Children are waiting with anticipation for the holidays. They are looking forward to the holiday lights strung on houses and trees, the smell of cookies baking and taking the sled out to the largest hill they can find. Children take on the task of creating homemade gifts for family and friends or decorating the tree with their creative art pieces. They are learning about saving and spending money to buy something special for someone else.

Amidst all of this excitement they are creating their absolute best wish list. The list may keep getting added to or it may involve several revisions before it is absolutely perfect. As parents we may help sway what is written on the list. We all want to see our children excited on Christmas morning, but we also want to make sure that the toys under the tree are going to be played with the whole year through. So how do you make the right decisions when buying toys? Here are some tips for holiday wish list shopping.

Think about the play value of each toy. Think about whether or not there are other uses for the toy, like a building toy that can be used over and over in different ways or a craft kit that features a fun project that turns into a usable final product.

Look for toys that will help expand creativity through art, movement, music or drama.

Evaluate if the toy has educational value and will teach a new skill or help refine an old one.

Ensure the gift will be age appropriate and fits the skills that the child is currently learning. A toy that is too advanced is going to be frustrating to the child and will end up at the bottom of the toy box. A toy that is too simple will not keep the child engaged very long.

Check out the packaging of the product. Does the product do what you think it should based on the box or advertisement?

Perhaps the most important thing to consider when shopping for that perfect holiday gift is if it will help nurture childhood and promote positive interaction.

Thinking about the above guidelines while shopping will help you find the perfect toy for each child in your life. One that will be played with and enjoyed all year long.