Looking for that great Christmas toy: 4 things you should watch out for

I have always been on the lookout for great gifts/toys for my kids. I find myself browsing the net or stores for something new. But chances are, if this is on the net it’s too expensive or if it’s in a store it’s still expensive and the quality is questionable, especially with a lot more toys are coming from China.
So what makes a toy great in my book?

1. It stimulates the imagination

Before, if it had all the bells and whistles I was sold. If it had the right combination of colors and thingamagigs, I had to get it for my kids. But after reading child development articles and books, I had to rethink this one. Does it really stimulate the imagination or take the place of it? Now, if the toy would entail more input from the child, rather than just pushing a button or two, for me that’s stimulating his imagination. For example, forming shapes freehand from clay or dough, making his own city from blocks, or having to push his car/cart with his feet. Those are the things that I look for in toys nowadays.

2. It’s Safe (from lead content and breakable parts/choking hazards)

Unfortunately, buying branded toys are not that much of an assurance. Remember the Fischer Price, Thomas the Train Scare a few years back? Just search for toy recalls and it’s disturbing to see just how long the list is. Usually, the lead is from the paint they use, from my observation it’s usually the red ones that poses more risks and it (unfortunately) comes from China.

Personally, I feel safer if it’s made here locally, from the US, Japan or Thailand. Local, because I usually get it direct from the manufacturer and I can specify if I want if unfinished and I can finish it myself, (example for wood toys) or if it’s made from all natural materials. If it’s made in the US and Japan, I feel it’s also safer because they have stricter rules for children’s items. As for the ones made from Thailand, well, I’m partial to Plan Toys which is made from recycleable rubberwood and lead-free paint. This used to be available here locally and was distributed by Richwell, but due to its “higher” price and not so mass-appeal, (i.e. don’t expect Disney characters), they stopped importing the toys. So I ask my uncle to get this for me when he goes to Thailand.

Again, there are no guarantees here, with everything being so global, we may be unwittingly using materials or components coming from manufacturers and countries with slacker quality controls. But by being more informed about the company ethics or character of the maker, we have more chances of reducing our risks and safeguarding our children’s health.

3. It’s affordable

I’m so guilty when it comes to buying toys for my children especially when it’s for a birthday or Christmas, I’m such a sucker. Like any mom I would want to give them the best I can give them. I don’t buy them toys off-season so I can save up for the important dates. But since the times are not really what it used to be and we have more priorities now, I really look for good alternatives. Now if the toy that I really like for them is too expensive, I try to make it myself or have someone make it for me. But sometimes, I’m surprised by what I can find especially on 3 day sales or Midnight Madness or tradefairs.

4. It’s durable

I remember what a friend of mine said before, he was in production for one of the top manufacturing firms in the country, “You really get what you pay for”. Unfortunately, this is quite true for the toys we usually find in malls. If it’s really cheap, chances are it won’t survive the week. The really good ones, the ones that you can keep and give them to your grandkids next, usually costs an arm and a leg, unless you’re lucky enough to get them on sale.

It’s really a treasure hunt in finding that special gift for my kids. It’s that fine line of getting great quality with a not so high pricetag. I know if I look hard enough I will usually find it.