Understanding Independent and Parallel Play: A Guide for Parents As parents and caregivers, we often find ourselves watching children play and quietly wondering whether they should be playing together more, or why they seem happiest playing alone. These questions are incredibly common, especially in the early years, and the reassuring truth is that different play styles are a natural and healthy part of child development. Two important and often misunderstood play styles are independent play and parallel play. Understanding what these are, why they matter, and how toys can support them helps adults feel confident in supporting children without pressure, comparison or unrealistic expectations. 📌 Quick Guide In this article, you'll find key sections and practical takeaways: What is Independent Play? What is Parallel Play? How the Right Toys Can Help Adjusting Adult Expectations Frequently Asked Questions What is Independent Play? Independent play is when a child plays on their own, fully absorbed in what they are doing. This might look like building with blocks, exploring loose parts, solving puzzles or creating imaginary worlds independently. Independent play is not about isolation. It is about autonomy, focus and self-directed learning. Through independent play, children develop concentration, problem-solving skills, creativity, resilience and emotional regulation. For many children, particularly neurodivergent children, independent play provides a sense of calm, predictability and control. It is often the space where children feel safest to explore ideas, practise skills and build confidence. What is Parallel Play? Parallel play usually emerges between eighteen months and three years, but it can continue well beyond this age. During parallel play, children play alongside one another, often with similar materials, without direct interaction. They may watch, listen, imitate or simply enjoy being near others while remaining focused on their own play. Parallel play is not a social failure. It is a developmental bridge. It supports social awareness without social pressure, early language exposure, emotional safety and familiarity with group environments. Children learn by observing others, even when they are not actively engaging with them. For neurodivergent children, parallel play can be especially powerful. It allows them to be part of a shared space while maintaining personal boundaries and sensory comfort. It builds confidence gradually and supports social readiness in a way that feels safe and respectful. How the Right Toys Can Help Many caregivers notice these play differences and worry that their child is falling behind socially. In reality, play develops along many pathways. When children feel secure and unpressured, they are far more likely to move towards interactive and cooperative play in their own time. The right toys can make a significant difference. Open-ended educational toys naturally support both independent and parallel play without demanding specific outcomes or forced interaction. At Edx Education, our toys are designed to act as stepping stones, meeting children where they are and gently supporting development forward. Construction toys, loose parts, maths manipulatives and sensory-friendly resources are ideal for side-by-side play. Children can explore, repeat, create and problem-solve independently while feeling comfortable in a shared environment. These experiences help build confidence, curiosity and emotional regulation. Adjusting Adult Expectations Supporting these play styles also means adjusting adult expectations. Children do not need to be coached into playing together. They need time, space and permission to play in ways that feel right for them. Providing shared play spaces, offering choices and allowing observation without direction creates a strong foundation for development. To truly support children through independent and parallel play, we must rethink how we define progress. Progress is not always louder, more social or more interactive. Sometimes it looks like a child feeling calm in a shared space, staying focused for longer, or confidently choosing their own materials. These moments matter. When children are trusted to lead their play, they build the foundations for communication, collaboration and resilience naturally. Through our toys, downloadable resources and the Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education podcast, we continue to advocate for play that respects individuality, builds confidence and supports lifelong learning through joyful, pressure-free experiences. By Heather Welch, General Manager Edx Education UK and author of Happy Children Play Frequently Asked Questions Q: What is the difference between independent play and parallel play? A: Independent play is when a child plays alone, fully absorbed in their own activity. Parallel play is when children play alongside one another without directly interacting, often using similar materials.  Q: Is it normal for my child to prefer playing alone? A: Yes, completely. Independent play is a healthy and important part of development. It builds concentration, creativity and emotional regulation. Children do not need to play together to be developing well socially.  Q: At what age does parallel play begin? A: Parallel play typically emerges between eighteen months and three years, but children of all ages may engage in parallel play, particularly in new or busy environments.  Q: How can I support my child's independent or parallel play at home? A: Provide open-ended toys, allow plenty of unstructured time, and resist the urge to direct or intervene. Creating a calm, inviting play space where children can explore freely makes a big difference.

