If it is possible, try to get a good look at the toy you are thinking of purchasing. Check it for safety and durability in it's construction. There should be no small parts that can easily come off, whether the toy is for an older child or not, having small things that fall off can age a toy quickly. Many children will stop playing with a toy that is percieved to be broken, whether it's purpose is compromised or not, just think about all the children that refuse to color with broken crayons. Buy with the idea that the child will play for this toy for at least 2 years, if not more, and it may go through younger siblings as well.
Many children clamor after the latest trend toys.
This marketing wizardry can leave their parents in a quandry. They want to please their children but know that many of the toys available within these lines are not of the best educational value. While they may be the cool thing to have, they are often limited because they have only one use. For instance, action figures can only be used to play their specific character roles. Often children will not expand the roles of the characters and will demand more of the same line of toys to expand their play.