When choosing outdoor toys you will realise that there is one thing that toys for girls and toys for boys have in common: there are so many options. With so many different toys to choose from out there, you must find a way to whittle down the selection.

We suggest that you consider three things when deciding between one toy and another. You must decide whether the toy is safe, whether it has the ability to keep your child entertained, and whether it is durable enough to last a season or two.

First and foremost you should consider whether the toy is safe. While your child may kick and scream for a trampoline, we all know that millions of arms and legs are broken yearly due to trampoline accidents. Along the same lines are battery operated vehicles. While both of these options will lead to hours of enjoyment, you should consider whether or not you will be able to watch to be sure that your child is using it correctly. If you feel that you can do this and provide the correct safety gear, such as a helmet for the vehicles, then by all means purchase it. After all, you have never heard of a child having a horrible time spending the afternoon on a trampoline.

Another thing to watch out for is whether or not a garden toy will keep your child entertained for more than just a few minutes. Some of the toys with the best marketing and packaging have the least amount of 'wow factor' after the seal is broken. When purchasing these toys keep in mind that, while flowers that spray water may be cute, your seven-year-old boy probably will not want to play in it. Along the same lines, your super girly daughter probably will not like a pirate ship sandbox either.

Some of the best garden toys are the classics such as a swing set or a playhouse. Kids will spend hours swinging or sliding if they have an outdoor play set in their garden. Little girls and boys love playhouses as well. Be sure before purchasing a playhouse that you have an ample amount of shaded area in your garden. If you set one up in broad daylight, it will end up being more of a sauna than an outdoor home to your daughter and her little friends. Also, do not forget the bicycle. We all know how much fun a bicycle can be.

Finally, before you end up spending lots of money on a bunch of junk, be sure that the garden toy that you choose will be durable enough to last a season or two. We all know that little boys can be a bit rough on toys, so be sure to choose garden toys that are made of wood or metal for them. With girls, durability is not so much of a factor; just be sure that their toys are well made. Even though you may pay an arm and a leg for some items, you do not necessarily always get what you pay for.

All-in-all, there are some great garden toys out there that will suit your child's needs. Any kid loves to be outside on a pretty day that is full of sunshine. Most of all, they love the stretch their legs and get good exercise.