Blogger: Etta Wilson
Location: Books & Such Nashville Office
Weather: Cloudy and cool
A recent radio snippet about a new book on the game of poker (I didn’t catch the author or title) pointed out the dichotomy in American culture that started with the strong Puritan ethic–certainly no games of chance allowed–and later evolved into more risk-taking behavior as settlers pushed westward. In fact, a gutsy spirit in life was almost required. About 1836, the French game of pokue began to be enjoyed in New Orleans and rapidly spread and modified into games of wager that we know as poker.
I was thinking about this and what character traits we pass onto our children as I surveyed the great slew of gift catalogs featuring games. Basically, what is the principal appeal of present-day games? What do parents and grandparents look for when they shop? Is it what they think a child needs or what the child wants? Can’t a game deliver both?
It’s fairly clear at Toys R Us (“Choose from over 300 games!” says the newspaper insert) that Lego owns the bulk of floor space and has the most product. On the shelves are vast arrays of Lego action-figure product headed by the Bionicles and including Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Pirates, Space Police, Agents 2.0, etc. There are other brands–Leap Frog and Fisher-Price for younger kids, and other kinds of product, some music-based such as “Guitar Hero” complete band sets, and Imaginarium offers 3 sets of building blocks that replace yesterday’s Lincoln Logs.
Several things hit me in this reality test–(1) no books in the store; (2) clear gender distinctions in toy appeal. Barbie product and all things related to dolls were very separate. (3) Products were based on movies and TV rather than on books; and (4) parents shopping with young children seemed not to know what to buy, but the kids knew exactly what they wanted. If I’ve got it wrong, please, please correct me!
I think video games are more popular than Legos, even with young kids. The Toys R Us probably had a video game section, and I’d bet that most Christmas Wish Lists could be fulfilled there.
Personally, I’m happy to hear that Legos have so much floor space. As a toy, they are great for inspiring imagination and problem solving. And if you buy a Lego house, it can also become a car, airplane, robot, or an ugly troll. What other toy can do that?
I grew up playing Legos and kept all of mine for my kids. Now we can get them out and build spaceships together and fly around zapping aliens. Good father/son activity, don’t you think?
James, I’m also happy with Legos having a lot of floor space, and I can’t think of a better activity to share with a child than building and imagining. A year or so ago, I had a great time playing Legos with a pre-school grandson. I do wonder about the great expansion of Lego product based on movies for older kids and adults like Star Wars and Indiana Jones, which seems to be a limitation.
I wish you could still buy Lego that didn’t come with instructions – those booklets of step by step instructions to make the figure on the box and only the figure on the box. They’ve become so specific! And much of their product line is based on the movie characters or series they’ve created. It makes me vaguely sad sometimes.
My Toys R Us carries books and even has an end rack of “signed by the author” titles. I was intrigued until I opened one and the “signature” is a sticker with the author’s signature pre-printed on it and then stuck in the book.
As for my personal buying policies, I’ll consider buying what my child wants if I can see some other intrinsic value to it – encourages interaction with others/imagination/a life skill (ie. handling money), etc. Add to that doesn’t-need-batteries/will-play-with-for-more than-two-weeks/isn’t-a-huge-lump-of-plastic/doesn’t-fit-up-the-vacuum-hose and eventually I find something we can both appreciate.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
I’m a little surprised at the Indiana Jones Legos too. Temple of Doom seems like a bit much for the kiddos.
Then again, there are toys for all kinds of movies that I would think would be too much for little ones. I’m only twenty four, and the things kids are seeing on TV and movies have certainly changed since I was wearing diapers and picking my nose.
LOL Unfortunately, I don’t think you’re wrong at all. My kids always know what they want, which is why I always steer clear of the toy section. LOL It’s so sad though, that we’re not instilling a love for reading in our kids. I’m trying to in mine, though the kindergartener isn’t liking to actually look at letters. He still wants to look at pics. LOL
It is interesting about how culture has evolved/changed.
Valerie, I love your criteria for game-buying for your child. Now to find a game producer with the same set! Thanks for sharing.
I mentioned in a previous comment post that we do not have a television in our home. That has so many advantages. For one thing, my grandchildren are not seduced by aggressive advertising. They love books, empty boxes, sticks, art and craft supplies, games, and building toys.
I’m disappointed in many of the building toys of today because most are themed. I love the vintages sets that just included lots of blocks, bricks, or connective pieces. Why do they have to have a set that builds a fort and another one that builds a pirate ship? I say give them the raw materials and let their imaginations go wild.
All my kids are asking for books this Christmas. It makes my heart sing!
That being said, they still like toys. 🙂 We recently bought Apples to Apples – and the kids are having a ball. It’s a board game, but it all revolves around words, phrases and what they mean to the players.
I don’t like to buy games that are going to lose their pricey little game pieces within a week. But I have to admit, I did buy them the newest version of OPERATION. We’ve been having a ball playing that, too. 🙂
Toys have become status symbols for children and, because parents in our society are so concerned about safety, kids almost never get to play without adult supervision and let their imaginations roam free. At least the ones who learn to love books can do that while reading.
Very interesting post! My daughter’s dragging me out of bed bright and early on Friday to go Christmas shopping. Toys R Us is on her list. I’m going to note how prominently, if at all, the Portland store features books.
Donna, your kids have hit on this year’s major game craze in Apples to Apples. I’m trying that one soon.
Okay, time for me to confess. I’m setting up the card table for my new 1000-piece puzzle this very day. Happy New Year!
Etta
You always need to have a way to relax, video games help me with this. I suggest you visit the site https://askboosters.com/g2g/ where a team of professional boosters will pump your gaming account qualitatively.