The ultimate guide to developmental toys
Fidget toys safety rated for toddlers Toddler fidget toys are a great way to promote the development of fine motor skills including grasping, pinching, and eye-hand coordination. It has been shown that fidget toys are a great tool for older kids to self-regulate, improve memory and concentration, and enhance dedicated focus on cognitively strenuous tasks. Here … Read more
Tons of ideas for playing outside It seemed like winter would last forever, but now it’s nearly Summertime, and the weather is heating up! It’s time to pack away the sweaters and start digging the outdoor toys out of the back of the garage and GET PLAYING! Here at SmartToys we are huge advocates of … Read more
DIY treehouse kits The house on the block with a tree fort is the envy of the entire neighborhood. Outdoor treehouse kits can range from very simple to amazingly complex; but, don’t get too overwhelmed. These days, there are a variety of DIY options and complete building kits that will get you well on your … Read more
What is the best Rubik’s Cube in the world? Well, the answer is a little more complex than you might think, and all depends on your goal. Are you looking for the fastest cube to solve? The most challenging feat? Or maybe a cube with some training wheels? Whatever you are looking for, we can … Read more
BluTrack Review (Hot Wheels Alternative) Best racetracks for diecast derby racing. Building racetracks is a great physics, engineering, and design lesson all rolled into one. Plus, it’s super fun to race the cars through the track once you’ve finished building! All in all, they are an absolutely amazing Hot Wheels alternative. If your kids love to race … Read more
How to make slime? Slime (AKA goo, flubber, gak, and silly putty) is the newest creative fad! Slime is a great way for kids to explore different textures, feelings and consistencies. It is also a great project to begin teaching your kids basic recipes, following instructions, and working as part of a group. Plus, slime … Read more
9 Best Stop Motion Animation Kits Looking for animation toys for kids? Depending on the skill level of the user, stop-motion animations can range from relatively rudimentary to extremely complex. But, at their simplest, movie-making kits for kids are an easy way for children as young as 6 to get their feet wet with film-making. … Read more
Awesome alternatives to the Rubik’s Cube Let’s get one thing clear, we love the Rubik’s Cube. We think it’s a fantastic brain teaser that’s challenging enough to stretch the brain, but possible enough to solve (eventually) without too much undue frustration. But, maybe you’ve had a Rubik’s Cube sitting on your desk for too long, … Read more
The best rattles for your new baby Ever wonder why baby rattles are a mainstay of the baby registry? Why exactly every baby in the world seems to just love shaking one and delighting at the sound they have made? Once babies reach around 3 months of age and grow out of the “pretty much sleeping and … Read more
Toys for emotional and social development Toys help kids grow, learn, develop intellectually, and thrive physically. Everyone knows that play is crucial in developing gross and fine motor skills, strength and coordination, and much more. But what about emotional development? Play should also enhance social competence through verbal and nonverbal communication and develop emotional regulation … Read more
