Ten toy alternative gift ideas

Major toy recalls this year may have you thinking twice about picking up manufactured playthings for the children on your holiday gift list. Here are some gift alternatives that are sure to please the youngsters in your life.

1. A subscription to a children's magazine
Like Highlights for Children

2. Educational games
Such as those sold by fatbraintoys.com (this company's web site even has a page dedicated to information about toy safety)

3. Children's books
From board books appropriate for teething babies, to picture books for pre-schoolers and paper-back novels for grade-school children, books promote reading and provide hours of enjoyment

4. DVDs and videos
Favorite movies, TV shows and educational programming

5. CDs
Kids love to dance and sing and music promotes learning and brain development

6. Video games
Based on age appropriateness can help young children learn basic skills such as reading and math and help all children develop hand-eye coordination

7. Clothing
Active children outgrow or wear out their clothes quickly ‑- just ask any parent. While the child may not be as excited by a gift of clothing as he or she would by a toy, parents will appreciate your wardrobe addition.

8. Art supplies
Make sure the supplies are age appropriate and nontoxic. For example, it wouldn't be a good idea to give scissors and glue to a toddler who might benefit more from a coloring book or a sketch pad and giant crayons.

9. Membership for the organization of the child's choice
Organizations like 4-H, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts all require some level of participant funding

10. Pay for lessons
Music, dance, sports, art, even driver's education. Learning a new skill or mastering a beloved activity can bolster a child's self esteem and teach them about setting and reaching goals.