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This holiday season, as parents, friends, and family set out to buy toys for children on their lists, or donate them to those in need, here are some suggestions for things you shouldn't buy — and those you should.
Not all gifts need to be purchases, of course. Opportunities for play bring joy and sharpen skills children and teens benefit from daily. And for infants and toddlers, responsive games build bonds and encourage healthy development.
Below are 10 tips for choosing safe toys — and using toys safely.
When it comes to toys for children, back to basics is best: simple toys that encourage pretend play, creativity, fine motor skills, language skills, and movement. Think things like dolls, puppets, costumes, train sets, blocks and other building sets, balls, jump ropes, bikes, books — and, of course, all kinds of art supplies. These are the kinds of toys that give the most sustained kind of fun, ones that require imagination and interaction, get kids moving, and help kids in their development.
I particularly suggest three kinds of toys:
Claire McCarthy, MD , Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing
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No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
How healthy is sugar alcohol?
Are poinsettias, mistletoe, or holly plants dangerous?
Magnets, sound, and batteries: Choosing safe toys
No-cost, low-cost, and bigger splurges for climate-conscious gifts
What to do if you think your child has the flu
When should you hire in-home help or health aides?
Small pets are delightful, but some carry dangerous bacteria
Want to reduce your risk of dementia? Get your hearing checked today
Veins are a key player in the body: Here's why
Do toddler formulas deliver on nutrition claims?
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