Educational toys or popular toys?
By cyberfluf
@cyberfluf (4996)
Netherlands
November 28, 2006 3:22am CST
Do you feel it's important that children have toys that educate them, or should they in the first place appeal to the kid? Would you buy a toy because it's popular and on high demand, or something they can learn from? Or do you mix both, and why?
1 person likes this
17 responses
@breezie (1246)
• Canada
28 Nov 06
The main reason I buy a toy is if my kids are interested in it. They have some educational toys and some regular toys as well. If they are not interested in it they won't play with it and it will be a waste of money.
I think that educating kids is important, but as a child I don't recall having any educational toys and I think that I turned out ok. If there is an educational toy that they are wanting I will buy it, but mostly I buy what they are interested in.
@cyberfluf (4996)
• Netherlands
28 Nov 06
I think that makes a good point. Also, kids learn from their play, the toy isn't even the most important (or so I think). Children can have fun with a log with 2 eyes painted in it for all they care, and it could be a beautiful princess or a pirate, they have great imagination. Thank you for replying.
@brendalee (6082)
• United States
28 Nov 06
I tend to do both. I try to get the educational toys but once in awhile I get something just because its popular. I am lucky though because I am buying for my grandsons who are too young to know whats popular. But for my youngest grandson, hes 5 months and deaf, I will be getting toys that stimulate his other senses.
@cyberfluf (4996)
• Netherlands
28 Nov 06
It's a good thing you get him toys that stimulate his other sences, it's a good extra for him. Are his parents also active on teaching him sign language? (and of course learning it themselves?) It seems like it's a really hard language to learn.
I also like your solution on buying educational or popular toys, thank you for replying.
@braveheartpt (3037)
• Portugal
29 Nov 06
I always try to bought educational toys but those who let the child growing like a child and not to fast. There´s a time and a place to everything. I really don´t go after popular stuff, they are almost all the time just popular, nothing more.
@annfeb (1)
• United States
22 Aug 11
I think education is important but I think exploration is more important. This allows a child to explore his or her own passions, interests, likes, and abilities. I don't go for what is popular unless it has an important value for the child. See www.all-baby-toys.com for more information.
@milk_shaking (227)
• United States
29 Nov 06
we try to stick with educational toys, and if we do go with the popular toys.. we really steer away from electronic toys... and stick to things that will keep her imagination going. she loves Littlest pet shop toys and breyer horses ( well any horses for that matter ) BUT NO WAY IN HELL is she going to get those HOOCHIE bratz dolls.. those are an abomination...
@ElusiveButterfly (45941)
• United States
28 Nov 06
I only give gifts that allow the child to use his/her creativity. I have never bought the toys that are "popular". Those toys usually end up on the bottom of the toy box. The ones that are used most are playdoh, paints, beads, etc.
