How to Choose Toys for Children
Toys make great gifts for children. They are always fun to play with and they contribute to the child’s mental growth during the early years. However, when giving a toy to a child, certain factors have to be considered. Aside from the quality and safety of the toy, its age appropriateness and educational values are also important. Of course, when the child gets a little older, you should give toys that are suited for the child’s gender.
Boys like balls, electronic games, action figures, bicycles, skateboards, and other toys for physical activities while girls prefer doll houses, Barbie dolls, tea party sets, stuffed animals, faux makeup and jewelry, and other cute items. Make sure that you get hypoallergenic stuffed toys, in case the child has asthma. In addition, you can give unisex toys such as board games, art sets, and Frisbees.
When you give a toy to an infant, it should be something quiet. The first three months of a baby’s life is the most dependent and vulnerable stage. It is the time when sudden noises are not appreciated. So, instead of giving a toy that produces loud sounds or music, get something simpler like a rattle. Additionally, musical toys commonly use batteries; and you know very well that batteries can leak and corrode. This can put the child in danger, that’s why it is always best to play safe and avoid them. Battery-operated toys are not ideal for very young children.
When the baby reaches four to six months, he can now grasp things. At this point, you can give toys that are lightweight such as plush toys and soft balls. Then again, you should never give a toy with small parts as the baby also tends to put anything in his mouth at this stage. When the child reaches the toddler stage, educational gifts such as books, puzzles, pattern cards, play-doh, picture dominoes, toys that require pouring and filling, and alphabet and numerical blocks are most ideal to be given.
Toddlers spend most of their day playing and discovering new things. Hence, it is best to give them educational toys so they can be encouraged to learn and become creative. For instance, coloring books, picture books, picture dominoes, and pattern cards can teach children about colors, patterns, shapes, animals, and other objects. Play-doh can develop their artistic talents. Puzzles can help improve their critical thinking, and toys that require pouring and filling can develop their spatial orientation skills.
Alphabet and numerical blocks, on the other hand, can teach them about letters and numbers. Nonetheless, teddy bears, dolls, play sets, balls, and squeezable toys are also good. These toys can help them develop social skills as they play with other children. Another great idea is to buy a gift certificate from a toy store. A toy store that sells educational toys is more recommended. You can give the gift certificate to the mother of the child, so they can go shopping together and the child will be able to get the toy that he prefers.
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