Toy Reviews – How to Write Helpful Toy Reviews

1. Does The Toy Do What It Says It Should Do?

This is pretty straightforward, yet strangely often overlooked. If the packaging is advertising a toy incorrectly, it is not only dangerous, but against the law and should be reported. In your opinion, did the toy do what you thought it would do?

2. Is The Toy Suitable For The Age It Advertises?

An age guide is exactly that, a guide to what age can use the toy. For the toy review, make sure to include how appropriate this age guide was in regards to your own children.

3. Is The Toy Solidly-Constructed or Easily-Broken?

If the toy you are reviewing survived your child’s first temper tantrum, then other parents will want to know that. Equally, if parts discoloured quickly with or without water added, if pieces fell off without too much effort, or if the toy smashed on impact when it was thrown across the room in a fit of rage when it was bath-time, these are of the utmost importance. Endurance of toys weighs heavily on a purchase as no parent wants to buy a toy which only lasts one day.

4. What Variations/Selections/Options Are There?

If the toy comes in different models, colours, shapes, or sizes, this is nice to know particularly as many parents like to purchase blue/red items for boys and pink/purple items for girls. Some toys come with additional options, such as a doll that pees as well as drinks, whereas others have several uses even though it’s not advertised such as cards that can be used for the games of “Snap” as well as “Memory”. Often parents looking to purchase toys online in a hurry may not realise the potential of some of the simpler toys.

5. What Are The Extras/Costs Related To The Toy You Are Reviewing?

This is probably one of the most important areas – the stuff that no-one tells you about. Knowing if the toy eats batteries so quickly that you need a recharger going 24/7 to support it is definitely helpful. Equally, it’s nice to know beforehand if there are any necessary accessories you have to purchase in order for it to work as this will result in an additional cost. If the accessories are optional, mentioning if you think they are reasonably-priced will also be of assistance.

6. Does It Require Assembly?

Trikes, bikes, scooters and cars notoriously come in flat toy boxes which makes it impossible to believe there will be no assembly involved – unfortunately. No-one really likes to assemble toys, but it’s a necessary evil, so mentioning it in your review will be very helpful. Include how easy it is to assemble, how long it takes, and if you need help from another person to do so.

7. Is It Value For Money?

This is quite a personal question, but a good one to mention. Value is construed differently, depending on the purchaser, however, if many parents writing toy reviews feel a toy is overpriced, there may be something for the manufacturer or distributor to consider. Generally, a parent that is happy with the toy will be happy with the price they paid. Value in this sense is how effective the toy was at quietening and entertaining their child – which as we all know, is priceless!

8. How Did Your Child React To The Toy?

A wonderful toy that is durable yet remains a novelty for only a day or a week is not regarded as a good purchase by most parents. If your child thought the toy under review was wonderful, but only for a day, then this is also worth mentioning along with your thoughts as to why this might be.

9. Try To Rate It Out Of 10.

Everybody can relate to a number out of 10. Generally, 1-2 means the toy is fairly useless and not worth the money at all; 3-4 not much better than 1-2. 5-6 means the toy has potential, though probably not a good buy if it’s an expensive item, and 7-8 is a good indicator for a stable toy that provides a decent amount of entertainment value.

Naturally, 9-10 is what every parent wants their online toy purchase to be: the perfect toy to keep their child entertained and intrigued for hours on end at the very best price available.