5 qualities every good toy should have

When shopping for toys, always pay attention to quality. You’ll save money by selecting toys that are well-designed, fun, sturdy, durable and recyclable.

The toy must be well thought-out and properly designed. The popularity of a toy will depend on, among other things, how well it was designed. Just because a toy is popular or trendy doesn’t necessarily mean it’s any good.

Children play rough with their toys. Make sure the toys you buy are made of durable materials like wood or thick plastic. If the toy appears too fragile, skip it and find a better one.

Sometimes toys are not all they’re cracked up to be. Toys that fall short of expectations have a limited gameplay and a very short lifespan.

• Toys can be expensive and if your child quickly loses interest, then it’s a waste of money.
• Read consumer reports and quiz salespeople about the toy’s performance and lifespan.
• Next, ask yourself if the price of the toy is justified by the amount of time your child will ultimately play with it.

Most toys are covered by a limited one-year warrantee. Manufacturer warrantees shouldn’t be a problem, but for peace of mind, double check with the retailer’s policy and conditions.

• Shop around and seek out stores with a commitment to quality. It won’t cost you extra, and a good after-sales policy can make a big difference if something breaks.

Are the toys you buy recyclable? It’s a shame when good condition toys are thrown in the garbage.

• Before throwing toys away, consider donating them to an underprivileged child.
• Distribution centres everywhere collect, clean, repair and deliver second-hand toys to less fortunate kids.
• It’s a small but socially responsible gesture that will surely be appreciated.

If you've ever purchased a toy that didn’t quite live up to its promise, you'll know that everyone ends up disappointed. Follow these tips to avoid this problem before buying a new toy this year.