Choosing Back To Basics Toys As Baby Gifts

Back to basics toys can be loosely defined as any toy for which the child's imagination brings the toy to life. Rather than walking, talking and otherwise interacting with the child through technological means, the toy is simply a vehicle through which the child can act out his or her own fantasies. Child rearing experts often refer to this type of toy as an "active" toy, as opposed to the "passive" toys often sold today. Many parents and relatives refer to back to basics toys as classic baby toys.

Examples of classic baby toys are many and varied. Building blocks and ride-on toys have been around for generations. Any toy that simulates household activities is classic and appropriate, such as a toy cooking set, toy tools or toy shopping cart. Music making devices such as toy pianos or guitars are also highly popular toys that help spark the imagination and are considered back to basics toys. Animal related toys such as play farms or animal sound machines are also excellent classic baby toys. Some form of fort, tunnel or other climbing and crawling spot is highly recommended as well.

When selecting back to basics toys, it is wise to consider the message that is being conveyed. For example, toy guns are highly popular classics. Many parents feel that there is nothing wrong with this, while others feel that toy guns send the message that gun violence is acceptable. If you are buying the toy for a child that is not your own, make sure that you get the parents' approval prior to purchasing any violence-oriented toy.

Along the same lines, it has always been the tradition to purchase baby boy gifts or baby girl gifts. Baby boy gifts fit the traditional masculine profile, such as guns and trucks and hammers, while baby girl gifts accentuated the traditional female roles with dolls, cooking equipment and housekeeping toys. Many parents are now against following those gender lines, eschewing baby boy gifts and baby girl gifts in favor of more gender-neutral presents. Others take the opposite approach, encouraging their boys to play with traditional "girl toys" and daughters to play with "boy toys." When purchasing baby gifts, be sure that you are sensitive to the parents' wishes in this regard.

Some children will gravitate towards the high-tech toys and others will prefer the back-to-basics toys. In the end, there is no right or wrong choice, but it is a good idea to balance out the two options. It is important for children to understand how our technology works, but the imagination will eventually lead to more technological advances.