• Get a child a birthday gift that encourages creativity and active play.happy birthday image by Ewe Degiampietro from Fotolia.com
  
  If you are not sure of a child's interests, it can be difficult to select an appropriate birthday gift. Avoid the aisle featuring toys based on popular television shows, as you can find a more creative gift that will stimulate a child's imagination. The best gifts will get used more than once and with the exception of books, can be played with by more than one child.
  
  

Book

• A book about a high-interest subject can be a hit.little boy reading a book image by Renata Osinska from Fotolia.com
  
  The gift of a book will not only endear you to a child's parents, but if selected carefully, can help entice a child into the very rewarding world of reading for pleasure. Consider the child's age, maturity level and interests, if you know him. You can find nonfiction titles on almost any subject---many with lavish illustrations and photos. Graphic novels are a good choice for many children, and there are many fiction choices available. A hint: Children tend to prefer fiction with protagonists who are a couple of years older than themselves, according to Scholastic.
  
  

Building Toys

• Building toys can provide hours of entertainment over a period of years.lego 1 image by Nathalie P from Fotolia.com
  
  Toys that can be used to make different creations each time they are played with are popular with most boys and some girls. If you are unsure of a child's particular interest, select a building toy that is not based on a particular character. If the toy is part of a set, consider including a plastic box with the gift to hold the pieces after the toy has been taken out of the box and taken apart. This will increase the chances of the toy being played with over and over.
  
  

Board Game

• Even young children can learn to play chess.chess image by Andrii IURLOV from Fotolia.com
  
  Twister, Connect Four, Monopoly and chess are all games that kids can learn starting at age 6 or 7. These games encourage cooperation and, in some cases, the ability to plan ahead. Your gift will help a child develop socially and intellectually while having a great time with his friends. The child's family is also likely to appreciate having another game to add to their game cabinet to enjoy during family time.
  
  

Outdoor Toys

• Buy two water guns so that a child can play with a friend.water pistol image by Christopher Meder from Fotolia.com
  
  It is hard to go wrong with a toy that is designed for kids to play with outdoors. For years, children have gotten pleasure from playing with basketballs, flying disks and water guns. If you purchase a toy that requires another person's participation to be fun, such as a water gun, give two of the item so that the child can begin playing with a friend after the party.