A good toy is safe, durable, and suited to your child’s development stage, age, personality, and interests. It should challenge physically and mentally but not frustrate or overwhelm. A good toy is versatile and can be used in more complex ways as your child grows. It should encourage exploration and discovery and engage your child’s creativity and imagination.
A good toy should motivate your child’s active participation, not passive observation. It should promote positive values, not violent play.
A good toy supports your child’s development stages in at least one of the following areas:
Fine and Gross Motor Skills Development
push and pull toys
trikes and bikes
gym equipment
clay
building blocks
lacing cards
Cognitive Development
puzzles
musical instruments
craft materials
gears
pegboards
Early Literacy Development
books
magnetic letters
dry-erase boards
crayons and paper
Social and Emotional Development
puppets
dolls
costumes
board games
Source: West Bloomfield Township (Mich.) Public Library