Before we get to the good stuff (i.e. shopping), I’d like to take a moment to introduce myself.  I’m Kate, a stay at home mom to two young kids and the proud wife of an Air Force pilot. When I’m not pretending to be a dinosaur with my son or helping my daughter learn to walk, I’m blogging about products, toys and services that make parents’ lives easier at The Shopping Mama. I’m always posting new product reviews and offering amazing giveaways so stop by and visit.

The holidays are rapidly approaching and you probably have a kiddo or two on your shopping list.  (And, because both my little ones have the misfortune of being born near the holidays, I have some major gift shopping and preparing to do.) Here are some suggestions to help you think outside the toy box when shopping for little ones this year.

1. Less is More

A toy doesn’t have to make noise, having flashing lights or dance to be a hit. I’m sure all parents can relate to the desire for games and toys that spark quiet play, but kids enjoy them, too.  Puzzles are a great option – they engage kids, are creative and there’s an enormous variety out there. I love Melissa and Doug puzzles and wooden play toys because they’re well made, colorful and help foster a little one’s imagination. You can find a great selection of Melissa and Doug on Target.com.

2. Remember the Batteries

If you do get a toy that requires batteries – BUY the BATTERIES.  Seriously, if you want to see a kid cry, ask him to spend 20 minutes watching you struggle to cut, unscrew and pry a shiny new toy from a box and then tell him you don’t have the batteries to make it work.  Trust me, that’s not fun.   I’ve found that many toy boxes are not explicit about requiring batteries so read carefully to be sure to get them if they are necessary.

3. Get Creative

Put together a fun and personalized box of art supplies by decorating a clear kitchen storage container (unused!) or an old shoe box and fill it with markers, stickers, crayons and colored pencils.  If you’re not up for the challenge, Land Of Nod has an amazing selection of arts supplies and crafting projects . My favorites are I’m Not Bored Any More Art Jar, In Stitches Embroidery Kit and Make Your Own Flip Book Kit.

4. Dress Up

I know, I know, you’re probably thinking, “Clothes? What kid wants clothes?” But, put a kid’s name on a shirt and it’s suddenly more than boring clothes. The same applies to something featuring a favorite TV character or, for older kids, a band or tween heartthrob.  I can tell you my son will love you forever if you get him a shirt with Nemo or his first initial on it. And I could go on and on about dress up clothes! A princess crown or superhero cape are relatively inexpensive and guarantee tons of fun.

The most important thing to remember when buying clothes for any child is to check with the parents ahead of time to make sure you buy the right size.  You should also consider the season. We live in Florida, so a 6 month size sweater (no matter how beautiful) didn’t do us any good this past summer when my daughter was wearing that size

5.  Age Appropriate

When buying toys or games, pay attention to the suggested age.  We all think our own children are geniuses – and they are, of course – but a toy or game designed for an older age, skill level or milestone will do nothing but frustrate and bore a child. The folks designing and creating toys know what they’re doing so trust the guidelines and shop age and skill-level appropriate.

I realize my suggestions and tips are pretty toddler and baby-centric, but hey that’s my life.  What are some things to remember when shopping for older kids?