How to Christmas Shop for an Age Appropriate Gift for a Baby 18-24 Months Old

Christmas shopping for a toddler between the age of 18 months and two-years-old can be a bit challenging. Holiday shoppers who do not have children often find it difficult to find age-appropriate gift ideas for children and babies. But following this guide will help Christmas shoppers to think up some age-appropriate gift ideas for toddlers and babies age 18 months to 24 months.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A Basic Understanding of Child Development (this will make for age appropriate gift ideas for the child)
• A Shopping List of Gift Ideas for Children
• A Computer to Shop Online -OR- a Nearby Mall or Toy Store to Shop for Gifts

1. If possible, ask the parent of the 18-month-old to 24-month-old child for a gift idea. Some parents will register with a gift registry at stores like Wal-Mart and Toys R Us, making it much easier to Christmas shop for children and toddlers of all ages! You just pick a gift from the parent's list at the store gift registry!

2. Get a basic understanding of the physical abilities and development of a toddler - this will help the holiday shopper to get a better idea of what gifts and toys are age-appropriate for a toddler. For instance, most children who are between the ages of 18 to 24 months do not have very good eye-hand coordination, so Christmas shoppers should avoid toys and gifts that require dexterity and manipulation. Instead, find toys that encourage toddlers to hone mental skills like matching and motor skills like walking and eye-hand coordination. It's also important to remember that toddlers between the ages of 18 months and 24 months don't really play "with" other children - they play beside other children, so toys that require more than one child (like a game) should be avoided.

3. With the basic abilities of an 18 to 24 month old child in mind, go online to toy store websites or peruse a toy catalogue/toy store circular to get some good gift ideas for the young child. Write down about half a dozen gift ideas.

4. Once the holiday shopper has come up with some good gift ideas for the 18 month to two-year-old child, compare prices by visiting toy store websites, online shopping sites like Amazon.com, visiting toy/department stores, and by checking toy store circulars. Write down the price for the toy at each different website or store.

5. Purchase the age-appropriate toddler gift from the store that has the toy at the least expensive price. When considering online purchases, be sure to factor in the price of shipping!

6. Remove the price tag and wrap the gift. If necessary, ship the gift to the child. When possible, include a gift receipt if shipping the child's gift. If the child's gift will be presented in person on Christmas or Hanukkah, keep the receipt in a safe place so it's available if the parent needs to exchange the child's gift.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that prices can vary between a store's website and the actual in-store price.
• Always keep the receipt for all gift purchases!
• If you're wondering whether an item is age-appropriate for a child, ask a couple of parents of children who are close in age to the child whom you're shopping for.
• Use caution when purchasing videos and DVDs. Some parents do not approve of certain children's shows and movies. And some parents to not permit their young children to watch television at all. Before purchasing a DVD or video as a gift for a child of any age, check with the parent beforehand. Besides - you'll need to know what the child's favorite television show or movie is so you can purchase a gift that will be enjoyed.
• If you're questioning whether a toy is appropriate for a child, err on the side of caution. Avoid toys that make loud noise or have violent undertones, unless these toys are specifically requested by the parent.
• If you're wondering whether a toy is age-appropriate for a toddler, only purchase the toy if you think it may be a bit too advanced for the 18 to 24-month-old toddler. Toys that are designed for a younger child will be ignored but toys for a slightly older child can be used in the future.

Resources

• Gift Ideas for Kids Under Age 3
• Gift Ideas for Kids Age 4 and 5
• Popular Gift Ideas for Babies
• Tips to Christmas Shop for Children
• List of the 10 Worst Toys of 2008
• Affordable Holiday Shopping Tips
• More Tips for Christmas Shopping and Kids Gift Ideas

[miacarter]

on 12/2/2008 Well, reading comments like this one makes ME upset.

As someone with a degree in child development and child psychology, this article is designed to inform gift givers on how to find an age-appropriate gift for a child based on developmental milestones and abilities of children in the 18-24 month age range.

And as a parent, I would be horrified if my children were presented with a USED gift at Christmas or birthday.

Parent toy swaps are fine, but that is absolutely unacceptable as a gift for Christmas, Hanukkah or a birthday, unless previous arrangements have been made with the parent of the child.

It's one thing to buy kids a new toy once a week. It's another thing to purchase a nice new gift for a child at Christmas or on a birthday. As a parent, I want my children to receive the best on those special days. And if that spoils them or teaches them "consumption," then so be

[victorvictoria]

on 11/20/2008 I am very surprise to read such an article and see my children play. Is the writer a parent, or a someone trying to advice on how to spoil kids, and teach them consumption.
After having children and working in a day care , I have notice that children know better than us to recycle their toys. The same toy may have different interest at 12 months , 18 months or 24 months. A toy made for children age 12 months could still be interesting at 18 or 24 months (put it away for few months and see). However if the toy is for older kids, your child will not be able to play with it because it is too complicated and it will frustrate them (nice gift!). What kids like , it is to discover something new... and not just toys.
As a parent, reading stuff like that make me upset.