When shopping for toys for a toddler, consider stocking up on the basic staples, just as you would for your pantry. Just as it’s always good to have flour, olive oil and pasta on hand, having the following toys available to your youngsters covers the basics and makes imaginative, age-appropriate, healthful play available any day of the year.

The toys listed below provide great flexibility, in which activities are limited only by a child’s imagination (which naturally is huge!)

Basic guidelines: Purchase toys made of solid wood that are either unfinished or have a non-toxic finish; purchase toys made of organic cotton, wool or hemp. Avoid any long or loose strings, small parts and sharp edges. Remember that toddlers tend to put toys (and everything) into their mouths, so it’s especially important to make sure that you choose toys that are non-toxic. Avoiding soft plastics (which contain hormone disrupting pthalates) and following the above guideline re: wooden and soft toys will optimize the safety of your child’s toy box.

Some suggestions for non-toxic toys:
Wooden building blocks
Nesting cubes
Bean bags
Read aloud books
Unbreakable, light metal mixing bowls
Soft dolls
Fabric balls
Dress-up clothes and accessories (purses, hats, etc.–but nothing small enough to be a choking hazard.)
Jack-in-the-box
Kitchen sets
Miniature wagon
Wooden animals
Barn and farm set
Puppets
Playing cards
Pull and push toys
Toddler safe-swing
Sandbox with clean sand
Pretend money (be aware of size.)
Stuffed animals
Unbreakable dishes (made of tin or compostable/recycled materials)
Puzzles (lift-out size)
Recycled paper
Non-toxic crayons (older toddlers)
Clean, used towels
Scarves
Cardboard tubes
Finger paint
Musical instruments made of wood, metal, smooth edges (triangles, shakers, sand blocks, rhythm sticks, tambourines, drum)

By Terri Hall-Jackson, contributing writer, Care2.com

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