|
|
  
|
In order to select the perfect gift, many people simply shop by age. If the box says ages 6-8, the manufacturers must know best, right? Wrong. Often times a child’s emotional and mental age do not match the manufacturer chronological age suggestions. If a child is smarter than other children his age, the item will prove to be boring almost immediately and you, as the gift giver have simply wasted your money. If the child is a bit behind other children his age, he may feel overwhelmed by the item, and become frustrated. Either way, bored or frustrated, results in a very unhappy recipient of what could have been a great gift. Instead of doing the shop by age gift run through the children’s section of the store, take a few moment and consider the following questions:
What types of things does the child really enjoy? If the child is a boy, is he a sedentary type who seems to live in a fantasy world of literature and movies? Or, is he a rambunctious out-door type running up and down the street as he goes long to catch the football? Does he prefer playing with action heroes instead of reading the comics, or is it the other way around? If the child is a girl, does she prefer dolls, dress up, and tea parties? Or, is she tearing up the street on her skateboard trying to perfect her grind on the neighborhood curbs?
Giving careful consideration these questions and their answers will better prepare you to pick a fun, challenging, and appropriate gift for the child’s special day. Selecting something that is particularly suited to the child’s interests ensures your gift will be something enjoyed and remembered for a very long time. Of course, another perk about shopping for the child instead of shopping by age, is the personal touch your gift will convey to the child. Selecting an appropriate gift will reinforce that you care about them and want them to be happy. Giving a football to a bookworm almost always results in a loss of confidence and feeling of dissatisfaction. Instead, by purchasing a gift that fits the child’s own individual interests, you offer a symbol of acceptance and convey that the child is important to you– just the way they are. That feeling alone, will remain with the child for years to come making it a gift that is worth more than any you could buy – regardless of age.
|
|
|
