Things to Look for When Buying Toys for Kids

Oct. 10, 2011 - PRLog -- The toy industry is a serious business. Every month, toy manufacturers release a new line of  toys and games for kids. For any parent and child-development researcher, choosing what kids’ toys to buy is not as easy as it sounds.

Child-development and play experts offer these tips to keep in mind when filling your own child’s toy box:

   Appropriateness - Look for toys that match a child's stage of development.  Age and gender are two important factors that help parents find kids’ toys that are right for their child. The toys should fit the child's abilities as well. Do not give complex science toys to two-year-olds since they will not benefit from them. Follow the age indicated on the toy packaging. It should also serve as your guide to better kids’ toy choices.

   Play Value - Rather than giving in to a child's request for the latest craze, parents should pick toys that are related to the child's interests.

“The key is to follow your children’s interests and to not be limited by what they ask for,” says Susan Oliver, director of Playing for Keeps, an organization dedicated to promoting healthy and constructive play.

Oliver advises parents to watch how their kids spend their time when given the choice and let that serve as a guide. If your child likes sports, then give him sports toys of various kinds. If she enjoys drawing and painting, go for arts and craft toys.

“Almost any play material can present opportunities for being creative, imaginative and constructive,” says W. George Scarlett, Ph.D., assistant professor of child development at Tufts University. Parents should not ask what toys or play materials are considered as educational toys and creative toys, Scarlett advises, but rather how the child’s interests can create opportunities for learning and creating with a particular toy.

   Toy Quality - Toys should be safe, durable, easy to use and visually interesting. According to Early Childhood Educator Isabel Johnson, the best kids’ toys are those that are well built, safe, attractive and encourage hands-on exploration. “It is always safe to offer children one of the ‘old reliables.’ Things like blocks, balls, dolls and costumes are always good because they appeal to both genders and because they also support imaginary and creative play.

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