What does this mean?
Since 1954, parents, educationalists, psychologists, doctors, technicians, experts in design, chemistry and electronics - scientific and practical people - have been examining and assessing toys. They work on an honorary basis and are independent of the toy industry and retailers. Their Spiel Gut (Good Toy Guide) recommendation signifies that this toy has been tested with children and examined by experts with a positive result.

Criteria
Toys are judged by play value, material, workmanship, construction, durability, safety, design, size and suitability for the appropriate age group.

Play and toys as educational aids?
Playing always entails learning, not by means of teaching, but on the basis of personal experience - the most effective form of learning in childhood. Physical and mental agility, social behavior, imagination, logical thinking, planned action, powers of concentration, stamina, joy at being active and a great deal more, can be developed by playing. The benefits can be seen for the rest of the child's life - at work and during leisure activities, as well as in a wide variety of other situations.

Learning to play?
Playing too has to be learned. The readiness to play, which every healthy child has by its very nature, can only develop into the ability to play with careful assistance, stimulation and encouragement. Good toys can help in this, but only if the abilities and interests of the child are taken into consideration when choosing a toy.

Click here for more information about the Spiel Gut Association (available in German only).