'Tis the Season: The Toy Buying Season

December 05, 2005

The changing of the seasons is upon us. The commercials have started, catalogues are arriving, and department store aisles are more crowded with the newest, hottest, or most fun toys and games of this holiday season. As the holidays approach, children armed with pen and paper settle in to start this year's wish list. Even the little ones, not quite big enough to make their own lists, have no trouble stating what they're wishing for.

No matter how much fun making the list may be, it's the checking it twice that's important. Don't forget to keep safety and age appropriateness in mind when buying toys or games for children. There are many resources and tips available to help you in buying toys from any child's wish list. Here are a few ideas from the National Safe Kids Campaign :

Infants under age 1: Toys for the first year include activity quilts, stuffed animals without button noses and eyes, bath toys, soft dolls, baby swings, cloth books and squeaky toys.

Children ages 1 to 3: Toddler gifts may include books, blocks, fit-together toys, balls, push-and-pull toys, pounding toys and shape toys.

Children ages 3 to 5: Suitable toys for preschoolers might include approved nontoxic art supplies, books, videos, musical instruments, and outdoor toys such as a baseball tee, slide or swing.

Children ages 5 to 9: Recommended toys include craft materials, jump ropes, puppets, books, electric trains (after age 8) and sports equipment. Remember, children ages 8 and up can begin to use electrical and battery-operated toys. Check tape recorders and battery-operated toys regularly for loose or exposed wires. Don't allow children to change batteries.

Children ages 9 to 14: For these children, suitable gifts include computers, microscopes, table and board games, and outdoor and team sports equipment. Ensure that older children's toys are out of reach of younger children, for whom they may present a danger.

Following are additional resources on age appropriate toys and toy safety:

Consumer Product Safety Comission 

Home Safety Council 

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