Are Simple Toys the More Viable Option?

Parents – of every generation – have to face the same enigma over and over. One moment they buy their child a new shiny, talking robot toy, and the next, their kid is already bored of it. We’ve all seen this happen as this situation is neither uncommon nor unheard of.

However, the more important question is: Does this mean that you should get your child more complex toys that host various shiny functions? The simple answer is no.

Before we delve into the details – here’s what a group of pediatrics had to say concerning simple toys:

“Flashy electronic toys may catch our attention as adults, but more basic toys like blocks, books, dolls, and puzzles are recommended because they help spark a child’s imagination and, most importantly, encourage quality playtime between parent and child.”

The question arises as to why this is, but worry not. You’ll have plenty of reasons to back this study up once you’re done with this blog.

WHY ARE SIMPLE TOYS BETTER?

1.    Simple toys give kids full autonomy

When we talk about simple toys, we usually mean jigsaw puzzles, Rubik’s cubes, and building blocks because children want to control their playtimes as often as possible, thus marking one of the major reasons your child gets bored of modern-day toys. Usually, they require the child to push a button or pull a lever to perform repetitive actions, forfeiting open-ended play.

Instead, you should buy open-ended toys that allow your child to figure things out independently.

In other words, children don’t like to be controlled by their toys and want to retain command over their playtimes as much as they can. Kathy Hersh-Pasek, a professor of psychology, stated that toys are mere platforms to facilitate open-ended play and should remain as such.

2.    Simple toys facilitate learning through play

As humans, our desire to understand and learn from our surroundings drives us to new and more open-ended experiences. And minding the fact that children are always inclined to lean towards creativity, adventure, exploration, and imagination, it is only natural for them to desire toys that facilitate their way of thinking.

Simple toys promote the growth of essential cognitive skills, such as spatial reasoning, cause-and-effect, and fine motor skills.

Parents should always provide their children with age-appropriate basic toys that challenge them mentally.

3.    Simple toys encourage kids to use their imagination

A common principle that is widely accepted is that children are born problem-solvers, artists, and explorers. So when a toy asks them to do one thing or a sequence of actions repeatedly, this limits the child’s creativity.

Most electronic toys do all the work for children, with the push of a button, though convenient for adults, this same situation for kids can prove to be limiting. On the other hand, simple toys promote these creative bursts of imagination that allow innovative ideas to prosper, thus benefiting your child mentally and physically. An example of such toys is a dimmable light pad or an electronic drawing book.

Dr. Sharon Saline, a clinical psychologist, says:

“While electronic toys can be compelling and educational with their lights, sounds, letters, numbers, and moving images, they don’t foster two important aspects of play for young children: imagination and connection.” 

4.    Simple toys are far more affordable

As much as you want to believe them, toy manufacturing companies don’t care about your child’s growth. They only care about profitability and market their toys in ways that compel parents to buy them, afraid that they will be hindering their child’s development if they don’t.

Let’s get one thing straight. This is all a façade. Having many features in a toy isn’t bad per se. However, it doesn’t really help them grow.

Whereas in the case of basic and simple toys, your child has their creativity and imagination at their own disposal. Not to mention that the very thing that grants them their edge over electronic toys also makes them cost-efficient.

A FEW RECOMMENDATIONS

At Kidz Country, if there’s one thing we know, it’s that all kids are different, and so are their preferences. However, we’ve made a list of our best selling toys of 2022 below:


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