Choosing the right toy for your child can quickly become a headache, as the options are so vast. Around 18 months, children enter the age of imitation and upright exploration. In this guide, we review the truly appropriate toys, explaining why they work at this specific age.
Why this age is crucial
Each age group corresponds to a specific developmental window. Skipping a step or imposing a toy that is too complex is rarely productive. Conversely, a toy that is too simple quickly bores the child. The challenge is to target the zone of proximal development: what the child cannot yet do but can learn with a little help.
Our top 5 explained
First choice: a versatile toy that supports several months of development. Second choice: a classic that has proven its worth. Third: a more creative option to stimulate imagination. Fourth: a sensory awakening toy. Fifth: a motor skill toy. Combine them according to your child's profile.
How much to spend?
There's no need to aim for high-end at all costs. For this age group, a budget of €20 to €50 per toy allows for quality products. Second-hand is also an excellent option, especially for solid wooden toys or major brands.
Our selection criteria
For this selection, we looked at safety (CE, EN 71 standards, absence of small parts), durability of materials, long-term play interest, and suitability for the skills the child develops at this age. Parental feedback and the opinion of early childhood professionals also weighed in the balance.
Pitfalls to avoid
Beware of toys overloaded with lights and sounds: they capture attention but the child is more passive than actively playing. Also avoid toys that are too "gendered" or cliché. Prioritize open-ended toys that allow for imagination and multiple play scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age is this toy truly suitable?
The age indicated by the manufacturer is a minimum. Depending on the child's maturity, use can extend over several years.
How many toys are needed for this age?
Better to have few and well-chosen. 10 to 15 toys available at a time are more than enough and allow for rotation.
Should I prefer new or second-hand?
Second-hand is excellent for wooden toys or major brands. For plush toys and teething toys, new is safer.
The toy market evolves, but a few principles remain: quality, simplicity, age appropriateness. By applying these rules, you limit waste and offer the child objects that truly have meaning. It's better for everyone, including your wallet.