As parents and other family members begin toy shopping for their kids, a lot of the focus is on what’s popular and where you can get the best deals.

Before you go shopping, keep in mind that the best toys aren’t always the newest, biggest, or the most expensive toy you can find at the toy store. The best toys are the ones that aren’t going to end up sitting forgotten in your child’s toy chest or on the shelf after just a few days. Or overlooked as they play with a toy that someone else gave them.

Characteristics of the best toys of the year usually include those that are S.A.F.E. :

Safe – Most age appropriate toys are safe, but because of safety hazards, you might want to avoid toys that include button batteries and magnets that can be swallowed, toys that have to be plugged into an outlet, loud toys, or nonpowder guns, such as BB guns, pellet guns, and air rifles, etc.

Age appropriate – Following age recommendations can help you avoid toys that include small parts that can be a choking hazard for kids under three-years-old, but can also help to make sure that your kids won’t lose interest simply because a toy is too hard for them to play with and understand.

Fun – Fortunately, most of the best toys, even if their goal is to teach your kids to count or learn their alphabet, are going to have to be fun and entertaining if they are going to be used.

Educational – Toys should be fun, or kids aren’t going to play with them. That doesn’t mean that they can’t teach your kids something though.

In addition to following our S.A.F.E. toy buying guidelines, be sure to review computer and video game ratings, set parental controls if you buy your kids a computer, cell phone , or other system that can connect to the internet , and don’t forget to include safety equipment, like a helmet if you get your kids a bike or scooter.

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