What things make the best gifts for kids? That, of course, depends upon the individual children. Consider a child's age, location, interests and friends before purchasing any gifts. Why consider friends? Friends have much to do with what your children will do. Don't try to buy friends for your child, but what may be popular with one child may not be popular with others. If your child's friends aren't interested in the gift you choose, it may sit idle while the children search for other things to keep themselves occupied.

Of course, children aren't always out playing with friends. When kids are at home, books are an important resource. In fact, books are some of the best gifts for kids. An educational gift is always a good choice. An early interest in reading can do much to help a child in school and to obtain a lifelong interest in learning. You don't have to concentrate only on works of nonfiction to help a child learn. Get books that interest your child-books rekindle a love of reading. If your child likes fiction, get fiction.

Children learn more than you might think even from imaginary tales. Not only does reading help them learn, but it ignites a desire to continue to peruse other works as they grow older. As you choose books, consider award-winning works. As a parent, you may still need to do a little of your own screening, but award-winning books generally are considered the best of the best.

Within reason, gifts that require interaction are better for developing the mind than those that don't. When gifts require no interaction, children tend to rely on emotional responses rather than critical thinking. When no analysis takes place, intelligence lags. Gifts that involve interaction, such as video games, are probably better for the brain than DVD movies. There are many popular video games on the market, and many are very affordable.

If you decide to purchase video games for your child, opt for those that help them learn or stay physically active. Video games that provide a steady diet of theft, killing, and other illegal or immoral acts can give your child less compunction for similar activities in the real world. If you are considering a video game for your child, check out the Wii gaming system. Some of the games available for the Wii, such as Outdoor Challenge, require running, jumping and other activities than can help keep your child in good physical condition. It is an especially great way to keep them entertained on rainy days when they can't get outside.

Anything that gets your child out of a chair and running around outdoors helps to improve physical fitness. Outdoor sporting equipment can develop both your child's mind and body. Obesity in young people is largely due to inactive lifestyles. Baseball, basketball, hockey, and other rigorous sports help develop stronger bodies, mental acuity and hand-eye coordination. Choose sports equipment that will interest your child. Not all children love baseball. Not all children love basketball. However, there is usually some sport that will interest your children enough to get them outside and running around. Even hopscotch is better than sitting in front of a television five hours a day.

You could buy land in each of the 50 states for kids too. Okay, simply one square inch in any or all of the states. They'll receive a deed to each piece of their property and be able to mount them on the wall confirming their ownership. If given with a piece of history from you, each square inch of land brings a special meaning to your child. By the way, they cannot build on their one square inch of land, and it holds zero investment potential, but they do not have to pay taxes on it, nor upkeep it either and the novelty of it all is absolutely a great gift for any child.