There are so many times when toys are on your present list each year. You might find yourself dashing to the store at the last minute with no ideas in mind. Even if you know what you want to buy, is it the right choice? Keep reading for great suggestions to help you choose wisely.
It’s smart to shop for affordable toys at consignment shops and thrift stores. But, make sure you clean anything purchased in order to protect your children. You don’t know what those toys have been exposed to, and you need to prevent your child from any germs they might have.
Know about the preferences of the child you are buying a toy for. Not all toys will be fun for the same child. Try to consider their personality and the activities they enjoy. Don’t let commercials and reviews completely dictate what you buy. Base your decisions on what you feel the child will most enjoy.
Barbie’s clothes have been updated! The new line of Barbie clothes includes an LED lit customizable dress. This dress allows your child a way to customize the lights on the dress using the included stylus. Your girl will love designing a one of a kind dress for her favorite Barbie doll.
Always check the labels of toys for the words “non-toxic.” These days, you will not find as many toys made with toxic parts like they were decades ago. But, there are still some out there. These kinds of toys could poison your child, should he or she swallow a part of it.
Don’t forget to look at garage sales. Children outgrow toys very quickly. As kids get older, they do not want to play with the same toys any more. Garage and yard sales can be a gold mine for getting used toys at very affordable prices. Browse a few shopping at the store.
With expensive toys, look into whether the toy has a return or exchange policy. This will help you save the most amount of money if your child does not like it. You can exchange the toy and get your hard earned money back or store credit.
Remember to check the box or packaging to see what extra items you need to get for a particular toy. For instance, make sure that you know what kind of batteries are needed, or what kind of equipment is necessary. There is nothing worse than not being able to play with a toy when you receive it, so be sure that the toy can be used by buying everything needed.
Careful with any toy that makes a lot of noise. This is not only for your sanity, it’s also for your child’s safety. If a toy that’s loud is held up to a child’s ear that could create serious damage. Be sure you know what you are buying before you buy it.
No matter how much you might think a child is going to love a toy, pay attention to warnings and recommendations. Factors like age, skill level and interest are often pretty accurate on the packaging. Also keep an eye out for toys that are specifically flame retardant or resistant.
Check to see whether or not a toy requires batteries before buying it. If the toy is going to require quite a few batteries you don’t often have on hand, it might be best to choose something else. Try to factor the price of batteries in along with the price of the toy.
Look for toys made with non-toxic materials. While this is a good idea for toys at any age, it is essential for younger children, especially babies under the age of 1. Children this age love putting things in their mouth as part of their exploration of the world around them.
Kids love to create. Arts and crafts are among their favorite things to do. It is important that you let them have independence in how they create. If you are concerned about messes, just make sure to protect the table surface with a disposable tablecloth and the floor with a tarp.
Toy chests are a great place to store toys if you choose a safe one. Children love to climb into things, and you don’t want them stuck in the toy chest. Your room might look better with these, but they’re a safety hazard.
Check out the quality of your child’s toys from time to time. They can dismantle toys after playing for a while. Toys start showing signs of wear and breakage. Easily breakable pieces can be hazardous when playing. Inspecting them frequently allows you to know the shape the toys are in, and whether or not they should be replaced.
When buying lots of toys, be sure to think about storage as well. If you don’t you may find a ton of toys just sitting around the floor. These can be serious tripping hazards for the young and old alike. Pick up a storage chest or determine the proper location for the toys immediately when you get them.
Educate your child with low-tech toys. Many people think of expensive, electronic toys when shopping for educational toys. Often the most effective educational toys are simple toys that can be played with in many ways. Look for toys that will serve many uses and encourage a child to get creative.
Making smart toy purchases is important. No matter how much we avoid it because of the research involved, we all want to become smarter shoppers. Keep what you have learned here close at hand. These tips, and any others you find, will help you feel more confident as you stroll the toy aisle.
