MPMC Outpatient Pediatric Therapy Team Offers Expert Gift Tips
12/14/2011
Choosing Great Holiday Gifts for Children
Finding a toy that your child enjoys and that will also help him or her to develop their creativity, motor skills and intellect can be challenging. It is easy to become wrapped up in the commercials and advertising for all of the popular toys that are on every child’s ‘Wish List’. As you shop for that perfect present, remember that the more expensive and complex the toy is does not mean it will be any more enjoyed. Toys should be safe, affordable, and developmentally appropriate. Toys should be appealing so that the child is engaged over a period of time. Some toy advertising claims that certain toys will facilitate specific developmental milestones. However, there is no scientific evidence to support that the use of any specific toy can increase learning. This marketing style can promote misinformation and unrealistic expectations at unnecessary expense. In addition, some parents may experience guilt when they cannot afford or choose not to buy these toys for their children.
Toys should bring parents or caregivers together with children in play. This interaction helps develop strong, healthy relationships which, in turn, enhance brain development and learning. Some suggestions for toys based on developmental age are listed below. Keep in mind that this list is not all-inclusive and choice of toys should always be sensitive to the child’s interests, safety and environment.
Infants (ages 0-1): Babies enjoy colorful toys and pictures during the first three months of life. Watching the movement of toys, listening to soothing music and interacting with caregivers are favorite pastimes for this age. Remember--never place toys in the crib- they can cause suffocation.
Consider: rattles; musical toys; soft squeeze toys and balls (balls should be at least 1 ¾ inches in diameter/larger than the inside of a paper towel roll); unbreakable mirrors; teethers; cloth, plastic or board books; stackable toys; push-pull toys (no long strings); soft, washable animals and dolls; floor gyms; jumpers for bouncing; interlocking rings; large popping beads/shapes; roly-poly toys (round-bottomed figures that can be pushed over, but bounce back up); bath toys
Toddlers (ages 1-3): Toddlers are very active and enjoy toys that encourage running, jumping, climbing and exploring. Keep in mind the safety of the child when choosing and playing with toys.
Consider: stacking toys; shape sorters; walking toys/push toys; ride-on toys; large building blocks; bath toys; board books; large picture books; dolls; toy musical instruments; bubbles; kid-sized versions of the tools that mom and dad use everyday (toy brooms, vacuum cleaners, lawn mowers and gardening tools); big balls for throwing and kicking; chunky crayons
Pre-schoolers: (ages 3-5): These children are beginning to explore more imaginative and creative play as they begin to truly interact with other children their age. Pre-schoolers exhibit increased communication skills and show more interest in toys that can be shared with other children.
Consider: basic puzzles; toy musical instruments; dolls you can dress–up (Velcro closures and larger dolls are easier for small hands); dress-up clothes (can be store-bought or old things you have on hand that are safe for their age level such as hats, old sunglasses, costume jewelry); toy camera; bead stringing toys; lacing toys; arts and crafts supplies, like crayons, markers, finger paints, safety scissors, coloring books, modeling dough/Play Doh; board games that do not require reading such as ‘Don’t Break the Ice’, ‘Cootie’, ‘Chutes and Ladders’, ‘Candy Land’ and ‘Goodnight Moon’.
School-age (ages 6-8 Years): Elementary school-age children are developing stronger muscles with improved coordination and dexterity. They are becoming more social and are also developing a sense of competitiveness. Choose toys that allow children to develop new skills, as they are doing more exploring, creating and inventing.
Consider: musical instruments; books; board games; jigsaw puzzles; sports equipment; card games; science kits
Activities and toys that children enjoy become more diverse and complex as they grow older. Age alone is not always the only determining factor when deciding whether a toy is safe and appropriate for a particular child. Rely on your knowledge of the child’s interests and developmental level, as well as your intuition and experience when choosing toys. Have a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season!
The Maria Parham Medical Center Outpatient Pediatric Therapy Team
About Maria Parham Medical Center, A Duke LifePoint Hospital
Maria Parham Medical Center, located in Henderson, NC, is a regional hospital serving the people of north central North Carolina and Southside Virginia. As a Duke LifePoint Hospital, Maria Parham offers a combination of Duke University Health System’s unparalleled expertise in clinical excellence and quality care, and LifePoint Hospital’s extensive resources, knowledge and experience in operating community hospitals. Maria Parham offers a wide range of services and the latest technology to meet the healthcare needs of the community. It is fully accredited by The Joint Commission and CMS. For more information about Maria Parham Medical Center, please call (252) 436-1800 or visit www.mariaparham.com.