Kids of every age enjoy playing with toys, so the perfect toy is right for any occasion. However, finding that perfect toy for a child can be difficult. There are so many to choose from that it can be difficult to pick the right one. Apply this advice when you next go shopping for toys.

Look at warnings when buying toys for small children. Several toys have little parts that can provide choking hazards, so watch out for these. Pay attention to the recommended age ranges on toy packages, as all toys should have one.

You can often find gently used toys on Craigslist. Make sure you closely examine any toys you’re thinking of buying from a CL ad. Often, you’ll find toys that were only used several times and are still in great condition. The best deals can usually be found in places such as these.

Be aware of how long a toy will take to assemble. Not every child has a designated, sizable area for playing. A large toy that will need to be assembled and then taken apart after playtime could be a problem. A lengthy assembly time for a toy could mean a lot of hassle.

Consider donating older toys to your local preschool or Kindergarten. Often times, schools are low on supplies. Toys, especially education toys, can be a real boon to their ability to engage and educate kids all across your community. If not to your school, look to other family members to see if there may be needs for toys coming up in the family.

Always check the labels of toys for the words “non-toxic.” These days, you will not find as many toys made with toxic parts like they were decades ago. But, there are still some out there. These kinds of toys could poison your child, should he or she swallow a part of it.

Look for toys at yard sales. Kids don’t stay kids forever. When kids grow up, certain toys are no longer useful to them. Garage sales can be a great place to find toys that are used for a little amount of money. Don’t buy a new toy unless you have been to enough garage or yard sales to determine they are not available there.

Before receiving a hand-me-down, inspect it closely and do an Internet search on that type of toy. Make sure that the toy is still safe to play with. Also, the toy could be damaged, or there may have been a recall on it. You must do the check.

Give your young child toys that can help him build his gross motor skills. Bouncing or playing catch with a large ball can help him improve his hand-eye coordination. A smaller ball with a squishy texture can strengthen his grip. A rocking horse can help your child develop his balance.

Before buying a child a toy, ask their parents what the child wants. If you are buying a toy for a friend’s kid, knowing this is a huge advantage. A gift that they already want is a gift that is sure to be enjoyed. Their parents will be able to point you in the right direction.

Careful with any toy that makes a lot of noise. This is not only for your sanity, it’s also for your child’s safety. If a toy that’s loud is held up to a child’s ear that could create serious damage. Be sure you know what you are buying before you buy it.

Kids enjoy pretend play at a specific age. Make toys available such as dolls and furniture to allow them to pretend family play. Provide them with a kid-sized kitchen, and they’ll prepare you a pretend feast. These types of toys stimulate their imagination. So, give them safe and fun toys, and watch what happens.

Be very cautious about buying used toys for very small children. While you may feel like this is a great way to save a few dollars, it can expose your child to hidden bacteria and germs. It is more dangerous for younger children since many of them have the tendency to put things in their mouths.

When buying toys that are for small children, consider the success potential of a toy. Consider how many correct ways there are for playing. Try finding a toy that allows open-ended fun with no right or wrong ways to play. The toy can also be more successful with your child if they can adapt it to their own style and abilities.

Most people will always love toys. There are so many different kinds of toys out there that picking just one can be pretty hard to do. The more information you have, the greater your chances of selecting the right toy. Keep these tips and mind to make deciding easier.