Ages limits on toys, how closely to abide?

[mamaloco]

DD1 will be 6 yo, a month after Xmas. She is making a list with the usual things for an almost 6 year old (princesses, poneys, babugan...), but she also really want either a microscope or a telescope.
I found some toy ones which are cheap but they are all from 8 +.
How closely to follow the advice on the box. Is it because most under 8 would be bored with it or is there a real risk ? I understand a chemical set would be appropriate for a 6 yo but a microscope...
WWYD?

[IMoveTheStars]

I think at that age it's guidance rather than a limit regarding any kind of safety issue.

Only thing I'd worry about would be if she doesn't quite understand how to use it, and gets bored with it before she's old enough to really appreciate it

[mamaloco]

No input from us (even if I am a scientist). According to her, she wants a microscope to look at tiny things and a telescope to look at the stars. I don't thing a toy one would be very complicated to operate. I am a bit scared that she will be disappointed that it is not "better" and will get bored. I am not sure how much you can see with them.

[chillipickle]

Ooh, interesting question. Not that I can comment from experience, as my DCs are much younger, but I would expect a toy for an 8yo to be similar to one for a 6yo in terms of safety, so would agree with Jareth that it's more about guidance.

Anyway, I had a quick look on amazon and saw this - which several reviewers say they have bought for 6-year-olds.

Actually I wouldn't mind one myself!

[onimolap]

I think that, aside from safety warnings on small parts and the under-3s, they are very imprecise guidelines.

If she really wants one, and you have the time to help her with it until she gets the hang of it, then go for it.

National Geographic were selling good value telescopes this time last year - I gave one to a boy for his 6th birthday and he thought it was great.