Should we stop buying toys? Parents across the world are going Christmas shopping. But some think we should play with everyday objects instead.
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Shock! Sticks, bricks, sand are best for play
Should we stop buying toys? Parents across the world are going Christmas shopping. But some think we should play with everyday objects instead.
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What's happening?
The queue for the checkout tills stretched around the store. It was Black FridayThe day after US Thanksgiving, when lots of shops offer discounts on goods for Christmas shopping. , and millions of parents worldwide had headed to the shops to start buying toys for Christmas.
In the UK, an averageTypical or usual. 10 year old will have owned 238 toys in their lifetime, worth £6,500.
Toys have existed for as long as humans - or perhaps before. Many animals play with toys too.
Find out more
Experts say toys can help children learn about the world around them. Building blocks can make you creative. Talking to teddy bears can make you more social.
But some people think that there are just too many toys today. Every year, roughly 8.5 million toys are thrown away. It is a huge amount of waste. And some point out that we do not need plastic toys to learn about the world.
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Should we stop buying toys?
Yes! A toy can be as simple as pen and paper or a wooden yoyo. And plastic toys are ending up in rubbish heaps around the world.
No! Toys are fun and can help children learn about the world around them. The key is to just not have too many.
Keywords
Black Friday - The day after US Thanksgiving, when lots of shops offer discounts on goods for Christmas shopping.
Average - Typical or usual.
Shock! Sticks, bricks, sand are best for play
Toy town: In 2020, the average British parents spent £420 on Christmas gifts for their children. Glossary
Black Friday - The day after US Thanksgiving, when lots of shops offer discounts on goods for Christmas shopping.
Average - Typical or usual.