Resources

Are You Selling Toys or Play?

The Importance of Healthy Play for Healthy Child Development
Kids and play: it's as natural as breathing
Play makes sense for kids
The link between play and skill development
Play IS for Keeps

By: Susan J. Oliver, Executive Director of Playing for Keeps

Kids and play: it's as natural as breathing
Think about all the customers who have passed through the doors of your store over the years. Chances are, most of them have a beloved child-or several-in their lives, and they have counted on you to help find just the right toys for those dear to them.

Now think about all those children for whom you have helped select toys, books, and entertainment products. As a specialty toy retailer, well-versed in matching play materials to a child's interests and developmental level, you understand that each child is a special individual who approaches the world in her own unique way.

Yet there are some behaviors that nearly all children have in common-activities that come to them as naturally as breathing and eating. Anyone who knows the world of children will agree that play is one of those behaviors.