Age-appropriate gifting

We recommend paying attention to the age guidance on toys, books, puzzles and games and gift to purchase, that is suitable for the child's age.

Then, as a parent you can assume that the illustrations, the vocabulary and the rules of play will provide an appropriate level of challenge and support. The child can start straight away – and nothing stands in the way of playtime fun. Certainly not the age recommendation.

The number of gifts

Less is more – even at Christmas or on birthdays. For toddlers it doesn't have to be six or seven presents at once; they quickly become overwhelmed. Our tip for parents: split the unwrapping. For example, the child may open two presents before breakfast and then some more after Kindergarten. And if the birthday child has their special day at the weekend: lucky them! Or: before and after the cake. It's entirely up to the parents.

Not all wishes can be granted

Especially older children need to learn that a birthday or Christmas isn't an occasion where every wish is granted. That's why it's better not to raise false expectations. Children can have endless wishes, and that usually requires a big wallet that not every family has. Often small items with a high fun factor and sentimental value or trips to the water park or the zoo are simply worth more.

Gift tips and tricks

It's especially nice and clever to continue and expand a game theme across different occasions repeatedly, particularly when the child enjoys playing with it. For example, you can give a child who likes playing with dolls matching clothes and accessories. The same applies to a play-shop set, which can likewise be easily expanded piece by piece.

If a wish is a bigger one, the whole family can pull together. Several relatives can, for example, give inline skates or a bicycle together. Or they can contribute accessories such as a helmet, knee and elbow pads. Many small items thus add up to a big present.

The HABA-Mitbringspiele are perfect for many occasions (children's birthdays, Easter, Nikolaus). The games in the small colourful boxes offer plenty of fun for young and old. Sometimes it's about dexterity, sometimes speed or a good memory. Here everyone can show what they can do. Another plus: they fit in any rucksack and are easy to take along.

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Practical gifts are just as popular. Does the child perhaps have a cuddly toy or a favourite toy they like to take everywhere? In that case a nice bag or a small rucksack makes a great present. It's a handy way to keep favourite items safe and helps little ones feel very grown up. For boys, the spirit of adventure often plays a big part. How about a magnifying-glass key ring or a mini telescope? That way little nature explorers can take a closer look at the natural world wherever they are. Also a craft kit from the Terra Kids-Serie is great fun.

Image credits

Parents surprise a girl with a birthday present in a red box © Mediteraneo - stock.adobe.com

Boy with blond hair holding yellow wrapping paper and opening a yellow box; 4 candles in the foreground © cicisbeo - stock.adobe.com