Toys are an important part of every child’s life. Though toys can also be sold to adults under specific situations, toys are most often used by children. Playing with toys is a fun way of teaching young children for future life experiences with objects like balls, dolls, blocks, trains, or cars. There are many different types of toys to choose from, ranging from simple building blocks, wooden or plastic toys, to more complicated toys like those that incorporate electronics. Wooden toys are usually more expensive than other toys, but they are more durable, attractive to children, and give your child a chance to engage with their creative imagination.
Early toys were made using simple designs of wooden figures, such as the popular Mary Poppins doll that became a worldwide icon. A toy design made in this style could last for years with proper care. Toy making began in China and by the mid 19th century had come to be known as chinese toys in Europe and America. In the early twentieth century, mass production on toys became common place and many toys of the pre-19th century disappeared from store shelves forever.
Because toys were mass produced and shipped all over the world, they became popular all over the globe. Dolls, cars, and other toys were sent to almost every part of the world, which explains why toys are popular in different cultures at different times. Most toys sold in North Africa have been traditionally made from either wood or clay. Wood toys are more popular than clay because these products do not require a great amount of processing and are more durable and attractive than clay products that need to be properly aged and treated to keep them from discoloring.