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Santa’s Here!

It’s been a couple of hours already, but Santa has arrived in New York City at the conclusion of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. His arrival kicks off the official Christmas Shopping Season. Goodness knows that merchants far and wide have been shelving holiday items for weeks already, but in the eyes of many people the Christmas season doesn’t begin until after the turkey and pumpkin pie have been devoured and the leftovers stashed in the fridge.

Now that we’re into the magical Christmas season, let’s remember that from its revamp in the mid-Nineteenth Century it’s been all about kids and they sure do love it. It might be the thought of some long-anticipated time off from school, the glamor of the lights and decor, the pristine beauty of the snow that often accompanies Christmas or just the anticipation of Santa and his toy-filled sleigh that so excites the children but it is obvious that most kids are totally captivated by Christmastime. Whatever the reason, the children’s joy is why many adults truly enjoy shopping for kids at Christmastime.

While Christmas shopping for kids is a great deal of fun, there are some things to consider when Christmas shopping for your kids. An important consideration is selecting age-appropriate toys. Select toys that are not too noisy or too big for the child’s living space. Select toys the child does not already have. Select toys their parents will consider to be acceptable. Finally, select toys the children will enjoy. This can make Christmas shopping for kids challenging, but it doesn’t make shopping any less fun.

Selecting age-appropriate toys is crucial when Christmas shopping for kids. This is important for a number of reasons. First of all, it is important because toys which are designed for older kids could potentially be dangerous for the child. For example, toys that are designed for children over the age of three might include small pieces that would pose a choking hazard. Children under the age of three still have a tendency to put toys and other objects in their mouths, so they must receive toys only containing pieces large enough not to be a choking hazard. Also, toys for a different age category may not be as much fun for a kid as they would be for kids of the appropriate age. If the child is too young for the toy, he may become easily frustrated because he can not use the toy appropriately. On the other hand, a kid who is too old for a particular toy may become bored with the toy quickly.

When shopping for Christmas gifts for kids, it is also important to consider the children’s parents and their living situation. This includes the size of their home or apartment and their proximity to the neighbors. Toys which are really noisy may not be appropriate for a kid living in an apartment building. Also, large gifts such as a trampoline may not be appropriate if a child does not have a yard large enough to accommodate it. Likewise, large indoor items such as a foosball table aren’t appropriate for kids who do not have a dedicated toy room big enough to accommodate such a large item. As a general rule, it is best to stick with small items that don’t make a lot of noise when you are Christmas shopping for kids.

It’s also important to consider the personal beliefs of their parents when shopping for children’s Christmas gifts. Specifically, you should not purchase a gift for a child if you know their parents are ethically opposed to particular items. Guns and violent video games are obvious examples of Christmas gifts that could offend certain parents. There are many parents who do not allow their children to play with items of this sort because they believe the toys promote violence. If you’re not certain about the parents’ point of view, it is best to avoid these kinds of toys.

Finally, when Christmas shopping for a child, it is best to check with the parents beforehand. This will be beneficial for a couple of reasons. First, the parents can give some insight into the child’s hobbies and interests. This will make selecting an appropriate gift easier. They may even suggest a specific item from the child’s Christmas list ensuring you are giving that kid something she really wants for Christmas. Consulting her parents can also save you from giving a toy she already has. Check with the parents before you make a purchase to see if they will suggest another item. They can let you know if they think their child will enjoy the gift or if the child already has it.

Here are some all-time favs. Feel free to sing along!