Some toys that are beneficial for a certain period of your toddler’s life are simply not going to last very long – either due to your child’s growth or due to the lack of durability in the toy itself (to extend the life of toys, clean them often with diluted bleach – ¾ cup to one gallon of water.) As long as these toys meet basic safety standards, it makes sense to choose the least expensive version. Other toys, however, will probably be with you for years and it can be smart to spend the money on the highest quality you can afford. Building blocks and dollhouses are good examples, as well as “smart toys” which are designed to adapt to your child’s growing abilities. Before you head to the toy store, ask yourself the following questions to help you determine how much money to spend on the purchase you’re about to make.
• How do I expect my toddler to play with this toy? Will it need to stand up to rough, active play, or will it be used in more quiet moments.
• Do I want to invest in a super-durable toy that can be passed on to other children in the family or is this toy intended for this child only?
• Is this an heirloom toy that I will want to save for my grandchildren?
• Will this toy be played with by a group of children or by only one child at a time? The more hands on a toy, the more durable it needs to be.