Buying gifts for children is very simple and yet very complex. The best, most expensive trendy toy may sit in the closet while the dollar store junk occupies kids for hours. As a parent and someone who works with children, I think there are some basic things that all children need. We need to provide our children with materials that will stimulate their imaginations-not just the newer trendy toys that do it all for you. Watch children play-How often do you see them playing with boxes, string, household items etc.? When shopping for children, consider some of the areas kids explore through play.
Arts and Crafts . Want to encourage creativity? Give a basket of basic tools-markers, crayons, paper, glue sticks, stickers, safety scissors etc. Tailor the items to the child’s age. How about sidewalk chalk? For older kids, consider craft kits-simple models, jewelry making etc. My nieces raved last year over journals I bought them with black paper and glowing gel pens.
Building and Construction From the youngest child-wooden blocks, baby legos etc. to sophisticated k’nex and other construction toys. There are blocks in every size and material. Consider wooden train sets for both the experiences of designing and building tracks and also for pretend play.
Pretend Play There is so much in this category. There are wonderful play towns, schools, castles etc. for the preschool crowd. Play food, cash registers, dolls and kitchens etc. My favorite is a dress up box.(you may not even have to buy anything!) of hats, clothes, accessories etc. My son has a collection of hats(wizard, firehat, robin hood etc.)and fake glasses and hair. Old halloween costumes are great fun.
Hand puppets and puppet theaters are other good choices.
Books and Puzzles Every child needs to have books to read, books to have read to them. Reluctant readers may be more likely to read books based on popularcharacters or comic books or books about their hobbies.
Still no ideas?
How about special clothes or accessories-special little pocketbooks for girls, character slippers etc.?
Children love to take pictures-a reasonable point and shoot or even a disposable camera and prepaid processing are appropriate as young as 4-5.
One last alternative for a child you enjoy spending time with is a day out with you. movie and lunch, the aquarium etc. Create a memory for both of you!