What is Toy Durability? | Why is it Important?
Durable is an adjective to describe something able to withstand wear, pressure, or damage. At The Baby Penguin, we believe three categories should measure toy durability. Firstly, is there good craftsmanship? Is it designed well? Does it feel durable? Secondly, is it heirloom quality or landfill quality? What would this toy look like in 10 years? Thirdly, is the price of the toy a good value?
Moreover, is the higher-priced toy worth the extra money? If a toy lasts 10+ years for multiple children and grandchildren, paying more will be more than worth it! This is just one aspect of the five categories of our Toy Reviews. It consists of Sustainability, Playability, Durability, Longevity, and Versatility.
As parents, we want our children to have the best toys for hours of entertainment and fun. However, with so many available options, it can be challenging to determine which toys are durable enough to withstand even the most active and curious kids. Toy durability is crucial when purchasing toys for your child since it ensures they can enjoy playing with their favorite items for an extended period without breaking or wearing out quickly. In this article, we’ll explore some essential tips on identifying durable toys and recommend some of the most long-lasting and robust options available.
How to Evaluate if a Toy Is Sustainable?
Christina’s Toy Review consists of 5 standardized criteria categories: Sustainability, Playability, Durability, Longevity, and Versatility.
The toy should last more than a few months. Heirloom-quality toys are designed to be passed down to the next generation, while landfill-quality toys are made with cheaper materials and will break quickly. When considering toy durability, it is essential to determine if the toy is worth the price tag. Is it possible to get something of good quality for a lower price?
It would be best to look beyond the initial cost to determine toy durability for long-term value. Consider factors such as safety certifications and design elements like seams and stitching. Read customer reviews to see how well-constructed toys are and look for warranties or money-back guarantees if they do not meet expectations. Additionally, consider whether or not the toy has educational benefits or promotes physical activity for children.
At The Baby Penguin, toy durability should be measured by its initial cost and long-term value. We strive to provide parents with safe and durable toy options crafted from high-quality materials, promote physical activity, and have educational benefits too! With our heirloom quality products, your children will enjoy them today but may also pass them down to their children tomorrow!
What are the Three Categories of Toy Durability?
When shopping for toys, parents often face a dilemma between choosing the cheapest option or investing in a more expensive, high-quality toy built to last. While the price tag can be a significant factor, it’s essential to consider the toy’s craftsmanship and quality when purchasing. In this article, we will explore how these three key points – craftsmanship, quality, and price to value – play a role in toy durability.
1. Craftsmanship
Craftsmanship plays a vital role in creating durable toys. It involves creating something by hand, and in the toy industry, it’s often visible in the design and construction of wooden toys. Handcrafted wooden toys are made with precision and care, often using high-quality materials such as hardwoods and non-toxic finishes. Apart from their stunning visual appeal, wooden toys have a tactile quality that encourages children to use their imaginations and engage in open-ended play. Moreover, they have the edge over plastic toys as they are more durable and less prone to cracks and breakage.
However, not all toys can be handcrafted and are created equal. Therefore, it’s imperative to research the company and materials used before purchasing. When choosing toys, look for companies that prioritize sustainability and use non-toxic materials, as they will last longer and benefit the environment and your child’s health. By opting for eco-friendly and non-toxic toys, you can ensure your child is playing with safe and durable toys while doing your bit for the environment.
2. Quality
Quality is an essential factor to consider when shopping for durable toys. High-quality toys are crafted with materials that can withstand wear and tear, including thick plastics, sturdy metals, and reinforced stitching. They are also designed to be age-appropriate, meaning they can withstand rough play or delicate handling from children of different ages.
One way to determine a toy’s quality is by reading reviews from other parents or checking for safety certifications. Companies that prioritize safety testing and certification are more likely to produce toys that are safe and built to last.
Asking whether a toy is Heirloom quality or Landfill quality is also crucial. Parents should ask themselves this before making a toy purchase. There is no point in wasting money and time on toys that do not pass the heirloom quality test, as they will eventually end up broken and in a landfill. Investing in fewer, better quality, and more durable toys is wise, as children will care for and cherish them more.
Benefits of Investing in Quality Toys
Quality can be evaluated based on two ideas. The first is initial quality when looking at the toy when first purchased, and the second is after hours of play. Toys with rough edges, dangerous paint jobs, and visible glue may not last long-term. Different brands of toys have varying levels of quality. For instance, Melissa and Doug is a lower-end wooden toy brand with softer manufactured wood, paint that chips easily, and rough edges that aren’t glued with care.
On the other hand, PlanToys is synonymous with superb quality and durability, using durable rubberwood and organic dyes instead of paint. PlanToys produce toys of fantastic quality that can last for generations. Parents can make informed decisions when purchasing durable toys for their children by prioritizing craftsmanship, quality, and value. These toys can last long and be passed down to future generations with proper care.
3. Price/Value
When searching for a durable toy, price to value is crucial. Many parents believe they cannot afford higher-quality brands, but it’s better to provide your child with a handful of safe and durable toys from trusted brands than a playroom full of cheap, low-quality toys. Buying cheaper toys often involves cutting manufacturing costs, which may result in compromising fair labor practices and sustainable production methods for the environment.
It’s worth investing in a more expensive toy built to last, as it can save you money in the long run by not having to replace it as frequently as a cheaper, lower-quality toy. Although a higher price tag often indicates better quality and durability, it’s essential to research and read reviews before purchasing.
When choosing toys, seek a good balance of craftsmanship, quality, and value regardless of the price tag. Do not hesitate to invest in a toy that will give your child years of playtime. Additionally, consider the toy’s country of origin, as some countries may have questionable production practices that could affect the toy’s quality and durability. I wrote about some troubling rules in China regarding toys.
The Kullerbü play system from HABA is an innovative and endlessly expandable toy with wooden track supports, tactile smooth wooden balls, plastic connectors, curves, bridges, windmills, dominoes, and both free-wheeling and motorized vehicles. While the suggested age range for the Kullerbü system is between 2 and 8 years old, it has the potential to captivate and engage people of all ages.
Summary
In conclusion, when purchasing toys, it’s essential to consider the three categories of toy durability – craftsmanship, quality, and price to value. Toys handcrafted with precision and care, made from high-quality materials, and designed with age-appropriate safety standards are more likely to be durable and long-lasting. Investing in quality toys may come with a higher price tag, but it can save you money in the long run by avoiding the need for frequent replacements.
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