Toys Worth Buying

Children nowadays are so privileged. I remember when I was a kid, I wouldn't dare ask my parents to buy this toy and that without considering the price and the occasion. My parents were just average income earners and most of the time, were on shoe string budget. Even so, when I shared this with my friends, they said the same too. We were less bold in asking for toys and such - partly because of our more traditional up-bringing versus today's children.

Because I love my kids and I do so love shopping too (oops!), from time to time, I'd reward my children and make them happy. Particularly when they do well in their work or have been good boys. Actually, I don't mind spending on toys which have educational values or those which stimulate their creativity and thinking. One of which is puzzles or blocks.

From 1-2 years old, I introduced Ryan to blocks. Megablocks and wooden blocks. I'd teach him to build houses and bridges and so forth. Then I'd leave him to it to show me what he can do. Now Raymund is catching on and he is especially encouraged when he can make something interesting out of it. You'd be surprised by what children can do base on their imagination.

Now I have progressed Ryan to more complicated puzzles. He got a Lego set (smaller pieces) for his birthday and he is really fascinated with it. I wouldn't let Raymund or Rachel near him when he plays these small pieces. The pieces can be very small and if you have babies and young children, it is dangerous if they put the pieces into their mouth. Lego has different range which is graded by children's age. Go for the bigger pieces if your children are still small. Alternative is Megablock - big and suitable for very young children.

A friend from HK recently gave us an interesting 3D cube puzzle that they can piece together to build anything that they can think of. I find this very good and allows better creativity since it is now 3D/cube instead of just stacking up like blocks and Legos. Ryan is able to build robots, space ships, rockets, etc with it. He loves it! Quite unfortunately, I can't find this product in Malaysia.

To take this further, my sons love to play soldiers, dinosaurs, cars and sea animals pieces. Together with these blocks, they will build a fortress from the blocks and then position soldiers, dinosaurs, robots in combat positions. Sometimes, they would build house and bridges and then play cars on them. All we have to do is give them suggestions every now and then. Don't limit them to logistics and must-dos, should-dos - just give them a free hand and build on their creativity. That's my view :) Sometimes, I find that Ryan and Raymund's creations are much nicer and more interesting than mine.

The next birthday - Raymund's - I know what to get for them. Another puzzle called Zoob. More affordable and you can get it at Isetan. Check out this site about Zoob: http://www.infinitoy.com/zoob/index.shtml

And yes ... I think I'm spoiling my kids too :(