It seems like each day there is some new toy that comes out. At some point it all becomes a big dizzying mess when trying to make sense of it. Thankfully, the following article has many great ideas if you are in search of really good toys. Don’t get caught wasting money on useless toys again, continue to the following article for great toy buying advice.
If you find a toy online at a discount, see if you can find the same thing in your local toy store. If your local store carries it, you will have a chance to examine the toy closely for quality and workmanship. If you decide to buy it, you can go back to the online store to purchase it.
When consider what toys to purchase for a small child, safety is very important. Avoid toys that are stuffed with small pellets or beans because these can present a choking hazard if they spill out of the toy. You should also avoid toys with parts that have a diameter of less than 1.75 inches.
If you are looking to get your child more socialized, choose toys that allow for interaction. This could be interactive toys that communicate directly with your child, or they could be toys that are meant to be played with among a group. Either way, your child will learn important socialization skills.
Craigslist is a mecca when it comes to toys that are used but in good condition. When you look at an ad, check out the wear of the toy. You can find some used toys that kids played with just a few times but are in great shape. This can help you find some great deals.
If you are buying a toy for an infant or a child under three, be sure there are no small parts. When children are of a younger age, they tend to enjoy putting objects in their mouth. The problem is, they could choke if they swallow little toy parts. You can check the label of most toys; there is typically a warning label if small parts exist.
If you have active teens or tweens, try buying sports equipment. Buy a baseball glove or ball or a basketball goal. Choosing this type of gift will not only bring them joy, but it will also offer them an incentive to be physically active.
Ask other parents about the best educational toys around. You’ve got a built in focus group all around you! Talk to the parents at the local preschool or in the play yard. They’ll likely have a lot of great advice to give. You may even discover that some have additional toys sitting around that they may donate to you.
Know about the preferences of the child you are buying a toy for. Not all toys will be fun for the same child. Try to consider their personality and the activities they enjoy. Don’t let commercials and reviews completely dictate what you buy. Base your decisions on what you feel the child will most enjoy.
Do not restrict your child from paying with toys because their age is out of the range that is recommended on the box. These numbers should be used as guidelines and are not really set in stone. Being steadfast about age can result in your child missing out on many toys they may enjoy.
Remember to check the box or packaging to see what extra items you need to get for a particular toy. For instance, make sure that you know what kind of batteries are needed, or what kind of equipment is necessary. There is nothing worse than not being able to play with a toy when you receive it, so be sure that the toy can be used by buying everything needed.
Check the reviews for a toy. This is especially important if the toy costs quite a bit of money. From reviews you can find out how durable the toy is and how much enjoyability the average child seems to get out of it. You wouldn’t want to buy a toy most people report as falling apart within the first week of play.
Be very cautious about buying used toys for very small children. While you may feel like this is a great way to save a few dollars, it can expose your child to hidden bacteria and germs. It is more dangerous for younger children since many of them have the tendency to put things in their mouths.
Spark your child’s creativity by buying a puppet theater. The folks at HABA have created the perfect puppet theater for your child to make their puppet show come alive. For added playtime, this theater transforms into a store front with counters allowing your child a totally different play time experience.
Look for toys made with non-toxic materials. While this is a good idea for toys at any age, it is essential for younger children, especially babies under the age of 1. Children this age love putting things in their mouth as part of their exploration of the world around them.
Check the construction of any toy you are considering. You want a toy to feel solid, even if it’s made of plastic. If a toy feels flimsy and like it’ll break from limited play, then choose a different toy. It can be a serious hazard for your kid if you choose a poorly made toy.
As you can see from the above article, buying toys is more fun when you have knowledgeable tips to fall back on. Never again should you waste your hard earned money on bad toys now that you have these great toy buying tips in your pocket. Keep them close by whenever you go out shopping for toys.
