Choosing Toys for Grandchildren
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2006-12-28 19:55:00-05:00
Toy shopping isn’t for wimps. Every grandparent learns this lesson sooner or later.
Admit it. As a new grandparent, you approached your first toy shopping adventure with lots of excitement and feelings of hope. Those feelings probably disappeared after you had spent an hour or two wandering the aisles of your local toy store. That’s when you started to feel overwhelmed by the miles of color, noise and motion bombarding you. And that’s when every toy started to look and sound just about the same.
Toy shopping can’t be avoided, no matter how hard it is. After all, you can’t go to that next birthday party empty handed. But you can learn to relax in the toy store and have some fun. You may not find the perfect toy. But you should be able to find a toy that will bring a smile to your loved one’s face. These tips might help.
Safety First
Safety should be your first consideration when buying a child’s toy. Make your decision about safety by checking the toy label. The Child Safety Protection Act requires that all toys have a label that tells you if that toy is safe for children in different age groups. For example, a toy label must tell you if a toy has small parts that could choke a child under the age of three.
It’s important to check over every toy to see if it could present a danger to your young grandchildren. Steer clear of toys that have cords or strings longer than 12 inches. You don’t want a toy with sharp edges or toxic paint. And watch out for those extra pieces that come along with toys and games. Don’t give young children gifts that contain balloons or marbles.
Rely on the Experts
When in doubt about a toy, ask your adult children. They know what toys are popular. They know what’s safe. They can tell you what your grandchildren like. Most important, they can tell you what types of toys that don’t want in the house. That may include toys that will drive them crazy with bells, whistles and sirens.
Young Children Like It Simple
Have you ever watched young children open a gift and then play happily with the box instead of the toy? Youngsters can have as much fun with pots and pans as they can with the toy it took you three hours to select. Again and again, children turn to the simplest things in life for their entertainment. For the younger set, less is more. Maybe it’s time to follow their lead.
Young children like toys that help them play make-believe. So leave the talking doll on the toy store shelf. Instead, go for stuffed animals or building blocks. See if you can find kits that help youngsters open an imaginary store, cook an imaginary meal, or run a make-believe office.
Young kids also like toys that keep them active. That includes balls they can throw and catch, and cars they can push around the floor. Leave the motorized cars at the toy store.
Toys that help youngsters learn are also a great choice. Puzzles or playing cards will give your grandchild many hours of happy play.
Older Children Have Interests
You can get good toy tips for older grandchildren by paying attention to the kinds of things they like to do. Is your granddaughter a budding scientist? A chemistry set or microscope might make a good gift for her. Does your grandson like sports? Consider giving him a new basketball or a baseball glove. Is music your grandchild’s “thing”? Then a few CDs may just do the trick. If you think the child might have some musical talent, invest in a simple instrument, like a harmonica or a tin whistle.
It’s a good idea—and lots of fun—to match the toy with the child. Be careful, though. Don’t push your grandchild into an activity because you want him or her to like it. At the same time, ask questions to find out how real your grandchild’s interests are. Your grandchild may want a particular toy because it was just advertised on television. Talk with your grandchild about the toy. Postpone your purchase if your grandchild’s interest seems like a passing fad.
Stay and Play
It’s always a good idea to buy toys that you’d enjoy. Then, when the toy is out of its box, be willing to stay and play! Show your grandchild how to use his or her new gift. Shake the baby’s new rattle. Cuddle with that new stuffed animal. Show your grandchild how to put one of his new blocks on top of the other. Play that new board game or computer game with an older child. You’ll both have fun.
Try, Try Again
Ever buy a toy you think is a winner and then see it sitting untouched in the corner of the room? This happens to every grandparent. Don’t let it discourage you. No gift giver succeeds every time. As long the toy you buy is safe and not too expensive, a gift-buying mistake isn’t the end of the world. Both you and your grandchild will get over it. And you both can look forward to the next birthday or holiday, when you’re bound to hit the jackpot.
AARP Resources
2006 Tech Gifts for Kids
Check out these ideas for what is hot, new or educational in tech toys.
Giving Gifts to Your Grandchildren
Don’t let gift giving stress you out. These tips may help.
Online Shopping: A Safety Checklist
Do you buy gifts for grandchildren online? Protect yourself with these tips.
Other Resources
Choosing Safe Toys
Check out these tips on choosing safe toys by age groups.
Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood
PBS Kids gives ideas for toys that infants and toddlers will like.
Guide to Toys 2006
The American Foundation of the Blind presents this guide to the best toys for children with all types of special needs.
Books
Find these books online at Barnes & Noble.com:
"Toy Tips: A Parent's Essential Guide to Smart Toy Choices"
Marianne Szymanski and Ellen Neuborne, John Wiley and Sons, Inc., August 2004.
"Great Ideas for Grandkids!: 150 Ways to Entertain, Educate, and Enjoy Your Grandchildren Without Setting Foot in a Toy Store"
Peggy Epstein, The McGraw-Hill Companies, May 2003.
"Science Fun with Toys: A Guide for Parents and Teachers"
Thomas W. Sills and Judith Q. Iacuzzi, Dearborn Resources, March 1999.
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