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As a parent, you probably do a lot for your kids. You sacrifice your money, time, and often sanity to make sure that they are well-cared for and happy. However, most kids, especially the really little ones, might not appreciate all the work you do for them. They have a tendency to measure your love in other ways, including how many toys that you buy them.
Although there aren’t precise statistics regarding how many toys kids have today, you could take a guess that it is quite a lot. It is certainly much more than they need. The more toys that companies pump out, the more you will buy for your little ones. Now, the problem arises when your child loses interest in these toys after a while.
A new gadget or gizmo might be their absolute favorite toy one minute, and the next, your little one will want nothing to do with it! Not only can giving into their whims cost you quite a bit of money, you will also end up with a growing pile of toys that you have no use for. Luckily for you, there is a solution to this problem. Rather than simply buying more toys, you should focus on buying those that your kid is going to want to play with for years and years to come. In case you are curious about how you can manage this, here are some tips:
Avoid trending toys
It appears that even toys can go viral these days. From fidget spinners to Pokemon, there is often a new trend every other month. And, as you can imagine, your child just has to have these – even if they aren’t always sure how to play with them. Now, as a parent, it can be difficult to look into those adorable little faces and tell them that they can’t have the same things as their friends and peers. In fact, it can have you feeling like a downright bad parent.
Well, as tough as it may seem, it is best to steer clear of toys such as these as it is guaranteed that your child will tire of them soon enough. This is largely because these toys often offer very little in terms of playability. Even worse, they may not help your child develop in any way at all.
It is a good idea to talk to your child about why you are not buying them a particular toy. While there is no guarantee that they will accept your reasoning, they will know that they aren’t simply being deprived.
Encourage their imagination
A child’s imagination is one of the most wonderful things you can help develop. This is because it is magical and boundless, much like your little one. Unfortunately, there are far too many toys that rob your kids of their imagination. This is especially true of most toys you can find on the market today. These electronic objects stuffed with sounds and features aren’t letting your child explore their creative side.
To overcome this, opt for “open-ended” toys. These are objects your child can use however he or she pleases. Some excellent options are custom stuffed animals, dolls and action figures, blocks, musical instruments, and more. Give your child toys that they can create stories with and act them out, allowing them to explore all regions of their imagination, without restraint.
Budsies are a wonderful toy choice for kids of all ages. The company turns your child’s drawing and artwork into a stuffed animal that your child can hug and love forever. Your child will love seeing their own creation come to life!
Select toys that are suitable for all ages
One of the reasons you may have to keep buying your child new toys is because they outgrow their old ones quite fast. This can’t really be helped since a developing child will need many forms of stimulation if they are to improve their motor skills and mental alertness. Nonetheless, there are some toys which are great for toddlers and much older children.
Again, this all comes down to what your child is able to do with the toy. For instance, if its only purpose is to be brightly colored and to fit in a slot, then it isn’t really suitable for an older, more curious mind. However, when you look at toys that don’t seem to have a specific use, these can be used for much longer. You will find that figurines, plush toys, and similar items fall into this category.
When choosing toys that your child can grow with, there are a few things to keep in mind. At the top of this list is safety. Remember, a lot of toys for smaller kids are specifically made without smaller parts that may be choking hazards. This isn’t always the case for toys intended for older children. So, before you give your little one a toy, make sure that it meets all the safety standards intended to keep your child out of harm’s way.
So, there you have it, what to do if you want to buy your child a toy that he or she will treasure and play with forever. While it may be a bit tedious looking for that perfect toy, you will certainly be glad you made the effort. After all, it is something they can play with for as long as they want.
