Gifts for the Kid can be difficult at times, especially if they already have a plethora of gadgets and gizmos. Add to that the dizzying array of toys, excellent equipment, stocking stuffers, book gifts on the market, and various age groups, and you’ve got an overwhelming decision to make. But don’t worry: there are many one-of-a-kind gifts parents and loved ones can purchase for the tot who has too many toys to count. It all comes down to thinking beyond the box.
VTECH LATCHES & DOORS BUSY BOARD
OK, parents: the Vetch Latches & Doors Busy Board is EVERYTHING if you want your toddler to have some productive play time so you can enjoy your coffee while it’s still hot! Our testers ranged in age from 1-3 years, and their enthusiasm for this toy bonnie was palpable.
They enjoyed exploring the five windows and doors that required different hand motions to open (a latch, switch, key, etc.). This helped them hone their fine motor skills. The on/off porch light switch was a big hit, as it teaches children cause and effect; as one 2-year-old pointed out, “mom, that button turns on the light!””
VTECH SCOOP & PLAY DIGGER
If your child enjoys building things, they will go NUTS for the VTech Scoop & Play Digger. When you move this interactive excavator forward, the scoop will automatically lower to capture falling debris and then raise up to deposit it in the hatch. Our young testers thought it was the coolest thing ever! As the pieces are loaded, the digger counts them from 1 to 10, and colorful gears whirl, causing fun sounds to be produced. It truly is a sight to behold!
Three separate play modes stimulate movement and pretend play, which adds to the excitement. The music mode plays songs and sound effects, while the learning mode teaches about colors, objects, and numbers. Quiz mode asks fun questions about colors, numbers, and construction.
TREASURE SEEKERS PIRATE SHIP
Looking for a toy that fosters daring, imaginative play while also packing in loads of interactive features? Look no further than Vetch’s Treasure Seekers Pirate Ship. This 2-in-1 toy transforms from a pirate ship to a deserted island, providing children with twice the enjoyment. We like how it has two modes of play: “Explore” for learning colors, letters, and numbers (a parent favorite!) and “Role Play” for fun pirate noises and phrases.
The Ship’s various interactive features, including the rotating sails, spinning steering wheel, opening and shutting treasure chest, rolling octopus, and, most significantly, loading and firing the canon, kept children as young as 18 months and as old as 4 years engaged.
VTECH EXPLORE & WRITE ACTIVITY DESK
Some say that when it comes to gifts, go big or go home, and this is a large toy that will surely knock their little socks off. The Explore & Write Activity Desk is not only an eye-catching gift to open, but it also has a plethora of exciting learning activities.
Our toddler testers liked the small desk and stool, which let them play with the interactive desktop. Five individual sheets can teach letter and number recognition, color identification, body parts, and more. Kids can practice writing or tracing letters, numbers, and shapes on a cool writing pad and light-up stylus. A toy cell phone and music player are included.
