Characteristics of a Good Toy

Fun and Engaging

Most children of the target age get bored quickly and are reluctant to play with the toy more than once.

Many children of the target age enjoy playing with the toy, and some for prolonged periods of time. It is not a favorite but still provides engagement and entertainment.

Many children of the target age enjoy playing with the toy, some for prolonged periods of time. Some children remain keen to play regularly and it may be very engaging for specific groups of children.

Easy to Use

Children of the target age are unable to use the toy without a third party (e.g. an adult does everything for them).

Children of the target age will be able to use the toy with third party support (e.g. play is largely guided by an adult).

Children of the target age will be able to use the toy to its full capacity with minimal third-party help (e.g. an adult offers some guidance when needed).

Supports Skill Development

There are no obvious ageappropriate skills developed by using the toy.

The toy has substantial benefit to a child’s development in at least one age-appropriate skill area.

The toy actively encourages age-appropriate development across three or more skills (e.g. cognitive, language, or creative skills) or is particularly good at developing one or more core skills (e.g. literacy or numeracy).

Inclusive

Has barriers for children who are likely to play with it. Product packaging and marketing has a negative representation of minority groups or overly stereotyped behavior.

Is designed to be a genderneutral product without any obvious barriers to children who are likely to play with it. Product packaging and marketing does not have a negative representation of minority groups or overly stereotyped behavior.

Is designed to be proactively inclusive, helping remove barriers for children who are likely to play with it. Product packaging and marketing positively represents diverse groups.