The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA)
Print this page What to Look for When Buying Toys

Nearly every guide to selecting toys for children emphasizes these five characteristics of a good toy:

  • Play Value
  • Design
  • Values
  • Quality
  • Appropriateness

When you are picking out toys for children, ask yourself how a toy ranks on each of these qualities.

Play value

Does the toy:

  • Promote good, healthy fun?
  • Teach a new concept or skill?
  • Foster creativity?
  • Link home and school?
  • Create enough interest for the child so he plays with the toy over and over again?

Design

Is the toy:

  • Innovative and original?
  • Making good use of materials?
  • Presented in packaging that supports understanding of the product and how to use it?
  • Visually interesting?
  • Easy to use?

Values

Does the toy promote:

  • Social responsibility?
  • Community awareness?
  • Environmental awareness?

Quality

Is the toy:

  • Durable?
  • Safe?
  • Guaranteed?
  • Of high auditory quality (if it make sounds)?

Appropriateness

Does the toy fit the child’s:

  • Age?
  • Gender?
  • Abilities?
  • Interests?

Provided By Susan J. Oliver, Tropomedia
This information is provided on behalf of the toy experts at your neighborhood toy store.

Member Email

Password

Remember me?

Forgot Password?
Join ASTRA
The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association
ADVERTISEMENTADVERTISEMENTADVERTISEMENTADVERTISEMENT
© 2012 The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA)
432 N. Clark St. Suite 401, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 222-0984 phone; (312) 222-0986 fax