Your best present

It is better (and more fun, in our minds) to give than to receive, but it's important to remember that the giving should be appropriate and useful. Figuring out what to give isn't always easy - read on for some of our Orange Elephant gift-giving tips.
Take age into account.

A child under 3 will like pretty much anything; they look at everything with fresh eyes and are fascinated by the unfamiliar. A toddler will really appreciates the attention that comes with receiving a gift (sometimes more than the gift itself), so consider them easy to please.

Your top priority when choosing a gift for a toddler must be safety. Make sure you read the label carefully and take notice of what's contained in the package. Toys that could be dangerous to toddlers (with small pieces, et. al) are usually marked with a label that says "not recommended for children under 3". The materials in a toy should also be a factor - you want everything to be non-toxic and if something has a strong smell, steer clear,

A child under 3 can become bored with traditional stuffed animals or books, so try and find something that's educational and designed to encourage cognitive development, like Orange Elephant products. We make modeling dough, finger paints, bathtub paints and other creative toys that are specific to the physical and mental needs of kids under 3 years of age. All the materials are non-toxic and engineered to taste bitter and salty. So if your tot swallows a piece of dough or licks our paint, the worst thing that will happen will be that they will make a face….kind of like the one they make when you try and give them vegetables. After they've had a taste, they sure won't be going back for seconds!

Children from 3 to 12 have already started to develop their own personalities and preferences, so you should try to get to know them a little bit before choosing their present. Find out what he/she likes to play with and what he/she is interested in; a few quick questions will go a long way.

Books, DVDs, games and sport equipment are all pretty traditional. If you are looking for something unique, try some creative arts and crafts products, like the ones you see on our website. At this age, kids are out to discover themselves and want to see the results of their own minds. Modeling kits and suncatcher and ceramic sets are ideal for this age, as they include all the necessary detail ceramic set or a set for modeling, which already includes all the necessary tools for making detailed pieces. If the kid in question is theatric and enjoys playing dress-up, try one of our Orange Elephant makeup kits.

After 12, kids start to think they have it all figured out and usually enter that "mini-adult" phase. If you give them something that's too juvenile or doesn't interest them, you risk alienating them. Be sure and do some legwork here - pre-adolescent books, music, games, movies, clothes, sports stuff, computer media, etc. are all viable options, but you want to be sure you have a handle on his/her interests before purchasing.

DIY (do-it-yourself) jewelry sets are a great gift for girls 12 and up. Teens (especially girls) quite often become obsessed with appearing fashionable and stylish - you can encourage this by giving her fabric paint and chalk, so she can decorate her favorite jeans and tops. She will feel good, knowing she can accomplish style on her own and it will give her a chance to showcase her skills as a designer!