| Remember toys without batteries? Without buttons | | | | game still played today, "Clue" challenges children's |
| and video screens, that involved physical activity? | | | | (and adults') logical prowess as they try to figure out |
| Toys that engaged the child's imagination? This holiday | | | | "whodunit." |
| season, think about introducing your children or | | | | Don't forget to introduce your children or grandchildren |
| grandchildren to the toys, games, and books that | | | | to the books you enjoyed as a child. "Heidi," "Treasure |
| excited you when you were a kid. | | | | Island," the "Little House" books by Laura Ingalls Wilder - |
| For young children, toys that they can manipulate will | | | | the reason you remember them is that they're classics, |
| entertain them while they develop essential dexterity | | | | well written and as exciting for today's generation of |
| skills. Slinky toys, pull toys, spinning tops, and toy | | | | young people as they were when you were growing |
| vehicles like trains, tractors and cars stimulate those | | | | up. Children love to be read to, so consider these |
| neurons as they learn how things work. Dolls, puppets, | | | | wonderful classics as a chance to snuggle up with the |
| and stuffed animals, like the ever-popular Raggedy | | | | kids or grandkids as you read to them. Don't forget to |
| Ann and Andy dolls, the Lamb Chop puppet that was | | | | reminisce about your childhood while you're interacting |
| a favorite in the fifties and sixties, and all kinds of | | | | with them, reading, playing games, or watching them |
| bears, give kids something to cuddle while they | | | | play; this times are a great opportunity to begin to pass |
| practice their communication skills on their little friends. | | | | along the family stories that are so much a part of |
| For older children, board games are a great way to | | | | daily life. |
| connect with friends and family. "Chutes and Ladders" | | | | Unplugging your children or grandchildren from the TV, |
| is an engaging, unpredictable game that inspires lots of | | | | the DVD player, and the Game Boy will be doing them |
| laughter as players progress through the ladders, and | | | | a big favor. Getting them involved with toys, games |
| then suddenly end up at the bottom of the board as | | | | and books that will stimulate their minds and their |
| they unexpectedly encounter a chute. Another vintage | | | | hearts will pay off for them for years to come. |