There is a wide range of educational toys available for children today. In fact the best way for to develop and learn through their senses is by playing, so many parents want toys that build on this. Educational toys are available for children aged from birth up to their grown years. Educational toys also help children develop their motor skills as well as other things. It is important to choose toys that are safe, suitable for their age range (particularly if small parts are involved) and something that your child will enjoy playing with.

Young babies aged up to six months love toys with bright colors, toys that make sounds and anything that crinkles. Ideal toys for children of this age are play mats, rattles, mobiles and soft toys that they can chew and are crinkly. You can purchase baby IQ DVDs and CDs.

For babies aged 6-12 months, toys that develop hand and eye coordination are excellent purchases. Blocks, wooden puzzles, teethers and anything that rattles or moves is perfect for this age range.

Toddlers aged between 1 and 2 love toys that encourage them to walk, start communicating, build and sort. Stacking bricks or cups make good choices. Push along toys are excellent to help children of this age take their first steps. V Smile computers can help children learn to count and take their first steps towards reading.

Two to three year old children love anything that keeps them busy. Puzzles, building blocks, tents, pretend play, dolls and action figures are all great buys. Leap pads are popular purchases for this age group.

Three to four years olds love creating things with paints, crafts and anything that they can get their hands on. Bikes and outdoor play are very important at this age.

Older children love craft play such as card making, artists' equipment such as a child's sized easel and paints, or card making, children's cross-stitch or photography, fantasy play and Lego. They also enjoy educational CD ROMs for the computer and puzzle games. There are many magnetic puzzle games and roller coaster game tables available for this age range too. Musical instruments are another useful 'educational toy', as well as learning to play an instrument children learn to read music and there are smaller versions of most instruments available in children's sizes with smaller holes or child sized pianos.

Educational toys can be a great way to teach your child basic skills while they are playing.