Toy
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2008-07-13T22:24:49Z
Oxymoron83
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Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/72.70.205.172|72.70.205.172]] ([[User talk:72.70.205.172|talk]]) to last version by SmackBot
''This article is about playthings. For other uses of the term, see [[Toy (disambiguation)]].''
[[Image:Teddy bear.JPG|thumb|250px|A [[teddy bear]]]]
A '''toy''' is an object used in [[Play (activity)|play]]. Toys are usually associated with [[child]]ren and [[pet]]s, but it is not unusual for [[adult]] humans and some non-[[Domestication|domestic]]ated [[animals]] to play with toys. Many items are manufactured to serve as toys, but items produced for other purposes can also be used as toys. A child may pick up a household item and 'fly' it around pretending that it is an airplane, or an animal might play with a [[pinecone]] by batting at it, biting it, chasing it, and throwing it up in the air. Some toys are produced primarily as [[Collectible|collector]]'s items and are not intended to be played with.
The origin of toys is [[prehistoric]]; dolls representing [[infant]]s, [[animal]]s, and soldiers, as well as representations of tools used by adults are readily found at archaeological sites. The origin of the word "toy" is unknown, but it is believed that it was first used in the 14th century.<ref name=etymonline>[http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=toy Definition of "toy" from etymonline.com]</ref>
Toys and play in general are an important part of the process of learning about the world and growing up. The young use toys and play to discover their identity, help their bodies grow strong, learn cause and effect, explore relationships, and practice skills they will need as adults. Adults use toys and play to form and strengthen social bonds, teach, remember and reinforce lessons from their youth, discover their identity, exercise their minds and bodies, explore relationships, practice skills, and decorate their living spaces.
Toys are more than simple amusement, they and the ways that they are used profoundly influence many aspects of life.{{Fact|date=April 2008}} [[Image:Wooden toys.JPG|thumb|300px|Wooden toys of [[Channapatna]], a town in India famous for its toys.]]
==History==
[[Image:Roman-toys.jpg|thumb|left|250px|A display of Roman toys, including several that would be familiar to children today: a doll, dice, rattles, and toy dishes for playing house.]]
Most young [[mammal]]s will play with whatever they can find, turning such things as [[pinecone]]s, [[Rock (geology)|rock]]s, and [[food]] into toys. It simply makes sense then that toys have a history as old as human civilization itself. Toys and [[game]]s have been unearthed from the sites of ancient civilizations. They have been written about in some of our oldest literature. Toys excavated from the [[Indus valley civilization]] (3000-1500 BCE) include small [[cart]]s, [[whistle]]s shaped like birds, and toy [[monkey]]s which could slide down a string.<ref name=Indialife>[http://members.aol.com/Donnclass/Indialife.html MrDonn.org - Daily Life in Ancient India, including the mysterious Indus Valley Civilization<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
The earliest toys were made from materials found in nature, such as rocks, sticks, and clay. Thousands of years ago, [[Ancient Egypt|Egyptian]] children played with [[doll]]s that had wigs and movable limbs which were made from stone, pottery, and wood.<ref name=Maspero>{{cite book|last=Maspero|first=Gaston Camille Charles|authorlink=Gaston Maspero|title=Manual of Egyptian Archaeology and Guide to the Study of Antiquities in Egypt|publisher=Project Gutenberg|url=http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/14400}}</ref> In [[Ancient Greece]] and [[Ancient Rome]], children played with dolls made of wax or [[terra cotta]], sticks, [[bow and arrow|bows and arrows]], and [[yo-yo]]s. When Greek children, especially girls, came of age it was customary for them to sacrifice the toys of their childhood to the gods. On the eve of their wedding, young girls around fourteen would offer their dolls in a temple as a rite of passage into adulthood.<ref name=Powell>{{cite book
| last =Powell
| first =Barry B.
| title =Classical Myth; Third Edition
| publisher =Prentice Hall
| date =2001
| location =Upper Saddle River, NJ
| pages =33-34
| id =ISBN 0-13-088442-1 }}</ref><ref name=Oliver>{{cite web|last=Oliver|first=Valerie|title=History Of The Yo-Yo|publisher=Spintastics Skill Toys, Inc.|date=1996|url=http://www.spintastics.com/HistoryOfYoYo.asp|accessdate=2006-10-30}}</ref>
[[Image:Reif Spielzeug.jpg|thumb|A boy with a [[Hoop rolling|hoop]]. Hoops have long been a popular toy across a variety of cultures.]]
