As the holiday season approaches, children everywhere are eagerly anticipating the toys they hope to receive, while parents are secretly wishing for gifts that won’t drive them crazy before the New Year. If you’re considering gifts for kids this year, here are five types of toys to steer clear of.
1. Toys with Annoying Noises
You might think this is an obvious one, but some individuals still believe that loud, noisy toys are delightful gifts. Before purchasing that singing plush toy or any gadget that emits sounds, I challenge you to do a little experiment. Buy the toy, find a small bathroom, and lock yourself in for 48 hours while playing the toy at five-minute intervals. If you still feel that this toy is a good idea by the end, you might need to reassess your gift choices. Don’t forget to keep your receipt!
2. Toys that Create a Mess
If you have any compassion for the child’s parents, please avoid gifts that involve glitter. Whether it’s a glittery craft set or a sparkly doll, glitter is notoriously impossible to clean up. It seems to appear out of nowhere, even years later! And let’s not forget about Moon Sand—the sticky substance that never forms into the shapes promised in advertisements and leaves remnants throughout the house. If you decide to gift Moon Sand, make sure you are far away when it’s time to play!
3. Toys That Are a Bit Too Lively
There are toys that seem to have minds of their own, and they can be downright creepy. Take, for example, a toy BBQ that wouldn’t stop talking. After I finally got rid of it, I could still hear it calling out to people hours later! And as for Furbies, if you’ve seen Gremlins, you’ll know how they can turn from cute to terrifying. These toys can change personalities and, if you don’t want to unscrew their batteries, you may find yourself at the mercy of a hyperactive creature with no volume control.
4. Toys That Demand Parental Attention
Consider the impact your gift will have on the child’s parents. For instance, a Baby Alive doll requires the child to feed it and change its diapers—leaving parents to deal with mixing baby food and cleaning up daily. If I wanted the responsibility of another baby, I’d have one, thank you very much! Similarly, an Easy Bake Oven may come with just enough mix for two tiny cakes, leaving parents to buy refills. It’s like sending a kid to a party with a quarter and asking their mom to cover the rest!
5. Inappropriate Toys
When in doubt about the appropriateness of a toy, trust your instincts: if you’re questioning it, it’s likely not suitable. Always err on the side of caution when selecting gifts for children.
Happy shopping this holiday season! If you’re interested in learning more about parenting and other related topics, check out our other posts here.
In summary, when choosing gifts for kids, be mindful of noise levels, messiness, the potential for parental involvement, and, of course, appropriateness. Opt for toys that bring joy without the added stress for parents.