Whether you are buying toys for your own children or someone else's, you need to keep in mind certain things to ensure you get the appropriate toy.
Safety
Safety is the most important factor when looking at children's toys.
At different ages there are different levels of safety factor. For example, with small children, you must ensure there are no small pieces or parts that can break off. Infants always put things in their mouth, and anything with small moving parts can be trouble. For older kids it's important not to buy things that can be launched as missiles or used to hurt another person.
Cost
Cost is a significant factor when buying toys. If price is no limit then the best of any toy is available to you, but if like most of us, you have a price limit, then you must get the best value for money. The brands that focus on wooden and creative toys tend to be more expensive, where as the plastic brands like Fisher Price are more affordable. However, price does not always eliminate quality, creative toy ideas. Books are always a great option, when you look for sales, likewise other big brands. If you look for discounts and specials you might get more bang for buck. Simple toys like blocks, soft toys, puzzles and stacking toys are usually well priced for creative gift ideas.
Age appropriateness
Any parent would be able to figure this one out on their own, but for people like grandparents, who haven't had to worry about children for some time or relatives without children, age appropriateness can be a little tricky. Most toys have the age level indicated on the packaging which makes it easier, but in terms of what the child and parent will approve of, then that is something you will have to discuss with the parent. Never buy hard plastic toys or wooden toys for very young babies, as they can easily come to harm with hard things. It's a good idea to steer clear from any toys containing small parts for children under five, because even though they might seem past that sort of behaviour, children under five are always curious.
Gender
Gender is not a concern regarding toys for children under two in general. Most toys for infants will appeal to both boys and girls. It's not until they get a little older that they show a preference for gender specific toys. Most boys enjoy playing with cars and trucks and toys that allow them to mimic their father, and most girls enjoy dolls and prams and toys that allow them to mimic their mother. It is because they become aware of their own gender that this becomes a preference and they are finding their place in society. This preference for gender specific toys only gets more pronounced with age.
Purpose
Before buying a gift, check with the parent about what they might be lacking in their toy collection. If it is for your own child, then think about the toys they have, and buy something that will provide a different experience for them, or perhaps it's time to move into an older age bracket. Don't just buy the same kinds of toys again and again, and don't always be fooled into buying branded toys, these are short-lived and usually not especially good learning toys.
Being familiar with these five tips when you are buying children's toys will ensure you purchase something that will be enjoyed and welcome in any family home.
Safety
Safety is the most important factor when looking at children's toys.
At different ages there are different levels of safety factor. For example, with small children, you must ensure there are no small pieces or parts that can break off. Infants always put things in their mouth, and anything with small moving parts can be trouble. For older kids it's important not to buy things that can be launched as missiles or used to hurt another person.
Cost
Cost is a significant factor when buying toys. If price is no limit then the best of any toy is available to you, but if like most of us, you have a price limit, then you must get the best value for money. The brands that focus on wooden and creative toys tend to be more expensive, where as the plastic brands like Fisher Price are more affordable. However, price does not always eliminate quality, creative toy ideas. Books are always a great option, when you look for sales, likewise other big brands. If you look for discounts and specials you might get more bang for buck. Simple toys like blocks, soft toys, puzzles and stacking toys are usually well priced for creative gift ideas.
Age appropriateness
Any parent would be able to figure this one out on their own, but for people like grandparents, who haven't had to worry about children for some time or relatives without children, age appropriateness can be a little tricky. Most toys have the age level indicated on the packaging which makes it easier, but in terms of what the child and parent will approve of, then that is something you will have to discuss with the parent. Never buy hard plastic toys or wooden toys for very young babies, as they can easily come to harm with hard things. It's a good idea to steer clear from any toys containing small parts for children under five, because even though they might seem past that sort of behaviour, children under five are always curious.
Gender
Gender is not a concern regarding toys for children under two in general. Most toys for infants will appeal to both boys and girls. It's not until they get a little older that they show a preference for gender specific toys. Most boys enjoy playing with cars and trucks and toys that allow them to mimic their father, and most girls enjoy dolls and prams and toys that allow them to mimic their mother. It is because they become aware of their own gender that this becomes a preference and they are finding their place in society. This preference for gender specific toys only gets more pronounced with age.
Purpose
Before buying a gift, check with the parent about what they might be lacking in their toy collection. If it is for your own child, then think about the toys they have, and buy something that will provide a different experience for them, or perhaps it's time to move into an older age bracket. Don't just buy the same kinds of toys again and again, and don't always be fooled into buying branded toys, these are short-lived and usually not especially good learning toys.
Being familiar with these five tips when you are buying children's toys will ensure you purchase something that will be enjoyed and welcome in any family home.
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