Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Selecting Children's Christmas Presents That Actually Last Past The Holiday

By Danny Young


When it comes to children's Christmas presents you can be assured that at least some of the gifts will be forgotten once the holiday has actually passed. This is not a function of spoiling or having too many presents. It is a function of not selecting toys and gifts for kids that are engaging enough to maintain their attention.

When choosing a toy or gift for a child it is recommended that you think about how it can be creatively used. Avoiding toys that do very little other than light up or make a sound is generally a good rule of thumb. Interactive gifts that inspire creative use and constructive possibilities are often the ones that stand the test of time.

This does not mean that you should ply little ones with video games, although learning games are always a good idea. Encourage them to get their hands dirty and make something. The simple basics like modelling clay and building blocks tend to be some of the most appreciated toys even when they are up against the video game. There are only so many ways to win against a computer. The possibilities are endless when it comes to being creative.

Always consider the child's age when purchasing gifts. Their age has a lot to do with what is on their wish list. Remember that children who are school age have the added insight of their peers. Sometimes it is easy for young kids to get swept up in the enthusiasm of others when considering toys. Those who have not started school are often very eager to have coloring sets, paint sets, or modelling clay. Some school age children will love these gifts as well.

The more you understand the child that you are shopping for the more you will know whether or not they will get into a certain activity. Sometimes, you need to recognize their point of view. Other times, you might wish to consider finding something totally unique outside of a chain store. Since chain stores typically only sell the more popular items, you may be able to find special gems in private little stores.

Do not forget the value of written reviews when you are looking for a great gift. Some of the hot toys of the season may look like they are very cool but have received some very poor reviews. Make sure you look into the ratings and why customers have rated them poorly. You might find that the reason is invalid or you might find that the toy falls apart.

Getting a child involved in a creative activity is usually pretty simple. If you think that you need to inspire a child to start on a project in order to get their imagination flowing do not be afraid to jump in and kick off the adventure. This will often bring electronically oriented kids around quickly as they start to find out that they can be the creator as well. Avoid getting gifts based solely on gender. Little boys that want to bake or little girls that want to build can be just as inspired to get their constructive playtime under way.

Children's Christmas presents offer many opportunities for you to encourage exploration and fun play. With every child you have a chance to inspire their imaginative world of play while showing them how exciting their own mind can be. This is a very special stage, and the grown ups selecting the gifts can have a lot of fun, too.




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