How to choose toys that children will love

How to choose toys that children will love

Toys are one of those things that, counter-intuitively, the more advanced they become and the better the toy is supposed to be, kids will engage with them less. The typical example is that of a toy robot with a 500-page instruction manual … we all know that the kid is going to get bored and play with the box. Choose the toys that children will love:-

The problem becomes even more difficult when we buy for other people’s kids. Nieces. Nephews. Friends of the family. Children all have birthdays every year like clockwork. But we don’t know other people’s children very well. How old are they again (see toys for kids by age here)?. What do they love? What do they actively dislike? Things can get a little last-minute when you can’t decide, and last-minute purchases are rarely the best answer.

Quality toys

Let’s just tick this box right away. The cheaper the materials used in the manufacturing of the toy, the less likely it is to survive the first minute of being handled. Bits that snap off and buttons that don’t work are a surefire way to waste your money. Quality toys that can stand up to the rough handling a child is going to dish out can give you at least a chance of buying a gift that might still be on the favourite list this time next month. Buy well. Don’t buy cheap.

Make it entertaining (and only educational if the child shows interest)

There’s an old saying in the gift buying world that you should only buy things for people that they wouldn’t buy for themselves. That’s why toys should be outlandish and fun. The child shouldn’t see it coming. If it’s something they would buy with their own pocket money, it’s already a gift they won’t appreciate. This is your chance to stand out as the favourite aunt or uncle. Choose something sporty or technical or artistic. Take a chance. But only take the educational route if the child has expressed a prior interest in that area – because interactive globes are an expensive way to find out the child doesn’t care one jot about geography.

See also  Throwing the Perfect ‘80s Themed Party

Social value

Many adults can look back with fond memories of spending inordinate amounts of time alone with toys or projects and quietly pottering away without a care in the world. That’s fine. But fast forward to the modern-day and the social value of toys cannot be understated. Where a toy can be used over and over again with other kids, the likelihood is that the toy will find more favour with the child than something that they have to sit and do alone.

For example, building a model aeroplane may be something you think the child would enjoy, but if you have the finances to err on the side of caution and instead opt for a radio-controlled pair of planes (or drones/helicopters/speedboats), the child will want to have races with their friends. Social toys get played with more. It’s an easy win.

Facebook Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *