your kids will spend hours playing there! These and others such as small slides, swings and climbing toys are usually made of a high-quality, non-toxic plastic that will last for years outdoors in any weather. Smoky and Little Tykes are two name brands that specialize in backyard toys for youngsters, and are relatively inexpensive.

As the kids grow older and start school, prefab climbing toys with a variety of built-in swings, slides, ropes and other features will not only provide hours of fun, but will help to develop their physical coordination and balance. It's also a good time to introduce seasonal appropriate sports equipment such as football, baseball, basketball and others to play with. Running, jumping and climbing, your son or daughter will get a lot of exercise, burn off their excess energy and be healthier!

For older children, nothing beats a trampoline for outdoor fun. If you don't mind your backyard being the center of the neighborhood, buy a good quality unit and provide adequate supervision for safety. Other gym equipment like hurdles, parallel bars and so on can also help to develop a healthy sense of competition among really active pre-teens.

In the winter, if you live in a snow belt, don't forget to provide a variety of sleds for downhill excitement. Skates, skis and other winter toys are ideal for teenagers to keep them physically active during the cold season. Conversely, during the summer months, even camping equipment for the backyard makes for a lot of fun. No matter what your child's age, providing suitable outdoor toys will benefit them in many different ways!