Having the right playthings on hand can go a long way toward assuring that developmental targets are met and that there is enough on hand to keep children happily engaged; however, you may also want to consider the following Do's and Don'ts for making playtime as smooth as possible.
Buying Do's
Look for sturdy toys such as stitched dolls, wooden blocks, and puzzles with heavy pieces.
Provide play and playthings that offer new experiences.
Store toys where your child can get to them easily and without help.
Keep parts stored together (an end of the day task) so you don't lose any parts.
Consider if you are buying something that will require special care or arrangements.
Keep safety in mind. A good rule of thumb for children ages 3 and under is to avoid anything that can fit through a toilet-paper tube.
Tell your child why you selected a particular gift/toy.
Make children responsible for cleaning up after play, helping them so it becomes part of the play.
Remember that paying a lot for a toy doesn't mean you will get high play-value.
Suggested ages on toy boxes are fairly reliable, and buying something more advanced will not speed up that timetable.
Consider toys that require pretend play and imagination such as hats, dish sets, children's tools, and dolls.
Buying Don'ts
Avoid overwhelming a child with more than one or two new gifts/toys at a time.
Never make comparisons to other family members' gifts.