Cover With consumers and toy manufacturers alike now more mindful of the need for inclusivity, The Better Toy Store's newest generation of toys reflect the spirit of conscious consumption.
With consumers and toy manufacturers alike now more mindful of the need for inclusivity, The Better Toy Store's newest generation of toys reflect the spirit of conscious consumption.
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When it comes to toys that are as diverse as they are inclusive, no other toy shop in Singapore comes close to The Better Toy Store’s range and quality.
Long before the idea of inclusive toys became common, The Better Toy Store was already championing playthings that children from various backgrounds and abilities could resonate with. This, mind you, was in 2004, when the store was first established in Ngee Ann City. It now has three outlets, in Paragon, Plaza Singapura and Tanglin Mall.
Back then, it was a conscious decision on the part of founder Susan Tay to propose a diverse range of toys that depict characters of different ethnicities, genders, ages, abilities and family structures, so as to foster a more inclusive play environment.
Twenty years on, and the world has caught up with Tay’s visionary outlook. Consumers and toy manufacturers alike are now more mindful of the need for inclusivity. Tay’s mission hasn’t changed; that is, to offer award-winning toys chosen for their quality, design, play value and minimal impact on the environment.
As The Better Toy Store celebrates its 20th birthday in 2024, its newest generation of toys reflect the spirit of conscious consumption. For starters, unlike conventional toy stores, the shop aisles aren’t separated by gender. In fact, the store prides itself on its toys being gender neutral.
Above The Better Toy Store's PlanToys come in different ethnicities not only to embody Singapore’s reality, but also to expose children to different cultures.
Above The Better Toy Store believes that exposure to different cultures is fundamental to fostering understanding of different people and societies.
The Better Toy Store's PlanToys come in different ethnicities not only to embody Singapore’s reality, but also to expose children to different cultures.
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In case you missed it: How The Better Toy Store helps children play better
Diversity in ethnicity is also an important consideration. The store’s PlanToys and Goetz Dolls come in different ethnicities not only to embody Singapore’s reality, but also to expose children to different cultures. This is fundamental in fostering an understanding of how different societies function.
Additionally, the Goetz Dolls have realistic body proportions to promote positive body image, and neutral faces to allow children to project their own emotions. By not imposing a specific expression (such as a smile), the dolls encourage all emotions to be acknowledged and recognised for healthy development.
Above Goetz Dolls have realistic body proportions to promote positive body image, and neutral faces to allow children to project their own emotions.
Goetz Dolls have realistic body proportions to promote positive body image, and neutral faces to allow children to project their own emotions.
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Inclusivity in the store extends to anti-ageism as well. PlanToys’ recently launched Better Aging series features adaptive toys like the Balancing Cactus, Math Bingo and Mandala, which both young and old can play together. The upside of this? Dementia in older generations can be stymied while familial bonds are strengthened.
PlanToys’ Balancing Cactus
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But what about adults? They, too, are catered for with Djeco’s Inspired By Collection of Art Kits, which were developed as a creative outlet for adults. Studies have shown that adults lose their creative spark as they mature, so unleash your inner child by recreating works of art by the likes of Van Gogh, Gauguin, Picasso, Warhol and others.
Above Djeco’s Inspired By Collection of Art Kits were developed as a creative outlet for adults.
Above Unleash your inner child by recreating works of art by Van Gogh, Gauguin, Picasso, Warhol and others.
Djeco’s Inspired By Collection of Art Kits were developed as a creative outlet for adults.
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For children with special needs, wooden toys are considered beneficial as they have a natural texture, warmth and weight to provide just the right amount of sensory stimulation. At the same time, they are durable and safer, even with repeated mouthing. To cater to the visually impaired, PlanToys goes a step further by making wooden toys with Braille dots moulded into them.
Above To cater to the visually impaired, PlanToys makes wooden toys with Braille dots moulded into them, such as this Braille Alphabet A-Z.
To cater to the visually impaired, PlanToys makes wooden toys with Braille dots moulded into them, such as this Braille Alphabet A-Z.
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For an early introduction to the concept of sustainability, parents can look to PlanToys’ Green Dollhouse, which boasts energy-saving contraptions like a wind turbine, a moveable sunshade, solar panels, recycling bins and a bio-façade. These make effective conversation starters to discuss environmental issues with children.
Above For an early introduction to the concept of sustainability, parents can look to PlanToys’ Green Dollhouse.
Above The Green Dollhouse boasts energy-saving contraptions like a wind turbine, a moveable sunshade, solar panels, recycling bins and a bio-façade.
For an early introduction to the concept of sustainability, parents can look to PlanToys’ Green Dollhouse.
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The Better Toy Store | #05-12/13/14/15/16, Paragon, 290 Orchard Road, Singapore 238859 | Tel: +65 6235 0260
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