If you remember your time as a kid, several great toys probably come immediately to mind. Thus, finding wonderful items for your own kids is probably a high priority. Keep reading the information that follows, and you will have the tools necessary to provide lots of fun and memories to your own kids.
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.
Whether you are looking for the latest in video game consoles or teddy bears, you can find what you are looking for online. Sites, such as Amazon, often offer free shipping and handling for purchases of over 25 dollars. Free shipping and handling can save you quite a bit of money when shopping for multiple gifts.
Think about where you plan to let your child play with the toy. Too often parents get sucked into the idea of a toy for their child, but don’t give thought to whether it’ll work in their yard or home. Too little space can mean broken furniture and accessories all around.
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.
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.
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.
If you’ve got a lot of outdoor toys, be sure to store them indoors whenever the weather turns bad. These toys may be meant for the outdoors, but that doesn’t mean they won’t rust and break more easily when they are always left outside. Just a little forethought can keep a toy alive for a much longer time.
Before buying a child a toy, ask their parents what the child wants. If you are buying a toy for a friend’s kid, knowing this is a huge advantage. A gift that they already want is a gift that is sure to be enjoyed. Their parents will be able to point you in the right direction.
When buying toys during the holidays, make sure to check and see how many batteries you will need for them to operate. It is terrible to give children toys that they are not able to play with right away. The holidays are all about cheer, and this will make them feel the opposite.
Children of a certain age like to pretend play. Dolls and props can let them play the mommies and daddies. A play kitchen can help them prepare a meal for you. This allows them to actually live activities that they previously only imagined. Watch them and make sure everything is safe when they use them.
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.
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.
Even though you want to buy your children toys to keep them entertained, you should try to find some that have some educational value. Children drink up knowledge quite easily, so you should expose them to new things as often as possible. The best toys out there are a good combination of excitement and education.
The right sorts of toys can make all the difference in the life of any child. The time spent playing with great toys can have an impact that lasts a lifetime. The good news is that you should now have the confidence and knowledge required to get the very best toys around.
