For Kids’ Presents, Think Safe and Simple

Think holiday shopping for kids is easy? Just because they’re small and cute doesn’t mean just any old toy or item of clothing will do. Children can be particular, just like adults, and you must consider what’s appropriate at different ages.

If you’re shopping for other people’s kids, it’s always best to consult with Mom and Dad. They’ll fill you in on likes and dislikes, color preferences and, most important, what they will and won’t allow in the house.

In addition to their advice, here are some basic guidelines to steer you in the right direction:

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For Infants and Toddlers

* Clothing: Kids grow so fast they constantly need new duds. But you can go very wrong by choosing items that are fussy and hard to get in and out of. Even a simple row of buttons can become a 15-minute exercise in frustration when trying to get the kid dressed.

Try to resist those cute little frilly dresses with the crinolines and ruffles. They’re usually very uncomfortable and almost always have to be dry-cleaned.

The same goes for boys’ outfits that include bow ties, regular ties or suspenders. And ixnay on the ultra-cute stuff. One mother told us she cringed over a sailor suit for her son that was so cloying it made the Cracker Jack kid look like a sophisticate.

Best to stick with the basics: T-shirts, pull-on pants, onesies, socks, pajamas.

* Toys: Three major things to consider when buying toys are safety, age-appropriateness and whether Mom and Dad will allow it. No toys with small removable parts, sharp edges, or that wind up or move. Most toys have the age range listed on the box, so use that as your guide. And check with the parents before bestowing any toy weapons, or even a doll that might be deemed unacceptable.

* Pets: Live animals are a big nono, no matter how cute, small or seemingly low maintenance. Any pet meant for the kids is going to end up being taken care of by the parents, and that’s going to mean years of resentment toward you. Stuffed animals are much safer.

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No-Fail Ideas for the Rug-Rat Set

* Books: Even if the child isn’t old enough to read, he or she can be read to. Pop-up books also provide great visuals. Just stay away from lesson-oriented books that discuss potty training or birds and bees--that’s Mom and Dad territory.

* Videos: Kids love videos, but make sure it’s not one they already have and that it’s age-appropriate.

* Bath toys: Keep safety in mind when choosing something for bath time.

* Crayons and Drawing Paper: Even if a child already has crayons, there’s nothing like a brand new box with that intoxicating scent that’s a child’s version of new car smell.

Stuff for Bigger Kids

* Musical Instruments: Kids should be encouraged to appreciate the arts, but not at the expense of the family’s sanity. A drum set is a cool gift, but imagine having to hear that banging several hours a day. Even something like a harmonica or tambourine can become annoying after five minutes. Take them to a concert instead.

* Craft and Science Kits: These can be tremendous fun for children, but they can also mean a lot of mess and cleanup. Before investing in anything, find out if it would be welcomed.

* Inexpensive Jewelry: Cheap jewelry might cause a rash or allergic reaction. If you’re not sure what it’s made of, best to pass on it.

* Toys and Sports Equipment: Skateboards and in-line skates are a definite no for safety reasons. So are remote-control airplanes, since they tend to fly into things like trees and human beings. Also skip knives, even if they’re for camping. Even Barbie dolls are not without controversy, so check with parents first.

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No-Fail Items for Older Children

* Stickers: They’re no muss and no fuss, and kids can’t seem to get enough of them.

* Magazine Subscriptions: As long as we’re not talking Cosmo for your 12-year-old niece, subscriptions make a nice gift. There are kid-themed magazines on everything from Beanie Babies to sports.

* Video Games: Make sure they’re allowed, and find out what they have so you don’t duplicate.

* Books: There’s nothing wrong with encouraging the youth of America to read. Just be sure to check for age and subject-matter appropriateness.

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A Word to the Wise Shoppers

Don’t have all your holiday shopping done? Neither do we. If you’re going to be braving the malls in the coming days, you undoubtedly know what you’re in for: lines, crowds, the frustrating search for a parking spot. With that in mind, we offer these few sensible tips:

* Don’t buy it unless you absolutely love it, or are reasonably certain the person you’re giving it to will love it. Getting something on sale isn’t a bargain if it’s never worn or used.

* A parking space is not worth a shouting match, a fistfight or worse.

* Remember to say “please,” “thank you” and “excuse me.”

* Keep your blood sugar up by eating regularly--you’ll be much less cranky. However, a Cinnabon cinnamon roll does not constitute a complete meal.

* They’re only things.