Suggestions for kids 18 months & 4 yrs.

[KFC911]

Looking for educational/learning videos, toys, books, etc. for my grand nieces. Both are already enamoured with books (critical imo), and I've just purchase a lot/set of "Baby Einstein" DVDs (to replace some broken VHS tapes they love). Thanks in advance!

[GH85Carrera]

Bongo drums!

The kids will love them. There is no need for battieries and there is no off swich. They can bang on the drums all day. Their parents will really love them too.

Just make a rule that no drums are allowed at your house.




Since I have no kids I am an total expert on raising children. I know all there is to know.

[KFC911]

Thanks Glen! I'll also throw in a bong so they're ready for kindergarten drum circles

[crustychief]

My daughter just turned two and she loves LEGOS (duplo). I got her a simple set of the larger ones with the pictures of numbers and letters on them.

http://search2.lego.com/exec/?q=5497&pt=&lang=2057&cc=US&u=

[cstreit]

Lego's and a Leapster went a long way in our house...

BIG Duplo legos so the 18 month old doesn't eat them...

[PorscheGAL]

Educational toys, learning toys for kids & children | MindWare Toys is a great website to find educational toys for all ages. Do the parents read to the kids? If so the 4 year old will like a book series called The Magic Treehouse. My son loved these. History and Adventure. Excellent. There is a series for little girls called Fancy Nancy. One book, in particular, is one on manners.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by PorscheGAL

. Do the parents read to the kids?...

Yes indeedy...parent's, grandparents, great-grandparents, and me too . I was always "gifted" in school, and it was pathetically easy for me to breeze through college making "A"s. I attribute a LOT of that to the nurturing environment I had at their age. The four year old is also showing signs that she also has the same "gift", that which can't be taught (you've either got "it" or ya don't) as I watch her do puzzles, solve problems, etc. and I want to challenge her (like I never really was until college). I was also gifted mathematically and like the idea of the Lego (one of my favorites as a child too) coupled with math. Thank you all for your suggestions I really appreciate it!

[74-911]

Suggest you look at books by Sandra Boynton. Our six grandkids (now ranging in age from 22 - 4, both boys and girls) all absolutely loved her books. Particularly good for the 2-3 age group. The books are all now tattered and the worst for wear but still favorites.

[Christien]

You really can't go wrong with musical instruments, no matter how young. Often you can find sets of durable percussion instruments at a music store. Yes, they may get noisy, but they're great for kids' creativity. You might look for a set of boomeackers - they're a set of pitched plastic tubes, so can be used for rhythm and melody. Kids love them.

[peppy]

I don't know how true it is, but with my son his speech therapists are really pushing the classics. They are telling us they make a difference in school later.

I like some of the Melisa & Doug puzzles and toys.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by Christien

You really can't go wrong with musical instruments... Kids love them.

I'd already thought of that (a great idea imo), but whatever I give them will remain at my parent's house (they keep them during the week sharing w/ the other grandparents), and alas musical talent does not run in our family...our loss . I've been a music lover all my life and would gladly trade some of my "gifts" for a bit of musical talent, but it just ain't happening. There is a piano in the living room, and their maternal grandfather was a pretty fair acoustic guitar player 30 years ago so there's still hope on that front however. Thanks Jack and Peppy...keep those ideas coming!