Christmas is getting closer, and the race is on to get hold of the hottest Christmas toys and gifts for kids. Finding the right toy can save you a lot of hassle. This is certainly true of a toy crane, that is usually included as part of a construction set. The wrong crane won’t hold interest and you may have lost money on something which could have been lot of fun. If you are thinking of giving your child a toy crane, there are thing to consider before buying this toy.
Compatibility
Consider the toy crane and if is actually compatible with your kid’s existing toys. It can be difficult if the toy crane is too small to play with other big machine toys as well as too big to play with a small train set. What toys does your kids love? If he has a toy set with people, can they sit on this particular crane? Pick a compatible crane so it won’t get sidelined from their other toys.
Material
Almost any material will work for a crane, wood, plastic-type or metal. The key is selecting a crane that is definitely well made. It should feel durable in your hands when you try it out. If you can’t give it a try, look for a brand name that is highly regarded either through your own personal experience or perhaps online feedback. Some cranes, like those wooden ones, are often more valuable since they are handcrafted and may last for many years. These would go well with a set of wood toys.
Functionality
If the toy crane jams or won’t roll, your child isn’t going to want to play with it for long. At the very least, the crane should swivel, rotate and have a functional arm. Many cranes are battery-operated. This may be a positive or negative. If this makes the crane more interesting and it is well-crafted, you might want to get a battery-operated crane. Otherwise, you’ll be replacing batteries in a noisy toy that is not worth the time and money.
Safety
For little ones, avoid cranes that have long pointy parts. All cranes have arms, but some are usually longer and sharper compared to others. Avoid cranes that are so big that kids can ride them that translates to a higher risk of injury such as falling off. Other safety factors include things like breakable parts or those that can pinch little fingers easily. There’s no doubt that in case your toddler can snap a piece off, he will probably put it in his mouth, and that’s a serious choking risk. Also, painted toys need to feature lead-free paint. Hunt for toys which are designed for your kid’s age group and stick to those suggestions.
Christmas is about sharing warmth and good times with friends and family. Gifts do not have to be expensive. After all, when it comes to gift-giving, it’s the thought that counts!