When Buying Kids' Gifts, Follow a Few Simple Rules

Choosing holiday gifts for kids -- even your own -- can be an exercise in frustration. With so many types of toys on the market for kids of every age and stage, it's often hard to know where to begin looking in the store, much less which toys to consider. But by sticking to a few simple rules of thumb, your holiday gifts will bring smiles to the faces of both kids and parents all year long.

* Safety first. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 140,000 children were treated in emergency rooms for toy-related injuries in 2008. While some of those injuries were caused by unsafe products, many were the result of kids playing with toys intended for older children. Before purchasing a toy, particularly for a child under age six, check the label on the package to make sure it is age-appropriate.

* Entertaining vs. educating. It's important to remember that children, especially younger children, don't make hard distinctions between fun and learning. For kids -- and adults as well -- learning is fun when it offers opportunities for exploration, discovery and mastery, so look for toys and games that can be used in multiple ways and different types of play.

* Go for a good family fit. When buying gifts for children, make an effort to choose products that reflect their families' values. For example, some parents do not want their children to own toy guns or play violent video games. While art supplies and craft projects are good bets for most kids and families, make sure that paints, markers, glue and other craft items are both non-toxic and washable.

* Triple play. Consider products that will be fun for the whole family. Many games offer different sets of rules for players of varying ages. Others are simple enough for younger kids, yet challenging enough to be enjoyed by parents and older siblings.

* Think outside the toy box. Great gifts for kids don't just come from toy stores. The local hardware store, for example, sells many items that will delight preschool and school-aged kids, including flashlights, watering cans, squeegees, sponges, small brooms, magnets, and even some small hand tools. Kids also enjoy kitchen and cooking implements, such as whisks, wooden spoons, non-breakable mixing bowls, measuring cups, and funnels.

For more information about toy safety and age-appropriate shopping tips, visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.