The toy industry has broadened to include things that perhaps you never dreamt of during your own childhood. Therefore, if you find yourself needing to purchase some items for the kids in your life, you may feel intimidated. Fortunately, there is a wealth of information below that is sure to help.
You should always make sure the toy you are buying is appropriate for the age of the child who will play with it. Always read the age the toy is recommended for on the box. Many times toys designed for older kids have small pieces that can pose a choking hazard for younger kids.
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.
Craigslist is a mecca when it comes to toys that are used but in good condition. When you look at an ad and answer it, look closely at the toy to see if it’s worn out and what the quality is like. Most of the time you can find toys that do not show much wear and tear, if at all. You can find great bargains doing it this way.
If you have a child that is over a year old, you should look into toys that support their early walking and talking. A few different kinds include battery powered ride-on toys, walkers, and themed playsets. These kinds of toys and activities can also help them learn how to respond and interact with others.
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.
Ask other parents about the best educational toys around. You’ve got a built in focus group all around you! Talk to the parents at the local preschool or in the play yard. They’ll likely have a lot of great advice to give. You may even discover that some have additional toys sitting around that they may donate to you.
Keep the warranty for any toy that you purchase. Just like any other product, your toy purchase should be covered for poor craftsmanship. If your child accidentally drops the toy, you likely won’t be covered, but random breaking should never occur. If it breaks, be prepared with the warranty to make a call to the manufacturer.
There was a time when toys were fairly simple in nature, but still provided hours of joy to children everywhere. But, given the complexity and wealth of options that now exist, shopping for toys is daunting to many. However, with your new command of the marketplace, you should be able to shop with new confidence.