5 good qualities toys and puzzle games should have.

There are many toys and games on today’s market, but what qualities should good toys and games have? We tried to figure it out for you!

1. Safe, durable, and sturdy

Great toys and games last (and are of course safe). There is nothing more disappointing than games or toys that brake right after you play with them. Look for playthings that can manage a little bit of roughhousing, or game and toy manufacturers that offer spare parts  in case something does go lost or breaks. Check before buying an item if the product has a CE label. This label ensures that the product was evaluated for safety and is appropriate for the recommended age.

2. Can serve multiple purposes

The best toys and games are the ones you can use in multiple ways or that are multi-purpose. For example, Cats & Boxes can be used as a game, but children can also use the little cat figurines to play freely and let their imagination go wild. Or children can use the pieces to create their own game. Another example is Plug & Play Ball. This puzzle ball is not only a puzzle, but it also serves as a fidget toy to take with you on your travels.

3. Grow with your skillset

Toys and games that grow with the skillset of your child last longer and stay interesting. For example, Safari Park Jr. functions as a 2-in-1 game and can be used in various ways depending the age of your child. First, small children will love to use the game as a shape sorter or path finder (just playing with the toy and the animals). They might not be so interested in the game rules at first, but more in playing with it which offers already challenges suited for their age. Once a bit older, the game rules can come in place and the challenges become progressively more difficult, growing together with your kid’s skills.

4. Help build confidence

Playing games can help build confidence. Good games offer challenges that are suited for the suggested age and gradually increase difficulty, without frustrating players. A good example is IQ Twins, a packing problem puzzle game suited for kids and adults from the age of 7 with 120 challenges that grow harder and harder every time. With every solved challenge, people are happy to have figured it out and gain more confidence in their abilities. The IQ range is also a wonderful way to practice your skills in a fun way!

5. Appealing in design

Last but not least, a toy or game needs to be well-designed and look appealing. A toy you want to touch and play with is a great toy! If it on top of that offers different tactile sensations thanks to the use of different materials and coatings, it makes it even better. Grabbit for example is a family game that offers hours of strategic playtime, but also various tactile sensations. The gameboard is made from durable, soft-coated cardboard and the rabbits have a fun feel to them. You need to slide tiles with your rabbits to collect 4 vegetables.

More information and sources:

Susan Dichter (2001-2023). What makes a good toy? Leap Frog. https://www.leapfrog.com/en-us/learning-path/articles/article-what-makes-a-good-toy

Julia DeLapp, Ken Measimer, Eric Warner, Sean Leser (2010-2019). What Makes a Good Toy? Lessons Learned from 10 Years of the TIMPANI Toy Study. Eastern Connecticut State University. https://www.easternct.edu/center-for-early-childhood-education/timpani/what-makes-a-good-toy.html

Yellow Pages (29 January 2015). 5 qualities every good toy should have. YellowPages.ca. https://www.yellowpages.ca/tips/5-qualities-all-toys-should-have/