Are you looking for the perfect toy to gift a special child in your life this holiday season? With so many choices today, it can be hard to know where to begin. Shopping in crowded stores can be confusing, and the array of choices online can leave you feeling overwhelmed.
To help you while you hunt for the perfect present, here are some quick tips for buying toys kids will love. You can also scroll down for specific toy suggestions, arranged by intended age group, as selected by the parenting experts at the St. Tammany Parenting Center.
Consider the brand. There are so many choices today, but the tried-and-true brands stand the test of time and typically produce sturdy products with warranties if needed. Classics such as Fisher-Price and Little Tykes have well-tested products and excellent customer service departments. Melissa and Doug wooden toys are favorites with grandparents. And brands like Green Toys and Lovevery produce reputable products children love.
Consider age and developmental level. Most toys have an age guideline on the package that can assist you when trying to select a toy that will grow with a child. Remember that these numbers are a guide. For very young children, consider “buying up” a bit for a toy that can be opened and played with at a later time. With a sea of presents from family and friends at Christmastime, having a few toys stashed away for the hot summer months is helpful.
Consider gifting experiences. Older children are often the hardest age group to buy for. By age 9 or 10, it can seem as though our homes are overflowing with discarded trinkets and toys. Consider gifting your time. Gift cards for a date to the nail salon, ice cream parlor, arcade or movie theater are a special treat. Also consider membership options to the zoo/aquarium, children’s museum or adventure/trampoline parks. All are lovely gifts that will create lasting memories for years to come.
Below is the St. Tammany Health Systems Parenting Center 2025 Christmas Gift Guide featuring some of our favorite toys this year.
Good luck – and happy holidays!