Helping Children Understand Emotions Through Sensory Play As parents and caregivers, we all want to raise children who feel confident, calm, and capable of understanding and expressing their emotions. Yet, emotions can feel big especially for young children who are still learning how to navigate the world around them. One of the most effective, child-friendly ways to support this emotional development is through sensory play. When children explore different textures, shapes, colors, and patterns, they’re not just building cognitive and motor skills they’re learning how to regulate, express, and understand their own feelings. At Edx Education, we believe that play is the foundation for emotional well being. Our toys, resources, and the Play, Learn & Create podcast all champion the idea that children learn best when their hands are busy, their senses are engaged, and their hearts feel safe.  Why Sensory Play Helps With Emotional Development Children experience the world through their senses long before they have the words to describe their emotions. Sensory play provides a comforting, predictable, hands-on environment where they can calm their bodies and explore at their own pace. Some of the key benefits include: Emotional Regulation Sensory activities help soothe the nervous system. The repetitive motion of placing, adjusting, or sorting objects provides a calming rhythm that helps children ground themselves during moments of stress or overwhelm. Naming and Expressing Emotions When children are engaged in sensory play, they're often more open to conversation. This provides caregivers with natural opportunities to talk about feelings; “This smooth piece feels calming… how does your body feel right now?” Confidence Through Mastery Children feel proud when they create patterns, complete a design, or experiment successfully. This sense of achievement builds resilience and encourages positive emotional expression. Introducing Edx Education’s Sensory Toys One of our favorite tools for emotional and sensory learning is the Abstract Magnetic Puzzle Set. Designed to nurture creativity, concentration, and calmness, the white lines on the magnetic pieces encourage children to explore pattern-making in a therapeutic, open ended way.   Why this set supports emotional learning: Calming sensory feedback: Moving and placing magnets gives instant tactile satisfaction without mess or frustration. Open-ended creativity: Children can create faces, animals, scenes, or abstract patterns—helping them express feelings visually. Safe emotional distance: Sometimes it’s easier for a child to talk about how a character feels before talking about themselves. With the magnetic pieces, you can create visual stories and gently open conversations. Supports focus and mindfulness: The slow, thoughtful movements help anchor children in the present moment. Try sitting beside your child and building together. You might say: “Let’s make a happy pattern. How do we create happy faces with the lines?” “How would we create a calm picture? What shapes might we use?” These gentle prompts help children link emotions to sensory experiences an essential early skill.   More Ways to Use Sensory Play to Explore Emotions Create “Feeling Patterns” Invite your child to arrange the shape pieces from Green-n-Learn Sensory Pattern Blocks into patterns that represent different emotions. Spirals for excitement, zigzags for frustration, circles for calm. This helps children understand that emotions look and feel different. Build Story Scenes Together Use the shapes to act out stories. Ask: “How does this character feel today?” Naming emotions in a playful, safe context helps normalize emotional expression. Pair With Calm-Down Spaces Place Sensory toys like Abstract Magnetic Puzzle or Green-n-Learn Sensory Pattern Blocks in a quiet corner of your home. This becomes a “calm zone” a place where children can reset when feeling overwhelmed. Play-Based Learning Builds Emotional Resilience Every play experience offers children a chance to practice emotional skills: patience, problem-solving, confidence, independence, and communication. When we provide opportunities for sensory play, we’re giving children the tools they need for a lifetime of emotional resilience. The Abstract Magnetic Puzzles and all Edx Education toys are designed to support this journey with love, curiosity, and creativity. To discover more activities, expert tips, and conversations about early learning, listen to the Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education podcast or explore our free downloadable resources online. Written by Heather Welch, Edx Education UK General Manager and author of Happy Children Play

Part of our journey to becoming fully sustainable at Edx Education The new STEAM Whale Story Counter Set and Sustainable Play Book is part of Edx Education’s new sustainable Green-n-Learn™ play range. It has been inspired by our work with our charitable partner, the KuroShio Ocean Oasis project. Find out more about our charity initiatives in our About Us section on Educational Outreach – Education for All. The Charity Project The KuroShio Ocean Oasis project is based in our brand’s home country of Taiwan and is an ocean conservation charity that helps clean the oceans of pollutants, such as single-use plastics. They also educated locals on how to care for their aquatic environment, with the ultimate aim of creating a safe conservation area for whales and dolphins to breed and thrive. KuroShio Ocean Oasis project is one of Edx Education’s plastic free projects. We