Whether you're shopping for birthdays, graduations, or the holidays, finding great gifts for kids can be difficult. Although you're inundated with television commercials touting the latest toys and electronics, and the choices may seem overwhelming, most toys and electronics fade as fast as a sheet of wrapping paper left out in the sun. The trick to buying gifts for kids - whether they're your own or someone else's - is to select toys and electronics with longevity. Here are some suggestions:

Gaming Consoles: An Xbox, a Playstation, or a GameCube is a great gift for boys and girls who are into gaming. As the child grows and develops, his or her tastes in games may change, but the gaming console will still be useful. Even as new generations of gaming consoles are developed, the Xbox, Playstation and GameCube will continue in popularity, in large part because there are so many video games available for those platforms.

Video Games: If you're shopping for a kid who already has a gaming console and who is an avid player, video games make the perfect gift. Prior to making a selection, it's helpful to know which video games your intended recipient already owns and what genre of games he or she enjoys. When choosing a game, pay attention to its rating: a rating of "E" is for everyone, a rating of "T" is for teens, and a rating of "M" is for adults. You may also want to check websites that have video games reviews to ensure that the title you're selecting is considered to have good playability.

Toys: Selecting the proper toys is greatly dependant upon the ages of the children for whom you're buying gifts. There are many electronics toys available for children ranging in age from toddlers to teens. When choosing electronics toys, it's best to think long-term. The best toys are versatile enough to grow with the child, so that he or she can enjoy them for years, rather than months.

Jewelry: Little girls and big girls alike love jewelry. A keepsake piece, such as a bracelet or necklace, will be something she will treasure for the rest of her life. Costume jewelry is also fun for a variety of ages. Little girls can use it to play dress-up, while teens can use costume jewelry to accessorize according to the latest fads. Elementary-age girls will also love jewelry craft kits, so that they can create their own masterpieces.

Sports: Whether the kid is a player or a fan, you can't go wrong in selecting a sports-related gift. From a jersey with his favorite player's number to a soccer ball she can use for practice, a sports gift will always be appreciated.