If you are a parent, navigating the latest shiny toys vying for your attention, sleuthing behind the marketing, and understanding what’s truly best for your growing child can be daunting.
Choose presents that consider the whole and healthy development of your child. Why? For one thing, it helps you make a wish list that will ensure you’re supplying your kids, and filling your space, with things you actually want.
After all, the statistics are not looking good for an increasingly digital, indoor generation.
The gifting season also marks a time of new beginnings. Choosing gifts offers a great opportunity to reflect on your lifestyle and living spaces and to support your children’s natural development.
Read on for building biology tips how to choose presents that support biological development, focusing on the younger age groups 0-3 years old.
When you’re buying a gift…
Avoid Any devices with a Screen
Children’s brains are at critical developmental stages, especially under three. Any time spent on a screen impairs the neuronal installation process. There is a big body of research already linking screen time to under developed brains such as the all-important pre frontal cortex necessary for executive function (the part that tells you what’s best to do and how to plan ahead).
The American Paediatric Association recommends zero screen time for children under two.
Do your family and friends a favour, and just avoid giving screen-based gifts.
Avoid Any devices with only Wireless Connection
Radio frequency radiation is particularly linked to brain and gut issues, which are at critical stages of development in children.
Children are incredibly sensitive to artificial electromagnetic fields due to their small body weight and thinner skulls. Any device in their hands or near them should be hard wired. Skip over those toys, tablets, speakers, and radios that are Bluetooth only.
Avoid Any item that has known toxins
Check painted cups and toys for lead. Overly plush polyester toys that contribute to estrogenic dust in your child’s bedroom.
Now that we’ve gotten those out of the way, explore these options:
Wooden educational toys
More than an aesthetic favourite. Non toxic and natural materials offer a lush and safe sensory experience.
Things made from nature, instead of say plastic, also have an inherent vitality that our body can sense.
High quality toys from natural materials will be valued and loved, possibly earning a permanent place in your home!
Click here to learn more about natural materials for children.
Bauspiel — another great example, crafted from native beeches and alder.
PlanToys — designed to mix and match
Blocks give endless open-ended play
Wooden building blocks are a classic and aesthetic gift that is essential for any child. Blocks allow open ended play, so that children can explore freely.
Support your child’s independence with Montessori objects
Children love exploring their environment. Offer toys that being able to “master” skills. Montessori-aligned toys and objects are play based and encourage independent exploration.
Play silks — check out these playful batik play silks
Lego bricks
Barn toys Melissa & Dough
Animals Schleich
Embroidery for kids
Non toxic beeswax crayons by Eco Kids
Go for outdoors
Adventure gifts are always fun, even adults will enjoy them. Build your coolest collection of ideas for the outdoors.
Encourage natural movement
The more your child moves, the more the body is primed to respond and grow.
For toddlers, a Pikler triangle is a great way of encouraging your kid to learn climbing in a safe place.
Bow and arrow set from Decathlon
Bamboo outdoor and indoor climbing sets from Bamboo Baby Bravo
Create a landing space
We’re familiar with the idea (and Instagram) of a play space, but children enjoy gaining independence and skills too. Hooks and cubbies where kids can put away their shoes and backpacks immediately when they walk in the door.
It looks tidy. Even better, it’s an way way to foster a sense of home for your child, as they organise, plan, and even play in these spaces.
Social games
Even generic board games can give lots of fun, especially when it involves friends and family.
Some examples of such items here:
Fidget Cube (great replacement for a plastic fidget spinner!)
Putting it all together
We want the best for our children, and gifting takes on a whole meaning when we consider how things are supporting or hindering their potential.
These gifts offer the gift of open ended play in connection with Nature, letting your child’s best biological potential unfold.
Healthy homes help make healthy kids
At the end of the day, you (i.e., mum and dad!) will be the one picking up after the children. This is not only literal — I’ve sorted hundreds of Lego’s, unpeeled stickers out of hair, and retrieved items from body parts…
If an item or a toy isn’t serving your child’s best interest, you’re adding to your own load as parent.
Happy shopping!
