As the holiday season approaches, children around the globe eagerly anticipate the delightful toys they hope to receive. Meanwhile, parents are left anxiously wishing that the gifts won’t drive them to the edge of sanity before the new year. If you’re considering a gift for a child, it’s crucial to be aware of the five types of toys that can be particularly troublesome.
1. Toys with Annoying Sounds
It seems obvious, yet some still think that a kazoo or a toy that emits loud sounds is an acceptable gift for a child. Before you purchase a toy like a singing plush or any item that repeatedly makes noise, consider this: Buy the toy, lock yourself in a small space with it for 48 hours, and play it every five minutes. If you emerge with your sanity intact, reflect on whether this toy is truly a good gift or a form of torture. I hope you kept the receipt.
2. Messy Toys
If you hold any regard for the parents of the child receiving your gift, please refrain from giving anything that includes glitter. This notorious craft material is often dubbed the herpes of the art world, and for good reason. Even after banning glitter from my home, I still find traces of it in unexpected places. Additionally, consider the infamous Moon Sand, which promises endless fun but delivers only chaos. This sticky substance will leave multicolored remnants throughout your home, making it a nightmare for cleanup.
3. Toys with a Mind of Their Own
When selecting a gift, beware of toys that seem to operate independently. Once, my daughter received a toy grill that had no off switch. It would randomly activate and start making noise, often at the most inconvenient times. Even more unsettling are toys like Furbies, which begin as adorable companions but can morph into frightening entities with unpredictable behavior. They change personalities, make strange sounds, and often have no off switch—leaving you to wonder if you’ve just gifted a living nightmare.
4. Toys that Create Extra Work for Parents
Consider the impact your gift will have on the child’s parents. For instance, a Baby Alive doll requires parents to prepare messy food mixtures and deal with the aftermath of its “diapering” needs. This not only adds to the parents’ workload but also incurs ongoing expenses for supplies like diapers. Similarly, an Easy Bake Oven offers only a small amount of batter, necessitating refills that become the responsibility of the parents. It’s like taking a kid to a theme park and leaving their parents to cover the expenses.
5. Inappropriate Toys
If you ever find yourself questioning whether a toy is suitable for a child, it likely isn’t. Trust your instincts on this one.
Happy holiday shopping! Remember to consider the long-term implications of your gift choices, especially when it comes to children’s toys.
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Summary
When considering toys for children, avoid those that make irritating noises, create messes, operate unpredictably, add extra work for parents, or are simply inappropriate. Your thoughtful selection can lead to a more peaceful holiday season for everyone involved.
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