Toys to Inspire this Christmas

Janet Pillsbury with Discovery Toys.

Christmas is rapidly approaching, and for many parents that means full-blown, Mach-10, “all systems go” toy shopping mode. And while video games and iPods are at the top of many lists, some parents may be looking for alternatives to the selection of toys available at the large retail stores, and if those alternatives provide some educational benefits as well as fun, then all the better.

Janet Pillsbury is an Independent Team Leader for Discovery Toys and a mom to a toddler girl, as well as a former teacher. As the Discovery Toys motto says, their toys are meant to “teach, play, and inspire” children of all ages. “We all need to play,” says Pillsbury, “and we all need to have fun and connect with each other. Our toys offer that interaction.”

When asked about the most popular toys being ordered for holiday gifts this year, Pillsbury pointed out some top sellers. The Marbleworks set is a system of 46 colorful tubes, shoots, bases, and marbles that allow children to create an infinite number of raceway configurations. The toy helps demonstrate the law of gravity, object permanence, and cause and effect. Pillsbury is always surprised by the new and interesting set ups that her customer’s children create with Marbleworks, including one child who assembled three sets together and sent marbles racing down a staircase.

With many families choosing to spend time at home in an effort to save money, Pillsbury notes that family games are very popular this season. Labyrinth is a family game where players move through a series of evolving mazes, which reinforce strategic thinking and problem solving skills. And although children are the focus of most toy purchases, Pillsbury points out that seniors can benefit from many of the Discovery Toy games as well. Tricky Fingers is a challenging game for young and old alike, which has players move a series of colored balls around inside a case in an effort to match the pattern shown on one of 14 playing cards. According to Pillsbury, “ This is excellent for improving fine motor skills in seniors and young children.”

While the more mainstream toys certainly have their place during the holiday season, perhaps this year might be a good opportunity to explore adding some goodies under the tree that are fun and educational. And who knows, maybe you’ll enjoying playing with them as well. After all, “We all need to play.”

Janet Pillsbury may be contacted through her website www.toyladyjanet.com.