Christmas Gifts for Children
This topic happens to be a very hard one to tackle. Not only do kids have a million and one interests that can change as quick as the weather, but buying for kids also means making a compromise between finding something age appropriate, fun, and practical. And, as if gift giving weren't hard enough, every day young minds are bombarded with advertising to persuade them to covet the newest toys, which no doubt, they will beg for. Keeping up with all these variables is no small feat.
So where does one start? Toys happen to be the big thing for Christmas. To get started, you might want to check out the Holiday Toy Guide -- an excellent snapshot of the hot toys available for Christmas. There are also many useful articles at ShopWiki about toys and games that can help you choose a gift by age, by interest, gender, or by award. There is even an extensive series of guides dedicated to video games.
Nonetheless, toys and games aren't the only things to purchase children for Christmas. While fun, toys may not always be practical, nor educational. Sometimes, a child has so many toys, that buying them more is just absurd because they don't have enough time in the day to play with them. If you are not the parents, consider offering gifts such as apparel, sporting goods, books, and movies.
Also, don't miss our Stocking Stuffer Guide.
Shopping & Gift Giving Tips
Buying gifts for kids is fun, yet sometimes grueling; you never know if what you think is an awesome gift will just get thrown into the dark depths of the closet and be forgotten about within five hours after tearing apart the packaging. Part of the responsability as a grownup is doling out just the right types and numbers of gifts without letting kids get greedy or wasteful. Here are some quick tips to help you manage your child's holiday wish list.
- Start shopping early. If you see something in a store that seems like a good purchase, buy it. Keep it hidden and don't lose the receipt. If you decide that it's not a great purchase you can return it or donate it to a children's charity come Christmas. On the other hand, if you feel the purchase was a good choice, you can give it for Christmas or save to give to your son or daughter at a later date.
- Don't give your kids too many gifts at once. A pile of gifts looks great under the tree, but once the wrapping paper comes off, kids will play with all of their new toys, quickly wearing out their novelty. Saving a few gifts for a couple months down the road will make a great surprise for a rainy day or another special occasion.
- Beware of commercialism. If your kids are the type to ask you for things throughout the year, which you may or may not be willing to buy for them, don't give in to their demands. Instead, tell them to write what they want down on a list. Teach them to keep this running list throughout the year and give them some stickers to serve as a point system. If there is something they really want, they can put three, four, five stickers, etc. If later on they decide that they don't want that thing anymore, they can take the stickers off. It is a great way to teach children not to be impulsive, pick and choose what they really want, and to learn that just because they want something now, doesn't mean that they'll like it a month later. It also gives you a heads-up on some items they might really be into rather than asking for a "Christmas wish list" at the last minute.
- Teach about the gift of good will. If kids decide that they don't like a gift, but it has already been opened, make a plan to take it to a local charity or offer the toy to one of your child's friends. It will help teach kids about sharing and about those who are in need.
- Don't be afraid of educational toys. Just make sure that they are age appropriate and that they have something to do with a child's interests. They'll often provide much more entertainment than some new gadget without a purpose.
- Pay attention to a child's interests. Think back to the moments that you and your child(ren) have shared together and how happy he or she was. Look for gifts that emulate those moments.
- Consider a themed Christmas. Get a kid into a particular activity. For example, a sporty Christmas might kit a child out for a ski trip, Basketball season, or learning how to inline skate. A creativity fueled gift selection might include paints, and easel, some canvases, and an art book. A kid who loves science might enjoy tools for creating his or her own vegetable garden.
- Be careful about buying for siblings. If you are buying for two or more siblings, be careful to get gifts of the same value (not necessarily monetary but quality) so that neither child feels that he or she is being cheated. Don't just get them the same thing but in different colors -- kids have their own personalities just like grown ups do.
Three to Five Years Old
These are some of the most popular things to buy for preschoolers and kindergarteners. Other guides that might be of use are Toys for Preschoolers.
For Boys
For Girls
Six to Nine Years Old
For Him
For Her
Ten to Twelve Years Old
For Him
For Her
