These gifts make children’s eyes shine: “I prefer a plastic sword over a toy gun.”

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The countdown has begun, just a few days until Christmas Eve. In the final days of Christmas, parents often engage in shopping marathons to fulfill their children’s most fervent wishes. Finding the right gift is nothing short of child’s play; After all, there are an infinite number of toys available.

Play researcher Elke Hildebrandt from the University of Applied Sciences in Northwest Switzerland now explains which gifts add sparkle to children’s eyes and which are better left on the toy shelf. She expert analyzed six age groups she.

Screens should definitely be turned off to children this young; It is forbidden to give anything digital as a gift. Analogue toys that children can use to develop motor skills are exciting. But caution is advised here too: Young children put everything in their mouths, and smaller plastic items can be dangerous. I recommend toys that appeal to one or more of the senses: colorful mobiles, rattles, building blocks or early picture books. Parents should watch and talk about the latter with their children; This is how children learn language and speaking.

Creativity plays a big role at this age. That’s why it’s important to give children toys that give them freedom. Lego Duplo and its building blocks are also perfect for training fine motor skills. But not with a prefabricated building plan, because this limits children’s imagination too much. Early board games are a fun challenge for this group; I’m thinking of games like dominoes or memory. Children of this age are also increasingly enjoying role-playing games. Disguise is absolutely not necessary for this. I recommend hand puppets or stuffed animals.

Children this age are often keen on fighting and fighting games. Plastic firearms are often on the wish list but not recommended. For example, with toy guns, children only need to pull the trigger; They can only physically relieve stress when they “fight” in a group. A smart alternative would be to give a plastic sword or play boxing gloves; children play with them much more actively. Role-playing games often become more complex at this age; Therefore, costumes and hand puppets also make a useful gift. Many kids now understand three-dimensional models, so Lego components that include a blueprint make sense.

Video games and smartphones are a huge hit among children in this age group. But parents need to be careful here: smartphones are not actually a suitable gift. Just like some violent video games. Alternatively, I recommend that children develop their hobbies; these are generally well developed in middle school-aged children. Swimming goggles for water enthusiasts, sheet music for musicians or beautiful pens for artists. Otherwise, books are versatile gifts. There are also interactive books like detective stories that you have to solve on your own. These are also suitable for children who do not like to read.

Desires such as video games and smartphones can now be fulfilled more easily. Digital games are exciting for young teens and can also be very educational. I’m thinking of digital construction games or strategic computer games. Parents just need to pay attention to the age limit and take time to play together. Otherwise, I recommend developing children’s interests here too; “unpleasant” things are not well received.

For most young people, the circle of friends forms a central part of their free time. A gift that teens can use with their friends is generally received positively; For example, cinema coupons for a few people. Overall, I think vouchers are an appropriate gift for this age group, as teens can then choose something that suits their tastes.

The expert says that, in general, children of all ages are especially happy when their parents spend time with them. “Playing together is the most fun. Hildebrandt says the most valuable thing parents can give their children is time.

Source : Blick