Drawing. You’d think it’s a pretty low-tech activity, right? But take a walk down the toy aisle and you’ll see drawing pads with lights, sounds, music, and all kinds of other electronic bells and whistles. Huh? I just don’t get it. Do kids need an incentive to be creative? Do they get bored while drawing? I’m beginning to think it’s all an evil conspiracy to sell batteries.
Of course the lowest tech way to draw is to use paper and crayons, markers, or paint. All very fun but with a young toddler it can also be very messy and involves a lot of “no, sweetie, that’s not for eating”. Sometimes a haggard parent needs a no-mess, non-edible drawing alternative. So I bought this magnetic drawing pad for my 16-month old. He draws with the stylus and stampers, although his favorite part so far is erasing everything with the ladybug, preferably while I am drawing. It’s also fun for me, which is good since he is at the “you must play with me all the time, woman” stage. My only complaint is that the stampers are impossible for him to get out without pre-loosening, but he’s still pretty young for this toy (intended for 18 months and up). It’s totally non-electronic and widely available in stores – I got mine at Target.
