Think back to when you were a kid. What did you enjoy about the Christmas season? Did you like the lights, the food, visiting your grandparents’ homes, presents on Christmas Day or maybe visiting Santa? The Christmas season is a magical time for everyone, especially for kids. From watching the stockings go up to the lighting of the Christmas tree, this time of year focuses on love, laughter and joy. Kids often look forward to Christmas Day with a lot of anticipation because they can’t wait to see what their Christmas gifts are. Finding special Christmas gifts for kids can be a challenge, especially if your child wants an in-demand item and you waited too long before you went to the store to buy it.
When you go to the toy stores, there are several things you need to consider before you just start grabbing all the popular toys. First, make sure the toys you choose are age appropriate. Second, make sure you have the finances to afford at least one or two of the items on your child’s wish list. Finally, think about the toys your child has already and make sure the toys you purchase are ones your child will like.
Since toys are recalled all the time, review the recall list before you start shopping for Christmas gifts for your kids. If you have younger kids, make sure the older kids know the rules about keeping their toys separate from the younger kids so that they don’t choke on small parts. Some toys with detachable parts are better left in the stores because chances are high that your younger kids will eventually find them.
Age appropriate gifts are important for your children, too. While a Leap and Learn laptop is great for your 5 year-old, this toy will be over stimulating to your 11-month old. Instead, get your 11-month old a toy that will fascinate them or make them giggle. Don’t get them toys they will ‘grow into’ as they tend to frustrate children.
When you are picking out fun Christmas gifts, consider where you live. While drums may be great if you own a home, they won’t exactly go over well in an apartment building were you are sharing walls with your neighbors. Being mindful of the people around you is common courtesy and your child will also learn this quality from you if you teach it at a young age.
Instead of a child-specific gift, you might consider buying a special Christmas gift for kids. How about purchasing a new video gaming system that all of the kids may enjoy? A new swing set or a trampoline is another fun family gift. If you live somewhere where snow, and lots of it, is part of winter, give your kids a sled and encourage them to go play outside. Children learn by example so if you’re active and enjoy the outdoors, your children will follow be as well.
One of the best Christmas gifts for kids is to give them a family pet for Christmas. Children love animals. Imagine their little faces when they find out you brought home a new puppy. If you don’t want to start out with a big animal, give them something smaller to start with like a fish or a frog. A small pet is also a great way to teach them responsibility and taking care of something.
If you are buying gifts for your nieces and nephews, it is always wise to call their parents and talk to them about some of the gifts you are considering. You don’t want to purchase a toy gun to find out that they cannot play with it because their parents are opposed to guns.
Parenting viewpoints from parents in the trenches, because parenting doesn’t come with a manual. In addition to