During elementary school, our children quickly go from simple, less expensive toys to seemingly more expensive toys overnight…

They also seem to be toys that allow them to test their independence in new ways, both outside of the house and in an online world. As you navigate all of the choice that are out there with all of the things that they want (because they certainly know what they want at this age) we want you as parents and caregivers, to be able to make safe toy choices. 

Along with some key safety toy considerations for elementary aged children, here are some of our top safe toy choices for this gift giving season. 

Safety Considerations 

Independence is a huge part of toys and play at this age and that typically means bikes, scooters, skateboards and the like. Your biggest safety considerations here are to make sure that the “ride” is the right size and that your child wears a helmet and other appropriate safety protection. 

Video games are no doubt becoming an increasing “toy” in your child’s life at this age. Perhaps the biggest safety consideration here isn’t the device itself, although do be sure to check that ALL electric toys are labeled UL (they meet safety standards set by Underwriters Laboratories). But rather, that your child is safe online. Here are some great tips on Digital Citizenship and Safety. 

Children at this age may be interested in water guns, BB guns, toy darts, and other outdoor activities that are more dangerous not only because of the object itself but also in the fact that these can be viewed as weapons by some. Be sure to have conversations about these toys, set ground rules, and make sure that children are supervised when playing with them (and that they are the listed age to play with them as indicated by the manufacturer). 

Loud toys can also be harmful. If you have a choice, choose the quieter toy or a toy that makes no noise at all.  

Children are expensive – it’s true. But if you can, avoid secondhand toys, especially if you don’t know who the original owner was. You just don’t know the safety history of the toy let alone the germs it is bringing into your home. 

Be sure to continually check the toys to make sure there are no broken pieces or edges and that there are no cracks or broken seems. 

And if you have little ones in the house, keep these toys safely away from them. 

At Child Safety Pledge, here are some of our favorite, and SAFE Elementary Aged toys:

• Craft-tastic Nature Scavenger Hunt Journal – PlayMonster 
• 4-Pack Puzzles Alphabet – PlayMonster 
• https://www.playmonster.com/product/koosh-classic/ 
• Take ‘N’ Play Anywhere™ Tic Tac Toe – PlayMonster 
• Trestle Tracks – Best Building & Construction for Ages 8 to 10 (fatbraintoys.com) 
• InSANDity – Best Games for Ages 8 to 12 – Fat Brain Toys 

And of course – BOOKS! 

For more safety tips and resources for those in elementary school, visit our Learning Hub and sort content based on category!