How to Choose Toys

Why More Toys Don't Always Mean More Learning

Many parents feel overwhelmed when choosing toys. Walk into any toy store and you'll see thousands of options claiming to boost intelligence, creativity, or learning.

The truth is that the best toy isn't necessarily the most expensive, the newest, or even the most educational-looking.

The best toy is the one that matches your child's current developmental needs.

As a Behavioural Neuroscientist, Specialist Teacher and Clinical Neuropsychotherapist, I encourage parents to think differently about toys. Instead of asking:

"What toy should I buy?"

Ask:

"What skill am I trying to develop?"

This simple shift can completely change the way you build your child's play environment. The Brainwise approach begins by identifying developmental goals first, then selecting materials that support those goals.

Four Questions To Ask Before Buying Any Toy

1. What Developmental Skill Am I Supporting?

Every toy should have a purpose.

Examples include:

• Attention and concentration
• Emotional regulation
• Social skills
• Language development
• Problem solving
• Planning and sequencing
• Fine motor skills
• Gross motor skills

When you understand the skill you are targeting, toy selection becomes much easier. The workbook specifically encourages parents to identify developmental capacities before purchasing materials.

2. How Will My Child Engage With It?

Ask yourself:

• Will this be independent play?
• Will we play together?
• Will I be teaching a new skill?
• Will my child be practising a skill they already know?

Children learn best when adults actively support and model skills during play.

3. Does It Match My Child's Current Ability?

A toy that is too difficult often creates frustration.

A toy that is too easy quickly becomes boring.

Look for toys that provide just enough challenge while still allowing success.

Think:

"What is the next small step my child can achieve with support?"

This aligns with the Brainwise concept of creating realistic developmental goals.

4. Do I Have The Time And Energy To Use It?

This may sound unusual, but it matters.

Some toys require:

• Adult support
• Setup time
• Coaching
• Supervision

The workbook encourages parents to consider time, energy, goals and engagement format when selecting materials.

Choose resources that realistically fit your family's lifestyle.

Common Toy Buying Mistakes

Buying For Entertainment Only

Fun is important.

But toys that only entertain often provide fewer opportunities for skill development.

Buying Too Many Toys

Research consistently shows that children often engage more deeply when fewer toys are available.

Too many options can increase distraction and reduce quality play experiences.

Buying Based On Age Alone

Children develop at different rates.

Choose according to developmental stage rather than age printed on the box.

The BrainSense Approach

At BrainSense Toys, every product is carefully selected because it supports important developmental functions.

We don't simply ask:

"What is popular?"

We ask:

"What skills can this help build?"

When toys are chosen intentionally, play becomes one of the most powerful tools for learning.

About the Author

Dr Nicolene Shields
Behavioural Neuroscientist | Specialist Teacher | Counsellor | Clinical Neuropsychotherapist

Founder of BrainSense Toys, Dr Nicolene Shields combines expertise in neuroscience, education, child development, counselling, and neuropsychotherapy to help parents and professionals better support children's learning and development.

Through BrainSense Toys, she carefully curates evidence-informed toys, educational resources, sensory supports, and learning equipment designed to promote cognitive, social, emotional, sensory, and motor development.

Qualifications

• BAPsych (Hons)
• M(CounsPsycTh)
• MEd (CognPsycEdPrac)
• MSpEd (SensDis)
• MNSC
• GCMRPET
• PhD (Neuropsych)

"Evidence-informed toys supporting brain development."