Purchasing Safe Toys for Your Kids

Brrrrrr....a chill is definitely in the air this Monday morning! It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas, or Hanukkah, or whatever other holiday you and your family may celebrate and incorporate with numerous other winter traditions. For most people, the chillier weather brings about fond feelings of upcoming time spent with family and friends, and moments full of celebration and love.

So, while you're thinking about all the warm fuzzy feelings inside, with the cold weather outside, have you yet begun to contemplate all those presents that you still need to buy? Whether your budget is big or small, the most important thing to consider when buying gifts for your children or others' children is the safety of the gift. This is the time of year where scores of new toys are hitting the shelves and children of all ages are looking starry eyed at television ads and along the store aisles at all the new and wonderful creations toy makers have come up with for the 2012 Christmas Season.

However, when deciding on purchases for your own children and those of others, remember that every year thousands of children are treated in hospital emergency rooms for toy-related injuries. Therefore, there may be some safety considerations to take to heart when purchasing toys this year, with specific guidelines for certain ages.

Several websites, including SafeMamma.com, SafeKidsUSA.org, and KidsHealth.org offer parents and guardians some guidelines for purchasing age appropriate toys that are safe for children. These websites all break down gift ideas into age brackets and give suggestions for purchasing toys for kids within those age brackets.

Here are some tips to consider before you go shopping this year:
-Consider the child's age, interest, and skill level for whom you are purchasing the gift
-When shopping, read the toy's labels. Watch for the age and safety recommendations on each of the toys and follow these guidelines when making a purchase
-Check to ensure that the toy is not damaged or broken in any way before you buy it. Broken or loose pieces can become safety and choking hazards.

Additionally, here are some recommendations of gifts for ages birth through preschool, the most vulnerable ages for choking hazards and toy safety issues:

Newborn to Toddler:
-hand puppets for parents to entertain babies with
-stuffed animals that are washable, without any plastic or buttons on them that may fall off
-soft blankets

Toddler to 3 years of age:
-a little yoga mat, to do exercises with mom
-crayons (or any non-sharp coloring utensil) and coloring books or colored paper
-personalized hero cape and mask (I mean come on - what little boy doesn't want to be a super hero anyway?!)

3 year of age through Preschool:
-board or card games that involve learning a skill and do not include small pieces
-a tool belt with miniature tools (however, remember no metal or sharp objects! "Tool Belt by Plan Toys" is a safe tool belt set that little boys can use to help dad fix things around the house)
-Young artists sets with paints and paint brushes, stamps, etc.
-Jumbo, soft floor puzzles

These gifts are suggested on the links from the sites above. Browse around and find the perfect, safe gift for your little loved ones this holiday season. Be sure to keep up with our Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest, "Christmas" board for more holiday gift ideas and safety measures. Enjoy your week and enjoy your kids!