So I was determined to buy a toy for C, my DC granddaughter.

We found an Elmo puzzle that looked exciting to her, but it had over 25 pieces and said it was for 3+ years (C's just turned 2).

Searching further, we found all kinds of toys with bells and whistles and sounds and flashing lights. She looked at them from afar and was intrigued but said "NO!" as I brought them closer to her reach.

It looked like the search might not succeed, when, on our way out of the toy department I saw hoola hoops hanging on the wall. We had just played with one the day before at KinderMusic, learning all kinds of imaginative ways to play with this simple toy. She was delighted when I showed it to her and she couldn't have been happier.

Sometimes (most time, probably) simple is best!