How to Choose the Right Toys as Gifts This Christmas
Are you feeling overwhelmed (as always!) by the number of products available for kids this holiday season? Here's a guide to choosing the right toys to give the children in your Christmas gift list. Here are tips on how to choose the right toys as gifts this Christmas:
Playtime for Babies - For a child, play is serious business. Any kind of stimulation—the sounds from a music boy, a mobile twirling, even the whoosh of a washing machine—can gain a baby's attention, diminish boredom and end crying.
Toys to Imagine By - While children may be initially fascinated by some highly structured toys that do very specific things, they remain interested in toys far longer if the toys are more flexible and can be used in different ways. The toys that can become whatever the child wants it to be is bound to be more enriching than the toy that is only one thing. The universal attraction of blocks to children everywhere throughout the history of mankind is an example.
The blocks come apart, fall down and can be put together again in a multitude of simple or elaborate combinations.
Irresistible Art - Most children have a great time with paints, clay, colored paper and art materials. At Christmas time, prepare a large package that include masking tape, colored markers, sheets of Mylar, colorful stickers, colored stars, and other objects found in art supply stores. These are certified favorites. These materials can be used 10 make collages or paintings that can be framed inexpensively as gifts. The great pride and satisfaction that a child feels in such a production is, well, unsurpassed.
Boy Toys vs. Girl Toys - Most often, boys have a preference for trucks and guns, and the girls prefer dolls and tea sets—those toys that are considered socially acceptable. Nevertheless, parents can always find ways to express to their children their own values and ideas on what's important. If someone gifts your son a toy military rifle as a Christmas present, politely thank that someone and express appreciation for his/her thoughtfulness. But when you and your child are alone, tell him how guns remind you of war and violence, that after playtime, peace should be uppermost in his mind. He will, most likely, respect your feelings.
Grown-Ups at Play - When the castle that the child has been carefully working to construct comes tumbling down, and tears mixed with declarations of "I'm no good at anything" prevail, the parent can quietly enter the scene and say, "I'm sure you can build another one, let me help you." Important messages are getting through, such as keep trying, don't be defeated by frustration, be patient. I'm on your side babe!
Lastly, the toys we select for our children should enhance play, make it more vivid, and aid them in their attempts to learn about life, themselves and the world they live in.
