You know how it is. Your nephew or niece has a birthday coming up. Your granddaughter will be 2 next month. Your godson is nearly 3, you have been invited to his birthday party and you have no idea what present to buy. You would think that buying a present for a pre-school child would be a simple and enjoyable, but for many people this is a tricky assignment fraught with danger and risking offence to parents and upsetting the children. We hope this handy guide from the WoodenToyShop team, with helpful suggestions from some of our Facebook followers, will prove useful if you are suffering from present buyer’s block.
Ask the parents
Some people may feel awkward about asking parents, but this is our top tip for successful present buying. Mums and dads know what their little ones like; they know what they already have; they know what they would like them to have and they know what will fit into their house! Mums and dads often also know what else is being bought, so if they know, for example, that a Dolls’ House will be arriving soon, they may suggest some wooden dolls or dolls’ house furniture to compliment the house. We promise that the parents will be grateful that you have asked, rather than buying a duplicate and sending them back to the toy shop on a busy Saturday for an exchange.
Buy a good quality, durable (wooden) toy
Although we have a clear preference for wood, we recommend that whatever your present, make sure it is tough enough to withstand the usual toddler treatment. If you are shopping on the high street, you will be able to examine your choice before buying; if you prefer to shop online then be sure to read some objective customer reviews before selecting your gift to ensure it will endure years of play.
A solid and robust toy like this Pintoy Pick Up Trike will last for years and will easily pass from brother to sister to brother.
Keep the present simple and make sure you buy something that they could have more that one of
We all know children who can never have enough toy dinosaurs, wooden trains, teddy bears or dollies. Choosing something simple rather than a character led toy, for example, will eliminate the risk of that annoying duplication.
What skills they are currently working on, e.g. numeracy or language?
Children who have just started to learn numbers will enjoy a set of magnetic numbers; those learning to read and spell will appreciate a simple see and spell game.
Always play safe, go for the old favourites and avoid anything gimmicky
Remember the toys you enjoyed playing with? Some toys never go out of fashion and contemporary versions of classic toys such as play kitchens, wooden train sets, toy castles and dolls’ houses are just as good as the ones you had when you were little. The fact that generations of children have played with these types of toys for decades and sometimes for hundreds of years is a good indication that your present will be very well received.
If in doubt buy a book
Children love books. Fact. Make your present even more special by sitting down and reading it to, or reading along with, the lucky recipient.
What toys do your children enjoy?
If your children are the same age and have enjoyed a particular toy, then you have a pre-tested present!
If your kids have enjoyed this toy, chances are that others will too.
Ask an expert
Like most retailers, here at WoodenToyShop* we are very happy to make suggestions to help you buy a perfect present. Your local toy store will do the same. We can tell you what is currently popular, what is always popular and what is brand new.
*If you would like some help in choosing the perfect present for a small child you can contact us in any of the following ways:
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 01626 221 380
Twitter @woodentoyshopUK
Facebook: www.facebook.com/woodentoyshop
