Many people dream of the day they become parents and when they do, it is sometimes easy to forget that the kids are growing up and might outgrow their toys.
Friends and parents also have a hard time choosing the right toy for a child. If you’re having trouble with finding an age-appropriate gift for a child, let’s look at how you can hack this.
Keep these considerations in mind when buying age-appropriate toys for kids.
The Age
Kids grow and quickly adapt to different forms of entertainment. As a parent or guardian, you have to mark the steps and ensure that you get them the best toys.
Kids cry as a form of communication. If your kid does not have a toy that challenges them or entertains them, expect some level of crying.
If they are at playdate level, check out the kinds of toys they pick up from the other kids. It might give you an idea of things that they might love.
The Risk
While entertaining kids is one of the best uses of toys, you need to always monitor them because even the toys that have the least risk factor can be risky to kids.
For all kids below 3 years, avoid buying them toys with small detachable pieces they can easily swallow.
Avoid Gadgets
Kids below 2 years should generally stay away from electronics. Build their cognitive skills using toys.
Electronics keep kids awake longer, are addictive, and cause concentration problems in kids.
Selecting Toys for Infants
One of the best ways to tell if a toy is of the appropriate age is to check the label for an age mark.
For infants, this is especially tough to select a toy as there are numerous hazards that can be associated with them.
For ages 0 – 6 months: Get them something they can squeeze or shake as they like holding onto things. Make sure they are sizable enough to ensure they are not hazards.
From 6-8 months: At this age, kids like repeating things to achieve a goal, so building blocks are ideal for their building minds.
From 8-18 months: Kids here are still furthering their cognitive skills. Give them a wider range of building blocks and puzzle-like pieces that fit into each other, like large Lego blocks. It is also a great way to increase their cognitive abilities.
Selecting the Right Toys for Toddlers
Toddlers are generally kids between the ages of 18- 24 months and they love the play and pretend kind of games.
At this age, you can buy them a tea party set, a pretend kitchen, police cars, boats, planes, or even space ships. You can also include some action figurines and superheroes.
Selecting Toys for Preschool Kids
At this age, the kids are still learning and including play in their lives. You can bring in Lego bricks, puzzles, outdoor toys, or tween dolls by L.O.L. Surprise.
When getting toys for kids, the simpler the better. Try to avoid hoarding toys so your children are not overwhelmed by choices and to also ensure they enjoy them all.