Most children love playing with toys, making them a great choice of gift for birthdays, Christmas or just as a special treat! The advent of the internet has made buying toys online an effortless experience. Numerous websites provide a wealth of choice and there is useful guidance available online to help parents make the right decision, depending on the child’s age and development.

Main Types of Toys

Some main types of toys popular with children include:

• Action Figures

• Dolls

• Stuffed Toys

• Construction Toys

• Cars, Trains and Other Vehicles

• Games

Toys can also fall under these categories -- Educational Toys such as puzzles and shape sorters, Outdoor Toys such as tricycles and scooters, Electronic Toys such as computer and video games and Traditional Toys such as the classic wooden rocking horse.

Additionally, there are now Green Toys or Ethical Toys. These are generally produced and sold to support poor communities such as those in the developing world. These toys are usually made using sustainable resources with some of the profits being re-invested into these communities. Toys which represent minorities such as ethnic dolls or toys for special needs children can also be classified as ethical toys.

Choosing a Toy as an Appropriate Gift

To ensure that the gift is appropriate and appreciated by the child, consider the following factors:

• What type of toy does the child enjoy? Building blocks or cars?

• Is the toy suitable for the child’s age?

• Is it important for the toy to be gender-specific? Or is the child open to playing with all sorts of toys?

• Ensure each toy carries one of the main safety symbols to guarantee its quality and reliability

.

Choosing Safe Toys

Before deciding which toy to buy, it is important to look for the main symbols which show that the toy is certified as safe. These symbols -- EN71, The Kite Mark, The Lion Mark, The CE Mark -- give assurances that the regulations surrounding the toys’ design , level of toxic materials used, flammability and mechanical safety are strictly adhered to.

Additionally, it is important to be wary of common dangers in toys such as magnets, high levels of lead and small detachable parts, particularly when being played with by younger children.

Second-hand toys can also be a concern as wear and tear may make them unsafe.

Secure Purchase

It is a good idea to only buy from online retailers with a secure online payment system. Check they use SSL technology so your payment details are automatically encrypted. Check for 'https://' at the start of the web page address as opposed to the usual 'http://'. The ’s’ at the end indicates a secure website.

It is generally safer to pay by major credit cards such as Visa or Mastercard. These companies will bear responsibility for any unauthorised transactions or undelivered purchases.

Establish that there is a policy in place to ensure any unwanted or unsatisfactory items can be returned or exchanged without question. Also be aware of the Distance Selling Directive which confers statutory rights upon the consumer for any online purchase of goods. Note however that certain types of goods are excluded from this directive such as electronic downloads of music and games.

Ensure that the retailer is a member of its trade association.

Lastly, remember that all the mainstream consumer rights apply.

Conclusion

Providing children with well-designed and safe toys will enhance their progression, and go some way towards helping make them happy and confident. It is worth making the little effort required to check that the toy meets with safety regulations. It is also worth checking the reputation and credentials of the retailer. These simple checks will ensure that the online purchase is trouble-free. There is nothing more worthwhile than giving a child a special toy which will become an all-time favourite.