From Classic to Modern: How Toys Have Evolved Over the Years
Toys have been around forever to bring joy and engage kids. In ancient times, the toys would be carved out of stones and woods, with evolution, toys have evolved too. When you go out in the market today, you will find unique toys that are designed to educate, interact and engage children. Toys like silicone LED lamps for kids and AI powered remote control dog toys have been trending a lot along with the good old cuddly plush toys for children. But what changed? How have the toys evolved over the years? Let’s understand the evolution of toys from classic to modern in this blog.
A Look at Traditional Toys
Traditionally, toys were a work of art and creativity. They were handcrafted out of natural materials like stones, clay, fabric or wood. These toys would appeal to children’s imagination and tickle their sensations. Toys like best friend dolls for imaginative play or cuddly plush toys for children have been among the favourites. These toys provided comfort, companionship, warmth and security. Roleplay toy sets for creative kids were a go-to which allowed young minds to imagine and create scenarios. Such toys had the capacity to engage kids and develop their social skills.
In fact, in many households, traditional toys have been handed down to the next generations making them part of family tradition. They are more than just toys now, they hold great emotional value and have unique charm and character of their own.
Introduction of Interactive Play Toys
As the industrial revolution happened in the 20th century, there was a shift in the toys industry. With the introduction of colourful plastic toys which were durable and affordable saw a surge. Parents started exploring variety of toys such as:
These toys gave kids the thrill of speed and control, engaging in imaginative battles, and developing cognitive and motor skills. These toys pushed kids towards physical activities, interactions and gave them a sense of adventure.
Interactive play toys have introduced a lot of structure in the parenting journey. The toys are more task-driven and goal-oriented making them perfect tools for learning and development. Such toys help in developing patience, planning and decision making among small kids, making them smarter.
New Age Digital and Smart Toys
The late 20s and 21st century has been the age of technology and innovation. The toy industry has also seen advancement. Toys with lights, sounds and artificial intelligence have emerged prominently. There is a high demand in the market for silicone LED lamps for kids, AI-powered remote control dog toys, remote controlled vehicles for action play and sensory-friendly toys for emotional development. Toys with AR help children learn 21st century skills while having gala time.
These toys help kids have lifelike experiences, develop functionality, and a sense of responsibility. The lights and sounds in toys have calming effects which help kids regulate their emotions.
What’s Next?
Technology will keep playing a crucial role in the toy industry. More innovations in AI powered toys and toys integrated with AR are expected which will help children learn different languages, coding and a lot more. Toys are expected to be more sustainable, eco-friendly, inclusive and catering to the needs of children with special-needs.
How Do Toys Contribute in Child’s Development?
In the earlier times, toys were primarily a medium to engage and entertain children. They were meant to keep kids occupied. But the role of toys has shifted now. Toys are created to cater to the needs of children, to help them with their emotional and physical growth. They are designed with developmental psychology nowadays.
For example, sensory toys aid in development of motor skills and cognitive stimulation. Soft plush toys create emotional intelligence. If kids are given role play imaginative toys, they understand the collaboration and enhance imaginative skills. AI-powered toys or toy gun sets help improve hand-eye coordination among kids.
Explore timeless classics and modern toys for little one at Juplay
FAQs
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How have toys changed over the years?
Ans. Toys have gone from being just a medium of entertainment and engagement to learning mechanisms. The build of toys has changed drastically with the introduction of technology and AI, they are meant to stimulate kids’ brains and develop interactive and social skills among many learning opportunities.
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What are the differences between today’s toys and olden toys?
Ans. Toys in olden days were made out of wood, stones, fabric and metals but the first shift happened in the 20th century with the industrial revolution. Massive production of toys is in plastic and now the shift is visible with eco-friendly and sustainable toys hitting the market.
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How has technology changed toys?
Ans. Technology has played a pivotal role in how toys are perceived by parents and kids these days. Toys have become a source of learning and teaching. You can expect to develop motor skills, cognitive skills, emotional development and enhance a sense of responsibility among kids with AI-powered toys like pet dogs, interactive playsets, voice-command toys, etc.
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What are toys made of today?
Ans. The data shows that approximately 90% of toys are made out of plastic. It is because they can go under mass-production easily and parents find it affordable. However, there is a shift happening with inclination towards recyclable, and environment-friendly toys.
