Educational Toys Buying Guide
Educational toys are an excellent way to introduce children to different subject areas. They can be a great way for kids to cope with their education and can be an invaluable tool. Educational toys offer a variety of learning exercises and activities that encourage interest and excitement. Some kids might like to explore new areas, while others want to brush up on classic subjects.
The purpose of educational toys is to develop creativity and improve motor skills in kids. While there are multiple types of educational toys available, most have a basic theme and focus on many topics. There are many other significant factors to consider before making a decision. This guide will focus on them as well as on some of their benefits.
Benefits of Learning & Education Toys
Enhances Motor Skills
As kids stretch their hands or walk to solve the puzzles and gather cardboard pieces, their motor skills get developed. Growing little muscles in hands and fingers will help strengthen fine motor abilities This way their growth & development occurs. This also encourages hand-eye coordination in kids.
Encourage Imagination & Creativity
Go for educational toys that allow them to imagine and create. Many educational toys are attractive and engaging that uses hands, eyes, and a creative mind to make something new while solving those puzzles. This will encourage the kids to use logic thus, further developing their skills.
Helps in Boosting IQ
Educational toys help to increase general intelligence, verbal, reading, and writing skill set. It also helps in developing their ability to perform tasks and reasoning skills. Most toys provide a combination of information, prompts, and puzzles. These toys typically have the text and/or prompts for comprehension. Some are interactive, while others let you answer questions. This way, they help boost your child's IQ.
Increase Social and Emotional Intelligence
With educational toys, kids incline towards communication, interaction and develop empathy. These toys will put your kids through different social circumstances that include sharing, caring, helping, bonding, etc. Playing also builds them emotionally as they react to feelings, for example, anger, laughter, jealousy and sadness. Moreover, they can indulge in some healthy competition too.
Factors to Consider While Buying Learning & Education Toys
Age
Educational toys should accord to the child’s age guidelines. Younger children enjoy the simpler games. They are usually easier and not challenging. Older kids often enjoy challenging games, and many learning toys come designed keeping their age and psychological development in mind. Thus, check the labels and ensure that the toy is ideal for your kid's age.
Safety
Safety should be your priority when using an educational toy. Usually, a play toy doesn't pose any threat to your kids' health. However, the smaller pieces of puzzles can be harmful, if they swallow them accidentally. Also, make sure that puzzles do not have any sharp points or edges. You can also remove all the unused pieces and accessories for added safety.
Child's Interest and Abilities
Before a toy can contribute to your child's development, they should be interested in playing with it. If your child is into dinosaurs, search for games and toys that have dinosaurs. Or, if your kids like building, consider buying a bunch of letters to encourage their interest. Also, ensure that the weight and size of the toys should be according to your child's age and abilities.
Easy to Use and Clean
Educational toys should be easy to use and clean. There should be an easy-to-read indicator, and the toy should come with instructions. Keep an eye on the material as durable ones like plastic or steel can be easily washed, while some materials require caution.
Easy to Store
Most of the educational toys come with a sturdy and compact wooden or plastic case for easy storage and portability. Before buying the toy you should check if your toy comes with a storage box and whether it is easily portable.
Conclusion
Age
Educational toys should accord to the child’s age guidelines. Younger children enjoy the simpler games. They are usually easier and not challenging. Older kids often enjoy challenging games, and many learning toys come designed keeping their age and psychological development in mind. Thus, check the labels and ensure that the toy is ideal for your kid's age.
Safety
Safety should be your priority when using an educational toy. Usually, a play toy doesn't pose any threat to your kids' health. However, the smaller pieces of puzzles can be harmful, if they swallow them accidentally. Also, make sure that puzzles do not have any sharp points or edges. You can also remove all the unused pieces and accessories for added safety.
Child's Interest and Abilities
Before a toy can contribute to your child's development, they should be interested in playing with it. If your child is into dinosaurs, search for games and toys that have dinosaurs. Or, if your kids like building, consider buying a bunch of letters to encourage their interest. Also, ensure that the weight and size of the toys should be according to your child's age and abilities.
Easy to Use and Clean
Educational toys should be easy to use and clean. There should be an easy-to-read indicator, and the toy should come with instructions. Keep an eye on the material as durable ones like plastic or steel can be easily washed, while some materials require caution.
Easy to Store
Most of the educational toys come with a sturdy and compact wooden or plastic case for easy storage and portability. Before buying the toy you should check if your toy comes with a storage box and whether it is easily portable.
Educational toys are available at every level of the educational spectrum. From early elementary school age to the adult life of your kids, they are a significant investment. While there are several types of educational toys available today, multiple sizes, materials and variety make it difficult to buy the best one.
With this buying guide, we have tried to make your buying process easier. Other factors like the price, market reviews, popularity, and the return policy of the educational toy will also help choose the right toys. To know more about your buying options, do take a look at our featured section above. The products mentioned there are reviewed and recommended based on their quality, popularity, and durability.