As technology changed and civilization progressed, toys also changed. Whereas ancient toys were made from materials found in nature like [[Rock (geology)|stone]], [[wood]], and [[grass]] modern toys are often made from [[plastic]], [[cloth]], and synthentic materials. Ancient toys were often made by the parents and family of the children who used them, or by the children themselves. Modern toys, in contrast, are often [[mass-produced]] and sold in [[store]]s.
This change in the nature of toys is exemplified by the changes that have taken place in one of the oldest and most universal of human toys; dolls. The earliest and most primitive dolls were simple wooden carvings and bundles of grass. Egyptian dolls were sometimes jointed so that their limbs could move realistically. By the early 1800s there were dolls that could say "mama". Today there are dolls that can recognize and identify objects, the voice of their owner, and choose among hundreds of pre-programed phrases with which to respond.<ref name=VanPatten>{{cite web|last=Van Patten|first=Denise|title=A Brief History of Talking Dolls- -From Bebe Phonographe to Amazing Amanda|publisher=About.com|url=http://collectdolls.about.com/od/dollsbymaterial/a/talkingdolls.htm|accessdate=2006-10-30}}</ref> The materials that toys are made from have changed, what toys can do has changed, but the fact that children play with toys has not changed
== Child development ==
[[Image:Kylpyankka.jpg|thumb|left|A [[rubber duck]] is a popular bathtime toy for small children.]]
Toys, like play itself, serve multiple purposes in both humans and animals. They provide entertainment while fulfilling an educational role. Toys enhance [[cognitive]] [[behavior]] and stimulate [[creativity]]. They aid in the development of physical and mental skills which are necessary in later life.
One of the simplest toys, a set of simple wooden [[Block (toy)|blocks]] is also one of the best toys for developing minds. Andrew Witkin, director of marketing for [[Mega Brands]] told Investor's Business Daily that, "They help develop hand-eye coordination, math and science skills and also let kids be creative."<ref name=Tsuruoka>{{cite journal | last =Tsuruoka | first =Doug | title =Toys: Not All Fun And Games | journal =Investor's Business Daily | volume = | issue = | pages = | publisher = | date =January 5, 2007 | url =http://www.investors.com/editorial/IBDArticles.asp?artsec=23&issue=20070105 | doi = | id = | accessdate =2007-01-08}}</ref> Other toys like [[Marbles]], [[jackstones]], and [[ball]]s serve similar functions in child development, allowing children to use their minds and bodies to learn about spatial relationships, cause and effect, and a wide range of other skills as well as those mentioned by Mr. Witkin.
One example of the dramatic ways that toys can influence child development involves clay sculpting toys such as [[Play-Doh]] and [[Silly Putty]] and their home-made counterparts. Mary Ucci, Educational Director of the Child Study Center of Wellesley College, demonstrates how such toys positively impact the physical development, cognitive development, emotional development, and social development of children.<ref name=Ucci>{{cite journal | last =Ucci | first =Mary | title =Playdough: 50 Years' Old, And Still Gooey, Fun, And Educational | journal =Child Health Alert | volume =24 | issue = | pages = | publisher = | date =April, 2006 | url =http://web110.epnet.com/citation.asp?tb=1&_ug=sid+50E579A7%2D22F7%2D4ED5%2DADF6%2DF699A2D5EB3B%40sessionmgr2+dbs+afh+cp+1+B804&_us=mh+1+sl+%2D1+hs+False+or+Date+ss+SO+sm+KS+mdbs+afh+ri+KAAAGEIB00091355+dstb+KS+sel+False+frn+1+1CD0&_uso=tg%5B0+%2D+db%5B0+%2Dafh+hd+False+op%5B0+%2D+st%5B0+%2DToys++in++Child++development++AND++DE++%22TOYS%22+ex%5B0+%2Dproximity+mdb%5B0+%2Dimh+A6B6&cf=1&fn=1&rn=2& | accessdate =2007-02-17}} (Full-text on-line version requires login) </ref>
Toys for infants often make use of distinctive sounds, bright colors, and unique [[wikt:texture|texture]]s. Through play with toys infants begin to recognize shapes and colors. Repetition reinforces memory. [[Play-Doh]], [[Silly Putty]] and other hands-on materials allow the child to make toys of their own.
[[Educational toy]]s for school age children of often contain a [[puzzle]], problem-solving technique, or mathematical proposition. Often toys designed for older audiences, such as teenagers or adults demonstrate advanced concepts. [[Newton's cradle]], a desk toy designed by [[Simon Prebble]], demonstrates the conservation of momentum and energy.
Not all toys are appropriate for all ages of children. Some toys which are marketed for a specific age range can even harm the development of children in that range.
===Gender===
[[Image:Tank toy radio.JPG|thumb|right|300px|A toy tank with a remote control. Such toys are generally thought of a boys' toys, but some girls enjoy playing with them also.]]
[[Image:Vintagebarbie.jpg|thumb|left|[[Barbie]] dolls are almost exclusively considered to be girls' toys.]]
Certain toys, such as [[Barbie]] dolls and toy soldiers, are often perceived as being more acceptable for one gender than the other. It has been noted by researchers that, "Children as young as 18 months display sex-stereotyped toy choices".<ref name=Caldera>{{cite journal|last=Caldera|first=Yvonne M.|coauthors=Aletha C. Huston, Marion O'Brien|title=Social Interactions and Play Patterns of Parents and Toddlers with Feminine, Masculine, and Neutral Toys|journal=Child Development|volume=60|issue=1|pages=70–76|date=February 1989|url=http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0009-3920(198902)60%3A1%3C70%3ASIAPPO%3E2.0.CO%3B2-F#abstract|doi=10.2307/1131072|accessdate=2006-10-25|month=Feb|year=1989}}</ref>
Playing with toys stereotyped for the opposite gender sometimes results in negative consequences from parents or fellow children. In recent years{{Fact|date=July 2008}}, mainly in [[Western world|western countries]]{{Fact|date=July 2008}}, it has been looked down upon for males to play with toys that were originally stereotyped as being "for girls". However, it is generally not looked down upon for females to play with toys designed "for boys", an activity which has also become more common in recent years.<ref>[http://www.toy-testing.org/contents/whatbuzz/bz_gbfil/bz_gb.htm Toys for Girls and Boys - The Canadian Toy Testing Council] accessed [[27 May]] [[2007]]</ref>
==Economics==
[[Image:Toys R Us sg.JPG|thumb|left|[[Toys "R" Us]] operates over 13,000 stores in 30 countries and has an annual revenue of $11.1 billion USD.]]
With toys comprising such a large and important part of human existence, it makes sense that the toy industry would have a substantial economic impact. Sales of toys often increase around holidays where [[gift]]-giving is a tradition. Some of these holidays include [[Christmas]], [[Easter]], [[Saint Nicholas Day]] and [[Three Kings Day]].
In 2005, toy sales in the United States totaled about $22.9 billion.<ref name=Tsuruoka/> <!-- This reference has a slightly lower figure, but isn't from as reliable a source. I'm hesitant to delete it entirely at this point, so I'm hiding it in a comment until I know what to do with it.<ref name=Vargas>
{{cite web|last=Vargas|first=Melody|title=Annual Toy Industry Sales|work=About.com|url=http://retailindustry.about.com/od/seg_toys/a/toy_sales.htm about.com|accessdate=2006-11-22}}</ref>--> Money spent on children between the ages of 8 and twelve alone totals approximately $221 billion annually in the U.S. <ref name=tweens>{{cite news|last =Associated Press|title=Parents of tweens seek balance for fast-maturing kids|publisher=CNN.com|date=November 28, 2006|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20061201012535/http://www.cnn.com/2006/HEALTH/11/28/teen.tweens.ap/index.html|accessdate =2008-03-16}}</ref>
Toy makers change and adapt their toys to meet the changing demands of children thereby gaining a larger share of the substantial market. In recent years many toys have become more complicated with flashing lights and sounds in an effort to appeal to children raised around television and the internet. According to [[Mattel]]'s president, Neil Friedman, "Innovation is key in the toy industry and to succeed one must create a 'wow' moment for kids by designing toys that have fun, innovative features and include new technologies and engaging content."
In an effort to reduce costs, many mass-producers of toys locate their factories in areas where wages are lower. 75% of all toys sold in the U.S., for example, are manufactured in [[China]].<ref name=Tsuruoka/> Issues and events such as power outages, supply of raw materials, supply of labor, and raising wages that impact areas where factories are located often have an enormous impact on the toy industry in importing countries.
==Types==
===Construction sets===
[[Image:Lincoln Logs sawmill.jpg|thumb|left|[[Lincoln Logs]] have been a popular construction type toy in the U.S. since the 1920s.]]
The Greek philosopher [[Plato]] wrote that the future architect should play at building houses as a child.<ref name=Hils>Karl Hils, ''The Toy - Its Value, Construction and Use'', Edmund Ward Ltd., London, 1959.</ref> A '''construction set''' is a collection of separate pieces that can be joined together to create [[Scale model|model]]s. Popular models to make include [[car]]s, [[spacecraft|spaceship]]s, and [[house]]s. The things that are built are sometimes used as toys once completed, but generally speaking, the object is to build things of one's own design, and old models often are broken up and the pieces reused in new models.
The oldest and, perhaps most common construction toy is a set of simple wooden [[Toy block|blocks]], which are often painted in bright colors and given to babies and toddlers. Construction sets such as [[Lego]] bricks and [[Lincoln Logs]] are designed for slightly older children and have been quite popular in the last century.
Construction sets appeal to children (and adults) who like to work with their [[hand]]s, [[puzzle]] solvers, and [[imaginative]] sorts.
Some other examples include [[Bayko]], [[Konstruk-Tubes]], [[K'NEX]], [[Erector Set]]s, [[Tinkertoy]]s, and [[Meccano]].
===Dolls, animals, and miniatures===
{{main|Doll}}
[[Image:Child and Doll.jpg|thumb|A child and her doll.]]
A [[doll]] is a model of a [[human]] (often a [[baby]]), a [[humanoid]] (like [[Bert and Ernie]]), or an [[animal]]. Modern dolls are often made of [[cloth]] or [[plastic]]. Other materials that are, or have been, used in the manufacture of dolls include [[Husk|cornhusks]], [[bone]], [[Rock (geology)|stone]], [[wood]], [[porcelain]] (sometimes called china), [[Bisque (pottery)|bisque]], [[celluloid]], [[wax]], and even [[apples]]. Often people will make dolls out of whatever materials are available to them.
Sometimes intended as decorations, keepsakes, or [[collectible]]s for older children and adults, most dolls are intended as toys for [[child]]ren, usually [[girl]]s, to play with. Dolls have been found in [[Ancient Egypt|Egyptian]] [[tomb]]s which date to as early as [[21st century BC|2000 BC]].<ref name=Maspero>{{cite book|last=Maspero|first=Gaston Camille Charles|authorlink=Gaston Maspero|title=Manual of Egyptian Archaeology and Guide to the Study of Antiquities in Egypt|publisher=Project Gutenberg|url=http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/14400}}</ref>
Dolls are usually [[miniature]]s, but baby dolls may be of true size and weight. A doll or [[stuffed animal]] of soft material is sometimes called a [[plush toy]] or [[plushie]]. A popular toy of this type is the [[Teddy Bear]].
A distinction is often made between dolls and [[action figure]]s, which are generally of plastic or semi-metallic construction and poseable to some extent, and often are merchandising from [[television]] shows or [[film]]s which feature the characters. Modern action figures, such as [[Action Man]], are often marketed towards boys, whereas dolls are often marketed towards girls.
[[Toy soldier]]s, perhaps a precursor to modern action figures, have been a popular toy for centuries. They allow children to act out battles, often with toy military equipment and a [[castle]] or [[fort]]. Miniature animal figures are also widespread, with children perhaps acting out [[farm]] activities with animals and equipment centered around a toy farm.
===Vehicles===
[[Image:Knatterboot.jpg|thumb|left|A [[pop pop boat|toy boat]]]]
Children have played with miniature versions of vehicles since ancient times, with toy two-wheeled carts being depicted on [[Pottery of Ancient Greece|ancient Greek vases]].<ref name=Hils/> [[Wind-up toy]]s have also played a part in the advancement of toy vehicles. Modern equivalents include toy [[motor vehicle|car]]s such as those produced by [[Matchbox (toy company)|Matchbox]] or [[Hot Wheels]], miniature [[aircraft]], toy boats, and [[toy train|train]]s. Examples of the latter range from wooden sets for younger children such as [[BRIO]] complicated realistic [[Rail transport modeling|train models]] like those produced by [[Lionel Corporation|Lionel]] and [[Hornby Railways|Hornby]]. Larger die-cast vehicles, 1:18 scale, have become popular toys; these vehicles are produced with a great attention to detail.{{Fact|date=May 2008}}
===Puzzles===
{{main|Puzzle}}
[[Image:Rubiks cube scrambled.jpg|thumb|right|A popular puzzle toy is the [[Rubik's Cube]]. Popularized in the 1980s, solving the cube requires planning and problem-solving skills and involves algorithms.]]
A '''puzzle''' is a [[problem]] or [[enigma]] that challenges [[ingenuity]]. Solutions to puzzle may require recognizing [[pattern]]s and creating a particular order. People with a high [[inductive reasoning aptitude]] may be better at solving these puzzles than others. Puzzles based on the process of [[inquiry]] and discovery to complete may be solved faster by those with good [[deduction]] skills.
The history of puzzles goes back many thousands of years.
There are many different types of puzzles, for example a [[maze]] is a type of [[tour puzzle]]. Other categories include; [[construction puzzle]]s, [[stick puzzle]]s, [[tiling puzzle]]s, [[transport puzzle]]s, [[disentanglement puzzle]]s, [[sliding puzzle]]s, [[logic puzzle]]s, [[picture puzzle]]s, [[lock puzzle]]s and [[mechanical puzzle]]s.
====History of mechanical puzzles====
[[Image:PuzzleByAltekruse.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Puzzle design by W.Altekruse, 1890.]]
The oldest known [[mechanical puzzle]] comes from [[Greece]] and appeared in the 3rd century BC.
The game consists of a square divided into 14 parts, and the aim was to create different shapes from these pieces. In [[Iran]] “puzzle-locks” were made as early as the 17th century AD. In 1742 [[Japan]] there is a mention of a game called “Sei Shona-gon Chie No-Ita” in a book. Around the year 1800 the [[Tangram]] puzzle from [[China]] became popular, and 20 years later it had spread through Europe and America. The company Richter from [[Rudolstadt]] began producing large amounts of Tangram-like puzzles of different shapes, the so-called “Anker-puzzles”.
