I spend a decent amount of time researching children’s books and games for my job. Seeing as you may have nieces or siblings or cousins or someone’s little kids to shop for, and it is afikoman season, after all, here is a round-up of items that would make great gifts.
I love the Bunny Peek-a-Boo brain game. It’s clever and fun and well-made. It’s a visual brain teaser that includes a set of four wooden blocks and sixty challenge cards at four levels. It looks like an innocent enough activity but targets lots of skills, including spatial concepts and reasoning. I bought the game a while ago to use with some students, and gave it to my cousins to play one Shabbos. They absolutely loved it and couldn’t get enough! It’s a one-player game but whoever played it attracted an audience. If you’re in the market for a gift for a child around ages 3-6, I highly recommend this one. (For older kids, Castle Logix looks similar.)
Hoppy Floppy’s Happy Hunt has been a serious winner with this age group. Kids just love that bunny and those cute little carrots.
Pretend food by Melissa and Doug. My 18-month-old nephew loved making sandwiches with this felt sandwich set (I know, not exactly apropos for Pesach). This mixer set (see top of post) cracks me up (Pesach sponge cake?). Also check out the sushi making, ice cream scooping, and fridge food sets. Pretend food is a great gift that will be used over and over.
Rory’s Story Cubes (this set of Story Blocks by Melissa and Doug looks like a similar concept for younger children).
Watercolor pencils for older kids, or a set of assorted craft supplies for younger kids (my nephews are really into creating modern art with pom-poms and craft sticks).
I’ve never played this one, but the Press Here game looks intriguing (check out those reviews!) and I already love the book.
This rhyming game for older kids is excellent.
And of course, The Longest Pesach! Memories…
Also, I’ve discovered toy award lists and have found them to be so helpful for finding new ideas: Dr. Toy, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, PAL Award, and Parents’ Choice.
What are your favorite toys and games for kids?
