From Toddler to Teenager: Fantasy Games for All Ages

[CanadienneBacon]

Okay, so my wife is pregnant with our first child and I'm eager to start buying toys for my baby...which is premature, I know. But I've been thinking about all the cool fantasy-themed stuff that's out there, and what ages they're appropriate for. I'm not expecting to buy the kid a Player's Handbook any time soon, but I do like the idea of buying knights and dragons and such for him/her to play with. I know that some of my first toys were Playmobil knights and dragons, and I suspect a lot of that had to do with my interest in fantasy later in life.

So any suggestions for sword-and-sorcery style toys and for what age groups (specifically under five)?

Anything that encourages imaginative make-believe play is great for kids' development. We have four children and have always just shot for toys that allow them to play make-believe or that encourage them to use their imagination. I count coloring supplies (paper, water-soluble markers, water-soluble paints), dress-up costumes, puppets, and reading books in this department. These are things that you can either make at home (in the case of puppets and simple make-believe costumes) or buy. Hearthsong.com is an excellent company for make-believe and arts/crafts type toys for children. Making stuff at home and letting the kids help encourages them to see stuff in ways that they normally wouldn't..."Oh, I didn't know you could use a mop handle as a horse. Cool!"

As a result, our 6-year-old and 4-year-old twins are all three interested in our "dice game." As soon as the baby hits about age 4, I figure I won't ever have to go outside the home for my adventuring party needs.

But check out hearthsong.com. You might like the quality of stuff they offer.