But sometimes it s not that simple. If the parents have not registered, you are on your own. While it is tempting to choose a gift that strikes your fancy or that you enjoyed when you were a child, it is best to consider the child s age, development, and what they want or need instead of what you like. If the child is only one year old, it is not practical to choose a gift for a child of three, thinking the parents can hold onto it until the child is ready. Also, some people may think the child is smart for his or her age, and buy gifts that are not age-appropriate.
Most toys have age guidelines printed right on the packaging.
It is best to follow these guidelines, and not be tempted by other more advanced toys. Another consideration when purchasing a gift for a child is the age of younger siblings also. While the child you are buying a gift for may be able to have toys with smaller parts, it may be wiser to buy a different gift without the smaller parts if there are younger children in the house who could get into their sibling s toys. When choosing a gift for a child, think about what the child and parents are interested in. If the parents are against guns, it may not be a good choice to buy a toy gun for the child.