STLMoms Parents As Teachers Tip: Shopping For Toddler and Pre-School Gifts

Holiday toy catalogs, ads and commercials are swirling in your head while store shelves are stacked to the rafters with thousands of choices for good girls and boys. Where do you even begin when holiday shopping for toddlers and preschoolers? Toy safety is always a concern but there are other considerations, too, says the National Center for Parents as Teachers.

AGE AND SKILL LEVEL The box usually offers age guidelines, but also imagine the child playing with the toy. Make sure it's challenging enough to capture his interest without being overwhelmed or unsafe.

THE "PLAY-WITH-ME" FACTOR Look for items with will foster parent interaction with the child. Games are good choices since they require more than one person to play.


INTERESTS Children develop interests at an early age that guide their learning and enjoyment. Consider what the child is into, such as bugs, dinosaurs or princesses and expand on that. For example, a child who is fascinated with trains might enjoy a puzzle with a train theme.

THE VALUE OF PLAY Children learn through play. To help a child's brain develop, look for toys and materials that allow a child to use his imagination such as those that can be played in many ways. For example, building blocks are great because they can become anything the child imagines them to be.

SAFETY Remember, there is no such thing as an absolutely safe toy, even if it's age appropriate. Supervise children while they play.

For more parenting tips like these, visit www.ParentsAsTeachers.org.