With the constant unstoppable increase in technology it is no surprise that researchers say that consumers are turning more and more to electronic toys to enhance their child's interactive learning. Seventy five percent of consumers who purchased an electronic toy in the past year did so for its educational value, Three of the top five most purchased types of electronic toys are educational products. The study focused on purchases made for children between the ages of 0 and fifteen years of age.



The study found that 48 percent of buyers purchased some type electronic learning systems, 36 percent purchased electronic aids or electronic books. An impressive 78 percent of consumers also view the level of learning electronic toys provide as beneficial to children.

Many educational toys are highly sophisticated, while they integrate microchips and other technology. There are many toys have interactive components which teach kids important skills such as early language, spelling, and math. There are even electronic toys that take children through the elementary steps of learning a foreign language.

The study found that most households spend nearly two billion dollars on electronic toys for children each year, with the average household spending $172. Radio controlled toys along with DVD games topped the list of electronic toy purchases, with the highest purchase potential found in electronic/DVD games and electronic learning aids.

Another interesting fact found in the study. is that boys are more likely than girls to be the recipients of electronic toys. Fifty-eight percent of purchases are for boys compared to only 42 percent for girls. The study also found that gender appropriateness is important to more than half of electronic toy purchasers.

Parents are placing an increased emphasis on their children's education. They want to give their children the best possible future and they are willing to invest a substantial amount of money to provide their children with a variety of different eduational opportunities. It's no surprise that parents are becoming increasingly knowledgeable about edutainment products and the benefits that they offer. The edutainment products category now represents one of the fastest growing segments in the toy market.

The electronic toy business is not child's play any more. It has become serious business and manufacturers as well as most retailers know it. They realize that as long as technology keeps growing they will continue to make new products. And as long as new products are made parents will keep buying them for their children.