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Selecting The Perfect Holiday Gift for Every Child
© Copyright DiscoverThisAs we begin shopping for the children on our holiday gift lists, a common dilemma confronts many of us: Do we choose a gift that will excite, or one that will enrich and educate? Fortunately, with so many products available these days, the two are no longer mutually exclusive. Unfortunately, with so many products available these days, selecting the best ones can be a daunting task.
To make it a little less daunting, we asked two experts to offer some guidance in selecting gifts for children of all ages. Hopefully their words of wisdom will lead you to gift giving success without the usual stress!
Our Experts:
Claire Green, President of the Parents' Choice Foundation: Ms. Green succeeded her mother -- who founded Parents' Choice in 1978 -- in the organization's leadership role, saying, "It's really part of my blood." The foundation strives to help parents "break through the hype and marketing" to find the best toys, games, books and electronics for their children.
Dr. Toy: Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D., aka "Dr. Toy," turned her experience in child development and education into a career as a leading toy evaluation expert. "Parents and teachers are often not able to find the products that can help children in traditional toy stores," she says, so Dr. Toy provides resources on her website and in her book, Smart Play/Smart Toys: How to Raise a Child with a High P.Q, to help us evaluate and locate the best toys for our children.
What Should You Ask Before Purchasing a Child's Holiday Gift?
Will it challenge the child to expand his or her thinking?
"Children learn most easily when they enjoy it," says Green, and "learning something new, whether you're a child or an adult, is great fun!""Children are natural scientists," she adds. "They're poking and prodding and discovering at every turn." Look for products that help them explore and discover the world around them with a focus on fun and education.
Does it match the child's interests and abilities?
"Watch what your child plays with and extend their interests and knowledge," says Auerbach. She adds, "Read the directions of the game to be sure it works well for your child's abilities." You want to challenge the child without frustrating him, and parents will appreciate toys children can use without extensive adult assistance.Will it offer practice in weaker areas?
It's great to foster a child's interests and nurture his or her strengths, but it's also important to offer opportunities to strengthen areas in which they might not be as adept. For example, says Green, "Sometimes girls will shy away from math or science in the preadolescent years." She recommends two kits by Thames and Kosmos -- Perfume Science and Creative Cosmetics -- to spark their natural curiosity. By "putting science into fashion and into cosmetics," she says, "it's combining two worlds in a very interesting way."Will it add balance to the child's experience?
Kids are increasingly drawn to electronic media -- much of which is educational and entertaining -- but "there needs to be a balance in the kinds of media a child consumes," says Green. If your child enjoys a mystery software game, for example, "why not accompany that with a book or a strategy game," she suggests, "and round out that experience of problem solving or investigating?"Will it bring the family together?
A lot of toys and games can be played solo, but nothing can replace the camaraderie of good old family game time. "It really is a way to bring all the generations together," says Green. "There are plenty of games out there that are designed for young ones that could stump a parent. It really levels the playing field." Playing games together "gives kids a chance to learn about winning and losing, being a good sport and taking turns" too, adds Green. (Check out Family Game Night Success for more ideas.)Does it reflect my family's values?
"All toys are educational," says Green. "It all depends on what you want your kids to learn."Ask yourself, "What will it teach?" agrees Auerbach. "Does it expand positive self-esteem, values, understanding, and cultural awareness? Does it promote wholesome childhood values? Or are there any violent, sexist, or other negative aspects to the product?"
Is the price reasonable?
You shouldn't have to take out a second mortgage on your home to purchase holiday gifts. Look for toys and games that offer exceptional quality at affordable prices. "It's all about paying attention and finding something that fits a child's interests, abilities, your sensibilities and your pocketbook," says Green.
Hopefully our expert's advice will help simplify your holiday gift giving experience. At Discover This, we're proud to offer a huge selection of award-winning science toys, kits and games that challenge children to explore the world in wholesome, entertaining ways.
For more information and product reviews, visit the Parents' Choice Foundation, Dr. Toy, and Toy Soup. Happy Holidays!
Home > Resources for our Science Kits > Articles on Science Learning and Science Kits > Selecting The Perfect Holiday Gift for Every Child
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