not only fund them but work closely with the charity to educate local factories on how to reduce plastic waste and opt for more sustainable manufacturing practices and materials. Edx Education’s employees and partners also regularly accompany the charity on eco-projects, such as clearing Taiwan’s beaches and oceans of waste. The Whale Story The Whale Counters Story Set includes a Sustainable Play Book printed with soy dyes and made from FSC certified paper. It is accompanied by a set of 36 sustainable play whale counters in three colours, which are made from high-grade recycled plastic, derived from milk bottles. The sustainable play set is packed in FSC packaging which has also been printed with soy dyes, and all the contents are fully recyclable. The picture handbook, inspired by the KuroShio Ocean Oasis project, has been designed for you to enjoy with your children by taking them on an important educational journey. The story covers the effects of single-use plastics on our ocean’s ecosystem, with the aim of educating children from a young age for a more sustainable and planet-friendly future. The Sustainable Play Book is picture-led with easy to follow ideas, so parents can talk through the messages in age-appropriate language, while also allowing non-reading children to participate in the story-telling narrative. The absence of written words also allows the book to easily adapt to different play ideas and language regions, cutting down on global waste. Children will love the simple whale counters that can be used for imaginative play and early maths learning, such as counting, sorting and categorising. Fine motor skills are also honed as the counters have been designed to be used for balancing and stacking activities, furthering their educational potential. Our Eco Strategy Edx Education’s Sustainable Products Initiative eco strategy includes the UK launch of the Green-n-Learn™ and Green-n-Play™ ranges this summer, which all use recycled plastics and sustainable FSC certified packaging, while also providing 100+ free online extension activities for our education resources to increase longevity of play. The Whale Counters Story Set and Sustainable Play Book is part of these accessible and plastic free ranges. Read more about the Green-n-Learn™ and Green-n-Play™ ranges in our blog about Socially Conscious Gifts. Decreasing waste, using greener materials and embracing recycling is the future outlook for Edx Education. Edx Education are also committed to ethical and sustainable work and supply chain practices and are continuously developing more efficient procedures and manufacturing processes. The supply chain and products are ethically and compliance audited by global auditing organisations: EN71, CPSIA, ASTM, CCC, Sedex, ISO 9001, ISO1 4001. Shop our full range of educational products for children of all age groups, abilities and developmental stages here: www.shopedx.co.uk www.edxeducation.com. Edx Education – Heather Welch To find your local Edx Education retailer head over to Where to buy – Edx Education.

In the era of environmental consciousness, sustainability has become a key consideration for businesses across industries. Educational toy companies are no exception, with consumers increasingly seeking eco-friendly options for their children’s playtime. Among them, Edx Education stands out as a company committed to sustainability. In this blog post, we will explore how Edx Education Toys embraces environmentally responsible practices, making them a more sustainable choice compared to other educational toy companies. Eco-Friendly Materials: Edx Education Toys takes a proactive approach to sourcing and using eco-friendly materials for their products. Their toys are crafted from sustainable resources, such as FSC-certified wood and recycled plastics. By utilizing these materials, Edx Education Toys minimizes their carbon footprint, reduces deforestation and promotes the use of recycled materials. This commitment to sustainable sourcing ensures that their toys are both safe for children and gentle on the planet. Ethical Manufacturing Processes: Another aspect that sets Edx Education apart from other companies is their dedication to ethical manufacturing processes. They prioritize fair labour practices, ensuring that their workers are treated with dignity and respect. This commitment extends beyond their own manufacturing facilities to their suppliers as well. By partnering with suppliers who adhere to stringent ethical standards, Edx Education contributes to fair and sustainable labour practices throughout its supply chain. Longevity and Durability: Edx Education designs its products with longevity and durability in mind. Their toys are built to withstand the rigours of play and are constructed using high-quality materials. By focusing on durability, Edx Education Toys reduces the need for frequent replacements, ultimately reducing waste. In contrast to cheaper, disposable toys that end up in landfills, Edx Education Toys promotes a more sustainable approach, encouraging consumers to invest in toys that will last for generations. Packaging Innovation: The company also takes significant strides in reducing packaging waste. Edx Education employs innovative packaging solutions that minimize materials while maintaining product safety. They prioritize using recyclable or biodegradable packaging materials and encourage their customers to recycle responsibly. By streamlining its packaging processes, Edx Education Toys reduces waste and lowers its overall environmental impact. Environmental