Why Choosing Developmental Toys Matters:

A Guide for Parents 

Navigating the Toy Aisle: A Parent's Dilemma

Walking down the toy aisle can feel overwhelming, with shelves stacked high with brightly colored boxes and flashy gadgets. But amidst the chaos, how do you know which toys are truly beneficial for your child's development?

In my years of experience, I've learned that not all toys are created equal. Many toys on the market today are designed for entertainment rather than education, leaving parents feeling frustrated and unsure. This is where the importance of choosing developmental toys comes into play.

The T.O.Y.S Checklist: A Guide for Parents

To help parents navigate the world of toys, I've developed the T.O.Y.S checklist - Tailored, Open-ended, Yay-factor, and Sustainable. These four criteria serve as a guide for parents to select toys that support their child's development in meaningful ways.

• Tailored: Every child is unique, with their own interests, abilities, and developmental milestones. When selecting toys, it's important to consider your child's individual needs and preferences. Look for toys that align with their current developmental stage and interests, rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.
• Open-ended: The best toys are those that inspire creativity, imagination, and problem-solving skills. Open-ended toys, such as blocks, puzzles, and art supplies, allow children to explore and play in a variety of ways, fostering independence and critical thinking.
• Yay-factor: Children learn best when they are engaged and excited about the toys they are playing with. Choose toys that spark joy and enthusiasm in your child, encouraging them to explore, experiment, and learn through play.
• Sustainable: In today's world, it's more important than ever to consider the environmental impact of the toys we purchase. Look for toys that are made from sustainable materials, such as wood or eco-friendly plastics, and are built to last. Avoid toys that are heavily packaged or rely on batteries, as these contribute to waste and pollution.

My personnal experience with Educational Subscription Play Kits

Few months ago, I decided to try out a subscription toy service, believing it would offer curated selections that were developmentally appropriate. I joined Lovevery with high hopes, only to realize that two of my four tenets were missing: tailored and the 'yay factor.' Unable to choose what was in my kit, I found myself with a growing stack of expensive toys that didn't align with my son's interests or developmental needs.

Frustrated, I made the decision to cancel my Lovevery subscription and continue my search elsewhere. It was during this time that I decided to create Relove Toys - a game-changer in the world of toy subscriptions. Unlike other services, Relove Toys empowers parents to choose the toys that best suit their child's needs and interests, providing a truly customizable play experience.

Relove helps parents declutter their home by eliminating the accumulation of unused toys as my kids outgrow them. With the rental service, you no longer need to worry about what to do with old toys, as the free return shipping label facilitates easy toy rotation. This is a huge win for me and other parents, as we no longer have to deal with selling toys on Facebook Marketplace.

As you can see, my journey to founding Relove Toys was born out of personal frustration and a desire to make a difference. Like many parents, I found myself overwhelmed by the toy clutter in my home and frustrated by the lack of meaningful play experiences for my children.

Empowering Parents Through Purposeful Play

As parents, we have the power to shape our children's learning and development through the toys we choose. By following the T.O.Y.S checklist and selecting toys that are tailored, open-ended, engaging, and sustainable, we can provide our children with the tools they need to thrive.

Whether you choose Relove Toys or another toy subscription service, remember that the most important factor is selecting toys that support your child's growth, learning, and happiness. Together, let's make informed choices and create meaningful play experiences for children.

Curious to learn more? Explore our toy library and begin renting customizable Play Kits today.