Well, if you have, then I'm sure that these five tips will be a big help to you in choosing the best toy to give -- toys that are fun but still educational. Tip number one is to be sure that you are buying a toy that really is for a toddler. Sometimes we may over-estimate them and treat them like bigger children.

But no matter what many may think, you should still buy a toy that fits in the age range of a toddler. If you buy a toy that isn't, there is a large possibility that the child wont like it. Also, try not to buy toys with detachable parts because the child might swallow it.

Tip number two is to choose something that will help the child build abilities or skills that aid them, when they grow up, in their academics. Remember that a child will be at his or her best when he or she is open to letters, numbers and sounds at a young age. So that the child will be interested, you can look for blocks, books, flashcards or puzzles with bright colors. Some toys can even talk to children. These kind of toys are a big help to the children.

The third tip is to make sure that the child as well as the parent will like it. Look for something like a book. You can easily spot toddler books because they are usually made from cardboard and are colorful. Some books have sounds and they recite nursery rhymes. Some have pop-ups and fur for the kids to touch. It is better for parents to read to their child, to show the child that learning is very much important.

Fourth is not to be carried away. Remember that giving the biggest and best gift isn't the most important part of a present. Choose something that won't empty your pockets but will still fill the happiness of the child. Give a gift that will help them in learning at the same time be enjoyable. The last tip is to always be creative. When you shop for the toy, think of something original yet not too weird.

In short, when you are choosing a gift in a toy store, remember that the toy you are about to give should be creative and interesting. Remember that it should fit the age of the child. Just don't forget to wrap the gift, and don't give it bare to the toddler!

Preschoolers' minds are not yet filled with lots of worldly ideas so it's easy for us to instill learning at this point. Their brains and memories are still like clean sheets of paper without any marks. If we want to them to learn something, a good trait, a lesson, or whatever, bring it to the children during the preschool years and you will not fail.

A good example of an educational toy for preschoolers is LeapFrog's line of interactive toys and games. Toys "R" Us carries LeapFrog's products in all of its 150 branches worldwide. In order for both parents and children to better appreciate what they are buying, small kiosks are set up in all stores where LeapFrog products are being sold, so that buyers will be able to test the products first before they decide to make a purchase.

The name 'educational toy' sounds boring, at first, and kids might not want to buy it if we mention it this way to them. However, upon closer inspection and use of these toys, kids will find that these are actually very entertaining and very far from ho-hum. What's more, parents will be happier because their children learn a lot of new things and improve on their academic, analytical, and logical faculties while their kids are at play.

In the past, the term 'play' carried a rather negative connotation, because some parents think that play is just a waste of time and energy. However, child experts will beg to differ, as play time, while it appears to have no outright value, is actually a very effective learning tool. This is what educational toys aim to reconcile - that toys can actually be very academically beneficial.

Educational toys for preschoolers are also worth every penny spent on them, even if they do carry a relatively hefty price tag compared to most toys being sold. And because they have educational values, parents would gladly spend on these toys.