Education Initiatives: Edx Education goes beyond sustainable practices within their own operations. They actively engage in environmental education initiatives, inspiring children to become environmentally conscious citizens. Their toys incorporate learning experiences that encourage environmental awareness, fostering a sense of responsibility towards the planet. By instilling these values in young minds, Edx Education Toys aims to shape a greener future for generations to come. Edx Education is at the forefront of sustainability in the educational toy industry. Through their commitment to eco-friendly materials, ethical manufacturing processes, durability, packaging innovation, and environmental education, they demonstrate their dedication to a greener path to learning. By choosing Edx Education, consumers can feel confident that they are making a sustainable choice for their children’s development while actively contributing to a more environmentally conscious world. Let’s embrace the sustainable edge of Edx Education and pave the way for a brighter, greener future. To view more of Edx Education sustainable initiatives click here or  Shop our full range of educational products for children of all age groups, abilities and developmental stages here: UK https://www.shopedx.co.uk USA www.amazon.com/edxeducation Edx Education – Heather Welch To find your local Edx Education retailer head over to Where to buy – Edx Education.   Tags: Active play, Eco-Friendly, educational toys, edx education, edxeducation, Hands on learning, learning through play, OPEN-ENDED TOYS, sustainable

The best eco-friendly gifts for kids In today’s age, children are constantly bombarded with messages from advertisers to purchase the latest trendy toy. Finding eco-friendly alternatives can be quite daunting, as a visit to any department store, toy shop or supermarket will reveal countless aisles and shelves filled with inexpensive plastic toys and packaging. But as we become more aware of the impact our actions have on the planet, it’s important to consider the gifts we give and their social and environmental impact. With this in mind, socially conscious gifts for kids are becoming increasingly popular, offering a positive impact on the planet and the gift recipient. The importance of social conscious toys Socially conscious toys play a vital role in teaching children about the world and promoting values related to sustainability, social responsibility, and global citizenship. These toys help children understand the impact of their actions on the environment and society, while also encouraging them to develop critical thinking skills and empathy for others.By playing with socially conscious toys, children learn to appreciate the value of eco-friendly and sustainable practices, respect for diversity and different cultures, and the importance of giving back to society. In today’s world, where environmental and social challenges are becoming increasingly complex, it’s important to educate children from an early age on the importance of making ethical and sustainable choices. Socially conscious toys are a powerful tool for achieving this goal, helping to shape the values and attitudes of the next generation. Choosing the right gift When it comes to buying socially conscious gifts, whether it is Christmas gifts, a holiday gift or birthday gifts, it’s important to consider the gift recipient’s interests and preferences. If you’re buying a gift for a child who loves art, consider eco-friendly art supplies made from recycled materials. For kids who love to read, choose books that promote sustainability and environmental awareness. By tailoring your gift to the recipient, you can ensure that it’s meaningful, socially conscious and will be used for years to come. In addition to choosing eco-friendly and sustainable gifts, it’s important to consider the packaging. Many companies now offer gift boxes that are made from recycled materials and are designed to be reused or recycled. By choosing these gift boxes, you’re reducing waste and promoting sustainability. It’s time to look out for toys that offer deep play value while supporting companies that are enacting positive change in the world. Educational toys made of recycled and sustainable materials One of the best ways to ensure your gifts are eco-friendly and sustainable is by choosing products made from recycled materials. Our Green-n-Learn® and Green-n-Play® ranges are an excellent example of this because they are made from 100% recycled materials and are designed to promote STEM learning in children. Green-n-Learn® and Green-n-Play® begin our journey to becoming fully sustainable at Edx Education. Decreasing waste, using greener material and embracing recycling is the future outlook for Edx Education. The toys are colourful, fun and educational, making them a great gift for kids of all ages. Green-n-Learn® Whales Story Counters Set are made from recycled plastic and are designed to help kids learn about whales and their behaviour. They’re a great gift for kids who love animals and the environment. Not only are they eco-friendly and sustainable, but they also have a positive impact by encouraging kids to learn about the world around them. Green-n-Learn® Tactile Shells Activity Set is a great gift option for kids. These natural toys are made from ethically sourced materials and are designed to encourage imaginative play. They’re perfect for kids who love the outdoors and exploring nature. Ideal to teach early number concepts, such as sorting, matching, comparing, sequencing, patterning, and