GOOD TOY GUIDE
This month, Dr Amanda Gummer discusses the typical pitfalls parents, companies and retailers alike fall into when shopping for or marketing pre-school toys
THERE ARE so many pre- school toys on the market and children can be fickle, making it difficult to know if what is on their Christmas list one day, will still be there the next. Favourite licences can be
a safe bet, but children are very susceptible to TV advertising and can believe all the hype that surrounds this year’s ‘must have’ toys, even if it is something they would never play with. Toy companies who label- slap and retailers who over- promote licensed products risk alienating these customers who have years of toy buying ahead of them. This is particularly relevant for independent shops that need to compete on features other than price and for whom customer loyalty is the lifeblood of their business. Another key area is educational toys. Parents often over-estimate their children’s ability and intelligence and will buy toys that are too advanced for their child. However, children’s abilities and experiences vary enormously in this age group and this makes it difficult to put specific age guidelines on toys (except for on a safety basis). Children’s attention spans
are short at this age so finding toys that will keep them amused for more than a few minutes can be tricky. Toys that can grow with the child and be played with in a range of settings and play patterns offer value for money, but can be difficult to place in store as they span ages and activities.
CONTACT THE GOOD TOY GUIDE
On Twitter @goodtoyguide On Facebook GoodToyGuide Email
admin@goodtoyguide.com The Original Didicar
A unique self propelled ride on toy. No batteries, gears or motors. For three years upwards but adults can ride too.
Fun Rating: Educational Rating:
Active friendly, fun and social play. Indoors or outdoors good physical exercise and play confidence with technology Good for balance, coordination, spacial and speed awareness
Mix ‘n’ Fix Mike
Friction powered cement mixer with automatic rotating mixing drum.
Fun Rating: Educational Rating:
Improves eye-hand coordination Encourages gross motor skills Good for colour recognition
Ideal Home Show
The Good Toy Guide will be running a play demonstration zone at the Ideal Home Show at Christmas, from November 13th - 17th. For the first time ever, the
firm will be giving the 85,000 strong visitors to the annual event the chance to preview a selection of ‘Good’ toys and get a head start on their Christmas shopping in the new Toy Village. Only companies with toys in the guide can join the Good Toy Guide stand and Play Zone, but it’s not too late to submit toys to be tested in time to make the show. Contact the team at
admin@goodtoyguide.com or call 01438 831 204 for more details on joining in the event.
www.goodtoyguide.com 32 November
www.toynewsonline.biz
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74