In my opinion, If you want to give a toy to a child buy a handmade one! There are so many fantastic things, that are safe, cute, adorable, not expensive. Kids have lots of toys "made in China"... They don't need more..
If it's a baby I usually get a sensory block or blanket - babies love them! Especially if they have many ribbons.
If the kid is older, I buy a had-sewn toy or a game.
Like this:
Or this:
