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About This Site
Giving and receiving gifts is a highlight of Christmas. In fact, special gifts are what many children and parents remember about past Christmases... "Oh, that was the year Santa brought you a tricycle!".
Some children have very distinct ideas about the gifts they would like to have... "I want a fire truck I can ride". Consider your child's input and try to accommodate preferences within reason.
If your child doesn't have specific gifts in mind, look on-line together for ideas. Check out Amazon's Top 100 Best Selling Toys and Holiday Toy List for ideas complete with age recommendations and user ratings.
Visit our Gift Giving page for gifts your child can make for others and easy gift ideas for your friends and family.
Below are ideas to consider when choosing gifts for toddlers to teens:
Infants & Toddlers (0-2 years)
An important consideration when buying toys for infants and toddlers is safety. Infant and toddler toys should not have small parts, hard surfaces, sharp edges, threads, strings, or long hair or fur.
Babies explore the world through their senses. Toys that are fun to look at, touch, and listen to will become favorites. Infants under six months of age play best with horizontal toys, such as play mats and mobiles. Once an infant can sit up she can play with stacking and sorting toys.
Once a baby can walk, toys that utilize his new mobility, such as toys to push or ride, are exciting. When a toddler has mastered walking, running and jumping she will start to be engaged by toys that foster language and imagination. Books, music and videos that are geared towards a child's developmental stage make good gifts.
Check out these fun toy ideas for infants and toddlers.
Preschoolers (3-5 years old)
Children in this age group develop and learn through play. Quality toys, books, music, and videos help develop communication skills. Dress-up clothes and props foster pretend play, imagination, and social interaction.
As gross motor skills develop, riding toys, sports equipment, dance videos and other movement oriented toys and games will become popular. As fine motor skills develop, building blocks, play dough, legos, doll houses and other toys that involve arrangement and assembly will be of interest.
Gender preferences may start to emerge at this age and strong topical interests may develop (dinosaurs, fire trucks, fairies, etc.). Books, music and videos geared towards a child's current interests will be enjoyed. Children may enjoy simple musical instruments and art supplies.
Check out these fun toy ideas for preschoolers.
Early School Age (6-9 years old)
More complex games and toys offer kids the opportunity to practice skills they are acquiring in the classroom. Children in this age group have the dexterity and problem solving skills to enjoy playing with puzzles, building toys, and arts and craft supplies. They are curious and take pride in their accomplishments.
School age children are likely to be influenced by their peers and the media and may request the latest action figures or pop star merchandise.
Check out these fun toy ideas for 6-9 year olds.
PreTeen (10-12 years old)
During the preteen years, children are often influenced by peers and the media. They may want the latest trends, including expensive clothing and gadgets. This is a good time to help a child set priorities and learn how to make good purchasing decisions.
A certificate for a special outing, such as movies, a concert, or sporting event, may be well received and provide the gift giver with an excuse to spend one-on-one time with the child.
Check out these fun toy ideas for preteens.
Teen (13+ years old)
Many teens are too old for "toys", but are into electronics and clothes. Gift cards allow teens to make their own choices.
Check out these fun gift ideas for teens.
Family Games
Looking for a gift for the entire family? Try one of these award winning games for hours of farmily fun.
