Buying a good toy is not as simple as pulling something cool off the shelf and tossing it in your cart. Many decisions must be made, even for an individual purchase. Once you read the ideas and advice that come in the following paragraphs, you’ll be in good position to make these decisions.
Always read the warning labels. There may be choking hazards or other dangerous things listed, so you have to make sure you read them. All toys come with a recommended age label, so make sure you read that.
Don’t be swayed by a toy’s popularity. Sure, there may be wisdom in crowds, but it’s more important to consider your child’s likes and dislikes, along with their age and learning needs. Just because a toy is popular doesn’t mean it’s a good fit in your home. Think things through first.
Consider the age of your child when purchasing new toys. Small toys and toys with removable pieces can be a choking hazard for babies and toddlers who naturally put everything in their mouths. Ensure that new toys are challenging without being to difficult. Toys that are meant for older children can easily frustrate younger children.
If you’re shopping for toys for the holidays, buy them as early as you can. The earlier the better. As the season wears on, prices for the hottest toys trend more to premium buys. There are few discounts to be found. Some of the best discounts actually happen after the holiday season, so shopping after Christmas for the next year can be a smart strategy.
A good toy should be education and fun. For toddlers, look for toys that teach them the alphabet and numbers. You can find toys that will say each alphabet or number when the appropriate button is pressed. Toddlers are learning an having fun at the same time. Learning through play is the best education.
Consider donating older toys to your local preschool or Kindergarten. Often times, schools are low on supplies. Toys, especially education toys, can be a real boon to their ability to engage and educate kids all across your community. If not to your school, look to other family members to see if there may be needs for toys coming up in the family.
A toy that seems too good to be true probably is. Of course, saving a dollar every now and then is a fabulous thing. But when it comes to toys, you get what you pay for. Toys that are cheaply made not only tend to break easier, but they also may have sharp edges or small parts.
Take your children along when shopping for their toys. Unless you already know what they want, guessing at which toys they will enjoy will be hit and miss. This will ensure they get something they are sure to enjoy. Additionally, it ensures you’re not wasting your money on any toys that won’t be used.
Just like you would do with anything else you buy, make sure you comparison shop before buying any toy. The toy may be less expensive at one store than another. This a common among online retailers. Locate a site or a store where the best deals can be had.
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.
When using any type of vertical storage for your kids’ toys, place toys that are used the least on the top shelf and the most used ones on the lower ones. If you have children of different ages, put their toys on the bottom shelf where they are easier to access. Make sure the storage unit is secure by attaching it to the wall.
Get rid of the plastic that your toys come packed in right away. These materials can be very harmful to young children. The toy may be age-appropriate, but the packaging might not be. Potential dangers include choking and suffocation. Ascertain tiny bits are safely discarded where they cannot be retrieved.
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 at the toy’s characteristics to decide if this is the toy you want. A quality toy piques your child’s imagination. This will keep your child’s mind occupied. This is the ideal type of toy because children are encouraged to solve problems, get creative and even experiment.
When you go to buy a toy, you have to make a series of decisions. Is the toy for a boy, girl or both? What age is the intended child? What can he or she handle safely? What does he or she enjoy? Now that you have read this article, you should be able to handle each of these questions with ease and find the perfect toy, every time.
