| Choosing Toys for Kids - Tips and Hints
Choosing toys
for kids may seem like an easy task, but it can in fact be deceptively hard. First
you have to distinguish between boys and girls toys (not as easy as you may think)
and then you face the real conundrum of `age suitability`. Finally, you have to
decipher what is cool, hot and hip and what is lame and will inevitability just
be laughed at! However, with a little forethought and by heeding some useful tips
and hints, you can make choosing toys seem a whole lot easier.
First
off, you need to know your target audience! Just knowing that you are buying for
a boy who is eight, or a girl who is twelve is never quite enough. Do a little
snooping and find out what the kid likes and dislikes and ask advice. Do not be
afraid to ask parents (or if they are your own kids, ask other parents) what toys
are popular. Some toys for kids can seem generic, but be forewarned, the slightest
hint of pink will in all likelihood make a boy assume the toy is for girls, whilst
a slash of brown, black or blue will reduce even the most composed six year old
girl to fits of tears accompanied by repetitive sobbing of "its a boys toy, I
do not want it"!
The age old conundrum of age suitability is also imperative
to consider. Whilst many parents would be horrified at you supplying their thirteen
year old with a hard core, first person shoot em up game, others may not bat an
eyelid. And whilst you may think it is cute for little girls to wear make up,
mothers may express real concern and dismay towards their babies `growing up too
early`.
Generally, second, third or fourth born children will not be
subjected to the same `cottoned wool effect` that first born children are so often
exposed too. So, leniency may be shown towards age suitability and restrictions.
However, if there is a small baby in the family, consideration should be shown
as to purchasing an older sibling a toy that has multiple small bits and pieces
attached (or you would forever be known as the person who got little Timmy a Lego
set, that his sister Daisy proceeded to shove a bit of up her right nostril!).
Generally you can rely on toys that are mainstream, popular and have
loads of parenprenalia freely available. If it has its` own movie (High School
Musical), TV show (Hannah Montana or Ben 10), or accompaning merchandise (anythign
Disney!) then you are on to a winner. For example, Power Rangers are very popular
with boys up to about eleven and you can buy add-ons such as DVD`s, Console games
or even Power
Rangers bedroom sets. For little girls, Disney Princesses are a sure fire
winner, all that glitters really is pink and anything from a light shade to a
Princes Belle Beanbag, will bring them joy! |
