What makes a good toy for Christmas?

Press, 19 December 1985, Page 10

What makes a good toy for Christmas?

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by

MAVIS AIREY

The most important toy a child has is you, the Consumers’ Institute reminds parents. A toy is, after all, merely an accessory to play. And the most important aid to play a child has is the parent who listens, encourages, talks, stimulates ideas, answers questions, and endeavours to keep interested at all times. No toy can substitute for this.

One of the greatest illusions you can have is to imagine that toys can substitute for the parent-child relationship. Before you buy toys, ask yourself whether there is something at home which might serve much the same purpose, they advise. This will not only save you money, but give the

child the pleasure of playing with “grown-up” things.

The Consumers’ institute suggests a good toy should conform to most — but not necessarily all — of the following principles: • It must be fun — No fun means no interest from the child — and a useless toy. Remember that the toy must be fun for the child, not just the adjult buying it. © It should provide an activity with a purpose — Toys that involve no activity from the child are unlikely to hold interest for long. The activity should provide a sense of achievement and satisfaction.

©lt should encourage play — A good toy invites children to fiddle with it and work it out, or encourages them to start a game.

® It must appeal for a lengthy period — The child should be able to do different things with it as skills develop. © It should provide for use of imagination — The opportunity for creativity in play is important. One indication that a toy is a good one is when a child does something completely unexpected with it. © It must be durable — Toys that break easily are annoying to the child and a waste of your money. They can be dangerous too, when broken. © It should teach or develop skills — Preferably, a toy will combine an intellectual skill with a physical one.

© It needs to work — Even at a very young age, children get annoyed by

toys that do not work, like some plastic tools. Real tools can be used under supervision from an early age. © It may help a child develop social understanding — Board and card games develop co-operation and confidence with other people.

® It should be attractive to the child — Remember that what looks and feels good to your child may not do so to you. © It must be safe — Avoid sharp edges and pieces that can come off and be swallowed. Toys that are safe for an older child can be dangerous to a toddler.

© It should be suitable to the child’s age and capabilities — A new toy must offer a suitable challenge to the child’s ability — not too difficult and not too simple. Gift buyers should talk with parents first rather than waste money on an unsuitable toy.