Toys and Play Behaviors: An Overview

Abstract

In the present paper we review the published literature concerning children's toys and the types of play activities associated with them. For example, we indicate that art materials tend to elicit solitary and constructive play forms, whereas dress-up clothes, vehicles, and dolls are associated with sociodramatic play. Realistic toys are more conducive to facilitating pretend play in young children than abstract toys; however, with increasing age, less structured, more abstract toys may encourage pretense activities. Other factors that affect children's play include play space, density, number of toys available, and the presence of familiar versus unfamiliar peers. Finally, sex differences in children's preference for and use of particular toys are examined.