2007-07-19 07:58:06 · 16 answers · asked by Heather H 2 in Games & Recreation ➔ Toys
What would I buy? Well, I get books for all occasions. But I'm more concerned about what you're going to get. Here's my pat answer to questions like yours: I cannot emphasize enough how important I think it is for you to "hear" this message, especially with so many negative influences impacting children nowadays. Please, please, please, I beg you to consider buying this young boy something other than toys. Buy him books! In my opinion, you can't have too many books. I heartily advise you to invest your money in something that (when used daily) can benefit him for the rest of his life. I realize you're probably looking for toy ideas and that's why you posted your question in this forum, but think about the impact books can have on this young boy's life. Think of the special opportunity you have to influence his early learning and foster his emergent reading skills. Picture yourself reading to him, enjoying a great book, laughing or crying, exploring new worlds and new ideas, building the bonds of love and trust and establishing a foundation for his future. A book can be an everlasting gift and you can inscribe a special message within it, creating a lasting memory for this boy. I still have books that my aunt and uncle gave me when I was a child and upon rereading these same books as an adult I loved rediscovering the inscriptions they wrote inside. The single best way to help a child become a reader (for life) is to read to him. Forget the fact that he can't read yet; he can do almost anything with your help. By establishing that you value reading and books you're encouraging him to value the same. I advise you to look for books that rhyme or have a rhythmic pattern. Also, pop-up books and lift the flap books are very attractive to young boys his age (I've included some below). There are thousands of books that you might choose for him, but let me recommend a few:
"The Long-Nosed Pig" by Keith Faulkner; ill. by Jonathan Lambert
"The Wide-Mouthed Frog" by Keith Faulkner; ill. by Jonathan Lambert [this and the above are two great pop-up adventures]
"Shark in the Park" by Nick Sharrat
"Bark, George" by Jules Feiffer
"T is for Terrible" by Peter McCarty
"Some Dogs Do" by Jez Alborough
"Duck in the Truck" by Jez Alborough
"Hug" by Jez Alborough
"Where's My Teddy?" by Jez Alborough
"Louella Mae, She's Run Away" by Karen Beaumont Alarcón; ill. by Rosanne Litzinger
"The Wolf's Chicken Stew" by Keiko Kasza
"Knuffle Bunny" by Mo Willems
"Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus" by Mo Willems
"Sheep in a Jeep" by Nancy Shaw; ill. by Margot Apple
"Caps for Sale" by Esphyr Slobodkina
"Freight Train" by Donald Crews
"Fish Eyes: A Book You Can Count On" by Lois Ehlert (check out the many other wonderful titles she's written)
"Harold and the Purple Crayon" by Crockett Johnson
"Madeline" by Ludwig Bemelmans
"Millions of Cats" by Wanda Gag
"How Loud Is a Lion?" by Stella Blackstone; ill. by Clare Beaton
"The Napping House" by Audrey Wood; ill. by Don Wood
"Rosie's Walk" by Pat Hutchins
"Where's Spot?" by Eric Hill
"The Very Busy Spider" by Eric Carle
"The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle
"Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" by Bill Martin Jr. & John Archambault; ill. by Lois Ehlert
"Clickety Clack" by Robert & Amy Spence; ill. by Margaret Spengler (Wonderfully rhythmic!)
"Jamberry" by Bruce Degen
"One Red Dot" by David A. Carter [spectacular pop-up]
"Blue 2" by David A. Carter [another spectacular pop-up]
"Arrowville" by Geefwee Bodoe
"Duck on a Bike" by David Shannon
"No, David!" by David Shannon (he's written several other books starring David)
"Dinosaur Roar" by Paul & Henrietta Stickland
"Ella Sarah Get Dressed" by Margaret Chodos-Irvine
"Click, Clack Moo: Cows That Type" by Doreen Cronin; ill. by Betsy Lewin (they've collaborated on several other books starring Duck and his barnyard friend)
"How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?" by Jany Yolen; ill. by Mark Teague
"How Do Dinosaurs Get Well Soon?" by Jany Yolen; ill. by Mark Teague
"How Does a Dinosaur Eat His Food?" by Jany Yolen; ill. by Mark Teague
"Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak
"Mockingbird" by Allan Ahlberg
"The Dot" by Peter H. Reynolds
"Corduroy" by Don Freeman
"The Spider and the Fly" by Mary Howitt; ill. by Tony DiTerlizzi
"Imogene's Antlers" by David Small
"Un Gato y un Perro" by Clare Masurel
"Bear Snores On" by Karma Wilson; ill. by Jane Chapman (they've written three other Bear books)
"Oh My Oh My Oh Dinosaurs!" by Sandra Boynton (you can't go wrong with this author--she's written scores of books for tots)
"Banana Moon" by Janet Marshall
I've read the above stories scores of times to varied audiences with great success. Click on my profile and e-mail me. I would be happy to correspond with you and make further suggestions. I'd encourage you to check out the above titles from your local library before you buy any books. While you're there, talk to the children's librarians and ask them for their recommendations, too. I'd also suggest you to find a copy of Jim Trelease's "The Read Aloud Handbook" (see link below). It's an invaluable resource for parents and teachers (or anyone who's looking for great children's literature). Another good source of information is "Parent's Guide to the Best Books for Children," published by The New York Times and edited by Eden Ross Lipson
http://www.trelease-on-reading.com/
2007-07-19 12:07:23 · answer #1 · answered by metimoteo 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Transformers stuff, of course. Cars are also still okay at this age, the little Matchbox kind. Legos if they like to build and can sit still a couple of minutes--not the teensy ones yet, but the in-between size. I think they're called Duplo?? If they are really active, outdoor toys.
Good luck!
2007-07-19 08:02:35 · answer #2 · answered by Kris B 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Tonka autos or shape toys are great if he has a sandbox. If that's the summer something he can use outdoors like water/sand fountains, construction blocks, or a sprinkler could be exciting.
2016-10-22 02:10:12 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Something to do with Cars, or I would ask him what his favorite thing was. Ask his parents what he likes. Or get him something he can play with outside, like one of those battery cars that he can drive around.
It all really depends on where he lives and how much you want to spend on him.
2007-07-19 08:03:15 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i had a nephew just turn four i got him a small tent (less than 20 bucks) and a sleeping bag if his mom won't let him set it up outside he sets it up on top of his mattress on his bed -- and he really isn't even the outdoor type :)
2007-07-19 08:02:42 · answer #5 · answered by brandon_7_28_84 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
here are some help with buying a gift
1.what is his favorite show/movie --say he likes spiderman then get him a toy that has to do with spider man
2.clothes are preety casual see what he usually wears and buy him some thing like it
3.usually kid dont really care what you give them as long as it kinda biggg
2007-07-19 08:05:49 · answer #6 · answered by ☆Dj Danger☆ 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A wooden train set worked wonders for mine.
2007-07-19 08:03:05 · answer #7 · answered by Daniel R 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there are they chunky star wars figures that are cool, or a view finder with lots of refills.
OR just get him a giftcard. he's getting to the age where being able to pick out whatever he wants at the store could be really cool for him!
2007-07-19 08:01:55 · answer #8 · answered by joey322 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
a toys r us gift card little boys love going shopping for toys and they get exactly what they want.
2007-07-19 10:22:17 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Nerf rocket launcher. Good for almost all ages.
2007-07-19 08:03:15 · answer #10 · answered by nvr10pts 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i would bring him to a toy store and let him pick up what he want.....make sure you bring him where you can afford the toys....i mean not like a designer toy store or something....he will love you for it....try it
2007-07-19 08:01:34 · answer #11 · answered by soundfamiliar 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