The best toddler play can come from toys you make and simple items such as an unbreakable mirror or ball. There are certain benefits that only homemade toys and simple parent-child interaction activities can provide.

Using easily accessible materials from around the house to create play-and-learn toys provides unending hours of fun. By parents participating in designing toys for their children, they find that they have a passion for playing with the toys and an increased desire to spend time with their children. Strong input, support and commitment on the part of parents help children learn faster and better. Parent play that is truly responsive and personally interactive speeds up development.

A good toy challenges a child to do, to think and to feel. The toys that are the most formed have the least value, and the ones that have the least form have the most value. With little form, your child puts more into playing. As the old saying goes, "The more you put into it, the more you get out of it." Some of the best toys for toddlers are blocks, building sets, bubbles, dolls (male and female) and objects for sand and water activities. These toys all provide open-ended experiences. And, the more children play, the more they want to play.

There are four attributes that contribute to "toy excellence" or play value. A good toy should have these qualities. They are:

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