Everyone has seen those “Top Ten Hot Toys” lists that run continuously this time of year.  Our recommendation -- ignore them!  Each child, each family, is different.  With the thousands and thousands of toys on the market, that top ten toy list is a really tempting short cut, but with just a little more thought, you can find the perfect gift that will last.  Here is a list of the ten qualities of a good toy that will help you create your own “Top Ten Toy” list:
1)      Longevity:  How many different ways can a child play with the toy? 
2)      Scalability:  How will a child play with the toy as he/she gets older?  What ways can a caregiver add play value to the toy?
3)      Quality:  How well is the toy made?  How will it stand up to normal play?
4)      Creativity:  How much imaginative input does the toy encourage?
5)      Peer:  For school-age kids especially in the “trendy” toy category, stick to ones that have a social component with peers -- whether it is trading, collecting or sharing.
6)      Educational:  What developmental milestones does the toy address? (The educational value of a toy is much more than just ABCs and 123s.  It also comprises such things as cause/effect, sensory exploration, negotiation with peers or siblings, fine and gross motor skill development, spatial relationships, etc.)
7)      Expandability:  Are there additional pieces or items that can be added on for additional play value?
8)      Play Patterns:  Watch the child play and see what play patterns he/she is drawn to.   Does the child have an affinity towards building things, is obsessed with things with wheels, likes to paint or draw?
9)      Consult Knowledgeable Sales People:  Visit Kidtopia Toyologists to help clarify the toy’s qualities and be able to point out unique alternatives.
10)    Now go out and make your own top ten toy list!