02-September-2010

Children's toys are gimmicky trash

Post a comment

Related Gripes

Random Gripe

Gripes by email

It's probably an appropriate time to bring this one up as Christmas is just around the corner. I've just spent a couple of hours sorting through toys in my daughters bedroom to see what she's outgrown, what's become lost and broken etc. It has actually been quite an eye opener.

One thing is blatantly obvious and that is that children’s toys aren't at all what they used to be. I know that's probably a tired old expression that you may have heard your parents use, but it seems to be true now more than ever.

Children’s toys are just very gimmicky these days. Over complicated and brightly coloured moulded bits of plastic that don't really do anything and have no real value other than to serve as a brief diversion before the child moves on to the next worthless piece of junk.

They are more often than not quite poorly manufactured and as a result will not last very long at all. This is something that is quite unacceptable because some of these toys cost a small fortune. Of course the big toy companies that make these toys need to recoup some of their heavy advertising costs somehow! In this country we spend a fortune each year at Christmas on the kids, but I don’t think the toys live up to the glitzy adverts.

Some children's toys I suppose aren't so expensive, but you get what you pay for and that is where the quality and value for money really starts to take a nose dive! If anything they get even more gimmicky and pointless! All this new stuff is just trash and that’s where it will probably end up before next Christmas.

Your Ad Here

Other Related Gripes

What has happened to children's cartoons?
Lego is not what it used to be
Christmas not Happy Holidays
Cheap flat pack furniture
No need for plastic palm trees
Teachers who torment children
Games for PC are too expensive
Child car seat law ignored
Mothercare online problems
Christmas is just a spend fest
Kids have no respect for parents
People who abuse children
Shoe shopping for children
Adverts on television and radio
Plastic packaging and tins half full
eBay power sellers and defective goods
Christmas office parties suck
Cheap batteries don't last long
My children live with their dad
Christmas is too commercial

Well Christmas is on the way so you're going to see more gimmicky trash toys. Get used to it. On the plus side they might be cheaper because people can't afford to spend as much this year. It's still a hopeless waste of money though.

Dan 27-Oct-2008 10:50

Tony,
My kids are getting an assortment of plastic and modern toys from grandparents, aunts and uncles, and friends, so they will indeed be getting things that are more conventional. Plus they are getting an assortment of stocking stuffers and such from us. And its not about the items themselves, its the time we spend with them creating and using the gifts. They are old enough to enjoy it and the presents are appropriate for their ages and interests. Christmas isn't about what you get, its the experience and traditions. I got similar presents as a child and they remain part of my fondest memories (I know that sounds sappy but its true). I would not like my kids to expect to get everything they want just because its Christmas but to remember its a treat to get gifts at all. As adults, they'll remember the traditions and hopefully pass them on.

Mrs. A. 07-Dec-2007 13:26

Will your children be happy? It depends the age of your children if craft toys would be good for them. The new plastic toys are just an example of todays throw away generation. They are going to grow out of anny toy that you give them. They will probably go through a carpentry set as fast as they would with the new plastic toy.

You shouldnt give a child a present because it teaches them skills they should recieve a gift that they will enjoy for the time that they are still at the age that they can.

There is nothing worse than going down to look under the christmas tree just to be dissapointed that they did not get the toy that they wanted.

Tony 06-Dec-2007 12:44

For Christmas my kids are getting paints and craft stuff (youngest) and a carpentry set (oldest). They can make their own blooming toys! They will probably end up better quality than store bought and will likely be played with longer. Plus it encourages hand/eye coordination and other skills. And we’ll save the boxes for the baby! Everyone wins!

Mrs. A. 28-Nov-2007 10:00

View more comments on this gripe

Children's toys are gimmicky trash

Other Related Gripes

Visitor Comments