Are you looking to buy a toy for a special child in your life this holidays season? With so many choices today, it can be hard to know where to begin. Shopping in crowded stores can be confusing, and the array of choices online can leave you feeling overwhelmed.
To help you while you hunt for the perfect present, here are some quick tips for buying toys that kids will love. You can also scroll down for specific toy suggestions, arranged by intended age group, as selected by the parenting experts at the St. Tammany Parenting Center.
Good luck – and happy holidays!
Consider the brand. There are so many choices today, but the tried and true brands will stand the test of time and typically produce sturdy products with warranties if needed. Classics like Fisher-Price and Little Tykes have well-tested products and excellent customer service departments. Melissa and Doug wooden toys are fan favorites with grandparents. And brands like Green Toys and Baby Einstein produce reputable products children love!
Consider age and developmental level. Most toys have an age guideline on the package that can assist you when trying to select a toy that will grow with a child. Remember that these numbers are only a guide. For very young children consider buying “up” a bit for a toy that can be opened and played with at a later time. With a sea of presents from family and friends at Christmas time, having a few toys stashed away for the hot summer months is helpful.
Consider gifting experiences. Older children are often the hardest age group to buy for. By age nine or 10, it can seem as though our homes are overflowing with discarded trinkets and toys. Consider gifting your time. Gift cards for a date to the nail salon, ice cream parlor, arcade or movie theater are a special treat. Also consider membership options to the zoo, children’s museum or aquarium. All are lovely gifts that will create lasting memories for years to come.
Below is the St. Tammany Hospital Parenting Center 2021 Christmas Gift Guide. Check it out to see some of our favorite toys this year.