Good Toys for Kids of Work at Home Parents

As parents, we'd all like to stock our kids' toy box with good toys, right? We all have some idea of what makes a good toy, and yet sometimes our kids end up with, well, not-so-good toys, e.g., the kind they play with once then break, lose, forget, etc.

The toys on this list are fun, engaging, andeducational—in that order. Plus, they don't need a lot of adult supervision, at least after the initial set up and instructions. And that is something any parent can appreciate but thework-at-home parentreally needs.

When browsing this list keep in mind that some toys that may not be as good for kids at the younger end of the manufacturers' recommended age range are still, in fact, great for older kids.

Construction Toys

Child building with blocks — Cultura/Getty Images

Building toys inspire the imagination. A child can create the toy that's in their mind’s eye and then play with it. Building toys are especially good because they span the ages. Babies can stack blocks, while even teenagers might still play with Legos (though they may not advertise that to their friends).

Train Sets

Girl playing with a train — Imgorthand/Getty Images

Train sets are like building toys in that you build and then play, but they have wheels. Something about wheels is absolutely irresistible to children. Thomas the Tank Engine sets are great because the trains have personalities. So they are like dolls…with wheels.

Board Games

Kids playing chess — Rob Levine/Getty Images

Board games are good toys to keep kids occupied for long stretches of time, at least when kids know how to play already and are good sports. Otherwise, mom has to be too involved to get any work done. Also, most games require more than one player; however, there are games for one. Play games with kids when you are not working so they know how to play and act during a game.

Brainteasers and Puzzles

Girl with Puzzle — Dorling Kindersley/Getty Images

Brainteaser toys and puzzles keep both kids’ minds and hands busy. While for most brainteaser toys kids should be around age 8 or so to be successful and engaged, younger kids can try puzzle books, which can be geared toward any age from toddlers to teens. 100-piece jigsaw puzzles are nice because they don’t take long to complete (thus not occupying your kitchen table for a week), but they can still be a challenge.

Doll Houses

young girl playing with dollhouse — People Images / Getty Images

Doll houses have come a long way since we were kids. Yes, there’s still the classic Victorian wooden dollhouse with the fancy trim and intricate paint scheme, but today’s girls and boys might enjoy the eco-friendly “green” doll house or maybe a ski chalet. Whatever type of doll house kids choose, the same kind of fantasy role-playing goes on inside the miniature walls, as did when we were kids.

Fashion Design Games and Toys

Young boy and girl walking in high-heels — Frank and Helena / Getty Images

Maybe not everyone would classify fashion-related toys as good toys because they can reinforce unnecessary gender roles. But for children who are inspired by fashion, these toys can give long-lasting play.

Dress-Up Clothes

child in a dinosaur costume — Maril Valle/Getty Images

A well-stocked costume box is a mom's best friend. And you don't have to buy a lot all at once. Kids can live out their fantasies with just the right hat or some accessories. Old Halloween costumes or items picked up a garage sales make great fodder for dress-up clothes.

Musical Toys

Boy playing a ukelele — Yvette Cardozo/Getty Images

Listening to music or playing it can keep kids busy while you work. But to keep them from getting bored or frustrated (and your ears from splitting), you'll need to provide the right tools, which might include earphones, lessons or musical toys. You can give a toddler a xylophone, but don't expect music, right? Music lessons will provide the basis kids need toreallyentertain themselves musically. But while they're learning or if music lessons are more than you want to invest, encourage them to use educational music toys as playthings.

Books

While not exactly toys, books are good for kids. They keep kids engaged and can provide the ideas for otherimaginative playlike dress up or building toys. And, unlike TV, they stimulate the brain with all that decoding and processing. Of course, some kids don't like to read or don't yet know how. But that doesn't mean books can't still be part of Mom's toy chest.

Art Supplies and Kits

Girl painting on piece of card — 惟ce Images Ltd/Getty Images

Art is a great way to keep kids busy. But art can be messy, and art can take adult supervision. So, choose your art projects carefully, and make a space for art in your home. Arts and crafts kits are handy in that they have all the things you need packaged together with directions. However, if you want your kids to work independently on an art kit, be sure they fall in the upper end of the maker's recommended age range.