Is It Better to Buy Fun Toys Or Educational Toys?

i find that a little bit of both is the answer

1. Where can I get educational toys that aren't too pricey for a 2 1/2 year old girl?

Books or puzzles are always a good choice! If I am giving a book as a gift, I like to include a little toy to go along with it - if it's a book about cars, I would include a little toy car; if it's a book about animals, I would include a stuffed animal... Something for the two of you to do together (since you mentioned that you watch her) would be nice, too - my daughter likes sticker books similar to the one in the link - it helps teach letters, as well as gives a fun activity for you to do with her. Or, an activity book with art projects and fun stuff you could do together, along with some paints and paper, or other supplies. You could put them all together in a special box that she can use for storage, too! It does not have to be expensive to be fun, educational, and special!

2. Friends and Co-Workers seem critical that I am not into Educational Toys for my Kids?

This issue really sets me off. A set of blocks is educational for a toddler or preschooler. So is the collection of pots, pans, and spoons. Or a mirror. Or two stuffed animals who can have adventures together spanning a whole host of things that a child is learning about. Or (crazy idea) -- a book. Most of the "educational" toys on the market are just plain ridiculous. Something does not become educational just because it has the abcs printed on it, and there's a whole lot more to learn about life than letters and numbers. In my opinion, most "educational" toys are a marketing scam that do more harm than good, at least if they come in the place of more traditional and imaginative toys. And I can tell you my kids have done great academically in kindergarten and beyond without them. If you want a good argument back to your co-workers, I recommend reading "Einstein Never Used Flashcards" from your local library or book store.

3. What educational toys are available for sight impaired children?

Balls on spindles Physioballs (or any large balls) Gertie Balls (soft and easy for little hands to grasp) Stacking toys Nesting toys Peg boards Magnetic blocks Bristle blocks Mega Blocks Wooden Braille blocks Shape toys in graduated sizes that fit into a base Wooden puzzles with knobs Lauri puzzles Duplo Blocks Waffle Blocks Velcro Blocks Large cardboard blocks Lauri Lacing Bears My Buddy doll (good for practicing zipping, buttoning, etc.) Play Sink and dishes Play oven and skillet by Fisher-Price Little people and school house by Fisher-Price Velcro fruits and vegetables with plastic or wooden knife Music and story tapes Floor Piano (a soft mat with "keys" you step on) Talking toys Golden Sound Story Books Musical instruments Plastic music boxes with easy to turn knobs Tomy and Shelcore action, noise, and music toys Sparkling Symphony Gym Sight, Sound, and Touch Bugs by Fisher-Price (they sing and wiggle) 1-2-3 Sing-Along Puppy Kick and Play Piano Play Doh Fun Factory (also use with cookie cutters, small rolling pin, plastic knife) Scented markers The Wonderhorse Spring Action Riding Horse Workbench by Fisher-Price Sit and Spin by Today's Kids Garage by Fisher-Price Wooden train and tracks Beauty Salon by Fisher-Price Riding toys Trampoline with handle Happy Vehicles Look for things with sound, smell, taste, or interesting textures. Good luck!

4. Do you really believe that 'educational' toys help your child get smarter?

I do not know if I believe that? I do believe that children learn through playing and having toys is beneficial to them. I do have my daughter watch an educational video daily (letters and counting) and yes everyday since she was 3 months old I have done abc's flashcards with her and numbers. She is 17 months and knows all the letters and sounds and the picture that goes with each letter. Plus she knows numbers. She can say more than 25 words and I think that's good. None of this is hurting her, sure, I just want her to "think" not necessarily be ahead of anyone else...