Trying to choose just the right toy can be overwhelming. There is an abundance of toys to choose from, each claiming to be hours of fun or educational. Of course you don’t want to get one that will be an expensive disappointment. So keep reading to find out how to get just the right toy.
There are many educational toys available today. When opting for an educational toy, ensure that you choose one that is designed for your child’s age group. It may be tempting to purchase an educational toy that is for the next age group; however, this may only aggravate your child.
Take the time to research top toys in the consumer magazines. New lists for the best toys of the year come out before the holidays. This gives you more time to plan what you wish to purchase. Start shopping early, and give yourself plenty of time to evaluate your toy options.
You may be able to save money on toys by following a company on Twitter or by “friending” a company on their Facebook page. Some businesses may offer discounts, free shipping and special promotional offers. These are quick and easy options for saving money on toys offered by popular retailers.
Be aware of how long a toy will take to assemble. Not every child has a designated, sizable area for playing. A large toy that will need to be assembled and then taken apart after playtime could be a problem. A lengthy assembly time for a toy could mean a lot of hassle.
A good toy should be education and fun. For toddlers, look for toys that teach them the alphabet and numbers. You can find toys that will say each alphabet or number when the appropriate button is pressed. Toddlers are learning an having fun at the same time. Learning through play is the best education.
If you are buying a toy for an infant or a child under three, be sure there are no small parts. When children are of a younger age, they tend to enjoy putting objects in their mouth. The problem is, they could choke if they swallow little toy parts. You can check the label of most toys; there is typically a warning label if small parts exist.
If your child loved the movie The Hunger Games, Nerf has developed a bow inspired by the movie. The Rebelle Heartbreaker allows youngsters to draw back the bow just like a real one. The arrows will sail through the air for up to 75 feet. Additionally, you can purchase an accessory bag for the child’s extra ammo.
Games are great for teaching kids valuable skills. They can learn basic math skills from a popular board game like Monopoly. It also boosts their number sense. They can improve their computational accuracy and speed and problem solving skills by playing classic games, such as Yahtzee and Connect Four.
Before receiving a hand-me-down, inspect it closely and do an Internet search on that type of toy. Toys that are older may not be safe for children to play with. If the toy is broken, you may want to consider an alternative option. It’s your responsibility to check.
When purchasing any toy for a child, be sure it has an exchange or return policy with it. Kids may not want to play with a toy, even if they thought they really wanted it. Being able to take the toy back if it isn’t a hit is important.
Remember to check the box or packaging to see what extra items you need to get for a particular toy. For instance, make sure that you know what kind of batteries are needed, or what kind of equipment is necessary. There is nothing worse than not being able to play with a toy when you receive it, so be sure that the toy can be used by buying everything needed.
Careful with any toy that makes a lot of noise. This is not only for your sanity, it’s also for your child’s safety. If a toy that’s loud is held up to a child’s ear that could create serious damage. Be sure you know what you are buying before you buy it.
When buying toys during the holidays, make sure to check and see how many batteries you will need for them to operate. It is terrible to give children toys that they are not able to play with right away. The holidays are all about cheer, and this will make them feel the opposite.
Wait a little while before buying a popular new toy. Every so often a toy comes along that is both expensive and almost impossible to get your hands on. The child you’re buying it for might want it now, but it’s probably in your best interest to wait a few months for the hype to die down. It will be both easier to find and cheaper.
Some of the best toys are the ones that have stood the test of time. Sometimes classic toys are the best choices because they have lasting power. They can be played with for years, hold up to years of play and then be passed on to the next child to love.
Your children should be taught to put their toys back where they were when they’re done playing. Provide a storage unit fitted with bins and labels identifying where different toys should go. An organized system helps your child in picking up after himself. Since toys won’t be all over your floor, it also makes your home safer.
As you read from above, there are many things to look for in a toy. But just keep the above tips in mind as you shop for toys and you will be able to weed out the ones that are not worth. Then you can find the one that is just right for your child.
