How to Choose that Perfect Toy!

On this blog we will be examining the issue of the ” Finest Christmas Toys “.  Before we start actually listing our selections, here are some Christmas tips that you should take into consideration when choosing toys.

1)  The first thing to keep in mind is that it’s been years since you were a child.  The toys that you played with (or longed for) as a child have more often than not gone out of favor over the years.  We live in the fast paced “internet” age now where everything is electronic and moves at a bullet pace. Just remember, children from different generations generally like different types of toys.

2) The Child’s Gender – Some toys are fun for both boys or girls.  Board games, puzzles, and arts and crafts fit into this category.  Other toys are more gender specific.  It’s not very common for a boy to play with a pink dollhouse now is it?  Similarly, how many times have you seen a girl play with tanks and fighter jets?  Having said this, tastes do differ amongst children.  Just make sure this is a consideration in the selection process.

3)  The Child’s Age –  One of the most important considerations.  If the toys are too advanced for your child’s age, they may either lose interest, or become injured while playing with them.  With the risk of lawsuits always looming, toy manufacturers are constantly struggling to make their products as safe as possible.  Having said this, if you don’t follow the manufacturers recommendations (they will often print the suggested ages for their toy on the side of the package), you are taking this matter into your own hands.  On the other side of the coin, if you choose toys that are too young for your child, they will consider them childish and boring.  The solution?  Make sure the toy you are choosing is age appropriate. 

4)  The Toys that Your Child’s Friends Play With – Take a look when you see your child playing with others.  Do they show a particular interest in the toys that their friends are playing with?  If this is the case, you have a potential toy to purchase for your child when the occasion presents itself.

5)  Safety Considerations – This is the most important factor you must consider whenever you need to decide what toy you should buy for your child. Unfortunately, this is also the most overlooked one. Usually, parents forget to check if the toy they choose for their children are safe.

6)  Is the toy an education – It’s one thing to choose a toy that is fun to play with.  It takes the whole gift giving process up to a new level when the toy is educational as well.  There is nothing like preparing your child with skills that will prepare them for the future while they have fun.

7)  Sometimes a child will make the whole toy selection process easy by telling their parents what toy he/she likes or wants.  This can save a whole lot of time and effort, but it can also mean that the sense of “surprise” is gone.  One way to bring this sense of “surprise” back is to answer back “wouldn’t you rather have a <fill in the blank>”.

Xmas help is here!  In future posts we will be providing some Xmas specials that we are sure your child will love!  Xmas wishes to you and yours…