made of high-quality materials, which withstand years of abuse. Also, more realistic and less babyish-looking toys have a greater possibility of being used year-afteryear. Lexie, another 3rd grader at Maryknoll, has been sleeping with her favorite, high quality gift. She says, “My favorite birthday present I ever got was a teddy bear because I like to sleep with stuffed animals.” Consider non-toy gifts. In a culture saturated with consumerism, many houses may already be overflowing with toys, and with limited space for storage and only so many hours in the day to play, a non-toy gift may be the perfect present. Classes for music, dance, riding, or drawing or memberships to the zoo, aquarium, art museum, Sea Life Park or Wet ‘N Wild could be excellent and unique gifts to encourage a child’s interso if a toy is labeled with two and up, then it is usually also safe for a one-year-old. Attention spans also vary by age, so it is best not to purchase a two-year-old something made for a twelveyear-old if you want them to enjoy it now. What are the child’s interests? Ask the parents or even the child about their interests: What do you like to do in your free time? Do you like sports, arts, electronics, animals or trips? Knowing a child’s interests makes buying great gifts easy. Kawai, a 3rd grader at Maryknoll School who loves bunnies, was given a bunny as a birthday present. “That was my favorite birthday present because a bunny is my favorite animal.” Multifunctional and high-quality toys are better investments. The best toys are not only engaging but also long lasting – both in quality and interest. Invest in toys 72 HAWAII PARENT January/February 2025 Here is a pie chart of the best presents, according to Maryknoll third graders. “Consider the child’s ages and interests, the parent’s desires, and the quality of the gift.”
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