What is Value in a toy?

Is the value of a toy linked to how much you paid for it? Or how many toys a child has?

While classic toys aren't flashy, in your face, trendy or noisy, they are time tested, durable and what parents really truly crave for their children. While these toys may may not necessarily instantly capture the impulse attention off the shelf, they will capture your child's attention and imagination again, and agian. Then these toys will go on to capture your grandchildren's imagination as well. That's why we created heirloomwoodentoys.com

Your guide to getting the most value
when choosing toys this holiday season.

1.  Play value - Open ended and imaginative toys are an important part of any child's toybox.  Toys of this nature capture a child's attention and help them grow cognitively by allowing them to try various combinations.  Some successful, and some not.  And they will come back to this type of toy time and time again as they learn and grow.

2.  Durability value -Well made, long lasting, toys are treasured and passed on through the generations.  We are always sad when we see toys in the dumpster because one little bitty plastic part broke, and the whole toy becomes useless.  Toys are made to be played with, and that includes some measure of beating, climbing on, jumping on, rides down the stairs, etc.  A great toy wears better with time.

3.  Growth value - Can the toy be added to, or can the toy be played with only one way? Truly great toys can be added to over time.  An example would be wooden train track or blocks.

4.  Learning value - Toys that help develop gross and fine motor skills, cognitive skills, and increasing self esteem by allowing a child to positively interacting with their environment, are always a good bet.  With manipulative toys, children are practicing all the time. Offer your child toys like bead mazes, sorting counters and other manipulative toys.

5. There is also the value of safety in a toy - The most important thing to us as parents is the safety of our children. Make sure the toys you give to your children are well made, and don't pose a hazard.  We also carry some items such as The Learning Tower which enhance the safety of your home while helping your child interact with you in the "above counter height" world of adults. 

There is also value to having fewer pieces around the house and decreased noise pollution.  We were watching an interview on one of the national network morning shows. The parents being interviewed seemed to all be saying the same thing.  They wanted less noise and fewer pieces in a toy to get scattered around the house.  The hosts then proceeded to line up and showcase a whole host of toys that were battery operated, noisy, and had lots and lots of pieces.  Do parents really want flashy, trendy, easy to break toys that will capture a child's attention for only a short time?  Perhaps parents and grandparents are really looking for value.