Every holiday season, kids around the globe eagerly anticipate the exciting toys headed their way, while parents secretly wish for gifts that won’t send them into a frenzy. If you’re shopping for little ones this year, it’s essential to consider these five types of toys that might cause more headaches than joy.
1. Noise-Making Toys
It should be obvious, but some still believe that toys emitting loud, obnoxious sounds are suitable gifts. If you’re contemplating purchasing a toy that sings, talks, or makes any kind of noise, do yourself a favor: buy it, then lock yourself in a small bathroom with it for 48 hours. Set it to play every five minutes. After two days, if you still have your sanity intact, reassess whether it’s a thoughtful gift or a torture device worthy of a spy thriller. And don’t forget to keep that receipt!
2. Messy Toys
If you value the sanity of the child’s parents, please avoid gifts with glitter. Glitter is known as the herpes of the craft world, and once it’s in a house, it’s nearly impossible to eradicate. My own glitter ban was declared years ago, yet I still stumble upon it in the most unexpected places. On the topic of mess, let’s discuss Moon Sand. This so-called fun product is essentially a sticky nightmare that leaves colorful remnants throughout your home. If you want to gift this, make sure you’re well out of state before the fun begins.
3. Autonomous Toys
Once, my friend Sarah gifted her son a BBQ toy that had no off switch. It would spring to life whenever someone approached, making it impossible to silence. After a night of frustration, she finally tossed it out, only to hear it still yelling from the trash. The ultimate nightmare? A Furby. It begins as a cuddly companion but morphs into a chaotic creature that you can’t turn off without unscrewing its batteries. It’s like giving a child a live toddler!
4. Parent-Heavy Toys
Think about how your gift will affect the child’s parents. A Baby Alive doll, for instance, requires parents to mix baby food, change diapers, and clean up after it—essentially like adopting a new child. If you wanted to add more diapers to your life, you’d have another baby, not a Baby Alive doll. And let’s not even start on the Easy Bake Oven, which only comes with enough ingredients for one or two tiny cakes, leaving parents to buy refills. You might as well send them to a pizza place and ask them to foot the bill.
5. Inappropriate Toys
Finally, if there’s any doubt about a toy’s appropriateness, it’s better to err on the side of caution. If you even question its suitability, it’s likely not fit for gifting.
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In summary, when selecting toys, consider their impact on both children and parents. Opt for gifts that promote joy rather than chaos—your thoughtful choices will be deeply appreciated.