Despite a recent backlash by play purists who argue that electronic toys stifle imagination and are environmentally-unfriendly, electronic toys are very popular with children and are taking an increasing share of the toy market.
So what is the appeal of the electronic toys and how can consumers judge whether they will engage their children and promote positive development, or just make annoying noises until the batteries run dry?
Electronic toys, like any type of toy, can be part of a healthy play diet.
“It’s less about how a toy is made and more about the play patterns it encourages,” Dr Amanda Gummer explains to ToyNews.
There are some new kids tablets out now which can engage reluctant learners in educational activities, but this needs complementing with active, social and creative play.
Some electronic toys increase activity levels, encouraging children and others to promote social skills such as communication, sharing and turn-taking.
There are even electronic toys available that can help children with anger management issues and emotional development.
There’s an increasing demand for environmentally responsible toys and electronics can struggle with this, but solar powered and wind-up toys are becoming increasingly widely available, giving kids the fun of the lights and sounds without giving parents the expense or environmental concerns associated with batteries. View ‘Top Picks: Electronic Toys’ for more information on individual tested products.
With app toys and the digital sector continuing to grow, it’s inevitable electronic toys will, too.
Top picks: Electronic toys
The Good Toy Guide currently features a selection of toy categories, including electronic. We’ve highlighted a few electronic toys to give you an idea of what products The Good Toy Guide reviews.
- Smasha-Ballz – Vivid
- LeapPad 2 – LeapFrog
- My Own Laptop – LeapFrog
- Star Wars Scalextric – Hornby
- Raa Raa’s Cubby Buggy – Tomy
- Air Hogs Havoc Heli – Spin Master
- Air Hogs Hover Assault – Spin Master
- Cinderella Learning Game and System – VTech
- Kurio – InspirationWorks
- Bop It Smash – Hasbro
- Ben 10 Omniverse Rooks Truck – Bandai
- Web Shooting Spider-Man – Hasbro
- Baby Jake Tractor – Vivid
- Singalongz – Wow Stuff
What is The Good Toy Guide?
The Good Toy Guide is an online guide featuring unbiased, objective toy reviews. It’s ideal for manufacturers which can send in products for review.
Dr Amanda Gummer is hoping it will be a resource for parents, and a buying guide for retailers and buyers.
Toys are evaluated all year round and the website is updated regularly. In fact, over 200 toys have already been reviewed by the www.goodtoyguide.com team. Manufacturers of successfully evaluated toys receive the option to buy a one-year licence to use the Good Toy Guide seal of approval on their products and publicity. After review, the toys are donated to play clubs or given away in competitions.
The Good Toy Guide is not just about toys – it gives ideas on play and advice on child development. Toy suppliers can contact the Guide for more details (see below).
