In today's touchscreen-reliant world, it's not uncommon for young children to play with smartphone apps that have been designed with them in mind. But kids who play primarily with smartphones, tablets and other high-tech gadgets might be missing out on the countless benefits that come from tactile toys and good, old-fashioned interactive play.
With expert assistance from two of Vancouver's leading independent toy retailers — Lee Richmond from Kaboodles Toy Store and Joanna Mileos from the Granville Island Toy Company — we've compiled a list of battery-free toys (and a couple of battery-operated toys that are more fun when shared with others) that encourage interactivity, creativity, and carefree play in children ages 2 to 10.
Rory's Story Cubes
Rory's Story Cubes nurture your child's inner storyteller. Every game kit includes nine dice-sized cubes featuring an iconic image on each side. Players roll the cubes, ponder the face-up images, and spin their fantastical yarns. And because there's no reading involved, pre-literate children can play, too (just make sure the small pieces don't end up lodged in anyone's throat). The manufacturer promises 10,000,000+ combinations; we anticipate endless fun. Ages: 8+ $9.99 at Kaboodles Toy Store
Magformers
The slogan might read a little dry ("intelligent magnetic construction sets for brain development"), but Magformers kits are anything but boring. With their embedded magnets, bright colours, and assortment of shapes, Magformer's sturdy, crowd-pleasing kits encourage freeform building and experimentation. Our favourite: the carnival set, where kids (and their parents) can assemble a variety of carnival rides. Ages: 6+ $29.99-$329 at Kaboodles Toy Store
Quadrilla
These German-designed marble runs mesmerize children with their winding, twisty, high-speed rail systems. Solidly constructed from birch-plywood and rubber wood, Quadrilla marble roller coasters are flying off the shelves in record numbers. Age: 4-99 $69.99-$179.99 at Granville Island Toy Company
Teaching Cash Register
Learning Resources Teaching Cash Register does just that: it arms kids with the tools they need to understand the value of money. The register beeps, speaks, lights up and comes equipped with a scanner and a pile of play coins and bills — and can hold actual-size Canadian money, too (sorry: actual Canadian money not included). Ages 3+ $74.99 at Granville Island Toy Company
Leonardo da Vinci Catapult
The brainchild of a Vancouver Island teacher, the Leonardo da Vinci Catapult Kit contains all the materials required to build a miniature version of da Vinci's intricate contraption, including pre-cut wood and instructions based on da Vinci's own notes. Once the fun of assembly is over, the real fun of flinging stuff (like grapes and mini marshmallows) begins. Other Leonardo da Vinci kits available: the Helicopter and the Ornithopter. Ages: 9+ $19.99 at Granville Island Toy Company
R/C Gecko
This remote controlled toy car seems like something out of a science fiction movie. The Gecko car uses suction technology to drive up walls, windows, and even across ceilings — and it won't leave a single scratch behind. Requires 6 AA batteries. Ages 6+ $44.99 at Granville Island Toy Company
ThinkFun Roll & Play
Most games in the marketplace are designed for children three and up, but now toddlers can get in on interactive play too with ThinkFun Roll & Play, a personal favourite of Richmond's. It features a soft cube and a stack of cards. Children learn about colour matching, sounds, actions, shapes, taking turns, and the fun that can be had when playing cooperatively with others. Winner of a 2012 Dr. Toy's Best Pick Award. Ages 18-months+ $22.99 at Kaboodles Toy Store
