Simple Gift Giving for the Early Years

During the holiday season, we are frequently bombarded with advertisements for children's toys that are often expensive or inappropriate and many adults find themselves at a loss when trying to decide on the right gift for that special child in their lives. Selecting toys for young children is an important task that involves decisions about the kinds of interests, motivation, and skills we want children to develop. Any toy given to a child should match his or her developmental age and individual needs. When choosing a toy, careful attention should be paid to safety and durability -- materials should have lasting play value and help provide a foundation for future development.

The following are some ideas for inexpensive, and most important, fun play materials for the early years.

Birth to 6 months

Toys for young infants should promote their interest in looking, listening, sucking and grasping. Well-secured, unbreakable crib mirrors, rag dolls, soft stuffed toys and simple hand puppets moved by an adult are all age appropriate gifts that can either be made or purchased for a minimal amount of money.

6 to 12 months

Infants from this age are able to enjoy a wider variety of toys which support their social, cognitive and physical development. Floating objects for bath play, construction materials, simple puzzles, cloth and board books and balls are durable options for young children at this stage.

1 to 2 years

Toddlers are mobile and independent. Dressing, lacing and stringing materials, picture and nursery rhyme books, nontoxic crayons for scribbling and stacking materials will be enjoyed by one year olds. Older toddlers would enjoy role playing toys, pegboards and large balls to kick, throw and catch.

3-5 years

These ages often find enjoyment from materials that promote pretend play and foster their language and social skills. A large variety of books suitable for this age are available, as well as an assortment of blocks, dress up clothes and simple games, including dominoes, bingo boards and card games

6 to 8 years

Primary school age children show interest in and benefit from a number of specific skill developmental toys. They can spend hours with art and craft materials, particularly washable paints, clay, collage equipment, and small beads for jewelry making. Books and more complex games with rules and turn taking are also appropriate and natural objects (stones and shells) can pique an interest in science and the environment.

Keep in mind that the holiday season can also be stressful for children. It isn't necessary to give a child a room full of toys in order for him to have fun. Sometimes the simplest pleasures are the most enjoyable.

We will enjoy children more and serve them better, as teachers and friends, when we com to appreciate the joys of just "hanging out" with them -- experiencing life through their eyes and ears.

Source: National Association for the Education of Young Children.