What types of toys for 18 month old boys should you buy? Once your boy is already 18 months old, his developmental task is to assert his autonomy although he is constantly aware of his own limitations. He wants to feel independent, but he still looks for guidance which you should rightfully give. The best types of toys at this stage would be toys that would allow him to tinker with things with his own hands. He is going to touch anything, including things that are better off left untouched such as glasses, vases, and sharp objects.
The right toys for 18 month old boys should engage their hands and be interesting enough as diversions. Here are five kinds of toys that are proper for an 18 month old boy:
1. Puzzles
An 18 month old boy can easily manipulate puzzles, whether he loves to simply touch the pieces and observe them, or whether he loves the thrill of succeeding in a task independently. You can guide your boy regarding the objectives of the puzzles, but you should let your boy touch the pieces too, even if the immediate goal is not to complete the puzzle yet.
2. Balls
At 18 months, a boy should be able to walk and run already. Giving him balls (big ones that cannot be swallowed) can help him coordinate body movements. Balls also provide plenty of physical activity for your boy. He can throw, kick, or just move the balls in the way he wants to. Of course, you can even play with him.
The Edushape 4" Sensory Balls are a great choice for this type of activity. They are soft and spikey. Don’t let the term “spikey” fool you. That feature is excellent for developing grasping skills.
3. Blocks
Like puzzles, blocks can be easily manipulated, thus providing plenty of touch activity for your boy. He can stack the blocks, sort them, or just look at them. Play with him and demonstrate how to use the blocks.
Larger blocks like the LEGO DUPLO Bricks & More Deluxe Brick Box 5507 are easier for him to play with at this age. They are larger than other Legos and will allow him to manipulate large items.
4. Toy musical instruments
Babies like exploring sounds from various sources. So why not let your 18 month old boy make his own sounds? There are various toy musical instruments that he can play with for the pleasure of hearing sounds and for the feeling of accomplishment he gets from manipulating the instruments the way he wants them. Play music for him and let him hear the sounds the instruments make.
5. Mazes
Mazes are toys that can keep your 18 month old boy concentrating at a particular task while enjoying his time. We are not talking about mazes to be solved on paper. If your child can solve mazes on paper at 18 months old, his skills are highly advanced. We are talking about mazes with objects that your boy can move around. Being pleased with moving around the pieces is fine, but the feeling of autonomy and accomplishment can be great for a child who solves a maze.
Buying many kinds of these toys can enhance your little boy’s learning as well as develop his sense of imagination and play. These toys can ensure that your 18 month old boy will enjoy growing up while at this stage of his life.
