Toy facts for kids
A toy is an object used for playing. Toys are enjoyed by children, adults, and even animals. They help us learn, explore, and have fun. Toys can be simple or complex, and they come in many different shapes and sizes.
For a long time, most toys were made from natural materials. Before the 1970s, many toys were crafted from metal and wood. Today, plastic is a very common material for toys. Some modern toys also use electronic parts. Many people even think of video games as a type of toy. Common examples of toys include balls, toy cars, and dolls.
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The Ancient History of Toys
Toys have been around for a very long time. People have found ancient toys in places where old civilizations once lived. These include small dolls shaped like babies, animals, or soldiers. Toy tools have also been discovered. The exact beginning of the word "toy" isn't clear. However, it is believed that people started using this word in the 14th century.
The very first toys were made from things found in nature. These included rocks, sticks, or clay. In Ancient Egypt, children played with dolls made from clay and sticks.
Toys in Ancient Greece and Rome
Children in Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome had many different toys. They played with dolls made of wax or terracotta (a type of baked clay). They also used sticks, bows and arrows, and yo-yos.
When Greek girls grew up, they would often offer their toys in a temple. This was a special way to show they were becoming adults. For example, young girls around 14 years old would give their dolls to the gods just before their wedding day. This was a significant step into adulthood.
How Toys Have Changed Over Time
Over the centuries, toys have changed a lot. Early toys were often handmade. As technology advanced, toys became more complex. The invention of new materials like plastic made toys cheaper and easier to produce. This meant more children could have toys.
Today, toys continue to evolve. We have robots, drones, and virtual reality games. These modern toys often combine physical play with digital experiences. Despite these changes, the main purpose of toys remains the same: to bring joy and encourage learning through play.
Images for kids
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A variety of traditional wooden Channapatna toys from India.
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Little horse on wheels, an Ancient Greek child's toy. This toy is from a tomb dating 950-900 BCE.
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A boy playing with a hoop. Hoops have been popular toys in many cultures for a long time.
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Two children playing with paddle balls, from a painting by the Chinese artist Su Hanchen (active 1130s-1160s AD), Song Dynasty.
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A toy tank with a remote control.
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Toys "R" Us is a large company that sells toys.
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Lincoln Logs have been a popular construction toy in the U.S. since the 1920s.
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A girl and her doll in the 1900s.
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A Teddy bear, a classic stuffed toy.
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A toy boat.
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A Beanie Baby; Sizzle the Bear.
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An Aibo, a robotic pet dog.
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Kids having a Nerf gun battle.
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A boy from Jakarta with his ball. Ball games are good exercise and are popular worldwide.
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Toys with small parts, such as these Lego elements, often have warnings about choking hazards in some countries.
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Some communities require recycling of the batteries in toys like the qfix robot "crash-bobby".
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See also
In Spanish: Juguete para niños
