Best sites for holiday shopping for kids
SEATTLE -- With millions of toys on the market, shopping for children during the holidays can be a daunting task. We all know the circulars and commercials are full of the toy and gift ideas, but that's not the best way to find out everything that's out there.
Here are some websites where researchers scour the stores, test the toys and make recommendations that can help.
* Parent's Choice
They are the oldest, non-profit toy evaluating organization in the country. It's been awarding medals to kids toys, games and other products since 1978.
The Parent's Choice website includes recommendations and descriptions for nine kids categories, including toys, DVDs, kids software, even great kids websites.
* Researchers at Good Housekeeping searched hundreds of toys to find their best toy picks for the season. The Good Housekeeping Best Toy Awards give high marks for toys that are fun, safe, and kid-friendly. They look for toys that encourage interaction, imagination, and learning while kids play.
* The National Parenting Center just released its Holiday seal of approval. This group also does independent evaluations on a variety of toys, games books, crafts and more.
Other websites to consider:
* HotChristmastoys.org which tends to lean more commercialized -- but can give you an idea of what's being pushed.
* 10bestchristmasgifts.net -- again, more commercial driven, but you can get a good idea of the toys, electronics and gadgets predicted to be best-sellers.
And the American Specialty Toy Retail Association's Top Toys for Kids list.
Use all the websites as a starting point for making your own evaluation of what's appropriate for your child, grandchild or friend. It's a good way to find toys and games that can maintain a kids interest long after the holidays are over.
Here are some websites where researchers scour the stores, test the toys and make recommendations that can help.
* Parent's Choice
They are the oldest, non-profit toy evaluating organization in the country. It's been awarding medals to kids toys, games and other products since 1978.
The Parent's Choice website includes recommendations and descriptions for nine kids categories, including toys, DVDs, kids software, even great kids websites.
* Researchers at Good Housekeeping searched hundreds of toys to find their best toy picks for the season. The Good Housekeeping Best Toy Awards give high marks for toys that are fun, safe, and kid-friendly. They look for toys that encourage interaction, imagination, and learning while kids play.
* The National Parenting Center just released its Holiday seal of approval. This group also does independent evaluations on a variety of toys, games books, crafts and more.
Other websites to consider:
* HotChristmastoys.org which tends to lean more commercialized -- but can give you an idea of what's being pushed.
* 10bestchristmasgifts.net -- again, more commercial driven, but you can get a good idea of the toys, electronics and gadgets predicted to be best-sellers.
And the American Specialty Toy Retail Association's Top Toys for Kids list.
Use all the websites as a starting point for making your own evaluation of what's appropriate for your child, grandchild or friend. It's a good way to find toys and games that can maintain a kids interest long after the holidays are over.
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