| A toy is an object used in play. Toys
are usually associated with children and pets, but it is not unusual for
adult humans and some non-domesticated animals to play with toys. Many
items are manufactured to serve as toys, but items produced for other purposes
can also be used as toys. A child may pick up a household item and 'fly'
it around pretending that it is an airplane, or an animal might play with
a pinecone by batting at it, biting it, chasing it, or by throwing it up
in the air. Some toys are produced primarily as collector's items and are
not intended to be played with.
The origin of toys is prehistoric; dolls
representing infants, animals, and soldiers, as well as representations
of tools used by adults are readily found at archaeological sites. The
origin of the word "toy" is unknown, but it is believed that it was first
used in the 14th century.
Toys, and play in general, are important
when it comes to growing up and learning about the world around us. The
young use toys and play to discover their identity, help their bodies grow
strong, learn cause and effect, explore relationships, and practice skills
they will need as adults. Adults use toys and play to form and strengthen
social bonds, teach, remember and reinforce lessons from their youth, discover
their identity, exercise their minds and bodies, explore relationships,
practice skills, and decorate their living spaces.
Toys are more than simple amusement,
they and the ways that they are used profoundly influence many aspects
of life. |
