How to Buy the Best Toys for Kids

The toy industry is a huge business - to the tune of $5 billion a year in sales. Although there are an estimated 900 different toy manufacturers, it is a highly concentrated market with the top 50 companies owning about 75% of the overall market. There is a lot of hype thrown at us and our children to buy the
greatest and the latest.

What makes Parents Best Toys different? We keep your best interests in mind in everything we do. We are unique in that this is the only independent parent advocacy site promoting toys that are fun, safe, and have lasting play value. The toys listed on this site were recommended by other parents for your
consideration. The toy industry pushes billions of dollars of product every year. How many times have you purchased a toy only to be disappointed with the quality or your child's lukewarm reaction to it?

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 10 minutes
• $20-50 dollars

1. 
    

   Make sure it is a SAFE toy.
   
   Briefly visit the updated list of recalled toys at the US Consumer Product Safety Commission website at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/category/toy.html. The length of the list is quite shocking. Buyer beware. Use the next minute or so to get an idea of the types of recalls being made and the manufacturers and retailers involved.

2. 
    

   Make sure it is a FUN toy.
   
   The toy industry pushes billions of dollars of product every year. How many times have you purchased a toy only to be disappointed with the quality or your child's lukewarm reaction to it? The toys listed on Parents Best Toys are recommended by other parents for your consideration.
   
   * ParentsBestToys.com does not sell toys. There are no behind the scene pressures to meet sales goals or clear out excess inventory.
   
   * ParentsBestToys.com is an independent voice of truth for you. We are not a children's PhD meeting with toy industry executives.
   
   * There is nothing in it for us but to get the real scoop out to you. The reviews come from parents like you, not hyped or seeded by toy industry professionals, retailers or manufacturers.

3. 
    

   Make sure it is a GOOD DEAL.
   
   Did you know that a game manufacturer offered a free gas card with board game purchase as an incentive to buy this past summer? There are so many great deals to be had in store and online. It really does pay to shop around. As per our parents' requests, Parents Best Toys has a shopping page full of coupons, codes and discounts that can help you find the best deals.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't let your child be overly swayed by TV advertising. If your child is the type that begs for everything they see in commercials, make an agreement to buy ONE trendy toy from their wish list for the Holidays.
• Hold onto your toy receipts. If a toy breaks, doesn't operate or fails to meet your expectations, get your money back. It is also helpful to hold onto them in case of a recall for a full refund.
• Do your homework. You have the parental responsibility to make sure your kids' toys are safe, entertaining and somewhat educational. Parents Best Toys can help make this process relatively pain free.

Resources

• Link to USCPSC Toy Recall List
• Parents Best Toys Parent Reviews
• Parents Best Toys Shopping Links