The Emotional Wellness Playbook is Here!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we have a brand-new resource to help promote kids’ emotional health! Download the Emotional Wellness Playbook for play-based activities that teach kids how to express their feelings in healthy ways – while having fun!



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Check Out Our Summer
Learning STEAM Toy List

The Toy Association’s Summer Learning STEAM Toy List features 30 outstanding products that combine both fun and learning to help kids build skills in science, technology, engineering, arts and math.

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Shop STEAM Accredited Toys on Amazon

Enter the Great Toybox
Refresh Giveaway!

We’re giving your family chances to win new toys and games all season long! Make sure to check back and enter often — several new products are featured each week!

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Benefits of Play

6 Benefits of Play

Play isn’t all fun and games — it’s also an important teaching tool! Think of it as recess and study hall all rolled into one. Through play, kids learn how to interact with others and reach critical developmental milestones.

Physical

Active play helps kids with coordination, balance, motor skills, and spending their natural energy!

Emotional

During play, kids learn to cope with emotions like fear, frustration, anger and aggression.

Cognitive

Children learn to think, read, remember, reason and pay attention through play.

Creative

By allowing imaginations to run wild during play, kids create new worlds, form unique ideas, and much more!

Communication

Play lets kids exchange thoughts, information, and messages.

Young parents playing a board game at home with their elementary school aged kids and having fun.

Playing Board Games is a Win-Win

Parenting consultant Dr. Debmitta Dutta shares the valuable benefits of playing board games with your children.

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Expert Advice

Be in the Know

Expert Advice

Experts agree that play has a profound impact on childhood learning. Every so often, we'll have articles, useful tips, sound advice, and the latest research from leaders in the field on children and education.

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Play Talk

Experts on education, childhood, and play share the latest information and research about the importance of play, childhood development, and tips you can use.

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For Teachers

For Teachers

Find out ways to incorporate play into your school day with play-based lesson plans that align perfectly with the curriculum.


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Toy Time

Toy Time

Whether it’s a stuffed animal, action toy, puzzle, doll, or race car set, toys ignite kids’ imaginations, curiosity, critical thinking, and more.

Toy Timeline

See how toys have evolved since waaay before you were a kid!

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Age-by-Age Toy Guide

Learn how to select toys that match your child’s interests, abilities and developmental skills.

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Cool Toy Picks

Find out the types of toys geared specifically for your child’s interests and abilities.

Discover more!