At Citibabes, the primary goal of our classes is to promote the cognitive, social, physical, and emotional growth and well-being of young children. We also like to have fun in the process. We understand that each child is unique and learns in different ways and as such we design our classes around eperiential learning. We encourage children to engage in meaningful learning through play, real-world experience, and child-centered activities that are both educational and fun. Here, the teachers of Citibabes have chosen their top “edutainment” picks from Gift Hero toys – toys that are the perfect combination of education and entertainment (aka “edutainment”) for your little ones.

- Tracey Frost Rensky, CEO and Co-founder, Citibabes

Marilyn Walker, Teacher, Think Tank, CitiArt, Pots & Pans, Paint & Play, Sensory Arts, and CitiSchool 3s Culinary Arts

Easel Companion Set: This toy is perfect for those children who enjoy being artistically creative. The extensive material selection allows for expressing creative juices in a variety of mediums so if art and variety are on your list of “must haves” then this is the toy for you.   

Keri Snyder, Director of Children’s Programming

 Bug Dominoes: This colorful spring inspired version of Dominoes is a great way to introduce visual matching skills to young children.  The colorful illustrations are sure to grab anyone’s attention, especially that of young preschoolers eager to play! 

Angie Blocher, Teacher, CitiSchool 4s

Good Things for Girls and Good Things for Boys:  These kits are a huge hit with crafty fingers.  With versions for both boys and girls and plenty of inspiring materials, children are sure to enjoy making games, toy models, and designing other unique items that they can call their very own especially because they were made on their very own! 

 

Karla Morey, Creative and Training Director

Flower Stacker by Wonderworld:  This construction toy is perfect for those little hands that are developing fine motor skills and the stacking motion it encourages will enhance spatial relation and balance concepts. It’s aesthetically pleasing design and all natural construction makes it both an adult and child-friendly option.

Laura Konsin, CitiSchool Jr. and 2s Teacher

Felt Tales Pretty Princess and Felt Tales Heroes to the Rescue:  These are great gifts for children who love dramatic play! The felt pieces and characters inspire creativity for children who love both arts and crafts and storytelling. 

 Aaron Goldschmidt, Head Teacher, CitiSchool, 2’s and 3’s

Dado planks: Already being a fan of dado blocks, these planks are the perfect addition to the classroom.  Endless hours of exploration, construction and learning.

 

Melissa Belgiovine, Teacher, CitiSchool, 2s

 Do Art Travel Easel: With a variety of crayons, pastels, markers and chalk, this travel easel is a great way for children to exercise their creative energy while making vacation keepsakes.

 

Sarah Rinaldi, Teacher, Power Baby & Movement classes, SHARE, CitiStage, Think Tank, CitiChefs, Citischool 3s and 4s Science, and Paint & Play classes

Creative Peg Puzzle by Educo: This puzzle is so unique in that it allows a child to master several techniques. The child will match shapes while using hand and eye coordination to move the shapes down the peg. This is a toy that can be used for several years and be passed down from generation to generation.

Design and Drill Activity Center: This is such a great toy that utilizes skills that children will need as they mature. Children will use their creative side to create designs and use their hand and eye coordination to drill the pieces in place. This toy will be great for a boy or a girl and is something any child will love.

From Citibabes‘ Teachers