Worst Christmas Gifts for Kids
Christmas shopping in general can be a stressful responsibility. This task becomes even more daunting if you are shopping for other people's children. Aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and family friends all over the world have to attempt to pick out gifts for other people's kids each and every year. While finding the perfect gift can come down to a matter of personal preference, there are some items that you should stay away from if you want both the parent and child to be satisfied with your present.
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Loud Gifts
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Avoid noisy toys whenever possible. Parents will not appreciate their son or daughter banging on drums or playing a guitar first thing in the morning. Be aware of volume levels when shopping for video games. Rock Band and many other popular singing or dancing video games can make a lot of noise. Since many families may keep the video game console in a main living area, these video games may cause conflict with getting housework done or other children doing homework in the house. Noisy gifts have other drawbacks besides parental complaints. They can actually be harmful to kids. It's important to remember that small children get a lot more ear infections than adults, making their younger years a prime time for hearing problems to occur. Small fire-engine toys or music boxes that younger children may hold up to their ears should be avoided.
Potentially Dangerous Gifts
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Common toys that may seem fun at first glance can actually be dangerous. Trampolines are one example of a toy that seems enjoyable and will also help children to get more exercise. However, trampolines are also responsible for a large number of childhood injuries each year. According to Forbes.com, trampolines ranked third among toys that caused injuries in children in 2007. It's also a good idea to avoid toys such as water guns. If children are not monitored they can fill the water gun with liquids other than clean water and end up accidentally hurting another child. When purchasing toys for children under the age of 8, avoid items containing small batteries or balloons, as they can be a choking hazard.
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Clothes
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Clothes can be a difficult thing to buy for someone else, especially older children who are entering their teen and tween years. The reindeer or penguin sweater that you may think is adorable may make a child uncomfortable. Children don't like to wear clothes to school that they think their peers may laugh at. Clothing may also cause fights between the child and his parents if the parents want him to wear the clothes when you come to visit and the child doesn't want to. Even if you are a cool and trendy young adult, buying clothing gifts for children can still backfire. If you pick out a popular new top or hip ripped jeans from a high-fashion store, the child may love it, but her parents may think that the clothes are too sexy or inappropriate. If you know that the child you are shopping for really enjoys fashion, it is best just to give a gift card to a clothing store and let the child and her parents handle the rest.
Just Ask
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When in doubt about what to buy for a child, it is best to ask their parents before heading out to the mall. Although surprises can be fun, they can also make for awkward moments if you choose the wrong gift. Do your Christmas shopping based on the child's personal taste and not just toys that the media is promoting. Sometimes crazy toys make it onto the market. The Pole Dance doll, Playmobil Security Check Point play set and the Breastfeeding baby doll are all real items intended for kids. Just because something is being marketed doesn't mean it should be. Avoid winding up with one of these disastrous gifts by getting suggestions beforehand.
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