Save With Dave

Save With Dave: How To Save On Holiday Toys

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) ― Santa will soon be checking his list twice. If you're a parent, you should too. 'Tis the season for toy recalls, and parents need to be on the lookout.

"I think parents should do careful scrutiny of their child's toys, make sure there's nothing broken, nothing has come apart, that the child under the age of three are not playing with toys they're not meant to play with," says Dr. Stevanne Auerbach, AKA Dr. Toy.

Recall concerns aside, Dr. Toy, a child development expert and author, recommends buying that involve physical activity and creativity.

At "Toys That Teach" in Rancho Cordova, you can find all sorts of educational toys.

"I think that you should look for toys that will last a lot of years, even if you have one child, you want to buy toys that are interesting in a lot of different ways," explains Sonya Ross, supervisor at Toys That Teach.

For kids one and a half to five, there's the "Flip And Tip Fred" toy, it's friction powered so you'll never need batteries.

Keva Wooden blocks allow kids and adults to make just about anything, without using glue.

For kids nine and up, the Khet board game is similar to chess, but uses mirrors and lasers as part of strategic thinking.

Puzzles, books, plush toys, art supplies are also good choices. Another tip, beware of fad toys.

"I'm not so much interested in things that just happen fast, they get cold really quick, the hot toys, I'm interested in what lasts for a long time," says Dr. Toy.

Dr. Toy also recommends construction toys and board games that get the whole family involved. To check out her "12 Toys Of Christmas List," just go to CBS13.com for a link.

If you bought a $40 toy that lasted three years instead of a fad toy that lasted just one season, you'd save $80.

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