What Toys to Give Kids This Christmas Season

Christmas season is fast approaching. In a country like the Philippines, the first day of September is almost instantaneously associated with the most celebrated season of the year which is no other than Christmas. Of course, as a tradition worldwide, it is also the season for spending on gifts especially gifts for the children since Christmas is all about Jesus coming into the world as an infant.

So before squandering your hard earned cash into buying toys and gifts for your "inaanak", niece, nephew, cousins or kids of your selection, you might want to consider these tips in buying the appropriate toys for their age.

Age-Appropriate Toys
The following is a list of toys that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends for specific age groups. Use these recommendations when shopping for toys. Keep in mind that these are only guidelines. All toys can be dangerous when they are not used properly or are in poor condition. Parents should continue to watch out for mislabeled toys and always properly supervise young children.

Newborn to l-year-old baby
Choose brightly-colored, lightweight toys that appeal to your baby's sight, hearing and touch.

1. Cloth, plastic or board books with large pictures
2. Large blocks of wood or plastic
3. Pots and pans
4. Rattles
5. Soft, washable animals, dolls or balls
6. Bright, movable objects that are out of baby's reach
7. Busy boards
8. Floating bath toys
9. Squeeze toys

1- to 2-year-old toddler
Toys for this age group should be safe and be able to withstand a toddler's curious nature.

1. Cloth, plastic or board books with large pictures
2. Sturdy dolls
3. Kiddy cars
4. Musical tops
5. Nesting blocks
6. Push and pull toys (remember - no long strings)
7. Stacking toys
8. Toy telephones (without cords)

2- to 5-year-old preschooler
Toys for this age group can be creative or imitate the activity of parents and older children.

1. Books (short stories or action stories)
2. Blackboard and chalk
3. Building blocks
4. Crayons, nontoxic finger paints, clay
5. Hammer and bench
6. Housekeeping toys
7. Outdoor toys: sandbox (with a lid), slide, swing, playhouse
8. Transportation toys (tricycles, cars, wagons)
9. Tape or record player
10. Simple puzzles with large pieces
11. Dress-up clothes
12. Tea party utensils

5- to 9-year-old child
Toys for this age group should help your child develop new skills and creativity.

1. Blunt scissors, sewing sets
2. Card games
3. Doctor and nurse kits
4. Hand puppets
5. Balls
6. Bicycles with helmets
7. Crafts
8. Electric trains
9. Paper dolls
10. Jump ropes
11. Roller skates with protective gear
12. Sports equipment
13. Table games

10- to 14-year-old child
Hobbies and scientific activities are ideal for this age group.

1. Computer games
2. Sewing, knitting, needlework
3. Microscopes/telescopes
4. Table and board games
5. Sports equipment
6. Hobby collections

As an events planner, I knew very well from years of experience that BER months is the time for most expenditure and therefore must be well planned months before. It is very crucial to plan first before hitting the malls. Most of all, avoid the holiday rush by listing all your beneficiaries and recipients, list their ages and also consider your budget. You might want to shop as early as November in order to avoid long lines and hassle understocked scenarios. All in all, this will save you time, effort and money instead of just hitting the market in this frenzy season!

Happy Early Shopping everyone!