Charlottesville, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – As the holiday season approaches, Amanda Stevens, owner of Shenanigans Toy Store in Charlottesville, shared her expert gift recommendations for children during an interview on Morning News. Stevens emphasized the value of imaginative play and educational toys for brain development. 

“Remember, play is the work of the child,” Stevens explained. “No matter what they’re playing, when they’re getting their imaginations working, when they’re manipulating things with their fingers and hands and their bodies, they are they are getting great brain development there.” 

Highlighting some popular items, Stevens mentioned Magna-Tiles, especially their new themed sets, which offer creative and open-ended play for kids as young as three. She also praised dress-up items like sparkly capes that can grow with children, describing them as versatile tools for imaginative play: “It’s magical. It’s royal. It’s whatever you want it to be.” 

For families, Stevens recommended active games like a foam sword challenge from the creators of Exploding Kittens, which gets everyone moving, and arts and crafts sets for older kids and teens to create ceramic art pieces. 

Stevens urged families to prioritize interactive play over screens, saying, “You don’t want everyone to disappear back behind their screens on Christmas. Having great games and engaging play around can really keep kids involved.” 

Listen here for the full conversation: