Okay. I'm trying to pick out christmas gifts for my niece and nephew

[conuly]

And I think I'm making some headway into the world of children's toys, too. But I've noticed something...

All these toys for six month olds, or many of them, at least, are a sensory nightmare. They don't just light up, they blink. They don't just make sounds, or even loud sounds, they make lots of different sounds that stop and start erratically. Sometimes they shake.

These toys scare me. I don't want to be near them. When I was little, I think they would have sent me straight into overload. That or I would've been addicted to them for some time, like a video game, then gone into withdrawal when removed. Honestly, I don't understand why parents say things like "it would've been more fun if it had lit up" or "I don't know why she likes it, it doesn't make sounds or light up or anything interesting" (actual buyer reviews). Are my experiences so different from theirs? Do most kids actually do well with that sort of sensory stimulation? I can't see it as a good thing, and don't want to buy them for Ana or Seth, but should I consider it anyway, on the theory that I am an anomaly?

Better question, does this question belong at asperger? Because there may be the source of my confusion....

Comments

[strangelette.livejournal.com]

My parents have taken to doting on our little nextdoor neighbor to deal with empty nest syndrome (it's really adorable :) and I've realized while flipping through "all natural, creative play" catalogs that well made, plain wood blocks tend to be more expensive than things with microchips in them. o_0

I adore this site (although it might be a little more expensive than what you're looking for):

http://www.uncommongoods.com/fam/fam.jhtml?catId=3&subCatId=44&pageId=53

They tend to carry more toned down toys. But yeah, with the expensive.

[conuly]

I don't mind good plastic toys, either, just so long as they aren't... fully dependant on the batteries. In fact, even a little bit of the stimulation, fine. I don't mind music OR lights OR movement. Just... most toys seem to take things too far. *clicks on the link*

[conuly]

Nice toys there, but a bit old for the babies. Remember, they're only half a year, they can't even walk yet.