Most children love to play with toys, regardless of time or place; however, toys tend to take on an altogether more important significance at Christmas time. And whether you're looking for Christmas toys for your children, young relatives, or to give to charity, you'll always find yourself surrounded by toys as the world enters the festive season.

Collecting toys for charity at Christmas time has been a long-running annual affair for countless charitable families, as well as many church groups. At Greyfriars Church Centre in Reading, for example, people have already begun sending toys and tins of food for its annual Christmas collection; these will be donated to needy children around the city. John Brown, caretaker of the church bookshop said:

"I think it is a brilliant idea and it is great to see the generosity of people in Reading bringing in toys and tins to make Christmas for the children."

If you have children of your own, Christmas can undoubtedly get rather hectic. A great way to encourage your kids to be more pro-active when it comes to Christmas preparation is by making them create their own Christmas cards and decorations. Buy some speciality Christmas arts and crafts supplies, such as blank cards, colour in cards, glitter-glue pens and Christmas stickers; patterned paper chains or DIY Christmas cracker sets will also provide children with some creative fun and will keep them busy while you start making the Christmas pudding!

When it comes to buying toys for your children at Christmas, it can be hard to take into account their constantly changing tastes. However, there are some classic toys that children, especially younger ones, will always delight in. Infant girls, for example, always take pleasure in large doll houses to house their collection of figurines. Girls also usually enjoy games or toy sets that revolve around fairies; toys like the Early Learning Centre's Fairy Wonderland Christmas toys, for instance, provide a miniature fairy kingdom with which little girls can fantasise.

Young boys, on the other hand, are often attracted to the darker side of adventure; 3-8 year olds, particularly, often enjoy playing with cars and garages, train models and rockets. All children enjoy toys related to recent films, and this Christmas season sees the release of the 'Santa Clause 3' and happy-go-lucky penguin cartoon 'Happy Feet'. Alternatively, if you're looking for educational toys that teach your child to write and read, or toys that encourage physical activity, like trampolines, you're sure to find a large variety of toys to choose from at Christmas. After all, keeping your children happy and remembering those less fortunate than you are twin thoughts that equate to a fantastic Christmas and a true understanding of its spirit.

About the author:
Andrew Regan recently went on holiday to Sydney Australia where the photos were taken.