Chocolate is not the only way to express love to a child on Valentines Day. Robin Lehnert, toy expert and owner of Dot's Toys offers tips on selecting "Toys that say I Love You!"

(PRWEB) -- This year, instead of chocolates, why not consider a more lasting way to say “I love you” on Valentines Day?

Robin Lehnert, owner of Dot's Toys ( www.dotstoys.com )in Mequon, suggests a carefully selected toy might be the ideal way for a gift giver to enhance the relationship with the special child in their life.

Consider these ideas from when choosing a toy that says “I love you:”

• Is it appropriate for the age of the child?
• Is it reminiscent of a toy the gift-giver used and loved? Share an interest or craft with your choice of toy.
• Instead of performing only a single function, does the toy encourage exploration and discovery?
• Is the child able to use the toy in a way to express their feelings?
• Finally, and most important, does the toy bring both the gift-giver and the receiver together?

Following these guidelines Dot's Toys announces these honorable mentions for Valentines Day:

Make Your Own Valentines by Made by Hands – Children can express their love by making their own valentines with this kit that includes 250 pop-outs and glue to decorate 10 valentines and envelopes. Ages 4 years and up. $8.90

Fisher Cat Family by Calico Critters – Miniature animals, especially cats, provide endless role-play possibilities. Ages 3 years and up. $19.50

Only Hearts Club Book Set by the Only Hearts Club – Share stories of the Only Hearts Club girls with this first edition about each one of the 6 girlfriends. Ages 6 years and up. $20.00

Invisible Secrets Star Shiner and Crazy Rayz Blacklight Ring and Invisible Writer by Swingset Press – Now kids can write a love note to their valentine and share it when the black light ring is lit revealing the message. Ages 8 years and up. $7.90

Project Kits for Kids – Choose from magnetism, electricity, lights, colors and optics, radios and more and pass on your interest in science. Great first kits for budding engineers, architects and scientists. Ages 5 years and up. $14.95

Pop Art Painted Bracelet and Ring Kit by the Bead Shop – It's easy and fun to paint hearts with the colored nail polish provided and make bracelets, rings and pendants for friends and family. Ages 8 and up. $17.00

Ring Toss by BRIO – Play “she loves me, she loves me not” on Valentines Day with this high quality wood ring toss set. For ages 4 years and up. $12.50.

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