Christmas learning toy ideas (and assorted other random thoughts)

There are at least 10 posts I want to write today, but there's no way I have time for it... so, before I get to today's post, I'm going to touch on the other topics in my head, and I promise they will each get full posts later in the week.  

First, RaisingGeniusFish has been honored with two awards this week - and, I promise, each will get their own post this week, but for now I wanted to acknowledge them and say thanks. 

One award we were given was the Liebster Blog award, from Lori at Reading Confetti.  The Liebster award highlights new blogs, and we are so honored!  I recommend that you all check out Lori's great stuff at Reading Confetti - I love these easy luminaries, part of her 12 days of Christmas series.

The other award we were given was The Versatile Blogger award, from Sierra at H if for Homeschooling.  This is also an award that highlight new bloggers, and we are so honored!  H is for Homeschool features cute ideas, especially good for tot-aged.  I loved these fall-themed tot trays for Bigger Bit!

Second, I just wanted to throw out that we did make our salt dough ornaments today!  We're painting them in about  a week (as per the plan), and I will post about them then, but for now, at least, we're on track.  

Third, I got an order I placed at Montessori Services today for language objects, and they are awesome!  If you've been in the market for miniatures to use as language objects, either for teaching letter sounds or to use for spelling, be sure to check these out. 

I promise, all these points will be developed into full blog posts within the next week or so.  But for now, on to today's post!  

Today, I wanted to share a quick list of toys/games that we either have or wants, as potential Christmas ideas.  We try to incorporate learning/creativity/education into most aspects of our lives, so for Christmas and birthdays, my kids get toys that are so much fun they don't know they are learning!  None of these are affiliate links, just ideas.  Check them out, compare prices, use the ideas or don't.. I just wanted to give a starting point of educational gifts for tots and preschoolers for people who might not know quite where to begin this year (or for next year). 

- Unit blocks. 

  ~ We have two of these little sets by Melissa & Doug, but there are sets with bigger blocks (better for little kids or those who are still likely to chew things!).  Unit blocks are great for encouraging creativity and imaginative play!  

- Pattern blocks and patterns.  

  ~ We have this set by Melissa & Doug, and we love it.  I've used other pattern blocks sets and they have all been wonderful.  These can last as an educational toy for a long time - kids can start with simple patterns with the colors shown to allow easy matching of the blocks, and then move on to patterns in black and white that require more abstract problem solving to figure out how to finish.  You can find pattern books and printables all over the internet, which makes it easy to change things up and keep the patterns fresh! 

- Shape sorting and sequencing.  There are dozens of varieties of boards where you sort the objects by shape, color, and size. 

  ~ Bigger Bit is getting this set by Melissa & Doug for Christmas, because I got a great deal on it.  

  ~ I like the look of this gradient sorting set by Guidecraft, too!  There are a ton of different shape/size/color sorting board available, so hunt around and see which one will work for your kids best - these come at a variety of skill levels, which makes it easy to find one that will work well for your child. 

- Letter identification games.  

  ~ We have this set by Plan, and, while we don't use it every day, it's wonderful as a rainy afternoon activity.  

  ~ I've been eyeing this magnetic A to Z set by Klutz toys, and this cute alphabet puzzle card set by Melissa & Doug, too.  These are just a fun way to reinforce letter sounds, without it seeming like "school work".  

- Memory games.  We love to play memory!  Even Bigger Bit, at 2, is starting to get in on the fun.  

  ~ We have this wooden animal memory by Plan , and love it.  

  ~ In fact, they like it so much we're getting this memory match game by KidO as a family gift this Christmas.

- Unusual puzzles. We already have quite a collection of puzzles, from the large knob type through jigsaw puzzles, but since they are generally inexpensive, fun, and educational, I'm always on the lookout for more.  We have some unusual but educational puzzles on our "possible" list this year.
  ~ The a-z magnatab and 0-9 magnatab, both reinforce writing skills with a fun magnetic stylus (the princess will love these!)

  ~ The fraction board puzzle by Guidecraft looks like a neat way to teach about whole, half, third
  ~ This Twist n Match by Plan, I think Bigger Bit would enjoy because she loves matching shapes, and this is an unusual and kind of challenging shape matching puzzle! 

- Fine motor skills toys.  

  ~ This beehives toy by Plan is nearly certainly going to be under our tree this year! Using those pinchers to grab the little bees and get them into the correct beehive is a fine motor skills challenge with an added color matching bonus.  Plus, Bub LOVES bugs - even with three sisters, he is ALL boy!  

  ~ Bead stringing sets are always in demand in our house, and I love this farm bead stringing set by Alex Toys.  I think my kids would like to play with the little animals while stringing the beads.  

  ~ While cutting fruit is a good way to practice fine motor skills, and practical life skills, I don't necessarily trust my kids with a knife!  I think that this cutting set by Melissa & Doug would be a cute addition to our play kitchen!