How do I find good educational games?

Ms Dorothy,
I have grandbabies coming into town for the holidays. I want to have some things for them to play with while they are here, but I want to make sure they are educational toys. Can you recommend somewhere that I can get things for them that will be good for their brains?
- Grandmother of Many

It is important to know that all play is educational. Children need to have open-ended toys that they can use to develop their creativity and imagination, so any kind of construction or pretending toys are good for their brains.

If you are shopping on the cheap, thrift shops are a great place to look for things you can have around that might get your grand children inspired to play. Re-using toys that other children have outgrown is a great way to shop green too!

On the other hand, if you are looking for new toys and games, go local and find small, locally owned businesses to buy from.

There are shops like Beyond the Blackboard that specialize in finding books and toys and games and teacher supplies for every age group that are educational and fun. Stores like this are ideal for finding the exact right gift for each child on your list.

Remember too, that-- depending on the ages of your guests-- the wrapping paper, boxes and ribbons will be the things they enjoy the most and learn the most from playing with!