The Top 10 Recommended Toys by Moms

What do kids want for Christmas more than any kind of gift? Toys! What toy then would be the best to give? Here's a roundup of the 10 most recommended toys, according to the mommies of SP’s ParentChat community to help you with your toy-shopping for the holidays:

10. Exersaucer/Jumperoo

"I was hesitant to buy this as it might cause a delay in my daughter’s motor development,  but I realized that, with or without this toy, she will learn to walk when she’s ready.  I bought this toy because I wanted her to have a form of activity whether she’s sitting down or standing up, and indeed the Jumperoo keeps her busy. For me, this toy is a good buy, but parents must make sure not to use it as a walker." - Niza Fabian, 33-year old housewife, Ortigas, Pasig

Jumperoo, P7,500, available at Baby Co.
Image from http://www.fisher-price.com/en_US/brands/babygear/products/38839

9. Writing Board/Mega Sketcher

"My daughter (Veida, 4 years old) loves to draw. She's been using the Tomy MegaSketcher for 2 years.  It's like a mega magic slate but with a much clearer screen, a one sweep eraser, thin & thick pen styles and magnetic shapes. She absolutely loves it.  Also, I use this to teach her how to write." - Maritess Miranda-Enriquez, 40-year old housewife, Quezon City

Tomy Megasketcher, P1,000 at SM Toy Kingdom
Image from http://www.preciouslittleone.com/product-information/13/14367/tomy-chuggington-megasketcher/

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8. Tupperware Shape O/Shape Sorter

"The Tupperware Shape-O stimulates the mind, develops abstract reasoning and the ability to perceive shapes and sizes. The small pieces will not fit inside baby's mouth so there is no danger of ingestion. I bought it for my kids in the 70s and would recommend it for my apo." - Fe V. Ku-Gloria, Operations Manager and Chief Environmental Management Consultant

Shape sorters available at Robinson's Department Store Toys Section for P350 up
Image from http://babyology.com.au/toys/prizeapalooza-day-66-tupperware-shape-o.html

7. Toy Cars

"Toy cars are colorful, are easy to move around, and make sounds. Fisher Price's Poppity Pop Dump Truck, for example, is perfect for small hands. There are no sharp edges, no parts that could come off, no parts that are too small, and the toy can take the dropping and biting." - Gigi Beleno, 44, Freelance Researcher, Laguna

Toy car varieties for 0-2 years old available at Toys R Us from P300 - P700
Image from http://www.dillonstoybox.com/john-crane-wooden-racing-cars-by-pintoy-217-p.asp

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6. Dolls / Dolls with accessories
"I got a Corolle Calin Cerise doll for my daughter. I find it softer and lighter than popular, more expensive dolls of the same line. I wanted to encourage pretend play and with this, she learns independence and responsibility like feeding, putting her doll to sleep, use of the stroller and the potty. She also learns to be nurturing and sometimes I catch her talking to her doll like I talk to her." - Lisa Paras,  36, SAP Consultant, Paranaque City

You and Me dolls with accessories by Toys R Us available at Robinson's Department Store and Toys R Us for P550 - P1,200
Image from http://www.liveandlearn.com/corolle/calincerise.html

 

5. Board Games

"My son needs more personal interaction to develop his speech. I never thought an inexpensive board game would do the trick. The classic Slides and Ladders for example (Chutes and Ladders in the US) can teach counting, addition, taking turns, patience, the concept of winning and losing, and how to be a good sport. The drawings on the grids teach rewards and consequences. Playing this promotes verbal interaction between players. Without meaning to, he wins most of the time." - Jo Intreneo, 38, Housewife, San Diego CA

Slides and Ladders and other classic board games available at National Bookstore for P100.00
Image from http://humour.wikinut.com/img/3pnikoordceg32z7/Snakes-and-Ladders-Board

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4. Kidkraft/DIY Kitchen Playset

"I had my daughter's kitchen custom made. We made our own design and I had a relative make it with wood and paint according to our choice of colors and it saved me thousands of pesos. I completed it with play food made of cloth I crafted myself. The idea worked so well I plan to make it a business someday." - Iralyn Cabral, 29-year old mom, Hagonoy, Bulacan

Image from Ira Cabral

(Related story: Mompreneur Tes Sobeng, Wooden Toy Maker)

3. Wooden toys, blocks, puzzles

"I highly recommend Melissa & Doug. It's educational, sturdy, long lasting and safe to use. I just love the fact that it is made of wood!" - Jem Callosa-Manimbo, 26yo, financial analyst

Melissa and Doug wooden puzzles are available at popular toy stores from P500 up
Wooden toys are also available at Tahanang Walang Hagdanan from P300 up. Order online at https://www.twh.org.ph/oscommerce/catalog/index.php or through distributors at toy shops at Market Market, Taguig.
Image from http://www.realmccoytoys.com/trucks_trains__vehicles.html

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2. Building blocks/Lego

"I'm a Lego and Mega Blocks lover myself. Lego is for my older kids while Mega Blocks is for my youngest. Their creativity comes out with these toys and you'll be amazed with their works of art!" - Francesca Cruz, businesswoman, Pasay

Lego and Mega Blocks are available at popular toy stores from P800 up
Image from http://www.dkimages.com/discover/Home/Sports-Games-Recreation/Toys/Lego/Lego-1.html

1. Leapfrog Leap Pad
"My daughter learned about colors and shape through the Mr. Pencil game. She went to daycare in the middle of the semester but managed to catch up with her lessons in no time. Aside from the games, my daughter also loves taking photos and videos on her LeapPad. It is indeed pricey but worth it." - Vhan Liwanag, 31 years old, training officer, Alabang

Leapfrog Leap Pad, P7,000 up at major toy stores
Image from http://www.toytalk.co.uk/2011/02/leapfrog-unveils-the-leappad.html