Gift Ideas for Kids--Top Toys for Any Age Group

Are you an adult who always gets the wrong gift for kids? You know, the aunt or uncle who is totally clueless and always gets the lames gifts?  Maybe you don't have kids or maybe your kids don't offer you any advice or suggestions on what the hottest toys are.

Kids can be incredibly picky, if they don't get the hottest toy or you buy them a gift that is too old or too young they want nothing to do with it.  If you don't have kids, it may be tough to know what toys are appropriate for children.  Afterall, a gift for a grade schooler is not appropriate for a baby--and you certainly do not want to get a teenager something that a grade schooler would be getting.

Therefore it is important that when you are shopping for a gift for a child for their birthday or for Christmas or any other gift giving occassin that you make sure the toy is not only the hottest and latest toy but also that it is age appropriate.  So the first step in purchasing a gift is to check out the best toys for that child's age group is. That way you don't buy something that is "too old" or "too young" for the child to enjoy.

Once you have determined what age the child you are purchasing a gift for is you want to figure out what the hottest and most popular toys for that age group are.  Luckily, this site breaks up for you the top 10 toys for every age group.  So whether you are buying toys for a baby, a toddler, a pre-schooler, a grade schooler, a tween, or even a teen you will have an age appropriate and popular gift.

Below is advice on what gifts to buy for babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers, grade schoolers, tweens, and teens as well as lists of the top 10 toys for babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers, grade schoolers, tweens, and teens.  There is also advice on the best toys to get for boys and the best toys to get for girls. With these lists you will find the perfect gift for any child!

Whether you're shopping for a baby shower, a new born baby, a Christening, the holidays or any other occasion, you may be stuck on a great gift idea for babies--especially if you have never had a baby yourself.  Things to consider when shopping for new babies is that you should look for bright contrasting colors, soothing music, cuddly toys and mobiles. Other great ideas include gyms and playmats that encourage kicking and tummy time.

For those who don't know, babies are ages 0 to 11 months old.

Toddlers, ages 1 to 3 years, are mobile and imaginative. They are eager (or more accurately their parents are eager for them) to strengthen their new found hand-eye coordination, show off their independence, and experiment with art. In order to achieve these goals, look for gifts that will encourage creativity, building and lots of action.  Toddlers don't understand the concept of rules so they are too young for games such as board games.  They are also prone to putting objects in their mouths, so make sure to avoid toys with small, detachable pieces that may pose a choking hazard.

Grade schoolers are ages 6 to 9-year-old and they know exactly what they want.  Grade schoolers want to be like the older kids and just like tweens & teens, electronic toys are high on grade schoolers' list. When picking out a toy for grade schoolers, be sure to pick a toy that has major fun potential.  Try to also pick out a toy with an added value of keeping kids active, teaching something new, or stimulating creativity.  That way your gift will be loved by the child and his or her parents!

Many 10 to 12-year-olds are starting to outgrow traditional toys as they increasingly want to be more and more "adult."  But that doesn't mean that they are ready to give toys up all together. Try searching for a toy that has a compnent that can be used online.  There are plenty of electronic games and toys that have an online component that helps tweens interact with friends.  Pick such a toy up or get a tween the hottest new video game and your gift will be a surefire hit.  You may even get a genuine thank you--remember tweens aren't surly teens quite yet!

Toys aren't just for kids! There are toys for all ages and while teenagers want to be as "grown-up" as possible, as long as you get adult-like toys, they'll be sure to be happy.  Also, as much as teens want to be adults they don't want to let go of having fun. Purchase toys that will make sure that teens have fun and don't get old and boring before their time. Some of good gift ideas for teens are those that may spawn a hobby or collection that grows with them into adulthood. Other great gifts for teens are the latest electronic gadgets including mp3 players, portable video game devices, cell phones, and tablets.  Teens love whatever the "latest thing" is.  So as long as your gift is new and hip, it will be sure to please.  And if you buy a teen a gift and he/she seems less than please, don't take it too much to heart--teenagers are supposed to be surly and miserable, they have a hard time smiling and showing they are actually happy!

Sometimes the issue in determining what toys or gifts to get for kids is not about whether the toy is age appropriate but whether the toy is gender appropriate.  So if you don't know what the best gift to get the boy you are shopping for or are wondering what the latest toy for girls is, check out the lists below.  The lists below share the top toys for boys and the top toys for girls.

Kids aren't the only ones who love toys---what about adults?  You can't forget the "big kids" when doing your Christmas shopping or thinking up a great gift idea for birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine's Day, or any other special occasion.  Adult toys (the non x-rated version) are typically electronic gadgets.  Every year more and more great electronic gadgets come out that are perfect toys for adults.  The latest must have gadget such as a tablet, iPod, iPhone, ereader, portable video game devices, or 3D HDTVs will make every adult kid thrilled.  You will be the best gift giver this holiday season if you pick up the latest electronic gadgets this holiday season for the adults on your shopping list.  The one downside of adult toys? They're typically super expensive--but you can certainly find great deals and every year there are typically, affordable or deeply discounted gadgets and adult toys for the holidays.