During special occasions, be it birthdays or Christmas, you always look forward to looking for unique gifts for your children. On her list, she will probably have the latest creative gadgets and toys. In the coming weeks, we will be celebrating Christmas and I am sure that some of the best toys for this season are already on your children’s wish list. There are so many toys to choose from that it can be hard to come to a conclusion as to which one is the best to buy.
Well, whether you’re shopping for your own kids or someone else’s kids, based on my previous experience, I think the following tips will help you avoid making any mistakes when choosing Christmas gifts for kids.
1. Is the toy safe?
It is common practice that chemicals and toxins are used in the production of most consumer goods. Therefore, toys are not an exception, since they are also exposed to them. Paint on toys may be contaminated with lead. Bisphenol-A (BPA), dioxins, and phthalates are also found in some toys, and I don’t think you want those toys for your children. They can cause a number of health problems, including developmental and learning disabilities, reproductive problems, cancer, and hormonal problems. Therefore, there is a need for toys that are free of unnecessary toxic chemicals.
If you are going to buy a stuffed toy, pay attention to things like ribbons, eyes, buttons or small items that can be easily removed. You never know your child may swallow them.
Another thing to be aware of is a warning from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regarding toys that contain high-powered magnets. It may seem like a minor matter to you, but children are at risk of swallowing these magnets and the consequences are beyond your imagination if you were the parent. As of 2011, there are 14 reports of this accidental incident filed with the CPSC. The reports do not only involve infants or babies. Surprisingly, a 15-year-old teenager is one of the victims. For some people, surgery is needed to remove the magnet and the stomach and intestines are damaged.
Sometimes you should not trust what is written on the packaging, as the information may not be correct. I still feel like you should do some homework on your own. Just go online and you should be able to find many helpful resources listing toys that are unsafe or have been recalled.
2. Is the element of fun more important than the values that the toy can provide?
I agree that children want to be entertained when they play with their toys, however you should not forget the importance of education or the opportunity to allow your child to explore new talents.
3. Is the quality of the toy good?
It is in the best interest of the child to avoid toys that are based on low-quality materials so that retailers can sell them at a bargain price. Durability is something a toy must have, and you must be able to pass the toys on to the next child in similar condition.