What makes a good toy?

My favorite Discovery Toys- in no particular order:

1. Busy Bugs (Preschool)- This was the toy that my friend Stacie gave us for Brett's third birthday. It's the toy that started it all, almost 5 years ago!  Sort,  categorize and make patterns with these fun little bugs!

2. It's a match (Preschool) - This has gotten us through hotel rooms, airplane flights, meal preparation, waiting around during sports lessons.  Name the place, this toy has been there!  (Pictured on this page.)

3. Go Go Caterpillar (Infant-Toddler) - There is not a child that doesn't love this toy!  Press down and it goes!  The children go right after it squealing with delight!

4.  A to Z Jr. (School age) - Presents an excellent challenge to school age children and grownups alike! Think of words belonging to a category and fill up your board of first letter sounds!  Excellent for teaching quick thinking!

5. Castle Marbleworks (toddler - preschool) - If you are looking for something to keep your 2 year old occupied for a while, this is it!  Children love the chime balls and the repetition of the clunk,clunk, as they fall down the levels.

6.  Once Upon a Time (preschool-school) - Appeals to a child's sense of creativity and humor by changing the story each time it is read. Learn to understand your child's mood by obvserving the choices they make.

7. Zingo! (preschool-school) - This best selling game will keep kids busy for hours!  They never tire of filling their board and yelling Zingo!  when they win. It teaches early picture and word recognition and provides fun for hours!

8. Motorworks (preschool-school) - Learn to take apart and put back together using the skills of sequencing and using two hands at the same time.  Children love the electric drill and will use the manual screwdriver for added practice with dexterity.

9. Fashion Friends (preschool- school) - Girls will adore these cute dolls with mix and match tops,bottoms and hair.  Parents will love that the girls are using their fine motor skills and creativity as they switch the parts and tell stories with their creations!

10. Super Yummy Teether (infant) - This may be funny looking, but it's the best teether you will ever have!  Don't forget the boomering links so you won't lose it!  Your baby won't want to live without it once you start with it!