Fat Brain Toys: Twig
This year’s “Slow Toy Awards” are
out. The Slow Toy Movement is an
offshoot of the Slow Food movement. The
Slow Food movement was a European reaction to McDonald’s and the growing
ubiquity of fast food. Similarly, the
Slow Toy Movement seeks to be a reaction to plastic, heavily promoted toys that
rely too much on technology and not enough on traditional materials and
durability. Here are their criteria:
- Must
be available in independent stores - Must
inspire the mind - Must
not require batteries - Must
not be solely made from plastic - It
has to stand the test of time - It
has to promise true play value - It must be a well made toy
I applaud the Slow Toy movement
for highlighting the notion that toys should aspire to do more than simply sell well. I do, however, have some concerns with their press release when it states that: “The Slow Toy Awards aim to highlight the
‘real’ toys on the market that inspire children, will stand the test of time
and offer true play value.” What exactly
are “real” toys and how do we measure “true” play value? I also have some thoughts on their criteria. I will discuss my concerns in my next posting
but until then, here are the winners, the “Slow Seven of 2013:”:
Doll Pram – Moovers
East Coast Activity Cube - East
Coast
Tiny Truck – Galt
My First Play World Fire Brigade – HABA
Meccano Multi Models Set - Meccano
Twig – Fat
Brain Toys
Around the World Train Set – Bigjigs Toys