Wish you were a toddler again? Those toys that you remember are still the best toddler educational toys. We just did not realize it at the time.

Colorful Blocks are probably the most popular and rank right up there in educational value. Just think what your toddler is learning while playing. Of course you have to add some of the information but the tools are all there in those little magnificent blocks. That little prince or princess will be learning colors, numbers and letters just from the start. They will also improve their motor skills by playing and that's right throwing the blocks. Obviously you have to control this but it definitely improves motor skills. Maybe take them outside or use plastic blocks. A little catch game one foot from each other will give them the idea or maybe in the sand box you have in the back yard. Just hope you don't have a major league pitcher on your hands.

As you give your baby new things to play with, keep in mind that there is no right way to play with toys. For example, a puzzle is not always for "puzzling." The pieces make great manipulative characters, can be sorted or put in boxes, and make interesting noises when banged together or against an empty pot. Children learn through play, so any toy they enjoy playing with is, by definition, educational. Play for toddlers is their work.

Activity tables are tremendous toddler educational toys. Purchase the one where the legs fold under so your toddler can play with it on the floor. As they get older you can use the legs and chairs that come with the activity center. There is a slue of choices in centers. All of these activities help children with counting, colors and shapes while it stimulates their motor and sensory skills and develops their eye-hand coordination. It is also fun for mom or dad to play with the toddler as you will see your child develop in front of your own eyes. One day you say yellow and they stare at you and the next day they point to the yellow object.

Magnetic fun is still a great way to educate your toddler. The boards they have today can include almost any options. Use the boards and the magnetic figures to learn letters, shapes, colors, words, pictures and so much more.

I hope you get the idea that basic toys are the best toddler educational toys. Below I have an article on toy safety which I think you will find informative.

Toddler Toys and Safety

Here are many of the simple rules when it comes to safety and toddler educational toys.

- toys should never be left on stairs, in doorways, or in walkways.

- toddlers toy box should have a special safety lid or no lid to prevent it from slamming on your baby's head or hands, or trapping your baby inside. There shouldn't be any hinges that could pinch little fingers.

- DO NOT give a baby a balloon, Styrofoam, or plastic wrap as a toy; these present a serious choking hazard, since they cannot be expelled using the Heimlich maneuver.

- If a toy is second-hand give all of these rules extra consideration. If you have any doubts, always err on the side of safety and discard the toy.

- Don't let your baby play with a paint-finished toy as the paint may be lead-based.

- Keep toys and parts of toys designed for older children out of the hands of babies. Your baby may like to play with toys belonging to an older sibling or friend, but these are geared, safety-wise, to older kids and are not safe for little ones to use without very close supervision.

- Remove rattles, squeeze toys, tethers', stuffed animals, and other small toys from the crib or bed when your baby goes to sleep for naps or bedtime. The exception here is a specialty made-for-baby toy that has been carefully created to be a safe sleeping lovely.

- Avoid pull toys with long cords that could wind around your baby's neck. Pull toys for babies should have either very short strings or rigid handles.

- Make sure toys are properly assembled, with no loose parts.

- Beware of excessively loud toys. Babies tend to hold things close to their faces, and you want to protect your baby's sensitive ears.

- Discard any plastic wrapping, plastic bags, packaging, or tags before giving a toy to a baby.

- check for choking hazards: Anything small enough to fit in your baby's mouth has the potential for danger. Watch for pieces that may become loose from a larger object, too. Make sure that no small parts can be pulled off or chewed off the toy.

- Check toys for sharp points, rough edges, rust, and broken parts.

Safety is number one so take the time to check all your toddler educatioanl toys.