Beth Pinyerd

Kids Corner

After the turkey is put up on Thanksgiving day, moms and dads will ask themselves, “How can I get the best bargain on toys for my children at Christmas?”

We save money by going to early store sales but it is important to choose toys that are appropriate for your child’s age and gender.

I hope the following tips help as you shop for your young child.

r Infants and toddlers learn so much through seeing, hearing, smelling, feeling and tasting. Choosing toys that an infant or toddler can hold, squeeze, touch, poke, toss and twist keeps a young child entertained for a long time. Toddlers love to open and close items, so purchase toys where they can push buttons and open doors. Also, they love to push and pull toy trucks, cars or toy animals. Think in the framework of big toys without small parts as you buy for children this young.

r Twos, 3’s, 4’s and 5’s learn by hands-on experiences. They love to draw with crayons, markers and paint. Washable markers, crayons and water colors are items to purchase for this age and they are not expensive. Building blocks — whether wooden, plastic or toys with interlocking parts — are a favorite. Because of these young children’s high energy they love to play with balls, hoops and ride tricycles as well as bikes with training wheels.

Dolls, tea sets, dress-up clothes, simple home living items such as play stoves, play refrigerators and plastic food sets are valuable learning tools to add to the Christmas list. Simple puzzles with large pieces as well as simple board games are enjoyed by children this age. Children love to look at books as well.

r Six-, 7- and 8-year-olds seem to focus more on hobby toys. With the older children I have taught they feel more like “little adults.” They like learning experiences that lead them to items they can enjoy. They like to collect items like stamps, cards and coins. Sports items like balls and skates are a favorite of this age group.

r Children 8 through 12 generally get into hobbies, sports, music, arts-and-crafts and building sets like electric train sets. They begin to develop lifetime hobbies.

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

And remember your child’s safety as you purchase toys.

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

Her column appears regularly in The Bulletin.