When Brand Name Isn't Better

Sometimes nothing will work but the original. Monster Rancher is NOT a substitue for Pokemon. Car and Driver figures aren't Hot Wheels, and Get Real Girls will never be Barbie. However, there are some toys that can be switched with "generics" and the kids won't mind even if they do know.

Babies

The baby stage is generally birth to eighteen months. At this stage, as long as it doesn't hurt or taste bad, children like whatever they get. Parents are the ones putting out the big dollars for Super Yummies and SoundsNLights Gyms. As long as a product is safe, and promotes development, the toy is good.

From birth to three months infants are interested in their surroundings. Looking, rather than doing, is what interests them. Black and white toys are the best at this stage. Many can be made at home.

From three to nine months, colors and textures become important. Cloth books with various fabrics can be bought expensively, or made for low cost. Bright colored toys and playmats keep interest at this age. Most important is durability and safety at this stage. Nine months introduces more active play.

Toddlers

Toddlers are at the stage of beginning associations. They recognize their favorite characters and would really like a Blue's Clues nightgown, or Arthur sneakers. At first those associations will seem very important, but once you get a toy home it will quickly be forgotten if it isn't fun.

Toddlers are also at the stage of exploring. They don't want to be told about the world, they want to discover it for themselves. Toys that encourage doing will keep interest longer than toys that show.

Preschoolers to Third Grade

This is the age when commercials have the most effect. It's truly important to them to have what they see on television. Not because their friends will make fun of them otherwise, but because it looks like SO MUCH FUN.

Because it's so easy to get caught up in advertisement hype, this is an age perfect for introducing allowance and saving plans. Agreeing to pay for a toy fifty-fifty with your child will help them decide whether they really want something because it appeals to them, or because of advertising.

This is also a stage where interests vary greatly from day to day. Buying an expensive present three months, or even three weeks, in advance might turn out to be a disaster. Before buying something expensive talk to your child about why they want it, and talk to them about less expensive alternatives. Although they may not understand what importance price has, letting your child know that it does matter lays foundation for money management later in life.

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