Kids Toys

Play is children's work, so toys for kids — while they bring them joy — also are helping them learn and grow. When you give children toys that engage their minds and creativity, you're giving a gift of love, as well as a gift they will love. Whether you're looking for gifts for a birthday, Christmas, Hanukkah, or simply because, matching the gift to the child is key.

Make Sure They Are Age Appropriate

NAEYC — National Association for the Education of Young Children — has these recommendations for toys by age.

• For young infants through 6 months: give them things to hold, squeeze, or make noise with; the classic rattle, for example. Also consider recordings of music and readings as well as soft books.
• Older infants 7 to 12 months will enjoy dolls, vehicles, nesting toys, and blocks.
• Toddlers can enjoy "let's pretend" toys such as kitchen sets and dress-up toys. They're also ready for age-appropriate art supplies and picture books. Don't forget musical instruments they can pound or shake.
• Preschoolers and kindergartners will like harder puzzles, games, books, and balls for outdoor games. They may be ready for software, too.
• With older children, it's a matter of matching the toy to their interests. Keep in mind that a gift that's outside their frame of reference may be just the thing to spark a new hobby or develop talents they haven't used yet.

Safety First

"Don't shoot an eye out" is a punchline in a classic Christmas movie. It represents all parents' fears, but it's easy to avoid unsafe toys if you keep a few things in mind. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends:

• Choose gifts recommended for the child's age. Particularly, avoid gifts with small parts for babies who might put them in their mouth.
• Whether stuffed toys or plastic ones, look for items that are well made and won't unravel or fall apart.
• Reserve hobby kits or chemistry sets for children older than 12, and supervise any chemicals that could cause dangerous reactions.

Put Your Santa Cap On

Ready to start shopping? At buybuyBABY, you'll find fun and engaging educational & learning toys, as well as games for kids like board games that will be fun for the whole family. With cards, classic games, and some new "classics to be," you'll be ready for snow days, family nights, and more.