I remember buying Christmas presents for my 18-month-old son. It was the year when Transformers and Cabbage Patch Kids hit the stores. Buying presents looked like a scene straight out of the movie "Jingle All The Way" with parents fighting over toys, long lines, and high stress levels. My husband, a Marine pilot, thought GI Joe would be a wonderful present for our son. I thought a nice stuffed animal along with some building blocks would be safer and provide more entertainment. We both agreed on the building blocks. After all, it is a fitting manly toy…UGH! My son fell in love with a Cabbage Patch Koosa, which is the stuffed animal sidekick for the Cabbage dolls. The pilot in the house was horrified; after all, this animal was part of a doll line. Three weeks before Christmas, he saw our child playing with a Koosa at a friend’s house and realized this was the toy for our son. As a result, he stood in line for the Koosa at Tyson’s Corner hoping no one would recognize him or the Koosa. My son was elated at Christmas to see his present and we never worried about his safety with this age appropriate toy.

What do I mean by the term age appropriate? It means buying the right toy by considering children's interests and developmental needs. The perfect toy? That depends on your child's age and level of development. The National SAFE KIDS Campaign offers the following guidelines and suggestions for toy buying.

Infant to I year

• Considerations-In the first few months of life, children are largely mobile. In the second six months of life, children become more mobile and are at an increased risk for suffocation.
• Recommended Toys-Activity quilts. Stuffed animals without button noses and eyes. Bath toys. Baby swings. Squeeze or squeaky toys. Music box or mobiles.

1 year to 2 years

• Considerations-Children are curious and have no sense of danger. Children like to climb, jump, throw and play rough-and -tumble games. Supervision is important for these toddlers.
• Recommended Toys-Cloth or plastic books. Blocks. Fit-together toys. Balls. Push and pull toys. Pounding toys. Shape toys.

2 years to 5 years

• Considerations-Children spend much of their time running. Children like tests of physical strength and begin to develop skills such as riding a tricycle, increasing finger control and building with large blocks and construction materials.
• Recommended Toys-Approved, nontoxic art supplies such as finger paints, crayons and clay. Books. Videos. Housekeeping toys. Building blocks. Blackboards and chalk. Outdoor toys, such as a tee-ball stand, slide or swing.

5 years to 9 years

• Considerations-In the early part of this age range, children become especially creative and more physically active. Children can write, do arts and crafts, and are able to use simple mechanical toys, such as cars and trains.
• Recommended Toys-Bicycles and bicycle helmets. Crafts. Jump ropes. Table games. Roller skates and protective gear. Puppets. Electric train. Sports equipment.

9 years to 14 years

• Considerations-Children enjoy team sports and strenuous physical activity. Children like games that require increased dexterity. Children begin to develop hobbies and a strong interest in scientific activities.
• Recommended Toys-Computers. Microscopes. Table and board games. Sports equipment. Model kits. Coin or other collections.

Creator- Wanda Walters
Email: walterswm@mcsc.usmc.mil

Graphics:Kurt Davis
Email: kdavis@nassig.sicliy.navy.mil

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