The toy industry has broadened to include things that perhaps you never dreamt of during your own childhood. Therefore, if you find yourself needing to purchase some items for the kids in your life, you may feel intimidated. Fortunately, there is a wealth of information below that is sure to help.
Take some time to review package warnings if a toy will be gifted to a younger child. Some toys have parts that are a choking hazard, so you need to watch out for those warnings. Toys normally come with ratings that advise the appropriate age ranges for its use, so be sure to read that information.
When buying a toy for your kid, keep in mind the space in which the toy is going to be used. For example, a large toy must be used in a space where your child can play safely. Also, keep in mind where the toy will be stored, and be sure that there is ample room there too.
If you child is a biter, you need to make sure that the toys you buy for him do not have loose parts. Even if a toy is recommended for a child age three or older, if your older child is a biter, that toy is still not safe for him.
Look at the age limits of any toy you are considering purchasing. These age limits aren’t there just for show. Real research has been put into it for your child’s safety. Toys marked for use above your child’s current age could contain small pieces and sharper edges that can really hurt a young one.
Be aware of how long a toy will take to assemble. Not every child has a designated, sizable area for playing. A large toy that will need to be assembled and then taken apart after playtime could be a problem. A lengthy assembly time for a toy could mean a lot of hassle.
Introduce your young child to music by giving him toy instruments that he can play on. A toys piano with large, colorful keys is always a favorite. Your child can experiment with making up his own tunes. Many toy instruments come with a play along option so your child can listen to the music and play at the same time.
If you are looking for educational toys for a child, stick with the classic. Building blocks, shape sorters, and stackable “donuts” have been around for decades and for a good reason–they help children use their planning skills. While there may be many newer educational toys, these tend to work best.
If you are looking for a unique gift, consider purchasing a personalized gift. A great toy for a special little girl is a doll that comes with its own set of personalized adoption papers. These papers will list the child’s name as the parent along with the doll’s full name.
Be careful with toys that contain small pieces. Read the age recommendations on the side of the box. If your child is under the age listed, it’s best to look for another option for now. Small pieces with younger kids can lead to major choking hazards. They can also cause trips and falls.
Puzzles are great in helping a child learn problem solving skills. A toddler can start off with a simple 5-piece puzzle. He starts to develop an eye in how things can fit together. As he improves his skill, give him a 10-piece puzzle. As he masters one level, challenge him with another.
Browse thrift stores for toys. Parents often donate toys as soon as their children outgrow them. These toys are often new and in excellent condition. You can get high-quality toys very inexpensively this way. If you have many children to buy toys for, this is the best way to stay on budget.
When buying toys for children, do not get too caught up in traditional gender roles. Just because a toy is considered to be popular with one particular gender, children have their own preferences. If your child would be more interested in a toy that was meant for the opposite sex, you should purchase it for them.
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.
Many children like to play games where they have to pretend. Give them dolls and furniture, and watch their imaginations take hold as they play family. Have them cook a meal in a play kitchen. These are just some of the ways children bring their imagination to life. Watch them and make sure everything is safe when they use them.
Look to the reviews for toys online before you buy anything. Amazon.com and other online retailers often are chock full of reviews from adults just like you. They’ll tell you what to expect much more so than the promotional material and signage that accompanies the toy in the store.
Buy your children toys that can be used in many different ways. This will give them a bit more variety when it is time to play. For example, buying building blocks is a great idea since they can be used to create many different things. This decreases the chances of your child becoming bored.
There was a time when toys were fairly simple in nature, but still provided hours of joy to children everywhere. But, given the complexity and wealth of options that now exist, shopping for toys is daunting to many. However, with your new command of the marketplace, you should be able to shop with new confidence.
