I happen to have a friend, Anna, who owns one of the most beloved independent toy stores in the San Francisco Bay Area—Cheeky Monkey Toys. And I love talking to her because she always gives me (and all her customers) really fun, age-appropriate, unique gift ideas.
When I go into her store and say I need a great birthday/holiday present, she asks me questions…How old is the child? What is the child interested in? And so on. Before I know it, she’s pointed out a few different things that I never would have discovered on my own because I would have gone to the “popular” (read: most heavily marketed) items.
She’s got really great insights based on years of seeing and experimenting with all kinds of toys. And she was gracious enough to let me share her brilliance on Huffington Post. So before you shop, read her great tips. You—and the child you’re shopping for—will be glad you did.
(And if you agree, please chime in with your favorites and click the share to FB, Twitter, etc buttons on Huff Po!)
A Toy Guru Shares the Best Buys This Holiday Season (and Beyond)
“You know those ‘Top Ten Hot Toys’ lists? Ignore them! Each child is different, and, while those lists are a tempting short cut, with a little more thought you can find the perfect gift that will last.” – Anna Chow, Owner of Cheeky Monkey Toys
Great tips:) I have a 2 year old at home, and I totally agree with the tip to look for toys that will last as your child grows. Here’s one example of a (thankfully cheap) toy I’ve found my daughter used when she was a baby and still uses (in different ways) today:
-These toy eggs:
http://www.amazon.com/Kidoozie-Peek-N-Peep-Eggs/dp/B007QS9FJQ
Ooh, I’ve never seen this toy. A great one to keep in mind as a baby gift in the future. Thanks for the great tip!