counting. Green-n-Play® Sand Play Set is made from recycled plastic. The Sand Play Set helps children learn through play with experimentation, observation, measuring, counting and moulding activities that are fun! A high quality outdoor and indoor play set that has been designed to withstand the rigour of both school and home use. By choosing these products as socially conscious gifts, you’re not only giving a gift that’s packed with purpose but also helping to reduce waste and carbon emissions. Donation Gifts Donation gifts have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a unique and meaningful way to give back. One such option is sponsoring an animal, such as a tiger or panda. This type of gift allows the recipient to support conservation efforts for endangered species, while also receiving updates and information about their sponsored animal. Or you can donate to keep a girl in school, donate a bicycle to a child in need, donate a cow to a village, donate emergency food, donate chickens or ducks, donate avocado trees, donate a solar panel, donate corn or potatoes, or a climate conscious bundle – the list is almost endless! Donation gifts like this are typically provided by reputable organisations that use the funds for important conservation work, making it a gift that has a positive impact beyond just the gift recipient. And because you receive regular updates, it will last long past the holiday season. We believe the toy industry needs to go the extra mile to “be authentic” and deliver what truly matters to families; education, diversity and sustainability. Ethical Gifts and Trade Gifts If you’re looking for a gift set that’s packed with purpose, ethical gift boxes are a great option. These gift boxes contain a variety of eco-friendly and sustainable products, such as reusable straws, organic cotton clothing, and natural beauty products. By choosing this ethical gift idea, you’re giving a gift that’s both thoughtful and environmentally conscious. Trade gifts are another great option for socially conscious gift-givers. These gifts are made by artisans and craftspeople around the world and are sold through fair trade organisations. By purchasing these products, you’re supporting the livelihoods of people in developing countries and helping to promote sustainable economic development. By choosing these, you’re supporting social enterprises that work to create positive change in the world. Edx Education is fully engaged in working towards a better sustainable future in toy manufacturing and business practices. It’s important to feel good about the gifts you give. By choosing socially conscious gifts for kids, you’re not only promoting positive change in the world but also setting an example for the next generation. Kids who grow up receiving eco-friendly and sustainable gifts are more likely to value these principles as they grow older. By giving conscious gifts, you’re making a difference in the world and creating a brighter future for everyone. Shop our full range of educational products for children of all age groups, abilities and developmental stages here: UK https://www.shopedx.co.uk USA www.amazon.com/edxeducation Edx Education – Heather Welch To find your local Edx Education retailer head over to Where to buy – Edx Education.

STEAM Accreditation for Edx Education 3D GEOSTIX® CONSTRUCTION SET Characteristics of a ‘good toy’ The children really enjoyed creating the different shapes and found it easy to clip the pieces together. The children were engaged for prolonged periods of time as they built different things. Clipping them together and taking them apart. The children returned to play with these a few times. They are also tactile and the children enjoyed fiddling with them. This toy was particularly beneficial in encouraging children to learn about 2D and 3D shapes, and creating different shapes from the same pieces. Playing with the GeoStix increases children’s understanding of geometric principles and enables them to learn through trial and error, building their confidence. Prime STEAM attributes Children enjoyed constructing shapes representing real-world items - a house, animals etc. and the construction skills they develop during their engagement with the GeoStix are transferable to their daily life. They created their own constructions and enjoyed showing their constructions to friends and family. When the children experimented with different abstract shapes, they used vocabulary around artistic skills and expression and used trial and error learning to overcome challenges with fitting different pieces together to create more elaborate shapes. Once children mastered creating simple, 2D shapes, they quickly moved onto creating 3D shapes with increasing levels of complexity. Specific STEM categories Science (Matter) ● 7-9 years Understanding how an object made of a small set of pieces can be disassembled and made into a new object, by constructing and deconstructing the rod structures. Engineering (General Engineering) ● 4-6 years Comparing the strengths and weaknesses of two objects, by experimenting with different rods and connector pads to build structures. Mathematics (Shapes and Measurements) ● 4-6 years • Identifying and describing basic 2D and 3D shapes (eg. squares, triangles, cubes, and cones) in different sizes and orientations.• Describing and comparing measurements, by talking about how big one structure is compared to another, experimenting to see if structures can be made bigger or smaller by adding or taking away rods. Edx Education are extremely excited to be STEAM accredited for the new 3D GEOSTIX® CONSTRUCTION SET by the Good Toy Guide (Dr Amanda Gummer) & Toy Association’s STEAM toy assessment framework. Credit: Dr Gummer’s Good Play Guide 2023 Back to News & Awards

