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Simple Toys

© Diane Marquette

Children usually have pretty extensive video collections at their own homes. Invite them to bring a few with them when they come to visit. Children love to watch the same tapes over and over again. If you want to buy some videos to keep at your house, buy something that is different for them. Try some educational tapes such as the ones produced by National Geographic magazine. They are specifically geared towards children and will be a treat for them to see whenever they visit you.

Coloring books and crayons are just as popular today as they were when you were little. Books are always a great idea, too. Keep a collection of books that includes several bedtime stories that they will love to hear you read to them. This is one of the best memory-making experiences you can share. Keep their little books on a low shelf where they can easily pull them out. As the children get older, start a library just for them, selecting best-selling titles, and having a children’s dictionary and encyclopedia for their use.

Some of the toys that you remember playing with as a child are still available today. Lego’s and Lincoln Logs and Etch-A-Sketches are out there. Don’t forget about Monopoly, Sorry, Checkers, and Old Maid. They don’t always have to be playing computer games or using electronic toys to have fun.

When your grandchildren or step-grandchildren outgrow any of these toys, pass them on to other grandparents who have children a little younger than yours. Or, donate these unused toys and books to a shelter for abused women.