HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1987-12-02, Page 14PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1987.
r^^Nort/i Huron Gift Guide '87
Cuddly toys are always Christmas favourites
The popularity of the Wrinkles toys has spread from Canada into the
U.S.
With more than 4,000 new toys
introduced every year, it’s no
wonder that parents will have a
difficult time choosing an appro
priate holiday gift this Christmas.
It seems that every December
there’samassexodusto the toy
stores where parents begin the
never-ending search for the per
fect plaything.
This year, parents will be
pleased to know that the new trend
is back-to-basics gifts that run on
imagination. Cold, robot-like dolls
seem to be taking a back seat to
warm and cuddly toys that allow
children to use their own creativity
and sense of discovery.
A good toy can become a child’s
constant companion, particularly
in aworld where more and more
parents are on the go, with less
time to spend with their children.
Toys that children can use to
create their own scenes or conver
sation may actually help children
develop socially. Child experts
agree that it’s important for boys
and girls to try way s of dealing with
reality through role playing: learn
ing methods of problem-solving
through play.
“Children want to emulate the
adult world,’’ says Dr. Janice
Gibson, a child psychologist and
contributing editor to Parents’
Magazine. “The tools they use are
their toys.”
“Perhaps the most important
thing to keep in mind is to look for a
simple toy with good play value
that can be used in a variety of
ways,” says Dr. Gibson.
“One toy that comes to mind is
the dog, Wrinkles. The fact that the
toy is also a puppet allows children
to do many interesting things so
they won’t be bored. Wrinkles is
very cuddly and lovable, but at the
same time the doll has a sophisti
cated look which appeals to older
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children as well. He makes a
wonderful friend.”
The author of eight books on
child development, Dr. Gibson
believes soft, cuddly toys provide
touching which is important if
children are to learn about loving
and caring. “Many parents under
estimate the importance of the feel
of a toy,” says Dr. Gibson. “Play
can be very serious business for
children. They learn about the
world through their senses, which
makes the huggable, colorful toys
all the more important.”
When choosing a toy for a child
there are a number of things to
consider. The child’s age, strong-
st interests and level of develop
ment are just as important as the
safety and durability of the toy.
And parents shouldn’t be too
concerned about all the media
pressures about what might be
right or wrong for children.
Before you purchase a toy, make
sure it meets all of the safety
standards set by the Canadian Toy
Council. If the toy is a stuffed
animal, or doll, make sure it is well
constructed to withstand extended
use.
If you plan to purchase a stuffed
animal, choose one with soft plush
that won’t fall out when you pet it.
Also check to be sure that any
clothes are well-stitched and ma
chine washable.
Lastly, avoid toys with hard,
protruding objects - particularly
for toddlers - as they can be
removed or swallowed.
We are a Blyth
Bucks participant.
Framed art a gift
that keeps on giving
People do not want their gifts to
fall into the “Oh-thank-you-
another-handkerchief category.’’
A gift is a reflection of one’s taste,
style and judgement. And every
day, people search for that perfect
gift for a relative or friend.
The Professional Picture Fram
ers Association offers these sug
gestions for unique framed art that
will be a ‘gift that keeps on
giving”:
•A completed jigsaw puzzle with
one piece left out and given
separately as a good luck charm.
•Maps and nautical charts -
perhapscharting a family vaca
tion.
•A program, ticket stub and a
picture from a special celebration.
•A montage of a college accep
tance letter, photographs of col
lege dormitory rooms, favorite
campus hangouts and friends.
•A special poem, possibly illustra
ted by you.
•A restored picture of a grandpar
ent as a child.
•An appropriate cartoon or carica
ture.
Of course, there is also the
traditional poster, sketch, silk
screen, landscape or portrait that
can be beautifully framed as a gift.
Frame a memory to last a
lifetime.
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