By Maura Keller

GrandTimes 

As the holidays are quickly approaching, many shoppers turn their attention to their gift buying list, trying to determine the best gifts to purchase for the children and teens in their lives.

The Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, an independent consumer review organization for children’s products recommends grandparents evaluate whether a toy:

    * Fits the developmental needs, interests and skills of the children for whom it was designed.

    * Determine what a child will learn from this product

    * Whether it is a “smart” product that will engage the child’s mind or simply a novelty with limited play value?

Of course, paying attention to the interests of the child or teen is paramount when selecting the perfect gift this holiday season. Here are some great gift options for kids and teens of all ages.
 

Ages 8 and Up

Digital Cameras

While many kids plead for their own digital camera, the price point of many cameras is simply too high for parents and grandparents to consider for their pre-teen or teen. General Electric has created the all-new GE A1050, a $99 digital camera that offers a ten-megapixels resolution, 5X optical zoon lens, and image stabilization—perfect for young teens looking to enhance their photography skills.