A Nutty Mom

Each person will have a favorite toy as a child, whether it’s dollhouse, a teddy bear or an electric train set.

Indeed, play an important part of childhood development and as a child gets older, they move to a new toy that is more sophisticated and more challenging present mental or physical. In short, the toy is a tool that helps develop a child’s mind, fantasy and creativity, and usually the cornerstone of every happy childhoods.

This may be a popular misconception, however, that the toy of the 21st century have to be expensive, electronic gadgets and that something that does not have a collection of beeps and blinking lights will only give birth to a child. However, nothing could be further from the truth.

As far as ancient Greek and Roman times the children play with balls and dolls, rattles and carts, so that actually not all that different today. Of course, popular culture has provided a huge influence on what is selling toys and what not.

Cinema and TV throughout the 20th century have influenced what happened to the children’s Christmas wish-list. Cowboy and Indian costumes, Star Wars figurines and movie-branded stationery, packaged lunch boxes and clothes all the gifts have been popular for years.

For parents, buying toys for their children may become confused because there are so many options. Many of them are not cheap either: what if their kids take one look at the new pony Fisher-Price, only to escape for just playing with the wrapping paper?

There is never any certainty that a child will love their new toys. However, there are some points to consider before parting with cash. For example, searching for toys according to age – most packaging-will show what age group the toy is intended for. Consider the educational toys that have rules and directions – it will help them learn social skills without end.

No one knows a child like their parents – so choose toys that match their interests. If they love animals, consider a pet gerbil or artificially intelligent animal like a hamster toy Zu Zu.

Older kids get more they will develop their own interests and should become easier with time to find out what toys will stimulate and engage them the most – and remember: do not have cost the earth to entertain kids, children need only mentally involved and what they can interact with and have fun with good enough.