A recent exchange with a customer in our retail store has led me to muse over the concept of childhood and the innocence of play. The customer was looking for a gift for their grandson; and told me that she didn’t really expect anything in Entropy to be suitable as he was really past the stage of toys. So, how old was he? The grand old age of 6, in fact! After I got over the shock, I went on to explain that we do in fact have lots of choices for children over the age of 6 which are not electronic, and you are never too old to have fun a toy shop. People come into Entropy for hours (literally) and just play. We encourage it, and tell customers who come in for the first time that if they have not spent at least an hour in store then they have not played enough.
Children develop differently, and move onto toy ranges at varying stages. I have seen 6 year old girls who are totally beyond playing with dolls. Equally, I have seen girls in their early teens who absolutely adore their exquisite Kathe Kruse collector dolls. Some boys have grown out of Thomas wooden trains at age 3, for others it is closer to 6. Every child is different, and we should allow them to progress at their own pace. There is no need to accelerate them through the joys of childhood. The innocence of a child playing with a precious toy is a scene to be treasured. These days children seem to be growing up faster, but you really are never too old to have fun in a toy shop.
So here are my top 10 suggestions of educational toys, wooden toys and gifts for children in the later primary and high school years, plus of course the big kids (Mum and Dad).
1. Kikkerland windup toys are classic toys with a modern twist. They are great quality umm ... thingys; that appeal to both the young and young at heart. Each has their own character and personality, simply wind them up and watch then go. We sell absolutely oodles of these, as they are fun and cheap as chips. They are a great birthday gift for teenagers and adults.
2. Quadrilla is a marble run system of blocks, tracks and accessories that allow for an infinite number of designs. These marble runs are easy to construct, and you can pull them apart and start again as many times as you like. There are lots of add on sets, that are all compatible; so you can virtually take over a room with Quadrilla. Popular with adults and children, especially doting Dads.
3. Intelliquest is a range of quiz and puzzle books with a unique interactive twist. Enjoy working your way through each book using the Quizmo, a hand held thingamebob that knows every answer to every question in every Intelliquest book. The math and english titles are a great way for children to practice at home, without feeling like they are doing homework! To get started you will need one quizmo unit and one book. You can then add books whenever you like. A great choice for the 7-11 age group, plus these are some quiz books suited to those of us who grew up in the 60s and 70s.
4. Webkinz are a collection of plush toys with a difference. Each Webkinz pet comes with a unique tag containing a secret code to open Webkinz World; a fun, interactive and safe learning environment for children. Once inside Webkinz World children adopt and name their pet and are then invited into a virtual world where they can learn to care for a pet, share time with their friends and most importantly, use their imaginations. Best suited for children 6-12 years, plus big children of course!
5. Thinkfun are award winning games that engage and educate children and adults. These games channel the natural joy and energy of play into a stimulating, family-focused way of building essential thinking skills. Many of these games are particularly suitable to older children and adults (from the age of 8 years) and can be played solo, making them perfect for the holidays and as travel companions.
6. 4M science and craft kits give children the opportunity to experiment and be creative in an exciting, but safe way. The mould and paint and dino dig series are particularly popular as birthday gift ideas, especially for older children.
7. Discover the wonderful toys of Active People who are always on the cutting edge with innovative concepts and surprising ideas. They are toys that get you moving, toys that engage your imagination and creativity; toys for mind, body and soul, including the multi-award winning Kiwido poi ribbons.
8. Swatch Flik Flak full size watches are perfect for children aged from 8 years onwards. They have a more grown up design that lets kids keep track of time in a fashionable way. They have ‘classic’ dial hands and ‘seconds’ hand. The unique Flik Flak colour matching concept of the numbers with the watch hands makes learning to tell the time a little easier.
9. Sigg is the original Swiss bottle and the brand leader for comprehensive, high quality drinking systems for leisure and sports use. Unbeatably tough and light, and taste neural - perfect for school lunch boxes. The 0.6 litre model suits older kids and you have the option of an 'active top' that works using pressure from your lips, meaning the bottle is easily used with one hand.
