For any child, a swing set makes a great gift. However, it's important to make sure that you choose the right one for your child's age. Sets that are appropriate for older children could be dangerous if younger ones use them, and equipment that's good for toddlers might not stand up to the kind of play that older children usually engage in. Picking the right set for the age of the child is important, both for safety and your child's fun. The three options you're most likely to encounter in kids swingsets are plastic, steel, or wood.

Babies and toddlers can use molded plastic swing seats, or, as they grow older, a plastic swing set or playground center. Remember that plastic swing sets and playground equipment can be grown out of quickly, and that they can deteriorate if left outside. That means that they'll need to have a good indoor storage location. However, they offer rounded edges and hidden mechanisms to save little fingers. Avoid models that have any sharp or rough edges.

Metal kids swingsets are long lasting and sturdy. However, less expensive models can be too light weight, and can deteriorate over time. Look for galvanized steel over painted models, since paint can peel, and the swing set underneath will rust. A galvanized metal kids swing set will last a long time with minimal maintenance. Be careful about possible safety hazards, and avoid letting very small children play on a metal swing set. Older kids should be just fine, however, as long as some supervision is given. Remember to fasten your swingset down securely to prevent it from tipping and allow it to take the strain of use by energetic children.

Wooden kids swing sets can have a greater visual appeal than metal models. They're also durable and classic, and come with their own set of safety hazards. Splinters can occur if the wood is inadequately finished, or if it splinters due to weather damage. There's a wide variety of options on the market in terms or quality and types of wood. Look for something that fits your budget, but isn't cheaply made. You can choose from sets that have been preassembled, removing all work from you, ones that are merely precut, and must be assembled before installation, and plans to build your own timber swing set. Like metal swingsets, wooden ones must be firmly fastened to the ground for safety reasons, and are most appropriate for use by older children, since small kids can be injured on them.