Christmas toy trains are a holiday tradition in many an American household--there are countless families for whom it just wouldn't be Christmas without a miniature electric train winding its way around the Christmas tree. These are not, however, your run-of-the-mill toys. Christmas toy trains are an investment that will bring joy to your holidays for years to come.

A Guide to Shopping for Christmas Toy Trains

One of the first things to consider when shopping for Christmas toy trains is whether or not you want this to be a toy with which children can play. If it's a merely a decorative piece for viewing pleasure only, consider a smaller train, like Z scale. If you want a bigger, heartier train that younger kids will enjoy, a G scale might be the best choice.

Another thing to consider is the placement of your Christmas trains. If you want a train to circle your tree, then a bigger model train, G or O scale, is your best bet. If you want to build a Christmas layout complete with buildings and scenery, a smaller train is a better idea.

The last thing to consider is whether or not this purchase will be a one-shot deal or part of a growing collection. If the train only comes out at Christmas to wind its way around the Christmas tree, then a simple set is probably your wisest option. If you plan on adding to your Christmas layout, then a bigger set complete with a Christmas theme may be the better choice.