Puzzles were greatly fashionable towards the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The first patents for puzzles were recorded at this time. In 1893 professor Hoffman wrote a book called “Puzzles Old and New”. It contained, amongst other things, more than 40 descriptions of puzzles with secret opening mechanisms. This book grew into a reference work for puzzle games and modern copies exist for those interested.
With the invention of materials easy to shape such as plastic, the range of puzzle possibilities grew. [[Rubik's Cube]], arguably the most famous puzzle worldwide, would not be possible without modern [[polymer]]s.
===Physical activity===
[[Image:Jakarta old football.jpg|thumb|A boy from [[Jakarta]] with his ball. Ball games tend to be good exercise, involving lots of physical activity and are popular worldwide.]]
A great many toys are part of active play. These include traditional toys such as [[Hoop rolling|hoop]]s, [[top]]s, [[jump rope]]s and [[ball]]s, as well as more modern toys like [[Frisbee]]s, [[foot bag]]s (also known as [[Hacky Sack]]s), [[astrojax]], [[Myachi]], and the [[yo-yo]].
Playing with these sorts of toys allows children to [[exercise]], building strong bones and muscles and aiding in [[physical fitness]]. Throwing and catching balls and frisbees can improve hand-eye coordination. Jumping rope, (also known as skipping) and playing with foot bags can improve balance.
===Collectibles===
{{Main|Collectible}}
Some toys, such as [[Beanie Baby|Beanie Babies]], attract large numbers of enthusiasts, eventually becoming [[collectible]]s. Other toys, such as [[Boyds Bears]] are marketed to adults as collectibles. Some people spend large sums of money in an effort to acquire larger and more complete collections. The record for a single [[PEZ]] dispenser at auction, for example, is $1,100 U.S.<ref name=Brown>{{cite news|last=Brown|first=Patricia Leigh|title=New Auction Gems: Common Folks; Venerable Houses Woo Unstuffy Buyers With Unstuffy Stuff|work=The New York Times|pages=37|language=English|date=April 23, 1995|url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F6061EF93B5D0C708EDDAD0894DD494D81|accessdate=2006-10-11}}</ref>
===Promotional merchandise===<!-- This section is linked from [[The Legend of Zelda]] -->
Many successful [[film]]s, [[television]] programs, [[book]]s and [[sport]] teams have official [[merchandise]], which often includes related toys. Some notable examples are [[Star Wars]] (a [[science fiction]] film series) and [[Manchester United]], an English [[Football (soccer)|football]] club.
Promotional toys can fall into any of the other toy categories; for example they can be dolls or action figures based on the characters of movies or professional athletes, or they can be balls, yo-yos, and [[lunch box]]es with logos on them. Sometimes they are given away for free as a form of [[advertising]]. Many food manufacturers will run promotions where a toy will be included with the main product as a sort of bonus. Some people go to great lengths to collect these sorts of promotional toys.
==Invention==
[[Image:Playdoh.jpg|left|thumb|150px|[[Play-Doh]], originally intended as a wallpaper cleaner.]]
Some new toys and new types of toys are created by accidental [[innovation]].
After trying to create a replacement for [[synthetic rubber]], [[Earl Warrick]] inadvertently invented "nutty putty" during [[World War II]]. Later, [[Peter Hodgson]] recognized the potential as a childhood plaything and packaged it as [[Silly Putty]]. Similarly, [[Play-Doh]] was created as a wallpaper cleaner.<ref name=mit>[http://web.mit.edu/Invent/iow/sillyputty.html On the invention of silly putty, from web.mit.edu]</ref>
In 1943 [[Richard T. James|Richard James]] was experimenting with [[torsion spring]]s as part of his [[military research]] when he saw one come loose and fall to the floor. He was intrigued by the way it flopped around on the floor. He spent two years fine-tuning the design to find the best gauge of steel and coil; the result was the [[Slinky]], which went on to sell in stores throughout the [[United States]].
