words Alexa Wang
Ever been inside of a toy store? Simply strolling down a single aisle can result in a panic attack. After all, there are so many different cute and fuzzy toys that you can choose from.
Even worse, every toy brand makes an argument about why the toy is the best choice for your kid. Knowing which toy to select can be a struggle, to say the least. Below, you will find 7 different things that you should be using when you are buying toys for your kids.
Look At The Age Range
First, you should be considering the toys age range. You want to look for a toy that is suitable for your kid’s age. Find some great gift ideas for 4 year olds.. After all, you don’t want to finally get your choice down to a select few only to find out they aren’t intended for the age of your child. This is especially important to consider when you are shopping for other people’s children as you don’t want to buy anything unsuitable for their kids. Any gift that features an age range younger than their child may prove to be an insult and any toy catered towards an older kid may be unsafe. Therefore, you want to factor in the intended age range during the initial stages of the buying process.
The Toy Is Safe
Believe it or not, but not every toy in the marketplace is going to be a safe buy. While you may think every toy is safe, the requirements aren’t as strict as they perhaps should be. A lot of the safety of the toy could be seen as subjective. Therefore, you have to figure out what you deem safe for your children. While a lot of this will be covered when you look at age ratings, there are still things that you want to factor into the buying decision. Think about the parts on the toy and consider whether or not you would be comfortable with your child playing with it. Things like small screws and other small parts should be considered and if choosing a toy scooter or bike then safety gear should be bought.
Does It Encourage Creativity?
You want to find toys that will inspire your kid to use his or her imagination. Kids generally love to use their imaginations. Therefore, you want to ensure that the toys you are choosing are helping encourage them to use it. Instead of choosing a specific toy that has rigid building requirements, consider choosing general blocks to allow your child to avoid being limited. With general blocks, he or she will be able to use their imagination free to create whatever they want. While toys that cater to your child’s interests can be a good option at times, you want to ensure that you aren’t forcing them into a peg that doesn’t allow for them to use their imagination.
Does It Promote Physical Activity?
Kids are getting less and less activity by the day. Your kids will have a lot of time to get into playing video games, watching television, and doing other stuff that isn’t physical. Try to get your kids started with toys that require physical activity before introducing them to toys that promote laziness. This can encourage them to get outside and play and to expend their energy which can keep them much healthier overall. While you don’t have to stick to this rule with every toy, you want them to have enough toys that promote physical activity to encourage a healthy lifestyle. If your kid doesn’t like getting much outside time considering getting them an electric scooter. They are really fun and are overall quite safe. You can view these e-scooter options to find a good one.
It Will Grow With Your Child
You should be aiming to get a toy that is going to be able to grow with your child. Unfortunately, toys can be rather expensive. Because of this, you want to try to find something they will be able to continue to use for years. Research different toys to see which toys may be able to grow with your child from year to year. Some toys have the flexibility and versatility that allows them to be viable for your child for multiple years.
How Many Senses Does It Target?
You want to identify toys that are going to encourage your baby to engage more of your child’s senses. The toys that actively provide a multi-sensory experience are those that will encourage growth and development. There have been studies that have shown that these toys help children with developmental issues by providing them with the necessary stimulation they need to grow.
Does It Encourage Learning?
You want to try to find toys that actively help your kids to learn. While picking toys with cool flashing lights is a viable option, you want to try to fill their toy box with a lot of toys that encourage thinking and that stimulate your child’s mind. Try to invest in toys that are going to force your child to think critically and develop their problem-solving skills.
