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It would be blocks because…
They last forever! You can use them to teach color and shape. They build fine motor skills as children practice stacking and balancing. Children can explore 2D and 3D aesthetic design with them. They provide hands-on practice for creating sturdy and functional 3D design. Blocks are an open-ended toy with infinite creative possibilities! ”They” play nicely with other toys. It is okay if one is missing. Children of ALL AGES enjoy blocks. It’s fun to knock them down! They never end up in the basement!
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If you don’t have blocks yet and I have inspired you to get a set why not consider this 36 piece set that comes with a pull cart: Melissa and Doug Unit Blocks on Wheels
Or this beautiful 50 piece set from The Land of Nod: Kids Educational Toys: Kids 50 Piece Colorful Wooden Block Set
Or this colorful 42 piece set with fun balancing shapes from One Step Ahead: PBS Kids City Exploration Building Blocks
Or how about a 46 piece set with more “architectural” pieces offered through Amazon: PlanToys Plan Preschool Creative Blocks, 35 mm
Or these giant foam blocks offered through Amazon: EduShape Wood- Like Giant Blocks 726032
*If you are interested in any of my selections, consider clicking on my hyperlinks (the blue text) which will take you to the retailer. It doesn’t cost you any more and helps support my blog!
Blocks were the number one thing I played with my dad, and I can remember from a very young age building little cities that I can still see in my head. I never got my kids the same wooden blocks I had, as some colorful foam ones ended up in my lap, but for Christmas last year I got them this awesome (and kind of pricey) oversized faux wood grain set of foam blocks that NEVER don’t get played with.
http://www.wayfair.com/edushape-Wood-Like-Giant-Toy-Blocks-726032-EDS1242.html?refid=GPA49-EDS1242&gclid=CKySxJi57q0CFQ5_hwodHlyZ6w
I do like those for over-sized blocks because the really big wooden ones can be a little dangerous and ding wood floors. Thanks for the addition!
Blocks are timeless and I think all kids love them even inner child in the adult, we love to sit with the little one and play blocks with them!
So true! It is a toy that adults seem to like to play with too – kids of all ages ; )
I am with you!! Did you know about these giant blocks from Community? My kids played with them at preschool and I bought two sets. They are expensive and built seemingly by the Amish but they LAST and are endlessly used.
http://www.pragmaticmom.com/?p=42
Thanks for the recommendation! The big natural finish blocks are definitely great too!
http://www.communityplaythings.com/products/blocks/index.html
here’s the link to their site.
Don’t forget how fun it is to get hit in the eye with flying blocks! Blocks were definitely my favorite.
I should have added that – they make great weapons!
It’s funny too because kids never seem to get too excited about GETTING blocks but they end up playing with them the most. What do you make of that?!
Blocks are awesome! My sister has the foam ones another reader mentioned, and my kids LOVE playing with them at her house! We have plain old wood ones – and some awesome hollow wooden ones my parents bought when they lived in Sweden.
Thanks Maryann – I bet the ones from Sweden are cool! All this talk about blocks is making me feel like we need a second set!
I could not agree with you more! Simon has that top Melissa and Doug set, as well as another all uncolored wood block set. We also have some megablocks and another toddler lego style block. All three of us love playing with them. Simon likes blocks so much we are even having a building block themed birthday for his 2nd.
Great ideas for a party theme! I’m picturing the cake now!
I love blocks. Sometimes I worry the great old school toys will get left in the dust because of the new fangled stuff and like you wrote about there are tremendous learning opportunities when you go old school.
Like all your choices here too!
Hi Tania – totally agree, thanks!
Oh boy do we love blocks!!! My kiddo is a “build ‘em up to knock ‘em down” kinda kid
Popping in from Playtime Linky
Thanks for stopping by!
My eldest is just getting into blocks, she sees pictures of towers and wants to make them herself. Her birthday is very soon so I think a great set of blocks would be perfect. Thank you for your post.
You’re welcome! So many great sets to choose from! Thanks for stopping by!!!
So much you do with blocks and I just love how they grow with kids. I am a new Pinterest follower visiting from It’s Playtime. Vicky from Mess For Less
Definitely grow with your kids – thanks for stopping by!