Family

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Do you need help to choose a child's gift? Favorite toys are well used toys. How do you find that favorite toy? A child can look at something and say he/she really wants it, but you may know it will just be a passing thing, not a favorite thing.

Is your house overloaded with expensive unused and unwanted toys? Your child begged for these gifts from advertising materials and what his/her friends have. Wanting to please, some kind adult made the purchase. Want to make better choices in today’s economy? Here’s some help.

Know the Child for Whom You are Buying the Gift
If you know about the child you are buying the gift for, the greater the chances are your gift will be a hit.
· Observe the child, if possible. If not, ask questions. Look for and ask about:
1. In playtime, what does this child spend most of his/her time doing?
Electronic games
Imaginative play
Outdoor sports
Board games
Reading
Interactive play with friends
Listening to music
2. What are the subjects of play? Do they revolve around:
Math
Science
Sports
Housekeeping
School
3. How does this child treat his/her toys? Is he/she rough or gentle?

· Look at what the child has.
1. Books
2. Stuffed toys
3. Electronic games
4. Dolls
5. Trucks
6. Sports equipment
7. Musical instruments
What appears well used?

· Age and ability appropriate - not all guidelines fit individual children. A child’s interest in science might make him/her below the age mentioned.

Parental Approval
Parents need to approve to allow their child to use the gift you’re thinking about getting. Check with them. Explain your reasons why you think this would be the best gift.

Child’s Play Is Child’s Work
As with any job, having the right tools makes your job a whole lot easier.
According to International Sales and Marketing - “Properly chosen, they (toys) should
aid a child’s physical, mental, social, and emotional development.”

You have been given an assignment for each child on your list. Doing this assignment will reap benefits far beyond choosing the right gift. Go for it!

Copyright (c)2008 Lorene Weaver

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