High-tech Toy Alternatives: Why and How to Buy Unique Gifts for Kids

Low-tech Toys for Kids Hooked on Technology

By Donna Porter, published Nov 14, 2007
Published Content: 175  Total Views: 401,565  Favorited By: 250 CPs
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It is not mere old-fashioned wont to rethink the high-tech gadgets we indulge our youth with today. But finding unique gifts for kids, which do not produce physical evidence of disdain and leave you feeling vintage, can be difficult.

Why Unique Gifts for Kids and Low-Tech Toys are Important

Adults increasingly find the world of text-messaging and Play Stations, left unchecked, are contributing to an ill-equipped generation, one that lacks innovation, social skills and concentration.

How often does a child actually see their BFF in RL and what do they do when they buddy up, play a RPG in silence? (That's best friend forever, real life, and role playing game respectively, for the scarcely uninitiated).

Unique gifts can make a difference if they inspire the mind to creative heights, help kids communicate effectively, teach life skills, and reinforce self-worth - or at least preempt long trances and tendonitis. In this sense, classics are now unique in today's entertainment world.

Unique gifts for kids? Low-tech toys? What, no lower case "i" in front the name? Exercise? Interaction? Manual skills?

Perhaps this seems like a nice, but lofty, goal. "My kids find these unique gifts and classic comebacks, well,...boring."

Why High-Tech Kids Reject Unique Gifts

Peer pressure aside, kids often select high-tech games out of boredom, they do not know what else to do.

With 500 channel Tivo households, whereas each person over the age of five owns a PC, are we surprised?

If pressed, most younger kids would prefer to bake cookies with mom or work in the garage with dad, than save Sponge Bob for the 248th time, but no one asks.

We understand the whys behind unique gifts, but how do we find unique gifts that won't generate the oh-so-disappointed look we fear?

How to Find Unique Gifts and Low-Tech Toys Kids Enjoy

If your unique gifts bombed in the past, don't despair. Age and interest-dependent, a variety of approaches are useful when selecting unique gifts for kids.

Unique Gifts for Kids Tip: Play off of technology.

Takeaways
  • Unique gifts for kids can work with, instead of against, interest in technology.
  • Digital teens are harder to buy for, but finding unique gifts they like is possible.
  • If your low-tech toy purchases bombed in the past, try a different approach.
Did You Know?
In 1843, "S.B. Ives develops the first commercially produced board game in the U.S., "The Mansion of Happiness." - John Skakel, DrToy.com
Comments
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I linked to you here: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/485923/childrens_product_recalls_dec_1_dec.html

Posted on 12/15/2007 at 5:12:00 PM

 
I mentioned this article in the comments section of my safe toys article. Thanks for mentioning me here as well. :-)

Posted on 11/24/2007 at 5:11:00 PM

 
Excellent, well written piece Donna. Finding the unique in our digital world can be quite the challenge. It'll take more time, perhaps, but certainly can be accomplished. *****

Posted on 11/21/2007 at 9:11:00 AM

 
Nice article.

Posted on 11/20/2007 at 11:11:00 AM

 
Excellent, as always my friend.

Posted on 11/19/2007 at 4:11:00 PM

 
This is a great article. It's true that many children simply opt for hi-tech toys because they are bored and don't know what else to do. Sophie

Posted on 11/17/2007 at 9:11:00 AM

 
Really well written and great tips. Love the treating the kids like an adult with certain purchases!

Posted on 11/17/2007 at 7:11:00 AM

 
Excellent aericle with lots of ecxellent ideas.

Posted on 11/17/2007 at 12:11:00 AM

 
Great article!

Posted on 11/16/2007 at 6:11:00 PM

 
I feel sorry for a lot of kids these days. They are really missing out. Good article

Posted on 11/16/2007 at 5:11:00 PM

 
Great article!

Posted on 11/16/2007 at 11:11:00 AM

 
Very good!

Posted on 11/16/2007 at 11:11:00 AM

 
What a great article!!..the kids of today need this..

Posted on 11/16/2007 at 4:11:00 AM

 
Great ideas and a worthwhile endeavor!

Posted on 11/15/2007 at 11:11:00 PM

 
Great info

Posted on 11/15/2007 at 7:11:00 PM

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