Smart Toys for Young Kids
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When selecting toys for my kids I am looking for several important factors, including safety, re-playability, educational value and just as importantly, the fun factor.
When you walk into a toy store these days you are amazed with the sheer variety of toys being offered. The down side is that the vast majority of toys on the market are simply a waste of money.
This lens offers some advice on how to select toys, where to buy them and most importantly, some recommendations of toys that my kids and I really enjoy playing together.
How to Select Toys for Young Kids
When selecting toys for a young child, follow a few simple guidelines to maximize your chances of picking a winner:1. Know the Child - the recommended age on the box is often useless. If you know the child well, trust your judgement of the child's ability and select something that you think the child will like.
2. Go for Classics - your child will always be asking for the latest fad. Something they saw on the Disney Channel or Nickelodeon. These fads fade away just as quickly as they come, and fad toys will quickly find themselves collecting dust in the closet. Resist the temptation. Go for toys with staying power.
3. Hmmm... It's Not About You...- I am often tempted to buy those toys that bring back some of my own childhood memories or that I think will be fun for my sons. I try to avoid that temptation and find things that I think my kids would like.
4. Go for Quality - it is pretty annoying for both the parent and the child to buy a toy only to find out that it doesn't function as expected or that breaks-down quickly. Given the choice always choose to pay a couple of more dollars to get a better quality toy. It's just more cost effective.
5. Simple is Better - complex toys, or ones that take a long time to master can be frustrating for kids, and take away from the fun of playing. It is good to challenge your kids, it's not a good idea to frustrate them.
Board and Card Games
These are some of the board and card games that I play with my 5 year old. All are highly recommended.
UNO Card Game - Original
Why Recommended: a classic, fun game, tons of replayability more...0 points
Monopoly Junior Edition - Product Contents May Vary
Why recommended: quick, easy for young kids, teaches more...0 points
Connect Four
Why recommended: smart, competitive game. Will last more...0 points
How to Buy Gifts for Other People's Kids
Follow these and your gift will shine.
- No Noise - Do not buy toys that make noise or loud sounds. Many parents really hate these. Remember, you go home, the toy stays behind...
- No Mess - Do not buy toys that create a mess, many parents really dislike such toys and may not let their kids play with them.
- No Stupid - Buying toys that are recommended for an age group that is younger than the child, is like telling the parents you think their kids are stupid. In addition, age recommendations are typically skewed up. For example, many six year olds can easily handle games that are recommended for 8 year olds or even older kids.
- No Plastic - Be original. Most kids these days have piles of plastic toys, stuffed bears, and other toys that are destined for the garage sale. Be original, get something cool.
- Remember Siblings - Will your gift create a war with younger or older siblings? Try to remember the other kids in the house, even if you only bring them something small.
Active & Outdoor Games
Getting your kids up and jumping about is fun and healthy. Here are a couple of suggestions that will get the whole family off the couch.
Cranium Hullabaloo
Why Recommended: excellent product, teaches kids to more...1 point
Top Gun Propeller Balsa-Wood Model Plane (Pk/12)
Why Recommended: kids of all ages love running after more...0 points
Prism Nexus Stunt Kite (Blue)
Why Recommended: easy to fly, and much more fun than more...0 points
Electronic Games: Do's and Don'ts
- Rugged - kids are not known for being gentle with toys. If an expensive electronic toys looks flimsy, don't get it.
- Batteries - toys that consume massive numbers of expensive batteries get left in the closet. The best pointer: toys that require 9V batteries are probably not a good idea.
- Re-playbility - just because someone stuck a speaker on that toy, doesn't mean that it's fun to play with. Very few things can get as annoying as a toy that keeps repeating the same phrase over and over.
- Recommendations - before you buy an expensive toy, go online and read some recommendations. Sites like this one offer a wealth of free information.
Electronic Toys
Here are some cool electronic toys that offer a lot of re-playability value.
LeapFrog My First LeapPad® Orange
Why Recommended: very versatile, high production values, more...1 point
Simon Trickster
Why Recommended: it's a fun memory game. Description: more...0 points
Sandisk Sansa Shaker 512MB MP3 (Blue)
Why Recommended: rugged, very simple to operate, fun more...0 points
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Oct 10, 2008 @ 4:10 am | delete
- Very interesting lens. You put a lot of thought into this!
Pete
Toy Shop UK
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by Shadox
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