Many traditional toy makers have been losing to video game makers for years. Because of this, some traditional toy makers are enhancing the brands that they have by introducing interactive extensions or internet connectivity to their current toys.<ref name = "Ibisworld">{{cite web
| last =
| first =
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| year = 2007
| url = http://www.theage.com.au/news/technology/world-in-their-hands/2007/03/24/1174597945762.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap2
| title = World in their hands
| format =
| work =
| publisher = The Age
}}</ref>
==Safety regulations==
{{main|Toy safety}}
[[Image:LEGO-01.jpg|thumb|Toys with small pieces, such as these [[Lego]] elements are required by law to have warnings about choking hazards in some countries.]]
Many countries have passed [[safety standards]] limiting the types of toys that can be sold. Most of these seek to limit potential hazards, such as [[choking]] or [[fire hazard]]s that could cause [[injury]]. Children, especially very small ones, often put toys into their mouths, so the materials used to make a toy are regulated to prevent poisoning. Materials are also regulated to prevent fire hazards. Children have not yet learned to judge what is safe and what is dangerous, and parents do not always think of all possible situations, so such warnings and regulations are important on toys.
==Disposal==
[[Image:Crashbobby 02-small.JPG|thumb|left|Some communities demand recycling of the batteries in toys such as [[qfix|qfix robot "crash-bobby"]].]]
When toys have been outgrown or are no longer wanted, reuse is sometimes considered. They can be donated via many charities such as [[Goodwill]] and the [[Salvation Army]], sold at [[garage sale]]s, [[auction]]ed, sometimes even donated to [[museum]]s. However, when toys are broken, worn out or otherwise unfit for use, care should be taken when disposing of them. Donated or resold toys should be gently used, clean and have all parts.<ref name=Goodwilldonationguidelines>[http://www.goodwill.org/page/guest/about/howweoperate/donations/dosanddonts Goodwill donation guidelines]</ref> Before disposal of any battery-operated toy, [[battery (electricity)|batteries]] should removed and recycled; some communities demand this be done. Some manufacturers, such as [[Little Tikes]], will take back and recycle their products.
In 2007, massive [[2007 Chinese export recalls|recalls of toys produced in China]] led many U.S. based charities to cut back on, or even discontinue, their acceptance of used toys. Goodwill stopped accepting donations of any toys except stuffed animals, and other charities checked all toys against government-issued checklists.<ref name=Recall>{{cite news
| last =Eckelbecker
| first =Lisa
| coauthors =
| title =Santa helpers deal with toy recalls; Charities must scrutinize gifts
| work = Worcester Telegram & Gazette
| pages =
| language = English
| publisher =
| date =November 15, 2007
| url =http://www.telegram.com/article/20071115/NEWS/711150727/1116
| accessdate =2007-11-16}}</ref>
The [[WEEE directive|WEEE directive (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment)]], which aims at increasing re-use and recycling and reducing electronic waste, applies to toys in the United Kingdom as of [[2 January]] [[2007]].<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20070623125558/http://www.dti.gov.uk/innovation/sustainability/weee/page30269.html Information about the Weee Directive.]</ref>
==See also==
{{portal|Toys}}
*[[:Category:Toy companies|Toy companies]]
*[[:Category:Game manufacturers|Game manufacturers]]
*[[Board Game|Board games]]
*[[National Farm Toy Museum]]
*[[Museum of Toys and Automata]]
*[[List of toys]]
*[[National Toy Hall of Fame]]
*[[Toy museums]]
==References==
{{reflist}}
== Further reading ==
* Kline, Stephen. 1995. ''Out of the Garden: Toys, TV, and Children's Culture in the Age of Marketing.'' Verso Books; ISBN 1-85984-059-0.
* Walsh, Tim. 2005. ''Timeless Toys: Classic Toys and the Playmakers Who Created Them.'' Andrews McMeel Publishing; ISBN 0-7407-5571-4.
* Wulffson, Don L. ''Toys!'' Henry Holt and Company; ISBN 0-8050-6196-7
{{Commonscat|Toys}}
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