The final installment in my "Christmas Toy Shopping 2004" series is advice on what to look for when buying a toy, whether you are a parent, grandparent, great-uncle, second cousin, or family friend who has to brave the toy aisle to find that last minute gift for a child.* I cannot be held accountable for any pain and suffering caused by any toy that goes against the following guidelines. I encourage any of you who can expand on this advice to do so by commenting below.
- The less noise it makes, the better.
- If you must buy a noisy toy, look for one with a volume control.
- The less pieces it contains, the better.
- Books are great gifts. They are quiet, stimulate a child's imagination, they are quiet, and educational. And quiet.
- Anything that will encourage a child to clean, is a good idea.
- Always consider not just how the toy was meant to be used, but how a child might decide the toy should be used. A toy broom, while falling under the guideline above is a great idea in theory, becomes a weapon in the hands of the right child. Choose carefully.
- Art supplies can be a great choice, but again, choose carefully. Art supplies can require a lot of clean up!
- Look at the age recommendations on toys.
- It can be a good idea to buy a toy slightly advanced for a child, so that they get a lot of use out of it. The exception would be a toy containing small pieces should never go to a small child (generally under 3 years).
- If considering a toy with small pieces for an older child who has smaller siblings, consider again.
- Simple is good. Not every toy has to have lights and buttons and talk in thirty languages.
*Please note: I am not a toy expert, and any tips here should be taken as the opinion of one mom. Also remember that these are general guidelines, and there are exceptions to every rule.
