Friday, September 20, 2013

Christmas Shopping for Boys

Suggestions on Christmas Shopping for Boys:

Christmas is a truly magical season that is enjoyed by many but no one enjoys the Christmas season more than kids. It might be the excitement of some well deserved time off from school, the allure of the lights and decorations, the beauty of the snow that often accompanies Christmas or just the anticipation of Santa and his sleigh filled with toys that is so exciting for children but it is evident that most kids are truly enchanted by Christmas. For this reason many adults truly enjoy shopping for kids and Christmas time. 

While Christmas shopping for boys is a great deal of fun there are some factors to consider when Christmas shopping. The first is selecting age appropriate toys, this includes finding toys that are not to noisy or too big for the boy you have in mine. The second is finding out what toys the boys already have and what the parents consider to be acceptable.And  the last step is selecting a toy the boy will enjoy. This can make Christmas shopping for boys a little more difficult but does not make the shopping any less fun.

How to Find Age Appropriate Toys:


Selecting age appropriate toys is very important when shopping for boys, because the are more active and adventurous. The first thing to check out is the age range on the toy, because toys that are designed for older boys might be potentially dangerous for the younger boy. Most manufacture's of toys have an age range posted on the box, if you don't see one then error on the side of caution and don't purchase that toy. A good  example of a toy is Legos. They are designed for children over the age of three, because they contain small pieces which pose a choking hazard, but their Duplo line is perfect for this age. 

Boys this age still have a habit of putting toys in their mouths.  You should only purchase toys that contain large pieces or recommended for the infant to toddler range. Conversely a boy who is too old for a particular toy may become quickly bored with the toy. Young boys enjoy toys that will keep them active,but also allow them to use their imaginations or play with friends. This group enjoys board games, action figures and of course video games, but even those need to be age appropriate. Teens and Tweens boys are a little hard to buy gifts for most grandparents or parents. This age still likes video games, but other gift ideas might be music, RC toys, sport items or anything to do with their hobbies.

When Shopping for Christmas Gifts for Boys:

It is also important to consider the boy's parents and the living situation, if you are the grandparent or relative. This includes the size of the home and the proximity to neighbors especial with toys that can be considered loud like drum sets. This is really an important consideration for families who lives in apartments or condos. Another thing to consider before buying large toys such as a trampoline, swing sets and basketball hoops is the yard. Do you have the room to accommodate such a gift? That also goes for large indoor items such as foosball and pool tables if you don't have a dedicated room to accommodate such large items. As a general rule it is best to stick with toys that are can easily be stored, but still entertain the child.

The last idea, but sometimes the best one when shopping for a boy of any age is to have him make a Christmas list of what he wants this year, before you go out shopping. This can be helpful for a couple of different reasons. First you will get an insight into what your son wants for Christmas and learn more about his interests. Second you can control the type of toys that you want in the home or allow your son to explore a new hobby. The best reason is you can stay with in a budget, yet still enjoy the excitement of Christmas when he opens a gift that he wanted.