Tips for selecting good toys:

• Look at the age-appropriateness of the toy so see that it fits your child's age group.  Toys meant for younger children generally bore older children and toys that are too advanced will frustrate them.
• Find toys that allow play or have value at several levels.  That is, they can be educational and creative or decorative and challenging or they help advance motor skills and have long-term value.  "Fad Toys" often are not good past the day they are opened.
• Try to find toys that will help expand your child's world, since it is your job to introduce new ideas and help your child discover thoughts they have not had before.
• Some of the toys you give to your child should be ones that he or she can use alone, but others should require group play or adult assistance.  A toy can be a great way for adults to spend more time with their children, which may be the greatest gift of all.
• If you get toys, like art kits, make sure that supplies for making more of the item are not so limited that the child uses it once and then cannot use it again.
• Don't forget the batteries for battery-operated toys and make sure you have checked to see if all the parts are there to be able to use the toy right away.  You don't have to actually put everything together, since assembly can be part of the fun, especially for older children.
• Get opinions and ideas from other parents or from online reviews of the toy.  Just because a toy is a hot seller, does not mean it is good!  Don't be fooled by TV ads designed to create demand where none existed before.
• Books make excellent gifts!  They may not admit it, but even older children (and adults) love being read to. Your time is a priceless gift.

If we can help you find something online, please let us know.  Sometimes we can even help when the  store is not one we work with as a merchant.