Every year, thousands of counterfeit toys are seized at external borders because they infringe intellectual property rights, safety and health requirements. Of the fake products that get through, many people think that they are genuine, when they are actually not. Some of them have the wrong price, others have the wrong logos and some even under perform compared to the original toys. What is a counterfeit toy? A counterfeit toy is a toy that is made and sold without the permission of the owner of the intellectual property rights. They are illegal and will not adhere to safety standards. There are harsh penalties for anyone who makes or sells them. Fake toys often look like genuine products, but they are not always made of safe materials, they may be poorly designed and/or may not perform as intended and as such they can be dangerous.  They are usually made in factories that are far away from the markets they are sold in. This means that they pass through many hands and may fall victim to poor quality control and no toy safety considerations in place, which is why they are sometimes dangerous. How are counterfeit toys made? The toy manufacturing process is complex and requires many steps to create a legitimate finished product. In the case of counterfeit toys, these steps are often copied, shortcuts are taken and substandard materials and/or child labour may be used. Plus, production of counterfeit toys also creates environmental pollution. Who uses counterfeit toys? All kinds of people knowingly or unknowingly use counterfeited goods: Parents who think that they are buying their children a genuine product, when in fact they are putting them at risk. Businesses that are unaware that they are selling or using counterfeit toys or who buy them from suppliers that deal in counterfeit toys. Individuals who knowingly sell counterfeit toys for profit. What are the risks of using counterfeit toys? Counterfeited products can be dangerous to the health and safety of children and other vulnerable groups. Some of the risks include: Bacteria and other microorganisms that may cause infections. Poor quality materials that are harmful to human health. Mechanical hazards that cause injuries like cuts, electric shocks etc. Small parts that could come away easily and be a choking hazard. Fire hazards due to poor quality electrical components. How can you tell if a toy is counterfeit? The best way to spot a counterfeit toy is to know what it is supposed to look like in terms of design, colours and logos etc. Some counterfeit products are very well made and hard to tell apart from the originals. But there are some tell-tale signs: If something is sold at a very low price, it’s probably too good to be true and there is a good chance it is counterfeit. The wrapping on the toy may be of a poor quality compared to the original product. Another red flag is that boxes may be poorly printed or damaged. The toys themselves may look different from the originals, e.g. misshaped, substandard materials used, etc. The CE mark will be on most toys sold in the European Union, but not on imported toys. Look for the CE mark (or a UKCA mark going forward) on the toy and check to see if it includes the following information: Name of manufacturer or importer Address of manufacturer If a toy does not have the CE mark, it does not comply with EU standards, and may pose a health risk to children. How can you avoid buying counterfeit toys? Always buying from a reputable source is the safest way to avoid buying counterfeit toys. If you are buying toys from markets, holiday shopping or from street vendors check the licence of the seller. It is advisable to buy from well-known shops or online marketplaces. These have reputations to protect and are less likely to sell counterfeit toys.  How can you tell if an Internet shop is reliable? See if the company selling toys online has an address and a phone number on their website. When shopping online check if the company has a privacy policy and if they will tell you how they will use your personal information. Check to see if they are a member of a trade association. Find out more about what’s important when purchasing online in our Safety in Educational Toys blog. What should you do if you encounter a fake toy? If you encounter a fake toy, you should report it to your national toy association. They can then let you know the next steps. This will help to keep the toy industry safe by protecting consumers’ health, manufacturers and brands around the world.  Our Mission Edx Education develop quality hands on educational materials to foster children’s learning through play in the classroom and at home. As a quality educational manufacturer, there are many safety guidelines that Edx Education adhere to. We keep the highest certifications with our products and company (from CE, ASTM, CPSIA, ISO9001, ISO14001 and so many more.) We fully agreed with the BTHA calling on the government to take steps now to ensure a child is not seriously hurt or killed by an unsafe toy. View our full range of educational products for children of all age groups, abilities and developmental stages here:UK – https://www.shopedx.co.ukUSA – www.amazon.com/edxeducation Edx Education – Heather Welch To find your local Edx Education retailer head over to Where to buy – Edx Education. 

