Some parents let their kids play on the computer from the earliest age. This probably has some advantages, but I always think chances are that today’s kids will spend a huge part of their lives in front of some kind of computer. So it would be a wise idea to introduce them to other things in life as well, don’t you think? Sports and outdoor games, paper arts, playing with old fashioned toys, or even making them are all great options to develop more curiosity, creativity and wider worldview in your children.
And early childhood is the best time for this – in school it could be too late. Here are 10 ideas for old fashioned and mechanical toys that can help you grow a smarter and happier kids:
1. Wooden car. Wooden toys are a great option for so many reasons – they are safe, ecological, warm and simple. Kids can easily understand them and the way they work. Wooden cars are great especially for boys – very often they even want to make them on their own. And making wooden toys isn’t that hard!
2. Mechanical wind-up animal. Another great idea for curious kids is giving them a wind-up animal. These toys are very affordable nowadays and while they aren’t as durable as the ones from your childhood, they are still as amazing. Wind-up animals and all kinds of wind-up toys can inspire a lot of creativity and interest in science. Just be careful when choosing the toy, because small wind-ups are not appropriate for little kids.
3. Simple cam toy. A better idea for kids younger than 4-5 years are the cam toys. They can be very simple and have all their gears exposed to the curious kid. Besides the educational effect, these toys are real fun even for adults.
4. Outdoor ride-on spring toy. Don’t forget that your kid needs movement and a lot of it. If you have a garden think about installing a ride-on spring toy – usually they are animals, but cars, bikes, airplanes or spaceships are also a good option. These toys have one large spring at the bottom that allows riding and smooth rocking – and most kids truly enjoy them.
5. Origami toy. Now let’s go back in the room. There’s nothing easier than taking a sheet of paper and folding it few times to make a toy. Or at least it looks like that! Try to make some origami toys together with your kid, this is not only a great way to spend some time together but it’s also one of the best creativity motivators. And at least making origami toys is nearly free.
6. A kite. Do you remember kites? I have no idea why today kids don’t play with them – they are some of the simplest and most exciting toys ever invented. A kite will keep your kids outside and will encourage them to run with it until they get exhausted. It’s an excellent combination of sport and fun.
7. Retro tin robot. Don’t forget to combine toys that encourage sports with ones that inspire mental creativity and good taste. Within the most stylish vintage toys I remember from my childhood are the tin robots – either wind-ups or just static ones. These toys look amazing and remind the great era when everyone was interested in spaceships and robots. As these toys are made of tin they have completely different feel than the ones made of plastic or wood. Just be careful as too little kids can get hurt if the tin break somewhere.
8. Big model airplane. Model airplanes are a popular hobby within children and adults. However the small and precise scale models are not most appropriate for pre-school kids – they can’t understand them neither find them too attractive. But there are also model airplanes that are large enough for the kid to sit inside. Now that’s a real fun with old fashioned toy! Definitely consider such one, your kid will be happy and grateful for it.
9. Rubik’s cube. No doubt this is one of the most genius mechanical toys ever invented. It’s a 3-D puzzle looking simple but not as simple to solve. And this evergreen toy is suitable for all ages over 3 – even for teenagers. A real classic!
10. A puzzle. Even 2-D puzzles are always actual. They are great for developing attention, visual thinking, and observation. Made of wood, paper or plastic puzzles usually are perfectly safe for all kids. And best of all there are puzzles for all ages – from very simple ones with 8 parts for the 2 years old to the complex ones with 2,000 parts for the most experienced teenager or adult.
Retro and mechanical toys and great to keep your kids moving and thinking. They shouldn’t miss these opportunities for entertainment and education.