Christmas Toys

From LoveToKnow Christmas

Buying Christmas toys is a struggle for many people who have young children on their lists needing presents. Crazes like the “T.M.X. Elmo” can cause panic for many parents and grandparents who want to get their child the “in” item. However, a plethora of toys exist that can offer just as much to children as the newest trendy item. Knowing the likes and dislikes of a gift recipient can help, but consider buying outside of a child’s interests in order to spark kids’ creativity.

sled for Christmas

Christmas Toys for Babies

Picking out a toy for babies and toddlers at Christmas can be difficult, especially for those who do not have small children at home. While it can be hard to pick out a toy for kids this young, keep a few things in mind to make the task easier.

First of all, very young children are attracted to noises. Look for crib toys, plushes, blocks, and other items that produce a song, animal noise, or other attractive sound. For the parents’ sake, try to find items where the noise-maker can be turned off if the parents so desire.

Secondly, look for items that are brightly colored and designed. Bright yellows, blues, greens, reds, purples, and pinks help stimulate senses and attract small children to the toy. If you know the color scheme of the child’s room, consider items that are in those colors.

Look for items that work to enhance a child’s mobility or fine motor skills. Putting together large building blocks or using a large wooden puzzle can help with these skills. A walker or activity center, such as the LeapFrog LeapStart Learning Table, is a good toy for toddlers as they learn to walk and do more complicated activities. It can be used while standing up, helps with balance, and keeps kids busy with songs and bright colors.

Lastly, for all toys for babies and toddlers, make sure they are safe. Do not purchase something with small parts that could be eaten or choked on. Always use the age guide on the packaging to help determine if the toy is appropriate for whom you are purchasing it.

Toys for Boys and Girls

Older kids are able to ask for specific items. These toys are usually the popular toy of the moment. They are able to ask for certain items by name, and produce a list for family and friends of Christmas toys they would like.

Not everyone likes to purchase from a list. In fact, sometimes toys not found on lists end up being the kids’ favorites. Keep in mind the child’s likes and dislikes, and ask around work or with friends who have kids that age to find out what the “it” items of the moment are.

Increasingly popular are toys related to characters in movies or on television. Disney movies and games, action figures, and other toys related to the child’s favorite character are usually welcomed. Blue’s Clues, Dora the Explorer, and Bob the Builder are also popular children’s television series. For the older child, Superman, Batman, Star Wars characters and other “heroes” are good choices for gifts.

Toys that seem to be popular in recent years for boys include:

  • Paintball accessories
  • Race car sets
  • Water guns
  • Model cars/trains/airplanes
  • Scooters

Christmas toys for girls that have been doing well recently include:

  • Barbie Dolls
  • Bratz dolls
  • Cabbage Patch Kids
  • Jewelry or bead making kits

It’s hard to predict the toy of the moment before Christmas season, as manufacturers are always putting out new product at the holidays. However, based on recent popularity, you can be assured of what are reasonably good choices for toys. Many online stores also publish lists of the best-selling items in different categories for the day or week. Check your favorite store to see if they have a list for ideas.

Traditional Toys

While it seems everyone is obsessed with getting the newest and greatest electronic or trendy toy item, do not forget the classic toys of your own youth. They inspire creativity and often hold up better than many of today’s plastic toys.

Christmas toys that are traditional can be found just about anywhere. Back To Basics Toys has a wide range of tried-and-true toys, and even a gift finder to help you narrow choices.

Suggestions for some traditional Christmas toys include:

  • Puzzles
  • Classic games (Monopoly, Trivial Pursuit, Sorry)
  • Building blocks
  • Books
  • Wagons
  • Bikes
  • Rocking horses
  • Instruments
  • Puppets
  • Play-Doh

As with any gift item, try to include a receipt for returns. Children may all ready have received an item, or a part may break and they might need to return it. Giving the receipt to parents can help keep kids from losing it in the excitement of Christmas morning.

Additional Resources

Want to learn more about finding the hottest Christmas toys? Check out LoveToKnow Kids for reviews of the coolest toys for every age group.


 


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