Trying to shop for the perfect toy can be overwhelming. There are so many toys to choose from, each with their own special qualities. But you need to be able to match the wants and needs of a child to find just the right toy. So keep reading to find out how to do just that.
Be careful of toys that you buy from the dollar stores. Even though they are very cheap, the quality of materials is usually inferior. Sometimes the materials, especially plastics, may even contain toxic chemicals. Invest a little more on high quality toys so you can be sure that they are completely safe.
You should always make sure the toy you are buying is appropriate for the age of the child who will play with it. Always read the age the toy is recommended for on the box. Many times toys designed for older kids have small pieces that can pose a choking hazard for younger kids.
Consider the age of your child when purchasing new toys. Small toys and toys with removable pieces can be a choking hazard for babies and toddlers who naturally put everything in their mouths. Ensure that new toys are challenging without being to difficult. Toys that are meant for older children can easily frustrate younger children.
Find out what the trending toys are for the year. A new list is generated each year and is released right around the holiday season. This can give you a lot of great ideas. Look really early as it’ll give you lots of time to research.
Talk to your children about their likes and dislikes before buying any toys. This is not just about their toy opinions. These are likes and dislikes about anything and everything. You may discover certain things about your kids that will cue you in to just the right toy choices to spur their creativity and innovation.
When purchasing toys for toddlers it is important to select one that is geared for their age. You should choose toys that are colorful, lightweight and that have a lot of texture. At this young age, kids learn by touching, tasting, seeing and hearing. Also keep in mind that any toys you purchase should not have harmful substances on them if they accidentally put it in their mouth.
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.
Barbie’s clothes have been updated! The new line of Barbie clothes includes an LED lit customizable dress. This dress allows your child a way to customize the lights on the dress using the included stylus. Your girl will love designing a one of a kind dress for her favorite Barbie doll.
Always check the labels of toys for the words “non-toxic.” These days, you will not find as many toys made with toxic parts like they were decades ago. But, there are still some out there. These kinds of toys could poison your child, should he or she swallow a part of it.
You should purchase more toys for your child that don’t do too much by themselves. It is best to give your child more room to foster their creativity. The less action a toy provides, the more likely your child will be to use their imagination and have more fun with things.
There’s a list made every year that compiles the toys that are dangerous. Parents are highly advised to read it. Scan through and see if you own anything that should be thrown out. Going over this list will prevent you from buying something dangerous that appears to be quite harmless.
Careful with any toy that makes a lot of noise. This is not only for your sanity, it’s also for your child’s safety. If a toy that’s loud is held up to a child’s ear that could create serious damage. Be sure you know what you are buying before you buy it.
Do a bit of research when buying toys used. You should play it safe when buying older, previously owned toys. Try to look them up online or examine them thoroughly before handing them off to a child. Make sure they haven’t been recalled for any reason and don’t have any loose parts.
If you have many children, you can save money by buying toys that are appropriate for a range of ages. Many parents try to buy things that appeal to each individual child, but this can be very expensive. It is simpler to buy items that more than one child will enjoy.
Do not hand any toys featuring ribbons or string or anything similar in or above a crib or playpen. Babies and young children grow faster than you expect and can reach high enough before you know it. Hung toys can become entanglement dangers that risk injury and maybe even death.
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, knowing what a child wants and needs is important when choosing just the right toy. If you miss the mark, then it is just money wasted and a child who is disappointed. So keep the above hints in mind and you can make that special child very happy.
