Choosing the right toy for a youngster can be difficult for parents. Occasionally, we wrack our brains, unsure of the greatest toy for our children or whether the object we have picked actually benefits the youngster. Because one thing is certain: every child plays during their youth. Playing benefits children’s neurological development by allowing them to gain new abilities and discover the world in which we live.
We wish to discuss the fundamental concepts of childhood play in this post so that you may choose an appropriate toy for your children. While this piece is geared toward young children, the ideas it espouses are universal.
The Importance of Play
Any action in which a youngster engaged that is not part of their everyday routine is considered play. This activity has no end because the child is not pursuing a defined aim. In this sense, if we asked a tiny child why he or she plays, he or she would likely be stumped for an explanation.
Play promotes a child’s neurological development by strengthening several brain areas such as physical exercise, language, social interactions, problem-solving, and emotion regulation. Thus, play is a critical activity through which the child learns about the world around them and develops new skills.
Skills Enhanced by Traditional Toys
As previously said, toys encourage play, and through play, children can gain new skills. Historically, toys have been classified according to the regions of brain development they encourage.
1. Manipulative or fine motor play: This style of play helps the child develop dexterity and fine motor skills. Typically, it is a sort of play that begins at a very young age. Building blocks, games with pieces that fit together, and puzzles are all examples of this type of toy.
2. Physical or gross motor play: Unlike the preceding one, these activities help to develop the child’s physical abilities. Balls and tricycles are excellent examples of these toys.
3. Symbolic or referential play: Through this type of play, children learn to take on roles, replicate real-world situations, and expand their imagination. Dolls, automobiles, a kitchenette, or a coffee set are all examples of this sort.
4. Creative play: These are typically toys that foster a child’s imagination and creativity, such as plasticine, paintings, and musical instruments.
5. Conceptual or linguistic games: These require the child to engage in a series of mental processes in order to decode enigmas or solve difficulties, as well as analyse events. Books, card games, board games, and puzzle-solving games are all examples.
Electronic Toys, are They Better Than the Traditional Ones?
We live in a technologically advanced society, so it’s unsurprising that many of the toys marketed today integrate some of that technology. The issue we should be asking is if these technology toys are superior to traditional toys. The answer is unequivocal: They are not.
Additionally, electronic toys typically cost more than traditional toys. Although this does not mean they are superior, and in no case have they been proved to develop neurological skills to a higher level than a typical toy. Make no mistake about it; classic toys provide far more possibilities than the vast bulk of modern toys.
Now let’s look at some of the best toys you can buy for your child this Christmas.
1. Linkimals Dance n Groove Cool Beats Penguin
Price: £34.99
Age suitability: 9 months+ | Best for age: 9 months+
The newest member of the bestselling Linkimals family, the 24cm-tall Cools Beats Penguin flaps his flippers and bobs from side to side when his buttons are pressed, along with a variety of lights and musical noises. Additionally, sounds and phrases aid in the teaching of numbers, shapes, letters, and opposites.
Apart from his soft flippers, he’s a fairly sturdy toy (not really cuddly), but his dancing is quite adorable – and hence quite tempting to kids. If you have any other Linkimals, they will interact and throw a brief dance party.
2. Imaginext DC Super Friends Bat-Tech BatBot and Batman Figure
Price: £99.99
Age Suitability: 3+ | Best for Age: 4+ | Batteries: 3 x AA (included)
A massive (60cm-tall) plastic Batman robot on wheels that changes into a ‘flying mode’ playset complete with sounds, a prison for bad guys, a light-up control centre (complete with a cockpit for a mini-Batman figure), and shooting discs and arrows. Our child tester Thomas, 4, (shown above) enjoyed locking up “the bad guys” and chasing and capturing other toys with BatBot.
3. LEGO Super Mario Adventures with Luigi Starter Course
Price: £49.99
Age Suitability: 6+ | Best for Age: 7+
A 280-piece LEGO set based on the bestselling Mario Starter Course from last year. The concept is the same, but this time Luigi is the star: you design a path for him and then send him about, earning virtual money along the way – all while his speaker plays the famed Super Mario music and he reacts to the game via LCD screens in his eyes, mouth, and belly. We particularly enjoy the Spinning Seesaw Challenge included in this lesson – it’s a lot of fun! Includes figures of Pink Yoshi, Boom Boom, and Bone Goomba.
4. Kindi Kids Kids Poppi Pearl Bubble N Sing
Price: £29.99
Age suitability: 3+ | Best for age: 3+
A 27-cm-tall stiff doll with soft-touch limbs that blows ice cream-scented bubbles thrillingly. You feed her the bubble solution in a bottle and then press the shell on her bikini to see the bubbles pour out (and they do!). Additionally, she performs a Happy Bubble song. Addie, 3 (shown), our child tester, adored this doll — both for the bubbles and the singing.
5. Nerf Blaster Inline Scooter with Blaster & Darts
Price: £20
Age suitability: 5+ | Best for age: 5+ | Max user weight: 50kg
A 3.5kg scooter equipped with PVC wheels, a non-slip footplate, and – most excitingly – a handlebar-mounted Nerf blaster! A rear-mounted footbrake and easy-grip handlebars are included. It’s worth mentioning that, at 77.5cm tall, it’s not the world’s tallest scooter, and the handlebars cannot be adjusted for height, making it unsuitable for youngsters past the age of roughly 6. Additionally, the holster for the Nerf blaster is a little fragile. Includes five pellets.
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