5 things to consider before you buy another toy

There are more than enough toy options out there. Do you know how to pick good one? The kind your child will actually play with or keep their interest for more than a day or two?

We’re often asked by clients, friends and family what the best toys are to purchase or gift. And so to you, 5 things we consider before buying another toy. Call it a checklist, call it a guide, we want to help you invest in timeless toys your children can play with for years to come. We hope so much it’s helpful!

1. SAFETY FIRST!

   Is there a potential choking hazard? If a child is still mouthing toys, make sure there are no possible choking hazards.

2. Fits a personal Interest

   What are they into these days? Is it a favorite character or theme? Do they love to play outside or do they enjoy hands-on sensory activities? If you were to tell me about them, what might you say? The goal is to find a toy our children will be excited about it and that it sustains their attention!

3. offers Language + learning opportunities

   What could the toy teach? Does it inspire basic concepts and functional vocabulary like shapes, letters, and number cognition? Will it boost logical thinking, encourage pretend play, or improve motor skills? In short we like to consider what benefits the child might truly gain from playing with the toy.

4. Mulit-purpose

   Is it multi-purpose? Toys that can be used for multiple purposes are great for expanding a child’s imagination. Consisder washi-tape. From a sticker, to a runway or road for vehicles, the possibilities become endless. Then next time you’re looking at a toy, what parts of the toy might be used in another ways. Here are a few more examples:

   • Take a ball from a ball popper toy and use it to roll, throw, and catch.

   • Use a dollhouse to pretend it’s a school, hotel, or doctor's office. 

   • Play silks can be part of a magical fairy land, dancing dreams, or a simple blanket for baby.

5. 90% child. 10% toy.

   We love the 90/10 perspective! It’s a reminder that it’s not the thing that counts, it’s what can be done with it! You’ve probably heard the phrase “open-ended toys” before and the concept is similar. An open ended toy has no “start” and no “end” (and no batteries). There’s limitless creativity. In the same way, a toy that fits the 90/10 mantra is a toy that requires a child to be proactive! They do the work, not the toy.