When a baby is getting the hang of object permanence (the idea that something still exists even when it can't be seen), any game where things appear and disappear is a hit. While traditional windup jack-in-the-boxes can still be too startling or scary at this age, you can make a baby-friendlier one yourself using simple materials from around the house.
Appropriate for:
6 to 10 months
Skills developed:
Understanding of object permanence
What you'll need:
A coffee can, yogurt carton, or large paper cup; a chopstick, pencil, or ruler; a small colorful toy (a finger puppet works best); some tape or glue
Punch a hole in the bottom of the container. Insert a chopstick, pencil, or ruler through the hole, then glue or tape a small stuffed animal or plastic figure to the end. Even better, use a finger puppet (just slip it over the end of the stick and secure it with a bit of tape).
Now you have a hand-operated pop-up toy: Pull the stick down so the toy or puppet is hidden inside the can or cup, then push it up suddenly when you want the jack-in-the-can to greet your baby.