Educational Toddler Toys, 12-15 months

At this age your child wants to be the center of attention. He/she will probably be very social so encourage interaction with other people; grandparents, cousins, other children the same age.

Your child will be beginning to develop his/her vocabulary so talk to you child about everything you are doing and everything your child is doing. When bathing your child bring in some more advanced toys, for example eye droppers, strainers, and more plastic toys.

Your child's artistic ability will be developing even more during these months so encourage coloring with crayons on white plain paper. Coloring with your child will make him/her happy and be fun for you too. Starting an art drawer for your child will encourage him/her to develop the creator inside. Your child will enjoy coloring and artwork for the next several years so let him/her have fun with it beginning now!

Books are still a wonderful way to keep interacting with your child. Books with different textures and big, colorful pictures are good to read to your child. Still spend time outside with nature too, especially when it's warm and sunny outside. Try different outings like a picnic in the park on an afternoon.

Toy makers will often list on the packaging (or otherwise) to the buyer of what skills are enhanced through a certain toy. A few will have a chart that lists which toys help develop a particular skill(s) and learning styles.

Try the below links for toys that may help develop skills and learning styles. Also below are some suggestions for toys and games.

15-18 months

These next few months your child will be changing from a "wobbler" to a "toddler." He/she will want to be constantly on the go, and sometimes your child will drop with exhaustion. Toys that can be pushed are great for your child to gain confidence in mobility as he/she begins to walk everywhere.

New fun things to do would be things like blowing bubbles together outside. Several fun and educational games to play with bubbles are: poking the bubble, catching the bubble, stomping the bubble, squeezing, caressing and clapping the bubble (great ways to increase fine and gross motor skills).

Finger painting, while messing is very rewarding for the child to make his/her own picture! Being creative and having fun are some of the best things while you're a one and a half year old! Beads are great fun to string on for necklaces or bracelets but be careful and make sure you are watching your child play (fine motor skills).

Playing with cards is something new to bring to the equation. Playing with these, you can help your child learn how to organize different colors and shapes (includes creativity skills).

Books are still wonderful to read, keep raising the level of books just slightly as your child gets older. Ask your child about the book. "What do you think happened to _______ in the story?" or other questions that will spark creativity.

Spend even more time outside if possible, in cold or warm weather. Then your child will learn to appreciate a warm or air conditioned house to come home too everyday.

Toy makers will often inform the user of what skills are enhanced through a certain toy. Some will have a chart that lists which toys help expand a particular skill(s) and learning styles.

Try the below link for toys that may help develop skills and learning styles. Also below are some suggestions for toys and games.

Great Brands for educational toys

Girl: teddy bear, toy telephone, balls, shape sorter, stacking cups, wooden blocks, duplo blocks, magna doodle, baby doll, hide-and-seek, peek-a-boo, tumbling/gymnastics

Boy: balls, shape sorters, magna doodle, wooden blocks, duplo blocks, teddy bear, Playskool Go Around, Squishy fish, games of chase, hide-and-seek, peek-a-boo