September 13, 2010
I want to buy jewelry for my children-Susan and Jonathan-who are 8 and 6, but I don't know what I should be looking for, and I don't know if there are some things you should and some things that you shouldn't buy for children... Thanks a lot for your help in getting me past this problem!
September 18, 2010
Well, for one thing, do not buy them anything that they can just take of in two seconds. They will just remove these things and lose them. That means no rings, for sure, and no earrings that don't have backings, or necklaces that can be lifted over the head, or bracelets that can be easily slipped of the wrist. I thing good ideas are bracelets with a clasp, or that have to be unlocked in some way in order to be removed. Necklaces with special charms or hanging things (my Jewish friend gave her 7 year old daughter a gold mezzuzah pendant, which she can't take off without help) on them, but not chokers, since those can be dangerous. If your daughter has pierced ears, earrings that have backings on them, or little hoops, are great for kids. Be careful if you have younger kids at home, too, though, because really small parts that your children can remove might be swallowed by a baby or toddler. For your son a necklace with a uni-sex or boyish pendant seems like a nice idea. Also twine necklaces or friendship bracelets, even made with some nice materials, are good. You could bring your kids to a jewelry making store and have them help you design something for them, too. That would make them excited, probably, and help keep them interested enough to make an attempt to be responsible with the items later on.
September 15, 2010
Obviously there's a risk in buying jewelry for kids since they may have a tendency to lose it or break it. If you talk to them about the risks of wearing jewelry, you may be able to prevent such accidents. Some kids are more mature than others when it comes down to taking care of expensive items and might be responsible when wearing the jewels. Earrings with backings might be the way to go with your daughter. With your son, maybe a watch or necklace. I would stay away from rings, since they may get lost.