Buying gifts for the older toddlers and young school aged children in the family is exciting. They are old enough to truly enjoy their gifts, and get so excited over them. I love seeing their little eyes widen as they unwrap packages.
Older toddlers can be rough on toys though, so I always try to buy very sturdy things that can stand up to a young child’s play. I also give organic toys as gifts. I do that for several reasons. One, in case a child has allergies like I do to the dyes and chemicals in plastics and other materials used in making mass-production commercial toys, but also because they’re just generally healthier and better for the planet.
The Dangers of Common Chemicals
I carry that theme into my own life as well. In fact, my quest for natural products stemmed from my desire to find a natural remedy for hay fever. Once I learned about the dangers of many of the common chemicals used in over-the-counter medicines, I couldn’t help but be interested in the other dangers that lurked on store shelves of every kind.
As a writer, you might say I’m naturally inquisitive anyway. I also have a work-related tendency toward investigative research. Soon my husband and girls were on board, and now the whole family is actively interested in a more organic lifestyle; even my parents who live next door. It’s never too late to start living healthier.
A quote from Buddha says “to keep the body in good health is a duty; otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.” I try to keep that in my mind as I think about the things I buy and use, and especially in those things I give to others.
My favorite gifts to give older toddlers are these:
· Balance boards
· Paints
· Crafts
· Puzzles
· Kitchens for little girls
· Memory and counting toys
Of all of the above gifts, my favorites are the ones that are not only fun, but also have some form of educational benefits. I love the memory and counting types of toys, but building blocks are great because they teach young children to use their motor skills and be creative all at the same time.
I like the balancing boards because they give youngsters exercise while developing their balance. Paints and crafts are fun, and let children be creative and develop their artistic sides. There’s a lot to be said for just fun though. Whatever I get, I look for natural dyes, and organic materials. Luckily those types of toys are much easier to find now than there were even a few years ago.
Pitfalls of Toxic Toys
Many people are discovering the dangers of the chemicals present in the products both from the actual materials and from the processing used to turn them into various items. The dangers aren’t just from the toys when they’re new either. Non-organic plastics and wood toys coated with finishes and paints release harmful toxins for years.
By giving gifts that are safer and healthier, I feel like I’m helping the next generation avoid having to deal with some of the problems I’ve had to deal with. I’m glad that there are allergic rhinitis natural remedies that I can take for my problems, but I’d rather not have to deal with them at all.
Some allergy problems can’t be avoided, like pollen and dust, they just have to be dealt with. However, a lot of health issues, and allergies are a result of the things we surround ourselves with every day. I prefer to get rid of those things, and deal with allergies and illness as little as possible.
About the Author:
Melissa Cameron is a freelance writer who lives with her husband and two children in Austin, Texas. Her parents live next door, and her large extended family gives her plenty of material for her career as a freelance writer. She spends her working hours researching better ways of living, and dealing with health issues like finding the best natural remedy for hay fever, along with parenting and budget-conscious shopping. Another of her passions is local history, and the great state of Texas provides many storylines with which to delight her readers.
