Mummy Shares: How I Participate in Safe Toys and Gifts Month This School Holiday

If you're wondering what Safe Toys and Gifts month is all about, you'll find out here as we go over the basics together! Giving toys and gifts to children is something I enjoy doing. I find it very gratifying to see my kids' happiness when they get to play with their new toys. That's why I was overjoyed to learn that this entire month is dedicated to safe toys and gifts. Plus, not only is it a school holiday, but two of my children will be celebrating their birthdays this month! It's the best month for me to think about what presents to get for my little kiddos. I can't wait to go into the toy store, especially since the Christmas promotions are still going on! So many events in one month, huh? Before I get into the specifics of participating in Safe Toys and Gifts Month, let me explain what it is all about. This is my first time reading about it, and I am quite excited to share it with you ^_^ What is Safe Toys and Gifts Month Image credit: Canva According to the American Public Health Association (APHA), December has been declared Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness Month by Prevent Blindness America. The group encourages everyone to examine if the toys they want to give are appropriate for the age and individual skills and abilities of the kid who will receive them, especially for babies and children under the age of three. Here are some APHA guidelines for selecting safe toys for children of all ages: Before purchasing any toys, thoroughly inspect them. Avoid those that fire or have components that fly off. The toy should have no sharp edges or points and should be strong enough to sustain an impact without breaking, crushing, or being easily ripped apart. When shopping for toys for children with special needs, try to select toys that appeal to different senses, such as sound, movement, and texture; consider interactive toys that allow the child to interact with others; consider the size of the toy and the position a child would need to be in to play with it. Check toys for age, ability level, and developmental appropriateness. Sports equipment gifts should always be accompanied by protective gear, such as a helmet. Keep children safe from lead in toys by learning about lead exposure from toys, symptoms of lead poisoning, and which products have been recalled. Be aware that old toys may contain lead in the paint and contact your doctor if you believe your child has been exposed to lead. Do not offer small-part toys to young children (particularly magnets and "button" batteries, which can cause serious harm or death if ingested) as they increase the danger of choking. If the piece can fit inside a toilet paper roll, it is not suitable for children under the age of three. Do not give toys with ropes, cords, or heating elements. Crayons and markers should only be given if they are labelled 'nontoxic'. (Source: American Public Health Association) It's quite cool to learn about these guidelines. It's not just relevant for this awareness month, but for any time we buy toys for children. I'll be using this when looking for and purchasing toys and gifts for my little munchkins to make their school vacation more enjoyable. Making School Break Fun with Toys and Gifts Image credit: Canva Since this month is a school holiday, I've already planned a few short getaways with the kids, but there will be times when they'll be at home because we parents can't be on vacation mode for the rest of the month, right? So, I decided that I would schedule some family games at home, let them play with new toys, and let them enjoy opening birthday presents. However, education must also be prioritised, even during breaks from school ;). Which got me thinking: it's also a good idea for me to get the kids new educational gifts to help them develop and improve their skills. Here are my plans for each of the activities I mentioned above: Play Awesome Family Games Image credit: Canva We usually spend family game time playing video games, but this time I want to limit my children's screen time. I'm looking into several traditional board games that would be great for us to enjoy each other's company, such as Monopoly and Scrabble— I'll get the kids’ version so it's not too heavy for them. I also discovered some new board games that my kids will undoubtedly enjoy, such as The Floor Is Lava and Pictureka! Game. Aside from that, I'll be getting a few new puzzles for us to work on together and then frame. A creative way to preserve the memory of putting together the puzzles as a family. These are just some suggestions; if you're feeling more daring, you could try scavenger hunts or escape rooms. That would necessarily require careful planning, but kids will surely enjoy running around looking for clues and solving mysteries. Buy New Toys for the Kids I provided this template for my kids to list the toys they want. So here are the first ten of them. Children and toy aisles are inseparable. Every time we walk into any store, that would be the first aisle that the kids will look for. We can’t possibly buy a new toy whenever we go shopping, so I told the kids to make a wish list of the toys they wanted. Now, I just need to go through the wish list and decide which toys to get as gifts. I'm thinking about getting a few. One or two for their birthdays, and the rest for good behaviour during the school holidays. At the same time, I’m looking into educational kits for my kids to explore over the break from school. There are so many out there that I’ve never even heard of. So, if you're like me and want to get some for your kids, double-check everything. Especially with science kits, where they will be experimenting with potentially hazardous solutions and ingredients. Always read the labels and reviews to ensure that the kits are safe and appropriate for your children's age. Make Time for Your Kids, No Matter How Busy You May Be Image credit: Canva Spending quality time with your children is essential, especially during school holidays when they will have plenty of free time. Yes, you can send them to extracurricular activities to keep them occupied, but it is also critical that they spend time with you. According to South Dakota State University Extension, this makes them less likely to engage in risky behaviours such as drug and alcohol use, and showing children that you love and care for them helps to keep them mentally and emotionally strong. So, while you can buy all sorts of toys and gifts for your kiddos, remember to make that meaningful connection with them. Have fun, parents! For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!

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