Over the years, in my effort to purchase the perfect toy, I’ve inadvertently paid good money for a few lemons. One year, I succumbed to a six-year-old’s heartfelt plea that the only thing he really wanted for Christmas was a $250 toy robot. Imagine my dismay when I learned that I had spent a substantial portion of my holiday budget for a toy that did nothing more than move his arms up and down, shoot foam darts with less-than-accurate precision, and make siren noises that sent my infant toddler into screaming hysterics as she clawed at my legs begging for protection. My son had more fun with the box.
Then there was the year that I laid out a wad of cash for a Lego Mindstorm set without checking first to see if our PC had the minimum system requirements. Even after calls to customer support, we were never able to get it to work correctly, and to this day, this expensive gift is sitting in a box in the basement, quite literally in its original packaging. The son it was given to is certain that if he waits long enough, he can recoup the original investment by selling it as an “antique” on eBay.
Every parent, every grandparent, every adult vying for “favorite uncle” or “favorite aunt” status would like a quick and simple method for giving the perfect gift—that toy of Velveteen Rabbit stature that is loved until his fur rubs off and his eyes fall out of the sockets, or at least until the batteries go dead. If you want a tried and true classic, visit the National Toy Hall of Fame at www.strongmuseum.org/NTHoF/NTHoF.html
You’ll find suggestions for several toys that have achieved icon status due to their popularity over multiple generations, their ability to foster learning, creativity and discovery, or their innovative design.
If you’re looking for something a little bit more contemporary, consider some of the toys that have received awards from independent testers:
Oppenheim Toy Awards: www.toyportfolio.com
I’ve never been disappointed by a toy I purchased that included the “Oppenheim Best Toy Award” seal. This site allows you to search for toys by developmental age, a real bonus when the child doesn’t live with you and you don’t know what is age-appropriate
Dr. Toy Awards: www.drtoy.com
Stevanne Auerbach, PhD (alias Dr. Toy) is an internationally-recognized expert on toys. Her site includes an evaluation description, a photo, age range, average cost, and even a history of the manufacturer.
iParenting Media Awards: www.iparentingmediaawards.com Touting itself as the only toy testing organization that complies with ISO standards (International Organization of Standardization), iParentingmedia uses parents, licensed childcare workers, and accredited school teachers to provide reviews and evaluation. Consumers can use the website to ask reviewers customized questions about specific toys.
