ALT-1 The best Gifts for Children in 2011
When purchasing a gift for a child, it can be difficult to choose something with longevity. Children’s tastes change suddenly, especially when it comes to toys. Something that is intriguing and invokes enthusiasm can quickly lose its’ appeal. Also, many toys have small parts that become lost or scattered around the house to create clutter.
When thinking about a great gift for a child in 2011, it’s important to think about whether or not it will maintain its’ appeal. Many times after a child has mastered a toy, it becomes unappealing and just another forgotten toy gathering dust.
Toys that grow
A great place to start when picking out a gift for a child is to think about something that can grow with the child. Products with multiple uses are a great way to keep the toy relavent to the child’s likes and abilities.
Little tikes 5-in-1 Adjustable Gym- $44.99
This is a great gift that transforms as the child grows. With 5 different stages of play, this toy can help build motor skills in infants, become a play table and ultimately a desktop easel and chair for drawing and doodling.
Upgradable devices
Electronic devices have quickly become the replacement of toys for children. Children love the touch screens and buttons for electronic devices specifically made for kids. LeapFrog and Vtech have both released learning tablet products that are shock absorbant and easily held by small hands. With new cartridges and downloadble apps coming out each day, this is a great gift for any child who loves to read and explore. New apps can be downloaded for when the child needs more stimulation and cartridges have all of their favorite cartoon characters. Apps and cartridges vary for different age groups, so the toy never becomes old.
LeapFrog LeapPad Learning Tablet- $99.99
Vtech Innotab Learning App Tablet- $79.99
Video games and consoles
Video games can sometimes get a bad rap by some parents because they would entail a child sitting and staring at the TV for hours. However, with the advancements in technology, video games have come a long way. Now, video game consoles allow the child to do much more than just sit and play. Video games have integrated technology that allow the child to run, jump and play to actually become the controller in the video game. There are educational games, sports games and favorite character themed games that get the child off the couch to play.
WiiXbox 360 Kinect
Many of the games for children on either of these consoles are moderately priced and new games are released each month. With Christmas around the corner, many stores are slashing prices on child-based video games.
Children’s toys have come a long way since the wooden blocks and Barbie doll. Now, buttons, lights and computer animation has become the norm in children’s toys. This 2011 Christmas is fast approaching and the inevitable products on the Santa wishlists will be electronic devices and games.
