The issue of screens and kids is one that's filled with opinions. On one hand, toys with screens or screens like iPads and iPhones can teach kids skills and make them adaptable in an increasingly technological world. They can learn new languages, read, and for many kids, flat-out communicate. On the other hand, screens can become a problem. They can impact how much physical activity a child gets, which is why the World Health Organization recommends no more than an hour of screen time for kids 5 and under and none for babies at all.
"Improving physical activity, reducing sedentary time, and ensuring quality sleep in young children will improve their physical, mental health, and well-being, and help prevent childhood obesity and associated diseases later in life," said Dr. Fiona Bull, a program manager for surveillance and population-based prevention of noncommunicable diseases at WHO, when the news came out.
Sometimes, toys without screens are better for other reasons. For example, iPads may get in the way of ensuring a child is properly secured in a car seat.
But there is good news. While all parents can decide how they let their children engage in screen time. Many moms have found a way to limit screen time that they have found helpful. Those tactics include limiting screens to using them only at school, letting kids play outside first, and setting a screen time off time, to name a few. Another way? Getting them awesome toys to play with so they won't always have to choose screens. It's not easy to compete with those iPads, but we think these fun toy options are up for the challenge.
There's everything from figurine toys that encourage imaginative play to hand-held board games and toys that will get their blood pumping. Take a look at the options below and stock up. No charging necessary.
Food Truck
Seen Food Network lately? Food trucks are becoming a more popular and accepted place to grab a bite. Kids can now have their own with this sweets and treats truck. It comes with the classic food truck menu, including salad, fries, burgers, and hot dogs.
Li'l Woodzeez Food Truck ($30, Target)
Don't Make Me Laugh! The Silly Reinvented Charades Party Game
Technology can be isolating, especially if its a kid playing a game on an iPad or phone. This Charades-style game encourages group interaction and lots of laughing.
Don't Make Me Laugh! The Silly Reinvented Charades Party Game ($19, Amazon)
Spikeball Game Set
Spikeball has made the rounds on a few beaches last summer, but it can be a great backyard or playroom game, too. It's just like volleyball, but the ball is bounced on the horizontal net.
Spikeball Game Set ($56, Amazon)
Walkie Talkies for Kids
Walkie Talkies seem like a blast from the past, but the fun gadgets are still around today. There is technically a screen on these, but not in the traditional sense. Kids can play hide-and-seek and still communicate with one another.
Walkie Talkies for Kids ($27, Amazon)
Busy Box
While traveling, it's easy to hand-off the iPad to a child to keep him quiet. But for those looking for a non-screen alternative, one seller on Etsy has "busy boxes" with old-fashioned crafts and fun.
Busy Box ($30, CraftandBoogie/Etsy)
Microscope
Science can be made fun, especially when there's a microscope involved. Kiddos can see creatures and organisms up close with this one designed for preschoolers.
GeoSafari Jr. My First Microscope ($22, Fat Brain Toys)
Owleez Interactive Pet
It's a bird! It's a plane! It's an Owleez! The owl toy can actually fly in the air and responds to "touch, care and movement."
Owleez Interactive Pet ($50, Target)
Transforming Electric Scooter
Nothing will get the kids outside and active faster than a transforming electric scooter. It is both a scooter and mini bike.
Transforming Electric Scooter ($300, Target)
Classic Pinball Board Game
Speaking of old-school toys, pinball was a big game before screens were ever in the picture. The game now exists as a table top game that can be played almost anywhere.
Classic Pinball Board Game ($38, Target)
Craoyla Big Ideas Box
Arts and crafts will never go out of style. Give the gift of old-fashioned creativity with this Crayola craft kit. The three-drawer chest includes 24 Crayons, 12 markers, 12 colored pencils, four pieces of modeling clay, 25 sheets of colored paper, and an idea starter booklet.
Big Ideas Box ($30, Crayola)
Melissa & Doug Wooden Make-a-Cake Toy Mixer Set
When it comes to cooking and baking, start them when they're young. This baking set from Melissa & Doug comes with a "pound cake recipe" and toy mixer, mix, and finished product.
Melissa & Doug Wooden Make-a-Cake Toy Mixer Set ($25, Bloomingdales)
Amusement Park Physics Set
Engineering is made super fun with this amusement park physics set. Kids can build their own attractions that actually function and learn about how gears work at the same time.
Amusement Park Physics Set ($200, Oriental Trading)
Science Academy: Deluxe Shimmer Lab
Kids who love science (and/or slime) will love a chemistry kit. This one creates shimmery bath bombs and soaps.
Science Academy: Deluxe Shimmer Lab ($35, Oriental Trading)
Lincoln Logs
Lincoln logs are another throwback toy that can keep kids entertained for hours. They can build their own cabins or structure with the 268-piece set.
Lincoln Logs ($88, Walmart)
Lego Star Wars Edition
Speaking of building, Lego toys keep kids of all ages engaged. This Star Wars set builds a Yoda holding a light saber.
Lego Star Wars Edition ($100, Walmart)
Barbie Dreamplane
So many moms grew up with Barbies. With this dream plane, kids can travel all around the world. Bonus: It comes with extra accessories including the snack and drink cart.
Barbie Dreamplane ($59, Walmart)
Fun & Fitness Trampoline
Have kids work off that energy outside (and inside, too) with a trampoline sized just for them. It comes with a rail for them to hold onto for safety.
Fun and Fitness Trampoline ($86, Wayfair)
Melissa & Doug Scoop & Serve Ice Cream Counter Play Set
Kids can pretend to scoop and serve ice cream with their own ice cream "counter" play set from Melissa & Doug. It comes with a scoop, different flavors, a menu, and cones and cups.
Melissa & Doug Scoop & Serve Ice Cream Counter Play Set ($50, Bloomingdales)
Dentist Role Play Set
Playing doctor is fun, but playing dentist is arguably even cooler. With this set, kids can extract teeth, brush, and clean them.
Dentist Role Play Set ($30, Amazon)
Globe 4 Kids
Learning is possible even without a screen. This illuminated globe shows kids the whole world and comes with "more than 125 drawings of people, landmarks, and animals on this kid-friendly political map."
Globe 4 Kids ($70, Fat Brain Toys)
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, CafeMom.com may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
