How much notice do you, and should we, take of age recommendations for toys?

[bramblina]

Started looking at some new toys for ds's Christmas and everything bar rattles and stacking rings has an age suggestion of 3+.
Ds loves to play with smaller components now, loves to see things "do" things (ELC's click clack track and wooden pull along train where the wooden blocks thread on to the poles, for eg) and loves "posting" things in boxes and the like. He has shape sorters and stacking cups, likes these simple but effective toys.
I think he'd love a little tool set and things similar but wonder how blind I'm being by a valid reason (I'm also aware of the obvious danger, I'm talking about supervised play here)...experiences anyone?
I am aware of not trying to make him grow up too quick by getting him next stage toys but I relly feel there's not much for him at this stage.

My DD is 3 and to be honest has had loads of 3+ toys since about 18 months. As other have said, as long as they are supervised and stupidly small bits are removed I dont think there is any harm.

Prime exacmple the Fifi Watering can house. It comes with figures and furniture, but also had loads of plates and cup etc that are smaller than screw heads. We took these away until DD tunred 3, and she thought its was great when she got them back - it gave the whole set another lease of life.