A scientific study that followed children from infancy to their twenties found that children benefited from educational play. The children in the study group that were provided with educational play toys showed marked increases in their intelligence quotient (IQ). Over the years, manufacturers competing in the toy market have spent millions developing educational play products based on these findings. Educational toys may focus on developing skills, knowledge or a combination of both. If the plaything assists in attaining knowledge, it is considered curriculum based. When it promotes building of the child's skill sets, then the reference is a cognitive based toy. The purchaser of an educational play item should know which toys fall into which category. This is important if there is a specific educational purpose in mind.

Play toys for increasing a child's knowledge are available in abundance. The item may claim to improve math, reading, vocabulary and even foreign language abilities. The buyer should look at the toy's labeling for specific details regarding the subject matter of the educational purpose. Claims to simply increase knowledge or promote learning are very vague and do not reveal the specific knowledge base being developed. As an example, if the purpose is to improve the child's ability to perform subtraction and multiplication exercise performance, ensure the toy focuses on those specific aspects. Also, make sure the toy is compatible to the child's age and level of development.

There are many play toys available for assisting with advancement of the child's skills. From infancy, when hand-eye coordination develops to grab a toy wanted, to the improved dexterity and fine motor skills of the preschooler. Again, as with curriculum-based toys, the age appropriateness of the object is crucial. An educational toy that is geared towards an infant will not provide any learning development for the advanced toddler. Playthings that are cognitive-based assist in developing motor skills such as walking, standing, hand-eye coordination and dexterity. Simplistic skills like pushing, pulling or grabbing and advanced skills such as placing specific shapes into matched slots can be promoted during play time.

The purchaser must be wary of educational items that make broad claims to the educational advantages of their product. It is imperative that you take the time to read the packaging to identify the specifics of the skills or knowledge that will be reinforced or developed. Play toys that are truly geared towards advancement should be labeled accordingly. The entertainment value of the plaything must be considered, as well. If the toy does not hold the child's interest, any educational value will be diminished. Additionally, most learning takes place via repetition. If the child will not repeatedly make use of the play object, it will not assist in the specified developmental area. Selecting an educational toy based on characters or subjects that the child favors will typically be more appealing than ones that don't.

Educational play toys, when age appropriate and interesting, can make a significant contribution towards the child's development while providing enjoyable entertainment.