Looking for safe, age-appropriate gifts for children? Recognizing the developmental stages that a child goes through and determining what gift fits a child’s developmental and behavior stage is important. Research done by The Journal of Experimental Child Psychology indicates that there can be a negative impact and disappointment for children who receive a gift a gift that is not age-appropriate. The following guidelines are some simple tips for parents and other adult to consider before providing a child with a gift.
- under age 1: activity quilts, stuffed animals without buttons, bath toys, soft dolls without small parts, baby swings, cloth books
- ages 1 to 3: board books, blocks, balls, fit-together toys, push-and-pull toys, pounding toys, shape toys
- ages 3 to 5: non-toxic art supplies, durable musical instruments, outdoor toys (baseball tee, slide, swing, etc.)
- ages 5 to 9: craft materials, simple mechanical toys (cars, trains, etc.), puppets, books, sports equipment
- ages 9 to 14: computers, educational computer games, microscopes, table and board games, outdoor and team sports equipment
If you give a child a bicycle, tricycle, pair of skates, scooter, skateboard or sled, make sure he or she has the right safety gear. As appropriate, include a helmet, elbow and knee pads, or wrist guards with the gift.
- As children get older, many gift-givers feel a need to purchase a gift card for the child. It’s important to consider what the child may want to purchase with the card. Some child may desire a game that include violence or inappropriate material. Before you give a gift card, ask the child what they think they will spend it on.
this post was written some time ago and many prospects have changed since then.nevertheless thanks for bringing up this topic on your blog.