• Christmas presents can be creative and educational for children.christmas presents under christmas tree image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com
  
  Children need creative toys for their cognitive, social and emotional growth. Imaginative play and crafts help in their development into productive, successful adults. It is a parent's duty to choose the right playthings, and Christmas time is a great opportunity to introduce these toys and craft or art supplies.
  
  

Pluffy

• Pluffy has a similar range of vibrant colors and texture as play dough, but it stays soft until you bake it in a regular household oven. It is recommended for boys and girls ages 4 and older, and variety packs start at $9.99.
  
  Stores Nationwide
  
  michaels.com
  
  

Doll-making Kit

• A doll is one of the most important toys for a child.doll image by Aleksandr Ugorenkov from Fotolia.com
  
  Not just for girls, a doll-making kit is designed for older children or for a parent to work alongside a younger child. Weir Doll and Craft kits have everything you need, and they have options for pre-made parts for beginners. Most children want a doll that represents themselves, and starting at $27.95, this handmade toy will be cherished.
  
  Weir Doll and Craft
  
  4125 Jackson Rd.
  
  Ann Arbor, MI 48103
  
  734-668-6992
  
  weirdollsandcrafts.com
  
  

Modeling Beeswax

• Made from natural beeswax, these thin sheets can be made into little sculptures. Hold a small colored piece in the palm of your hand to warm it up, and then shape into a three-dimensional object. This helps children with their spatial hand-eye coordination, and it smells sweet like honey. A kit of 12 plant-dyed pieces is $24.98.
  
  Magic Cabin
  
  888-623-3655
  
  magiccabin.com
  
  

Earthways: Simple Environmental Activities for Young Children

• "Earthways" has seasonal craft ideas for children ages 2 and older. Written by a Waldorf preschool teacher, this guide has earth-friendly activities like leaf crowns, May baskets, walnut boats, berry cobbler and more. This book can be used for years with your children. It is available used for $25.75.
  
  amazon.com
  
  

Play Stand

• A wooden play stand is a structure that can be moved around by your child to create many types of imaginary scenes. A restaurant, a fruit stand, or even a puppet theater can be made. Versatile and boundless, your child will have this toy for many years of creative play. A single play stand is $119.
  
  Magic Cabin
  
  888-623-3655
  
  magiccabin.com
  
  

Wooden Blocks

• Traditional blocks are essential creative toys for children.wooden blocks image by Ramona smiers from Fotolia.com
  
  Many parents overlook traditional wooden blocks, but these building toys really do increase your child's creativity. Blocks are like a blank canvas for your child to build. Cities, a house, streets, you name it, it can be constructed. In his autobiography, renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright is quoted as saying he became an architect because of playing with wooden blocks as a child.
  
  Magic Cabin
  
  888-623-3655
  
  magiccabin.com