Buying toys and plush animals for children isn't always easy. No longer being children ourselves, it's hard to get into the head of the modern child and understand what they would enjoy. This is especially true if we don't have a lot of experience with kids, and so we often bemoan the lack of guidelines for what to look for in the toy section. Toy stores and toy sections rarely have knowledgeable staff, and all the toy label itself will have is the general information that tells us what ages the toy is safe for. We often end up buying the so-called "must have" toy of the season, either because it has been heavily advertised, or because that's what the sales person tells us is the "hot" toy. But how do we know this "must have" toy is right for child we're getting it for?

That is why we have developed these five guidelines that will help you decide which stuffed animal is the right one to give for a gift. Read on, and make your gift giving experience much easier.

1. Age

Age can be a good indicator in as that it can tell you how specific you have to be. If you're getting a gift for a toddler, practically any stuffed animal is good, as they haven't developed specific tastes yet. But if the child is older, it's probably a good idea to ask their parents if they are really into a particular animal. For example, they could love whimsical creatures such as unicorns, or they might love jungle animals, such as a stuffed lion. Remember, most older children have very developed likes, so it doesn't hurt to do a little research by talking to someone close to them.

2.Safety

This is a critical consideration. Always make sure that the toy you buy is safe, especially if the child is very young. If the child is under three years of age, any toy with small parts or sharp edges is a big no-no. For example, make sure that the nose and eyes of a stuffed animal won't easily fall off and give the child something to choke on.

3. Gender

There are very different toys marketed for little boys and little girls, so always consider gender when getting a gift. Girls often prefer plush animals that are colorful, cute, and sweet. These could include cute teddy bears, little chipmunks, a plush cat, or a plush dog. Boys often enjoy stuffed animals that are a bit mightier, with an edge of danger. These include stuffed lions, stuffed tigers, or a big grizzly bear.

4. Quality

This ties in with the issue of safety. If a toy is not high-quality, you run the danger of having a safety issue. A poorly built or stitched toy could allow parts to come off, and cause the possibility of choking on little pieces. Also, just imagine how sad a child would be if they got attached to the stuffed animal you bought them, and then it falls apart! Don't sacrifice quality for price. Remember, there are plenty of high quality stuffed animals out there that you can get a good deal on.

5. Purpose

The last guideline has to do with the purpose you have when giving the gift. Maybe you want to give them a bed time toy, or you want to get them something with some educational value. Educational toys feed a child's curiosity. Just imagine getting them a stuffed lion or stuffed tiger with the purpose of feeding their curiosity on the natural world. Or maybe you know that they are having a hard time lately. Get them something comforting, such as a cute teddy bear or a sweet stuffed toy pet. You can combine the function of the present with the child's personality and needs, getting them a great gift.

So as you can see, there are five easy guidelines to follow when getting a gift for a child. Don't just buy the newest "hot" toy with no forethought. Consider age, gender, safety, quality and the function of your gift. Getting a fantastic present doesn't have to be difficult when you have these great guidelines to follow!