When shopping for children’s toys, always remember that the little ones you’re buying for are very, very active. They like to run and play. They have a lot of unrestrained energy that some people sometimes mistake for aggressiveness. Of course, not all guys are the same, but a lot of them are like that. In class, they can’t sit still. At home, they are always looking for things to keep themselves busy.

So when shopping for toys for toddlers, keep in mind that they like to play with toys that keep them active most of the time, whether they’re using their bodies to play or their minds. Many of the best children’s toys generally fall into general categories. It’s up to you to choose a model that you know your young child will like and that fits your own shopping budget.

1. Cars, cars and more cars.

Boys like anything with wheels. That is true even for the greats. Just look at the men in your life right now. They have never outgrown their enthusiasm for cars, big or small. A box of play cars will definitely keep any young child happy. But you don’t have to give him another set of cars if he already has one. Be creative. You can buy him a toy garage for his toy cars. Or you can introduce him to other vehicles, such as toy trains, trucks, police cars, buses, and the like.

2. Building blocks, cranes, building materials.

Another childhood interest that often grows with them into adulthood is a penchant for building things. At their young age, they like to make things with anything that comes their way, so why not fuel that interest with a set of construction toys? Lego sets are perfect for building anything, but they’re really not very appropriate for younger preschoolers. Lego is for the big kids (ages 7 and up), but your little one would be happy with a pack of big wooden blocks.

3. Creative role-playing toys.

Creative children’s toys were meant to stimulate the imagination, something that young children have in abundance. They like to pretend that they are astronauts, photographers, doctors or puppeteers. Don’t suppress your little one’s imagination by telling him that he can’t be anything he dreams of. Instead, encourage and support him to make his fantasy more real. Buy an astronaut costume, a kid’s camera, toy stethoscopes, or a mini puppet theater. This is where your little dreams start to come true.

4. Educational toys and games.

You can start introducing the alphabet or the first 10 numbers to young children even before they go to kindergarten with a set of blocks. Giant floor puzzles also stimulate children’s brains while keeping them focused on completing the puzzle. Get one with a picture of your child’s favorite things, like a cartoon character she loves or anything that holds her interest.