Toys that are limited in their scope for play will only hold the child's attention for a short time, before the child wants to move on to another toy.
But toys which allow children to use their own imagination and interests to create a variety of games, will hold their attention and help to develop self-reliance and self-discipline.
So when shopping for toys this Christmas, ask yourself these questions: "What can my child do with this toy or game? Is it flexible in its play opportunities or does it squash the imagination?" Many battery-operated toys are "one - minute wonders" that only do one thing and so are quickly discarded for something else.
Many fashion toys are sending messages to our children by their appearance - for example, Barbie dolls, who even have words on their clothing! If these are not the messages you want your child to receive, resist the advertising pressure and choose something that resonates with your family's values.
Since play is instrumental in young children's learning, choosing Christmas presents for children wisely will pay off in the long term for you, your child and your wallet! Consider the following:

• Puppets and dolls that can "be anyone", according to a child's imagination, will promote rich, engaging play and conversation.
  This pretend play allows children to experience roles different from the ones they have in real life.
  
• Tactile activities, like play-dough, clay, sand and water play are important for small muscle development and great opportunities for expressing emotions.
  Many boys prefer hands-on, active play.
  
• Card and board games are valuable learning tools as children develop skills in taking turns, sharing and understanding rules.
  Keep the games simple for younger children, and play with your children to show them that you enjoy spending time with them and that you value play.
  Group games are also helpful for language development and learning about negotiation.
  
• Outdoor play can be encouraged by providing simple props.
  The backyard can become a jungle with a few toy animals, or a racing circuit with some little cars.
  Ball games will help develop large muscle skills, as will skipping, running and climbing.
  If you are planning to buy climbing equipment, invest in a few pieces that can be moved around to change the experience.
  Ride-on toys are great fun too.
  
• Dress-ups are always popular with girls and boys, and can lead to the most wonderful pretend play that gives children the chance to be whoever they want to be.
  Of course, dress-ups don't have to cost much - they may be clothes you no longer want to wear, opportunity shop finds or even just pieces of fabric.
  Don't forget the hats, bags, ties and jewellery!
• Creative play involving chalk, pencils, paint, paper, scissors and paste opens up endless possibilities for a child to make, re-make, test and try out new skills and ideas, problem-solve and express his or her emotions.
  Small muscle and literacy skills are developed, as well as hand-to-eye coordination.
  
• Construction toys are a great way to promote an awareness of space.
  The concepts of number, shape, size and colour can be learned through building with blocks, doing jigsaw puzzles and with posting boxes.
  
• Music is a relaxing, stress-free experience and can be used for children of all ages.
  It can be comforting for a sad child or help with body awareness through dance.
  Songs contribute to the early learning of language.
  And children can make their own music with just about anything!
• Books are, of course, vital in the lives of children.
  Whether a toddler is looking at the pictures in a board-book, or you are reading a story to your "preppie", or your ten-year-old is working her way through the "Harry Potter" series, the power of language is immense.
  

The amount of fun and the benefits of play for children are not necessarily proportional to the cost of the toys.
In fact, quite the opposite is often true.