When it comes to buying presents, every dad worries that he will get it wrong. Sure, it is pretty easy to buy things for your sons. You just have to think back to when you were a kid and remember what you liked. When it comes to your daughters though it can be difficult to find the right gift. You want to get your daughter something she will love, but finding that thing can be a nightmare. Never fear. Here is a simple guide to buying gifts for girls.
Image by Emily Stanchfield
Think about their age bracket
One of the great things about toy shops is that they often organize their shelves by age groups. As you explore, you will see signs indicating different age ranges, which can make gift shopping for your daughter a little easier. While these signs won’t solve every dilemma, they do help narrow down the options. For example, if your daughter is around 3-4 years old, Shop dolls and dollhouses. These can be a wonderful choice as many young girls enjoy imaginative play with these. If she’s closer to 8-9 years old, a board game or puzzle can be a fun gift. And if she’s stepping into her teenage years, around 13-14, trendy items like a stylish backpack or an inspirational book can make thoughtful presents.
Ask subtle questions
The best way, to find out what your daughter wants, is to ask her. Of course, you can’t outright ask her what she wants for her birthday. Instead, you should ask her some subtle questions. When you are watching TV together, see how she responds to different toy adverts. If you see that she pays attention to one advert more than another, there is a good chance that she wants that toy.
Try not to stereotype
This point is important. Just because the media says your daughter should like something, that doesn’t mean that she will. There is no such thing as girls’ toys and boys’ toys. If your daughter wants to play with toy cars, you should let her. Buying her toys, which you think she should like, is a recipe for disaster. You know your daughter, and so you know what she truly likes.
Avoid following trends
When it comes to children’s toys, there are always trends. Today, every kid might want a Frozen doll, tomorrow, though they will want something brand new. The problem with trends is that they change so fast, you are unlikely to get things right. Instead of pandering to fashion, you should avoid it altogether. When something goes out of style, people forget about it. If you buy something just because everyone has it right now, you will find that your daughter discards it when the fad is over. So make sure to choose something with lasting value that can save both money and disappointment. That way, you also know that the present will entertain her all the time.
Choose something they can keep
If you want to get your daughter something special, you should choose something she can keep for many years to come. Collectible toys, such as porcelain dolls, make ideal gifts for young people. If you pick gifts that will gain in value over the years, you are giving your daughter more than just a toy; you are giving her an investment. There are plenty of vintage toys you might want to get for her. Make sure that your daughter understands the significance of this gift and that she treasures it.
Ask the rest of the family
Okay, sometimes, you need a little help. If there is a family member who is closer to your daughter than you are, you need to ask them for some advice. There is no shame in asking for a little help from time to time. Talk to your partner and see what she thinks you should get. The chances are that she has a different insight into what your daughter might want. If you chat to members of your family, you will find that they all have great gift ideas.
