The Right Toy

Play is an important way for children to explore the world and learn about themselves and others. Toys are a key element of that learning process.

Toy makers spend millions of dollars each year on advertising. They hope to convince toy shoppers to pick their product over the thousands of other toys available for purchase. Unfortunately, some toys do little to help children grow. Even worse, many are not much fun to play with.

During recent years, parents and educators have become more aware of the importance of choosing the right toy. As a result, consumer groups have developed checklists to help toy buyers make smarter decisions. Below is a list of questions based upon those checklists. You may wish to consider them the next time you buy a toy.

• Is the toy safe?
• Is the toy durable?
• Is the toy suitable for the age of the user?
• Is the toy appealing to the user?
• Does the toy remain useable if pieces are lost?
• Is the toy hygienic?
• Does the toy encourage creativity?
• Does the toy stimulate thinking?
• Does the toy require active involvement by the user?
• Is the toy reasonably priced?
• Can the user manipulate the toy easily?
• Does the toy promote long-term interest?

Few toys, even "good" ones, will fulfill all of these criteria. However, these questions can serve as a useful guide for the shopper. Other factors include the child's interests and whether the cost of the toy is reasonable.