The Good Toy Guide

The National Association of Toy and Leisure Libraries (UK) has published its 35^th annual Good Toy Guide. To quote from the NATTL’s website, “All of the toys in this Guide are tested by children and the comments come from the children. Watching the children and the pleasure they get from the toys they are playing with is how we know what to tell you about each product.” At least 250 families (around 600 children) take part in the appraisal process.

The chosen toys include the Leapfrog “Learn and Groove Activity Station” and the Vtech “Alphabet Phonics Teacher”, both of which are stocked by the toy rental club. We stock other Leapfrog and Vtech products too.

Guardian Newspaper Article on Toy Libraries

Today's Guardian newspaper has an article by Zoe Williams on the advantages of using a toy library rather than buying new toys:

Borrow with mother - cut your child's carbon footprint with a toy library

"Why fill your home with brightly coloured plastic," asks the article, "when toy libraries offer a cheaper and more sustainable option?" Not-for-profit toy libraries are common in British cities but the article notes that despite the much-needed service they provide to poorer communities especially, many libraries often only a few days per week and others are understaffed.