Set limits – at the start, before you shop set a price range or number range and stick to it. Kids don’t need a million toys. In fact most kids are probably happier with one nice item they truly adore and want and a couple of small gifts than 15 presents that mean little. To that end, ask your kids about what they really want this year.

Play it safe - easy to break, toxic, or otherwise shoddy toys are never a bargain and could even amount to medical bills if a toy hurts your child.

Give better hints - family members and friends will be buying your child toys, so make sure they’re the toys your kids actually want or it’s a waste of cash.

Rent don’t buy – many toys can be rented, played with, then returned for a new batch, as can kids sports equipment and musical instruments if those happen to be on your little one’s holiday wish list. Although I don’t think it’s cool to ONLY rent items that your child wants for the holidays, it’s a smart move for some items, like say skis. Later if your child like the item enough then consider a purchase.

Go used – the used video games at a place like GameStop are exactly the same as new games, only cheaper. Used books, toys, and other cool holiday gifts can be found at many higher end consignment or thrift stores.

Give time – over and over I say this, but kids do honestly want your time and new experiences more than a new toy. Especially if you set them up to crave this from the start. If you make time together fun and new experiences interesting and personal, these are the things your child will value.

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Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Most of all being safe can save you medical costs. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) notes that in 2007 there were a whopping 232,900 toy related injuries treated in the ER and 73% of those injuries occurred in kids under the age of 15. Worse the injuries reported were not pretty; consisting of issues like lacerations, contusions, and abrasions to the head and face PLUS there were at least 18 toy related deaths reported for the year.

Bad toys cost you plenty so it’s smart to be aware. Following are some tips for this holiday season.

• Go non-toxic if you can. A surprisingly large amount of toys contain chemicals and toxins you don’t want near your kids.
• Read labels – there’s a reason toys have age limits, it’s for safety. Don’t give a three-year-old a toy for an eight-year-old. Also be aware of kid age differences. For example, if you have a baby and a seven year old with little Lego bricks it’s a recipe for disaster. Make sure your older kids get that the younger kids cannot be around their toys.
• Always fill out toy registration cards. If there’s a recall you’ll be glad you did.
• Read and save the instructions for all toys.
• Be leery of magnet-based toys. The CPSC calls magnets, including the ones found in toys one of the five most overlooked home dangers.
• Avoid all shooting toys. Your child’s eyes are extremely fragile, and eye injuries caused by shooting or propelling toys is a common toy related injury.
• If you’re buying a bike this year also get a helmet and make sure your child wears it.
• Children should be taught to use electronic toys safely; i.e. used away from water sources, they shouldn’t mess with wires or batteries, and if the toy needs to be plugged in or charged, they should be taught how.

To learn more about safe toys visit:

• Leadsafe
• W.A.T.C.H
• Toy Industry Association
• Consumers Union

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Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Having so many blogs, I’m always posting stuff at one blog, while thinking, “Hey, the folks at so and so blog might like this too.” In this case I recently posted two items at Tree Hugging Family that may interest thrifty folks….

First up you can save money with, Homemade Eco Gifts You Can Make for the Holidays! Many cool goodies you can make on the cheap. Plus, these actually are great gifts, not silly stuff no one would want.

Also I’ve got the 2008 “10 Worst Toys” List – a great list for parents, because a dangerous toy is neither safe (obviously) or a good bargain.

Enjoy!

[image via stock.xchng]

Post from: Thrifty Mommy