Buying the right toy for your toddler

Is there a birthday coming up? Is Christmas just around the corner? Are you buying your favorite 2-to-3-year-old a present just because? This guide will help you choose the best toy that is right for your child and for you, as well. If you’re not a parent, but buying for a niece, nephew or grandchild, this guide will help you think about some factors to consider to keep both children and parents happy!

Some things to consider when buying toys for toddlers

The first thing you should consider when purchasing for your is, for what purpose are you purchasing the toy? Are you looking for something that will help them learn a certain subject? Are you looking for a toy that will help with speech skills? Are you looking for something that will keep them occupied while you do work around the house? Next, consider your budget for the toy. Make sure the price range fits your wallet and will not break your bank.

Best Toy Brands

Brands that stand out: Leapfrog, Fisher Price, Mattel, and Little Tikes are different brands that provide a wide range of products for many different uses, from educational goals like learning the ABC’s to imaginary play. If you are trying to teach your child about the alphabet and colors, Leapfrog has a wide assortment of products that do just that, ranging from plush animals that sing the ABC’s to books and cartridges that fit into a gaming system that are a little more interactive.

Leap Frog ABC's

Fisher Price, Mattel, and Little Tikes also carry a wide range of items for imaginary play, from kitchen set-ups that fit in the child’s room to play houses that can go outside.

Kitchen Set-ups

Is this toy safe for my child?

Toys come in many different materials, including metal, plastic, wood, and cloth. Check the package label for lead, as obviously, you will want to stay away from any toys that have lead in them. This could make your child very sick. Also, be on the lookout for toys with small parts or pieces that your child may put in their mouth and try to swallow.

Safety issues aside, make sure that the toy that you buy will fit in the child’s room or area that you have designated for it. For example, a tent may look great in the box, but not fit into the child’s room once it’s erected. Check measurements on the boxes of items that you will have to assemble to make sure that it will fit in the size limit that you have picked out.

Consider the noise level

If you enjoy a quiet environment, you might not want to choose a play guitar or drum set. Instead, choose something that will keep your child occupied, but still quiet, like a play kitchen. If you do not mind the noise, your child might enjoy a musical instrument, and it’s a great way to encourage an interest in music or rhythm.

Keep in mind that your child will play with these items at all times of the day. So pick a noise level that is right for you and not just for your child. You may have to listen to it for a long time, and you may not exactly enjoy what you hear! If you’re buying a toy for someone else’s child, it’s a good idea to check with the parent first before giving a noisy toy as a gift, since you’re not the one who will be living with it!

Toys for creative toddlers

If your child has an imaginative bent and loves creating pictures or objects, the best thing to excite their minds would be a product that will enhance their creative side. There are many products that can help you do this, ranging from regular crayons and a coloring book or sketch book, to building blocks to help them create something that they will surely be proud of.

Coloring Books

Toys for active toddlers

Does your child love to be outdoors? Are they fascinated with every little thing they see? Why not help them become more interested by getting them an ant farm? Your child will be fascinated with the way ants dig tunnels and work together. A telescope is another great option…just make sure it will be able to withstand a child dropping it, and that it’s not too expensive in case it does break. It is a fantastic gift for a child. It lets their imagination soar and shows them things that they ordinarily cannot see from just looking up at the sky.

Telescopes for Toddlers

Is this toy right for our household?

Children love using toys that make a mess. One question to ask yourself is: Do you mind cleaning up that mess when they are finished? If there is no problem with them possibly getting a little messy, you might want to choose Play-doh, Moon Sand, washable markers, fingerpaint or watercolors.

Messy Play-doh

If you are scared of potential messes on your freshly painted white walls, consider a toy that will be much easier to clean up, like pretend food products or a tea party set. Either way, your child will enjoy whatever you choose.

How to buy the perfect toy

The most important factor is to listen to your child. Do they take special notice of a toy commercial while watching television? Try to write down or remember the toy in your head so your next shopping experience is a little easier. This way, you have a good understanding of what your child prefers and what she does not. Also, pay attention to the colors that they like. If you buy your daughter a blue or green toy, she may think it is meant for a boy and take less interest in it. It’s no fun for you when a child pushes a new toy to the side, and it’s a waste of money if your child is not going to play with it.

If this does happen, you may be able to exchange it for another toy that your child would prefer. Just remember that toddlers rarely get disappointed when they have a present sitting in front of them. Plus, if you have taken all of these considerations into play, this toy will fit your child’s likes and needs perfectly!