Gifts for Children

Buying Gifts for Children

A birthday gift buying guide

Think gift shopping is behind you? Think again.

The new year is bound to bring at least one invitation to a birthday party for a child’s friend or a friend’s child. And then there are your own kids. What are you going buy for the little darlings?

HMF pediatricians Kathy Smith, M.D. and Pamela Lee, M.D. take the mystery out of choosing age-appropriate gifts. For the little ones, Dr. Smith recommends toys that help develop the senses.

INFANTS (UP TO 1 YEAR)

Dr. Smith suggests rattles, noisemakers, and chew-toys. “Remember, infants are starting to learn they have hands. At this stage, they are also learning how to manipulate things with their mouths.”

TODDLERS (AGES 1 TO 3)

Stacking blocks and puzzles with knobs are good choices. Pushable trucks and cars, soft dolls, and “pretend food” help bring out fun and creativity.

Costumes like butterfly wings and firefighter’s helmets are a great way to get toddlers interested in imaginative make-believe and “dramatic play.”

PRESCHOOL (AGES 3-5)

Crayons, watercolors, safe scissors and colored paper are great ways to bring out an inner artist.

Make mastering motor skills fun with activity boards (with doors, latches, and wheels) or soft toys (with zippers, laces and buttons). Other toys that help youngsters learn to use their hands include Duplo blocks (giant Legos), Playskool Farms, Lincoln Logs, and Play-Doh clay.

According to Dr. Lee, gifts for elementary school students should foster imagination, creativity, and intellect.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (AGES 6-10)

Art supplies like crayons, glitter-glue, and puffy paints can be used to make pictures, and to decorate piggy banks and t-shirts. “Anything with crafts,” she says. “Children this age love sparkly, glittery things. They love to paint and sculpt.”

“Sports equipment, balls and jump ropes are always good choices,” says Dr. Lee

Software can be educational and fun. “Where in the World is Carmen San Diego?” teaches kids geography hunting for the heroine, while “Where in Time is Carmen San Diego?” leads players on a chase through history. “Kid Pix” software helps develop skills in budding graphic designers.

Whatever the child’s age, look for gifts that the recipient can enjoy again and again.