What’s important when purchasing online The issue of safety in children’s toys is so important with ever-expanding internet shopping, where more and more purchases are taking place directly with online retailers and manufacturers. Over the past 12 months, there has been an increase in toys that do not meet safety standards, sold through third-party sellers in both the UK and the US. These are sparking an increase in concern from parents, and from trustworthy retailers and manufacturers, and various organisations including The British Toy and Hobby Association (BTHA), Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), and the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Play is not risk-free – and nor should it be – but we can control most of the hazard’s children are exposed to. Toys must be safe by law, but how they are used, and the age of the child are important factors in preventing accidents. RoSPA BTHA believes that online marketplaces should owe a duty of care to their customers to ensure that all toys that are available to purchase via their platforms are safe. They have campaigned for more than a year to remove increasing numbers of unsafe toys from the UK marketplace. Shockingly, over the past year of testing toys safety, the BTHA found 86% of the toys purchased were illegal to sell in the UK as they failed to comply with the UK toy safety requirements and 60% were unsafe for a child to play with. The BTHA has concerns about the lack of accountability of online marketplaces for the sales of toys by third-party sellers. Edx Education has been researching how consumers can make more informed decisions when buying toys. Buy from suppliers with a good reputation for safe and reliable toys. Many will be members of trade associations whose rules call on them to meet high standards. If buying toys from a jumble sale or car boot sale, extra care needs to be taken. Avoid buying from third-party sellers on online marketplaces – you will be able to tell by looking at the marketplace receipt if it is a third-party, rather than the company who makes the toy. Make sure that any reviews you read are not computer generated and note that the cheapest price may mean it’s a counterfeit product that will not be made to the same standards. Research before you buy; if you are buying from a marketplace, look for the company logo on their marketplace page. Always add the company that makes the toy into your search. All of Edx Educations products on Amazon clearly state our name in the title and this will show up in searches. Check for an EU, US or UK address from the seller, and once you receive the toy, the packaging should look genuine with good quality print, and of course check for a CE mark (or a UKCA mark going forward). Don’t assume that any safety tests have been carried out. Stay with your child when they open a toy for the first time to check there are no faults, toxic art materials in crayons and paints sets, access to stuffing from stuffed toys, and most importantly loose or accessible batteries or magnets which can be swallowed. Look for small parts that could come away easily and be a choking hazard. If a toy breaks for any reason, throw it away as sharp bits of plastic toys can cause injury. Wooden toys are generally well-made but can still be broken or thrown, causing trips to emergency departments. Make sure the toys are suitable and read warning labels. Some children, particularly those under three, should avoid toys with small parts to cut the risk of choking. It should also be remembered there will be significant differences in the abilities of those in the same age group and those children with special needs. At RoSPA, they have been working towards a vision for life, free from serious accidental injury, since 1916. Here are their top 10 safety tips for safety in children’s toys: Buy toys only from reputable outlets – look for the CE symbol Make sure the toy is suitable for the child – check the age range Be particularly careful with toys for children under three Be wary of a young child playing with older children’s toys Check for loose hair and small parts, sharp edges and points Ensure that outdoor toys like garden swings and slides are robust and are not a strangulation hazard Check toys regularly for wear and repair or dispose of them where necessary Keep play areas tidy Follow the instructions and warnings provided with toys Supervise young children at play As a quality educational manufacturer, there are many safety guidelines that Edx Education adhere to, keeping the highest certifications with our products and company (from CE, ASTM, CPSIA, ISO9001, ISO14001 and so many more.) We fully agreed with the BTHA calling on the government to take steps now to ensure a child is not seriously hurt or killed by an unsafe toy. Learning Through Play with Edx Education: hands-on learning experiences, award-winning toys, home learning activities, downloadable resources, educational play ideas and advice, and so much more… There are more than 40,000 toy-related injuries each year, but toy safety is only part of the problem. Many accidents involving toys occur when people trip over them and when babies play with toys intended for older children, so it pays to always be vigilant at home and in the garden to help stop avoidable accidents. Play, learn and create! And stay safe. Edx Education – Heather Welch To find your local Edx Education retailer head over to Where to buy – Edx Education.