December is Safe Toys and Gifts Month, and while it is important to make sure you are giving the children in your life safe and age-appropriate gifts, you also want to make sure you’re giving them something that will last, that will encourage developmental skills, and of course, gifts that they’ll like and get excited about! Here are a few things to consider when going shopping for little ones this holiday season:

Safety

• Check for age-appropriate labels on toys.
• Avoid toys with small parts and accessories.
• Inspect toys for sharp edges or loose parts.

Some other things to consider are, if you are gifting an outdoor toy such as a bike, scooter, or skateboard, make sure you include a cool-looking Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) certified helmet to keep them safe. Lastly, keep an eye on future recalls- you can visit https://www.recalls.gov for additional information about toy product recalls.

Developmentally Appropriate and Durable

• Is the toy right for the child’s age, skills, and abilities?
• Is the product well-designed and easy to use?
• Is the product durable, and will it hold up to a lot of wear and tear?
• Can the product be cleaned and washed?

Remember when buying toys for children, we want to make sure not to give something that’s too difficult to use. Good gifts can improve children’s skill-building, problem solving, creativity, eye/hand coordination, and fine and large motor skills. You’ll also want to choose a toy that will physically last and hold the child’s interest for more than a few days or weeks. Some of these toys can include:

• Blocks- Whether they are traditional wooden blocks, foam blocks, or plastic interlocking blocks, these toys are always a hit (and for wooden blocks especially, can last for a while). Kids can get creative when constructing with different shapes and materials.



• Pretend Play- Toys that encourage a child’s imagination and connect them to real-world activities, such as child-sized kitchen sets, tools, toy phones, trains and cars, and costumes can all nurture a child’s ability to create and tell stories. You can watch and see what the child is interested in (for example, my child is all about pretend food), and buy gifts that support their curiosity.

• Toys for Fidgety Fingers and Growing Bodies- Little ones always have fun with toys they can manipulate and get a bit messy with, such as playdough, sand, water play, chalkboards and easels, and musical instruments. For those who are a bit older and need toys that support coordination, balance, and support, gifts such as balls, balance boards, tunnels, and bikes will offer the appropriate skill challenges.

• Books- When thinking about toys, books aren’t usually the first to spring to mind. However, there are endless titles out there, in many media formats, for kids of all ages to enjoy. Giving children the gift of literature can support their current interests and deepen their understanding of the world around them. Looking for new books to read and gift? Check out https://booksmart.worldreader.org/en/BookSmart/Welcome/Start.

We hope you all have a safe and happy holiday season, and enjoy your time spent together with family and friends- remember, it’s okay to put the gifts down for a few moments!