I’m standing in the Target toy aisle—again—and my 3-year-old is desperately begging for a 2-foot plastic dinosaur egg filled with tiny blind bags. To him, it’s life or death. To me, it looks like future clutter destined for the basement. But it got me thinking: Could toys actually play a role in making kids smarter?
The answer is yes, but only if you know what to look for.
Let’s be clear—not all toys are created equal. Those flashy tech toys promising to teach your toddler the alphabet or math overnight? I’m skeptical. If you survived the Baby Einstein craze, you probably share my suspicion that most educational claims are more marketing than substance. But beneath all the blinking lights and battery-operated sounds, certain toys genuinely foster meaningful growth.
Here’s the truth: a smart kid isn’t the one who recites 35 digits of Pi at preschool pickup. Real intelligence in young children shows itself through cognitive development, emotional intelligence, and physical growth—skills that flourish naturally through play.
When young kids play, they’re not just passing time—they’re actively building their brains. Those simple wooden blocks your toddler stacks (and gleefully knocks down)? That’s problem-solving. Dress-up and role-playing with friends? That’s emotional awareness and social skills. Building forts and obstacle courses with cushions and pillows? That’s motor skills, strength, and physical coordination in action.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Open-ended play is critical to brain development.”
So what’s the secret sauce? Choose open-ended toys—items without one predetermined purpose. Fewer instructions, more imagination. Ever noticed how your child uses a kitchen bowl as a hat, a drum, or even a boat? That’s open-ended play at its best.
Take the dinosaur obsession. Instead of that giant plastic egg, imagine handing your child a dinosaur costume. Suddenly, they’re roaring, stomping, and creating their own prehistoric world. Or try a sensory bin—filled with sand, rocks, and toy dinosaurs—that sparks creativity, critical thinking, and fine motor skills. Now you’ve turned playtime into brain-building time.
So, what really makes a toy smart?
It’s not the toys labeled “smart” or packed with batteries. Real smart toys meet these key criteria:
- Open-ended: No single correct way to play.
- Battery-free: Powered by imagination, not electricity.
- Physical movement: Gets kids actively using their bodies.
- Skill-building: Encourages fine motor skills and problem-solving.
- Social play: Works solo or in a group, promoting collaboration.
When we designed Figgy, these principles were our compass. We set out to create a sustainable toy that grew with children, required no instructions, encouraged physical activity, and brought kids together. A toy that turned into forts, obstacle courses, reading nooks, and rocket ships—depending on what adventure your child imagined that day.
Remember, these are guidelines, not strict rules. The absolute best toy isn’t one that wins a parenting award or sits neatly on a shelf—it’s the one your child picks up again and again, transforming it into countless adventures.
When you approach toys with this intentional mindset, you’ll see more engaged, happier kids—and a lot less clutter in your basement.
About the Author
Rachel Neill is a certified play expert and mom of 6 living in the Midwest!
