Choosing educational toys for your child

"I think parents have always been interested in toys that develop their child," says Fiona Gant E-commerce assistant for toys and games. "What's happening nowadays, though, is that suppliers are becoming more aware of this demand. Children want to have fun with their toys but parents feel they are getting value if there's a learning aspect too. It's becoming more of an expectation that those two things are combined."

Popular toys

Both Fisher-Price and Leapfrog produce popular learning toys. Leapfrog's Learn and Groove Activity Table has been a Boots best-seller for the past three years.

LeapFrog Learning Activity Table Pink

LeapFrog's My First Book

Fisher Price Kick & play piano gym

TV hits

But not every toy you choose for your child needs to have an obvious educational purpose.Good, old-fashioned imaginative playtime can also help develop your child."Having a creative mind is just as important in development," says Fiona. Many parents seem to agree. Sales of play-sets remain high: particularly those that relate to popular TV characters such as Peppa Pig and Bob the Builder.

"If it's a hit on CBeebies, it tends to be a hit for us!" says Fiona.

Playtime classics

That said, the old classics are still out in force. Thomas the Tank Engine is still chugging down the track after more than 60 years.

Friends' favourites

And your children are equally likely to respond to their friends' favourite toys.
"You will see them take a liking to something they find at a friend's house or a nursery," says Fiona.Advertising is also a factor – and not just for children.
"You see an advert with all these happy little babies on, playing beautifully, and you think, 'Why can't I have that?'" laughs Fiona.

As your children get older, their taste in toys becomes more defined."They will start to develop tastes and interests of their own," says Fiona. "My son was Thomas-mad until he reached the age of five."

Boots' bestselling learning and development toys:

• Fisher Price Rainforest Jumperoo – Age: Suitable for a child who can sit unaided


• VTech Moosical Beads – Age: Suitable from three months


• Leapfrog My Pal Scout – Age: Suitable from six months


• VTech Crawl and Learn Bright Lights Ball – Age: Suitable from six months


• Leapfrog My First Book – Age: Suitable from six months


• VTech First Steps Baby Walker – Age: Suitable from six monthss


• ELC Blossom Farm Whiskers Cat Pat Mat – Age: Suitable from six months


• Peppa Pig Fun Phonics ABC Board – Age: Suitable from three years


• Disney Princess Time Teaching Alarm Clock – Age: Suitable from three years


• ELC Carry Along Keyboard – Age: Suitable from three years

Related categories:
Toys
Development Toys
Electronic Learning
Shop by Age

Find out more at Boots WebMD:
Take toy safety measures
How to bring up a clever baby