Children Toys
How to Choose Children's Toys: Top Tips and Tricks
We are all children at heart. In fact, most of us will still vividly recall one or two favorite toys when we were young children. While tastes and technologies have changed, the fact of the matter is that a quality toy will provide a child with untold hours of fun. As parents, it is our responsibility to know what to look for in a quality product while satisfying the desires of our little ones. However, is it also possible to save money along the way? This balance might appear to be difficult to achieve and yet, there are a number of worthwhile options at your immediate disposal. Let's take a quick look at what the experts have to say before moving on to examine the top toy brands on the United States market.What Are the Signs of a Quality Toy?
You need to take into account two main metrics when determining the quality of any toy. First, is it built to last and can it stand up to the rough-and-tumble nature of children's play habits? Secondly, what type of guarantee is provided in the event of a defect? Quality toys are backed up by equally robust warranties. Another excellent way to discover what you are in for revolves around obtaining the opinions of other parents. Navigate to third-party online review forums (such as those associated with major retailers ore even niche markets). You will be able to better appreciate the top brands on the marketplace as well as any trends that are emerging.
Keeping the Child in the Loop
It is just as important to mention that as adults, we might not always have our finger on the "pulse" of childhood toys. This is why it is essential to include the opinion of your child during the buying process. Of course, this does not necessarily signify that the element of surprise is taken out of the equation. Instead, ask your little one to create a list of his or her five favorite toys. You can then narrow down your search while still remaining confident that your child will be happy with the end result. If you attempt to guess or should you automatically assume that you know what they might be looking for, you could be in for a rude awakening. After all, we all remember at least one Christmas when we were devastated at not having received a special item that was on Santa's list!
The Dangers to Avoid
We should also address the practical side of toys. Some items sch as Legos might not be appropriate for children under a certain age. In terms of toddlers or those under five years, it is best to avoid toys that are associated with small parts or pieces that can be detached. Durable items are a much better choice. Not only can this avert hazards such as choking, but these very same items can be passed down to any other siblings that might be present. Look for toys that are made from non-toxic materials and when in doubt, always contact the manufacturer or the website in question in order to learn more. After all, the safety of our children should always represent the top priority.
Getting the Best Deals on the Best Products
Saving money is actually much easier than you may have been led to believe. Wait until major sales events such as those associated with Black Friday or deals common towards the end of the year (immediately following the Christmas rush). Use the power of the Internet to your advantage. Sign up to loyalty programs and look for companies that offer rewards points each time you make a purchase. These savings can quickly add up over time. Navigate to online retail portals such as amazon in order to uncover lower prices than those associated with manufacturers. Always try to compare at least three different retailers before deciding upon the final purchase (particularly relevant when referring to high-end items such as gaming consoles).
What are the Top Brands in the United States?
Finally, we have put together a list of the top US toy brands. Please perform additional research in order to keep your little one(s) happy at all times.
- Lego
- Bandai
- Fischer-Price
- Mattel
- Hot Wheels
- Nerf
- Barbie