I was first introduced to the Melissa and Doug toys by a friend who managed a bookstore where they were carried. As a homeschooler, I’m always on the lookout for educational games, and she knew just what I was looking for. As I walked onto the aisle where they were kept, angels began to sing. Well, of course not literally, but there certainly was much internal rejoicing. My only regret was that I didn’t have a few thousand dollars with nothing to do – I would have purchased one of everything in the store.
Why do I like this product line so much? I shall explain.
1. This company knows the meaning of quality. Everything they make is crafted from the finest material. I’ve never seen anything with their logo that is cheap or flimsy in any way. When I buy something from them, I know it’s going to hold up … and my kids aren’t exactly the most gentle kids on the planet.
2. These products take fun and education and marry them together. Sure, some of the toys are just your basic toys, but most of them will encourage some kind of educational experience and learning, be it through learning dexterity or learning the names of the states in our country.
3. These toys are really awesome. They aren’t the boring, ho-hum educational games I was forced … er … encouraged … to play with as a child. These are super-fun games and toys, and your kids will probably not even suspect that they’re being educated at the same time.
My favorite purchase so far is the United States Map Floor Puzzle. These pieces are huge, and the states are clearly outlined and marked. My children are finding it a lot easier to learn the shapes and names of the states – and capitals – by playing with this puzzle than the boring way I was doing it before. When education takes place in the form of play, it’s a lot less painful for both the parent and the child.
I encourage you to check out the website. Oh, and bring a bucket along, in case you feel the need to drool while you browse. I don’t know about you, but I want everything on this site for me … and my kids can play with the stuff too, I guess, if they really want to.
Related Blogs:
Developing Hand-Eye Coordination
What’s in Your Preschooler’s Art Cabinet?