As a retired teacher, I've often been asked what toys I recommend for children. In the past I used to recommend many specifically geared learning toys. I still, for the most part, find that learning toys are some of the best toys out there, but, unfortunately, they usually come at a higher price than a toy more geared towards creative thinking. There are some very cheap learning toys available, however, and I think it's worth noting that some "regular" toys are better than the so called "educational" toys.
 
Books are by far the best gift a child can be given. Although many books have illustrations, books that inspire creativity are often those with very few illustrations. Children have a very rich imagination, and to promote their imagination it helps to let them design their characters and settings as they hear about them. Books also aid children in their quest for reading. While you read to them, they are learning the story, whether they follow along with your reading, or peruse the book at their leisure, they are learning to recognize words.
 
Puzzles are another fantastic cheap toy for kids. Not only do they teach logic and dexterity, they encourage lateral thinking. Puzzles engage children visually as well as mentally. Logically piecing the joints together and picturing the overall image can aid in creativity and memory. As a bonus, children seem to love puzzles and can enjoy doing the same one over and over again without growing bored.
 
While chalk may seem like a frivolous toy, it actually helps children build many skills. Sidewalk chalk, particularly, can bring a great deal of joy to a child. The best part is while they are enjoying the design and creativity of the chalk, they are forming, and building, the basic muscles for writing. Along with muscle building they are developing hand-eye coordination. Encouragement to play Hopscotch can also help to build numerical foundations.
 
Old fancy clothes from the local used clothing stores can be used to stimulate play acting with children. While they are learning to play act, having big buttons and purses to open and close, can build fine motor controls in the fingers. Pick up some costume jewelry and wallets and you can teach kids about money and spending. Simply set up a little "store" with monopoly money and kids will never know you're teaching a lesson.
 
Children do not need fancy, expensive learning toys in order to learn the important lessons. Remember that ninety-nine percent of the toys you give a child will be enjoyed, so you never have to worry about buying the right toy.