Family briefs: Toy shopping tips and more.

If you're shopping for a child this holiday season, it's best to match a toy with the child's age and skill level. A few guidelines from Toytips.com:

Infant (birth to 1 year): Toys that feature movement, color, sounds and different textures stimulate a baby's senses. Some to consider: mobiles, rattles, musical toys, floating bath toys.

Toddler (1 to 3): Children this age are learning to walk, speak and imitate sounds. Some options: push-pull toys, puzzles, nesting blocks, building sets and musical toys.

Preschool (3 to 5): Make-believe play, such as with dress-up clothes, enhances imagination and creativity. Other good choices: housekeeping toys, building toys, art supplies, dolls, talking toys, ride-on toys, roller skates and sports toys.

Age 5 to 9: Children in this group make friendships and experience conflicts. Toys such as board games and puzzles encourage participation and teach about winning and losing.

Age 9 to 12: Look for toys that encourage responsibility and independence, that challenge analytical skills, enhance self-esteem and promote social interaction. Some options: mind games, board games, puzzles, sports toys, arts and crafts.

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