Do People Ever Outgrow the Joy of Toys?
Contrary to popular representations, toys are not, and have never been just the domain of children. In fact, toys have consistently captured the imagination of the general public and are the companions of adults just as much as they are a mainstay in the lives of children the world over. Of course, the main reason for the enduring nature of toys is difficult to pin down; however, their variety and constantly evolving appearance and selection means that the value of simple toys and games as a means by which children and adults can amuse themselves is unlikely to fall out of date.
Toys date back thousands of years in our history. For example, many toys, including small carts, bird-shaped whistles and toy monkeys were excavated from the ruins of the Indus Valley civilisation which dated from 3000 to 1500 BC. Children in Ancient Egypt often played with dolls made out of stone or pottery, with wigs and moveable limbs; while infants in Ancient Greek and Roman civilisations occupied themselves with bows and arrows, terracotta or wax dolls and early yo-yos.
As technology has developed, today's toys are more likely to be made out of plastic or other synthetic materials. But even as the way toys are produced and what toys can do has advanced, the fact that children play with and can learn from toys has not altered. For example, many toys can aid a child's cognitive development and help them identify shapes, textures and sizes. Puzzles can also help in the mental development of growing children or young adults, teaching them the basics of problem solving and sometimes even the principles of certain scientific concepts: for example, Newton's Cradle is a desk toy that demonstrates the conversion of momentum and energy.
Toys occupy such a large place in the public's imagination that films often represent toys - otherwise inanimate objects - as living beings. Movies like Disney's Toy Story 1 and 2, and 1998's Small Soldiers (in which missile technology is used to enhance toy action figures) portrays toys as being 'alive' and taking on a power and force all of their own. The success of these films demonstrates quite clearly that toys are an obsession not just of the young, but the old alike.
Today's flourishing online trading forums means that toy enthusiasts will be able to find a range of toys and games online with which to buy and sell to a huge variety of users. In fact, many online marketplaces will provide an opportunity to find rare toys and games, as well as particular models that may no longer be manufactured. So toy fans should be sure to check out the vast world of opportunities that exists for them online: after all, toys will always be important - whether they're for you or your child.
Related Tags: games, educational toys, toys, online games, puzzles, toys and games, children’s toys, online toys, online trading forums, online marketplaces
Martin McAllister is a freelance online journalist. He lives in Scotland.
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Avebury Stone Circle - Does It Have Magical Powers?
Avebury is the site of an ancient monument consisting of a large henge. Its construction was spread - How To Successfully Manage Your Digital Photo Collection And Prevent Catastrophic Loss
Wow.... talk about digital explosion, progress in leaps and bounds. In just a space of 20 years we h - A Short But Fascinating Look At Tin Lunch Boxes
Tin lunch boxes went through a great period of revolution throughout the central part of the last ce - Buy A Unexpected Gift Not Your Normal Gifts
No matter what the personality of the person is, you can always opt for the personalized gift sets t - Laser Tattoo Removal Facts To Know
Untold numbers of folks, perhaps even more, walk around having tattoos. A few are visible, some are - The Reason For High Tattoo Removal Costs
Occasionally, you really need to need some thing really bad in your life to put up with the costs th - Honey Bee Magic - Controlling Taste, Texture, And Flavor
There is a great deal of pride that you get from making your own honey, plus it usually tastes bette - Toy Model Trains; The Coming Of Age.
Did You Or your children grow up with Thomas the Tank Engine? Did you ever read them the story of "T - Most Popular Woodworking Crafts And Projects To Do
Is it finally time for the yearly vacation? It's always very hard to wait for the vacation to take p - Scientifically Proven To Add Years To Your Life Keep Your Mind Active And Even Expand Grey Matter
Do it yourself homemade projects have always fascinated me and I always have something on the go.My
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Scientists Today are using Satellite Photos More for Humanitarian Need Rather Than Espionage
Have you ever had the opportunity of seeing real life satellite photos? Well, in the past few weeks, - Japanese Kanji symbol translation for your tattoo.
There are three types of Japanese symbols to choose from when considering a Japanese style tattoo. K - Holly 'red Beauty' (ppaf #14750)
>A Compact, Disease Resistant Holly - 22 Years in the Making! Dr. Elwin Orton of Rutgers University - Miroslav Klabal is an Art Dealer With a Difference
Giving a vent to one's feelings and expressions is not an easy task. Art is one form that can be mad - Find your Favorite Online Casinos
The interest of gamblers in online casinos is constantly on the increase and so is the number of cas - Understanding Dress Up Games
Some parents are concerned about their daughter's safety online. They wonder as she sits down at the - Ingredient of Indonesian Dishes
INGREDIENTS OF INDONESIAN DISHES Indonesia dishes are amongst the most delicious in the world, - Bass Fishing - Learn the Facts That Can Help you Catch the Trophies
In the fishing world largemouth bass and smallmouth bass are two of the more highly coveted fish ind - Giclee Prints - Affordable Fine Art
"Giclee" is a style of fine art, which incorporates the use of modern day printers, predominately 7- - Beach Decorating for Adults and Kids; From Bathroom Décor to Beach Dioramas
One way to bring back memories of a summer at the beach is through beach themed decorating. It is al