“It doesn’t matter how much you own, but make the most out of what you have.”

This quote of truth can be the motto of many families with young children as we approach the Christmas season. As parents we must realize that we instill many attitudes in our children about Christmas and what to expect. Young children tend to become as materialistic as we make them.

As we approach this Christmas season with the uncertain economic outlook of our nation and just within our families, we must look carefully at our budgets and decide what we can really afford. One way that Kids Corner wants to help our readers is to provide simple suggestions for children of certain ages, where these children are developmentally and what toys are appropriate. Keep in mind the child’s age and gender. I hope these suggestions help.

Because infants and toddlers like to taste, make sure you are alert to what your young child is putting in their mouths. Buy toys that are safe if they go into the mouth. Think ‘big’ when you buy for children this age. For safety, purchase big toys without a lot of small parts that will save a lot of stress for you and your little child. Small parts are difficult for a young child to manipulate and play with.

Young children love to roll out the Play-doh. Because of their high energy level they love to play with balls and hoops. This age level enjoys riding tricycles as well as bikes with training wheels.

Simple musical instruments can be bought at inexpensive prices. Dolls, tea sets, dress up clothes and simple home living items—such as play stoves, play refrigerators and plastic food sets—are valuable learning tools to add to the Christmas list.

Puzzles with large pieces as well as simple board games are enjoyed by children this age. Children love to look at books as well.

When you purchase a toy ask the question, ‘What will my child learn from me purchasing this toy; what is the educational value?’

I hope these simple guidelines in purchasing toys for your children will help you have a fun, educational Christmas.

Beth Pinyerd lives in Daphne and serves as director of younger children at Faith Family Fellowship in Spanish Fort.