The best toys let a child think or perform.

• Look for toys that will not stifle a Childs imagination.
• Often mechanical toys are entertaining but take away a Child's chance to participate.
• Avoid toys that will not teach or develop skills.
  

AVOID CHEAP IMITATIONS

If you child has an interest in a hobby, avoid buying a cheap imitation of the real thing it is still a toy. Whenever possible save up money to buy the real thing.

For example, will your child get more use out of a real sewing machine instead of the play one they want?

Would money be better spent on your budding artist by purchasing real beginning artist's brushes rather than a cheap watercolor set with hard to control blunt brushes.

Often a bad purchase can discourage newly found talents when a child gets frustrated with the end result the product created.

QUALITY NOT QUANTITY

Children can become overwhelmed at gift-giving occasions to the point that they don't know what to play with or can't concentrate on one toy long enough to let their creativity bloom.

It may not be due to the wrong kind of toys, but rather, too many toys!

Long term exposure to excessive gifts
can actually be harmful to children.

As they grow older you could be teaching them that
"things" and spending money
are the only important things worth seeking in life.

If you make "being given everything they want"
normal for your children
they won't learn work ethics,
or the value of earning their own way.

Giving our children all the gifts we can afford
is not necessarily a bad thing
but when choosing appropriate toys
remember the old saying:
buy "quality not quantity".

Now, Think creatively
and enjoy Giving all your Gifts this year.