The holidays are around the corner, and all you can think of is a gift for that special child in your life. But there is a problem. You cannot seem to settle. Do not fret. Help is here.
Avoid picking anything off the shelves or website of a toy store. You could end up with an inflated credit card bill and a frustrated kid. Instead, use logical criteria to sift through ideas and pick the best gift for that special child in your life.
In this guide, you will find a variety of gift ideas for children at different growth stages. From that dirt bike, a tween could have been talking about all year long to items toddlers love to show off. There are fun items that meet the developmental needs of infants and gift ideas to boost a kindergartener’s skills. There is something for every child in this gift guide.
Infants
A first holiday should not pass unnoticed. A memorable gift would be perfect for the occasion. Yes, the child may have more fun with the packaging box than the gift. But it’s crucial to get something that will help them explore the world around them and provide plenty of action.
What do they want the most?
Nothing in particular. At this stage, the child is still exploring their world and is yet to develop clear favorites. Gifts like activity mats are fun and will help you bond.
A gift to show off?
Cute outfits like colorful shirts or dresses and ornaments like headbands will make the child look and feel amazing. A pair of bright shoes will help them get excited about their first steps and show off their new skill. These may not seem relevant beyond the baby stage, but they will make picture-perfect memoirs.
Something they need
At infancy, children are still developing language, listening, and vision skills. They also learn to love and trust at this stage. So, the best gift would be quality TIME with the child.
A few items to help may include sing-along toys and simple storybooks to read to the baby. Has the child begun moving and touching things? Consider gifts like building blocks and grasping toys that will help to develop their motor skills.
Toddlers
Unlike infants, toddlers can sit and play with one toy for an extended period. Therefore, a gift that helps them develop various skills through play would be perfect.
What’s their big item?
Toys based on their favorite TV characters! Whether it is a dolly, a car, an action figure, or a robot, they will talk about it all year long.
What gifts can they show off?
Toddler boys and girls will have tons of fun showing off their favorite TV character costumes. And they look great in them.
What do they need
Toddlers experience significant thinking, learning, social, and emotional changes. You should help them to explore their new world and make sense of it in an orderly manner. Gifts like stuffed playdate friends, simple shape sorters, and puzzles are invaluable.
The Kindergartener
For a kindergartener, the world has begun to open up. They are more independent and can interact with adults and children outside of the family. They have an insatiable curiosity, constantly exploring and asking about the things around them.
What do they want the most?
Many kindergarteners want a friend who will always be there. They want a pet like a puppy or a kitten.
Do you know their favorite animal? Talk to a pet store or nearby animal shelter. If an adult is willing and ready to be a pet parent, you can get a pet for that special child in your life.
If the child does not fancy pets, they could be craving toys such as drawing tablets, action figures, selfie cameras, and many more.
What can they show off?
When out with friends, kindergarteners want to explore the world and test their skills. An outdoor adventure exploration kit, cool outfits, costumes, or a colorful watch would be perfect.
What do they need?
This is a crucial stage because kids begin to socialize, polish up their language and motor skills. They also discover that tantrums are not very helpful and learn to solve problems. Gifts like kiwi crates are excellent. They have hands-on makers, art projects, and reading materials integrated with online activities.
Other items like fun bathtub toys will help sharpen their motor skills. Pretender walkie-talkies will help the child build language skills and friendships. Puzzles and building sets will help them learn how to solve problems.
Pre-tween and tween
In middle childhood, kids are in contact with the larger world and are more independent. Friendships mean a lot. It is a time when the child develops self-esteem. So nurturing self-confidence is crucial. Also, physical, social, and mental skills develop quickly at this time.
What do they want the most?
Many tweens and pre-tweens want their very own gadget. Whether it is a mini-tablet, headphones, or a coding robot, they want what’s trending. But don’t be too quick to blow your credit card limit on something extravagant. Technology is notorious for changing fast. Talk with them about what they really need.
What can they show off?
Fashion is the answer. But not the adult kind of fashion. A cool smartwatch, shirt, pair of sunglasses, or temporary tattoos could make the child feel good about themselves.
What they need
Your tween or pre-tween needs plenty of mental and physical stimulation and to hang out with friends. They need to spend time outdoors and build social skills. Gifts like a dirt bike for your tween, a bicycle for the pre-tween, or a pair of roller skates would be perfect. Other items like a chess teacher, musical instruments, or arts and craft library will stir their mental faculties and boost creativity.
In Conclusion
These gift ideas will help you select an appropriate item for the special child in your life. Some of the items will help foster a positive relationship with the child – by far the best gift you could give.
