Birthday Gift Ideas

Shopping for birthday gifts is easier when you have something specific in mind or a list to select from. Take some time to think about what the birthday girl or boy enjoys doing and what interests she or he has before starting your search for a the perfect gift. If you don't know the child's interests at all, consider asking his mother what his hobbies are to get you started. With a few helpful ideas, you can be on your way to finding the right gift in no time.

Preschool

Preschoolers enjoy hands-on toys and activities that foster creativity. Kids are like sponges during this critical age, soaking up information all around them. When shopping for a preschooler, try to find something that will not only provide hours of fun and excitement, but will also play to their desire to learn.

Electronics

Gone are the days when electronics were just for older kids. Preschoolers are now able to learn and play through electronics and video games just like their older siblings. Companies like Leap Frog and Fisher Price offer electronic toys that are tough enough for preschoolers to enjoy.

Leap Frog

Leap Frog has been considered a leader in electronic toys for kids. Original Leap Frog systems encouraged kids to learn phonics, and other basic preschool skills. However, the LeapFrog family has expanded to include all sorts of edcuational toys and games that encourage basic reading, math and thinking skills. What's more, Leap Frog now has cool features on the official website that make it easy for parents to keep track of what their kids are learning. Tag, Leapster Explorer, and the Leap Pad all come with download and syncopation options that allow parents to log in and follow their child's learning path. On top of all that, they are built to be handled by preschoolers so they are tough and almost unbreakable.

Fisher Price Kid-Tough Electronics

Fisher Price Kid-Tough Electronics, as they name implies are built to withstand a lot of handling from small hands. What's great about these toys is that you don't have to be gentle, your kids can practially throw them around and they won't break. However, even though they are designed to withstand even the most roughest handling, they are real, working electronics. Whether the child you're shopping for wants a music player, a digital camera or a video camera, you can be assured that you'll get indestructible, but real technology.

VTech

VTech is another star in the educational technology field. While they offer a variety of electronic toys for kids from birth to the latter years of elementary school, VTech is notable for its laptop-like learning systems:

MobiGo - The ultimate in learning laptops, MobiGo features real laptop capabilities with available software, downloadable e-games and pre-packaged bundles.
V.Reader - The V.Reader is an interactive e-reader. It helps kids read by offering interactive features such as read-along stories and comprehension games.
InnoTab - The InnoTab is an e-tablet for learning apps. Games, art, an eReader and even an organizer are all wrapped up into this bundle.

Pretend Play

Imaginative play is very important for a child's development. According to recent research, preschoolers who engage in pretend play are able to concentrate for longer periods of time and are advanced in intellectual development. Foster the need for pretend play with gifts that encourage the use of imagination.

Melissa & Doug

Melissa & Doug Toys are known for being creative, and innovative. Not only that but most of their toys are open-ended which will help to foster creativity. From art sets, to wooden food sets, to unique coloring books - Melissa & Doug carries a huge assortment of things for your creative birthday girl or boy. What's more, if you go to the Melissa & Doug website, you can sign up to receive birthday coupons for your child.

Indoor Playhouses

Role playing is a powerful tool to fostering creativity in preschoolers and what preschooler doesn't love to play house? If your birthday girl or boy is longing to pretend to be grown up, consider one of these great houses:

One Step Ahead Inflatable Castle Playhouse - Perfect for knights or princesses, the infaltable castle playhouse stores in a convenient duffle bag, and comes with its own inflatable pump.
My Playhouse Theater, Club House and Lemonade Stand - This stand is versatile so your kids can host a puppet show, sell lemonade or have their very own clubhouse. Features include a chalkboard, curtains and shelves. The playhouse is made of a wood frame so it is sure to endure some abuse from smaller hands.

Things that Go

Kids love playing with toys that go, especially race cars and trains. Age-appropriate train sets are built to withstand the less-gentle approach that younger kids take to their toys. With snap together pieces, parents spend less time reassembling and kids spend more time playing. Not sure where to look? Geotrax® make a great first train system for little hands both because they are very durable and because of the versatility that the GeoTrax system offers. This is a toy that will take the birthday child well into the next several years.

Arts and Crafts

Getting your special birthday guy or gal art or craft supplies is like getting them a key to unlock the imagination. Crayola, in partiuclar, has a bounty of products that little kids can really latch onto. From chunky triangular crayons to ColorWonder, Crayola has just about anything your imagination can conceive. What's more, if you visit their website, you can find oodles of free craft ideas, printable coloring pages, and other resources.

School-Aged Kids

As kids grow and leave behind their preschool years, they also leave behind many of their old toy preferences. When shopping for a child in this age group, look for toys that encourage imagination and creativity. Toys that motivate physical activity are also excellent choices.

Building Blocks

Future architects enjoy designing their masterpieces with classic building toys. Legos, K'nex and similar toys are always a good choice for kids who love to build and create things.

Dolls

Children enjoy imitating life with fashion dolls and action figures. These toys give them the ability to create, elaborate and improvise situations. Imagination is hard at work when you see Barbie and friends enjoying a conversation over tea and cake in the Dream House. Some parents object to dolls who seem a little 'too grown up.' If that's the case, look for Groovy Girls, the Journey Girls or even Cabbage Patch Kids.

Action Figures

Action figures are almost always a safe bet for the boys on your gift list. Popular figures tend to mimic what's on the big screen at the moment. If none of that is appealing, go for some tried and true favorites like Rescue Heroes.

Creativity

Kids off all ages enjoy toys and activities that foster creativity. Kids love to express themselves through arts and crafts, regardless of whether it is by building a Play Doh monster or creating the next masterpiece out of sidewalk chalk on the driveway.

Sports and Outdoor Activities

Outdoor play is important for all children. Kids are more likely to get the exercise they need if they have toys that encourage them to stay in motion. Classic favorites such as balls, bikes and rollerskates can get children off of the couch and outside, taking in the fresh air.

When in Doubt, Ask

Kids do not purposely make gift buying difficult. If you are still having trouble finding the perfect gift or toy, ask the child (or his parents) to give you some suggestions. Most kids will be happy to offer up a comprehensive list. Also note that many brand-name websites offer gift ideas and selections categorized by age groups. Consider toys that the child already has when selecting a gift. If you know the child likes Barbie dolls, consider giving a Monster High or Liv doll. It isn't the same toy, but the similarities mean it will probably be a hit. Don't forget to save your receipt, or request a gift receipt at the time of purchase. It is better to be safe than sorry.