Great gift ideas for kids birthday or Christmas presents

No matter what the season or reason, kids aren't as easy to buy for as you may think. Kids can actually be rather picky about the gifts they receive and vocal in their opinions - good or bad. However when buying presents for a child you need to keep someone else in mind - the child's parents. If you are buying a gift for your own child, you don't want it to be something that will drive you crazy, and likewise if you are buying it for someone else's child you don't want to give something that will irritate that child's parents. If you wouldn't want to deal with it, it's a good idea not to give it!

When choosing a gift keep these ideas in mind:

· Talk with the parents about the child's interests and hobbies.

· Make sure it is simple - not something that requires other purchases - such as a video game that needs a system not already owned to play it on! - and make sure it doesn't contain too many need to assemble pieces.

· Watch for age guidelines on toys - don't buy a 14 year old a toy for kids ages 4 - 8, and don't buy an 8 year old a toy for a 14 year old.

The best toys not only give child hours of fun, but also have some kind of learning value to them. A toy that can teach while entertaining is a good find!

Need more specific ideas? This list should help you get started.

· Pretend play toys - child sized kitchen sets, play house, toy ovens that bake with a light bulb, shopping carts with pretend food.

· Book sets - a collection of books from a series.

· Video sets - a collection of videos from a series.

· Magazine subscriptions - there are many good kids magazines today, ask your local librarian for a recommendation.

· An all time favorite - walked talkies, kids will have hours of fun with these toys, make sure you provide batteries, and a back up set of batteries is especially thoughtful.

· Software programs - many educational programs have mastered the art of making learning fun.

· A telescope complete with age appropriate books on astronomy.

· Ice skates and a season of lessons.

· Dance shoes and lessons - ballet or tap.

· A musical instrument with lessons - remember to discuss gifts like these with the parents first!

Ant farms or sea monkeys - some gifts are fun no matter what the latest TV ads say.

· Audio tapes or audio books for kids, make sure they have access to a small tape player and perhaps even headphones.

· A diary - the locking variety.

· Bean bag chairs - make sure it is of high quality so it will not easily split and lose styrofoam beans all over the house.

· A sleeping bag - maybe invite the child to try it out at your house overnight - a real gift for parents!

· Art materials - not just a box of crayons, but create an entire kit with age appropriate materials - scissors, paints, markers, glue, glitter, gel rollers, construction paper.

· Birthstone jewelry.

· Jewelry box.

· A charm bracelet - add a charm each year for her birthday or other holiday.

· A train set.

· Remote control car - don't forget the batteries.

· Play tools - hammer, screwdriver, wrench, "work bench".

· Tickets to a special event - musical, play, ice show, whatever the child is interested in. The "gift" may only last a few hours, but the memories will last a lifetime.

· A bank, wallet or purse helps encourage a child to learn about money. If the child is your own, give him or her a savings account.

· A helmet or other safety equipment for bike riding or skating.

· Craft kits - many varieties are available today - jewelry making, stone polishing, sand art, painting kits, all complete with everything the child needs to make their own masterpiece.

· A shower radio - helps kids who don't want to get in to the bathtub get in and stay in!

These are just some ideas to get you started. Once you take into consideration the child's interests, hobbies and age, you can use this list to help guide you in your selection